CASE MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
JUDGE GILBERT C. SISON
CONTENTS
• CIVIL CASES
o Conflicts of Interest
o Rule 26 Disclosures
o Mandatory Mediation Program
o Rule 16 Conferences
o Settlement Conferences
o Telephonic Appearances at Various Conferences and Hearings
o Discovery Disputes
o Motion Practice
o Trial Procedure
o Final Pretrial Order
o Mandatory Exhibit List
o Witness List
o Jury Instructions
o Jury Selection
o Opening Statement and Closing Argument
o Examination of Witnesses
o Objections and Questions
o Bill of Costs
• CRIMINAL CASES
o Miscellaneous Motions
o Guilty Pleas
• MISCELLANEOUS
o Courtroom Technology Features and Usage Guidelines
o Courtroom Demeanor
o Promptness
CIVIL CASES
Conflicts of Interest
In order for Judge Sison to identify potential conflicts of interest, all counsel for non-
governmental parties must disclose interested parties and affiliates in accordance with
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1.
Counsel shall provide updated information as necessary throughout the pendency of the
action. Additionally, for all cases other than class actions, counsel shall list all parties in
the caption of pleadings, so Judge Sison can assess whether any possible basis for
disqualification exists.
Rule 26 Disclosures
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 will be strictly enforced. Counsel should keep in mind
the following:
• Rule 26(a)(1) specifies initial disclosures, and these must besupplemented
pursuant to Rule 26(e).
• Rule 26(a)(2)(A) refers to all expert disclosures, and, again, these must be
supplemented pursuant to Rule 26(e).
• Rule 26(a)(2)(B) addresses retained or specially employed experts. Again,
Rule 26(e) requires supplementation.
• Rule 26(a)(3) deals with pretrial disclosures (not discovery) which must be
made at least 30 days before trial under the rules. However, Judge Sison
requires a different deadline. Thus, Rule 26(a)(3) disclosures should be
made 4 weeks before the scheduled Final Pretrial Conference date.
Objections are due 2 weeks after the disclosures are made. These
disclosures (and the objections) shall be filed electronically with the Clerk
of Court. Judge Sison will take up any objections at the Final Pretrial
Conference.
Mandatory Mediation Program
The Court has adopted a Mandatory Mediation Plan (“Plan”). See SDIL-LR 16.3(a);
Administrative Order No. 301. Under the Plan, non-exempt civil cases are referred to
the Court’s Mandatory Mediation Program (“Program”) when a presumptive trial date
is assigned. Other cases may be referred into the Program in the discretion of the
presiding judge or magistrate judge.
Rule 16 Conferences
Attorneys must confer and submit a Joint Report of Parties prior to the scheduled
conference. A form for use in that regard may be downloaded (here), and is also included
as an attachment to the Local Rules. If the case is a class action, click (here) for the form.
The report must be jointly submitted – one report bearing the original signature of each
attorney of record. In most cases, the conference will occur even though the joint report
has been timely submitted. However, depending on the case and at the Court’s
discretion, the conference may be cancelled after review of a timely- submitted joint
report. The joint reports shall be submitted at least 7 days before the scheduling
conference. The Joint Report should be submitted using one of the following forms: (1)
Joint Report for Cases Referred to Mandatory Mediation; (2) Joint Report for Cases not
Referred to Mandatory Mediation; or (3) Joint Report for Class Actions. These forms are
also available on the “Forms” page of the District Court’s
website (www.ilsd.uscourts.gov/forms-0).
The scheduling and discovery conference will be telephonic. The Court will instruct the
parties by a docket text order on how to participate in the telephonic conference.
Occasionally, an attorney may be present at the courthouse at the time the conference is
scheduled. When that happens, counsel may come to Judge Sison’s courtroom and
appear in person. The attorney who is most familiar with the case should participate in
the conference.
The purpose of the Rule 16 conference is twofold: (1) to identify and plan to deal with
novel or difficult discovery issues; and (2) to schedule a settlement conference. Counsel
should be prepared to discuss both at the conference. During the scheduling conference,
the Court will identify the least amount of discovery necessary for a successful settlement
conference.
Settlement Conferences
Settlement conference dates are typically selected during the Rule 16 conference.
Settlement conferences can also be set at the request of the parties subject to the Court’s
availability. Settlement conferences will normally be set at 9:00 a.m. with the
understanding that the conference may continue for the entire business day. Lead counsel
and the parties must attend. A named individual defendant need not attend if covered
by liability insurance. In that case, an insurance representative with full authority to
negotiate and settle the case must be here. A proper defendant representative will be a
person who can agree to any sum demanded by the plaintiff without resort to the
telephone. Relief from this attendance requirement may be requested but is not likely to
be granted. However, the Court recognizes that extenuating circumstances and situations
do sometimes arise and such circumstances and situations will be judged on a case-by-
case basis.
In employment cases, defendants should not bring anyone who had any relevant input
in the employment decision(s) which gave rise to the underlying lawsuit. In some cases,
due to the size of the defendant company, this is unavoidable. However, when it can be
avoided it should be. A good rule of thumb is to leave behind anyone who might testify
at trial concerning the reasons for the employment action taken.
Settlement statements are not filed through the Court’s electronic filing system. Instead,
the parties should submit their settlement statements directly to chambers through its
proposed documents inbox at
[email protected]. Settlement statements are due
7 days prior to the scheduled settlement conference date.
If during preparation for a settlement conference a party determines that negotiations
will be futile, then that party must contact chambers immediately. Defendants who
appear with nothing but nuisance money may find themselves paying the cost of
plaintiff(s) and plaintiff(s)’ attorneys to attend.
Click (here) for a copy of the Settlement Statement of Attorney.
Telephonic Appearances at Various Conferences and Hearings
For the convenience of the attorneys and the parties, the Court often schedules various
matters for a telephonic hearing. Those matters include, but are not limited to, scheduling
conferences, discovery disputes, status conferences, and various motion hearings. The
Court reminds the attorneys and the parties to treat these telephonic hearings as if they
were being held in person and to be punctual for these hearings. Appearing late or
missing these hearings is extremely disruptive to the Court’s schedule and wastes the
time of the attorneys and parties who attend in a timely manner.
If an attorney or a party fails to appear as directed for a regularly scheduled telephonic
conference or hearing, a show-cause order will be issued. If the attorney or a party fails
to appear for another regularly scheduled telephonic conference or hearing, the privilege
of appearing by telephone will be revoked and in-person appearances will be required
for all matters.
Discovery Disputes
• Consented Cases
The parties are encouraged to resolve discovery disputes informally without Court
intervention. Before Judge Sison will consider any discovery matter, the party seeking
the discovery (or seeking to avoid answering or responding to discovery) must certify
that it has, in good faith, conferred or attempted to confer with the other party regarding
the discovery dispute.
If the discovery dispute cannot be resolved informally, the parties will be required to
submit a one-page joint statement of the issues. The joint statement of the issues should
succinctly state, in a non-argumentative fashion, the issues in dispute that require Court
intervention. The joint statement of the issues should also provide a brief outline of the
attempts the parties have made to resolve the discovery dispute informally.
If written discovery is involved, the parties should submit the actual discovery in dispute
as an attachment to the joint statement (e.g., if the parties have a dispute over the
Defendant’s objections to Plaintiff’s interrogatories, then the actual disputed
interrogatories and objections should be submitted as an attachment). The Court will then
set the matter for a discovery dispute conference after receipt and review of the joint
statement of the issues.
If, after reviewing the joint statement of the issues or meeting with the parties in a
discovery conference, the Court believes that written briefing is necessary, then it will set
a briefing schedule. The briefing schedule will be expedited and include page limits. (e.g.,
a seven-day response deadline and a five-page limit for briefs).
The joint statement of the issues (along with any written discovery) should be sent to
the Court via email to
[email protected]. The parties must also CC Judge
Sison’s Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Catina Simpson, at
[email protected].
In appropriate circumstances, and for good cause shown, the Court reserves the right to
award costs (or in referred matters issue a Report and Recommendation for
the imposition of costs) associated with the discovery dispute against the non-
prevailing party.
• Discovery disputes referred by a District Judge
Disputed discovery matters that are referred to Judge Sison by a district judge for
disposition will be handled on a case-by-case basis depending on how the district judge
has instructed the parties to proceed.
Motion Practice
• Pleadings
All pleadings must be filed with the Clerk’s Office via the Case Management/Electronic
Case Filing (CM/ECF) system.
• Responses & Replies
In accordance with Local Rule 7.1(c), Judge Sison allows 30 days for parties to file
memoranda responding to dispositive motions, post-trial motions, and motions to
remand. For motions other than these, Local Rule 7.1(g) governs response deadlines and
supporting brief requirements.
Responsive memoranda can be no longer than 20 pages, unless written leave of court is
obtained. Reply briefs are strongly discouraged. If filed, reply briefs may be no longer
than 5 pages and must be filed within 14 days of service of the response. See Local Rule
7.1(c).
These deadlines and page limits may be altered by Judge Sison, where appropriate or
necessary in a particular case.
• Oral Argument on Motions
Judge Sison will set motions for hearing at his discretion but does not do so in every case.
It is not necessary for counsel to request a motion hearing, but counsel may file a motion
requesting a hearing if oral argument on a motion is desired.
• Urgent or Time Sensitive Motions
After filing an urgent or time sensitive motion with the Clerk’s Office via the Case
Management/Electronic Case Filing (CM/ECF) system, counsel must also inform Judge
Sison’s Courtroom Deputy Clerk or the law clerk assigned to the case that such a motion
has been filed.
• Motions in Limine
Motions in limine are due 21 days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference. Responses to
motions in limine must be filed no later than 7 days after the motion is filed. Arguments
on such motions will be heard at the Final Pretrial Conference where necessary. Given
the nature of motions in limine, failure to file motions by the deadline generally will not
prejudice a party’s ability to move in limine before the jury is impaneled. Later-filed
motions, however, may be stricken if their consideration would delay the start of trial.
• Daubert Motions
All Daubert motions (seeking to exclude expert testimony/evidence) must be filed by the
dispositive motion deadline, not the motion in limine deadline.
Counsel is ADVISED that Daubert motions not filed in accordance with this deadline
will be denied as untimely.
• Motions to Dismiss
In any dismissal motion filed before Judge Sison, the movant must clearly state: (1) the
specific section under which dismissal is sought, i.e., not just “Rule 12(b)” but “Rule
12(b)(1)” or “Rule 12(b)(6),” etc.; (2) whether dismissal is sought of the complaint, the
entire case, or just certain parties or claims; and (3) whether dismissal is sought with
prejudice or without prejudice. See Local Rule 7.1(c) for briefing deadlines governing
dismissal motions, subject to modification by Judge Sison via Order in a particular case.
• Trial Briefs
Trial Briefs are not required. If filed, they are due 14 days prior to the scheduled trial date.
Trial briefs should not be used to rehash issues previously rejected by the Court via ruling
on a dispositive motion.
Trial Procedure
• Trial Dates
Judge Sison assigns newly-filed or removed non-prisoner civil cases a specific trial date.
Continuances of the scheduled trial date will be given only in exceptional circumstances.
By Notice, a Final Pretrial Conference will be scheduled to take place generally between
14 to 45 days before the scheduled trial date.
• Trial Hours
Trials generally begin at 9:00 a.m., although a different time may be specified by Order
or Notice in a given case. Counsel, however, are expected to report by 8:30 a.m. so that
the Court can address various matters as they come up during the trial.
Especially as to jury trials, the Court makes every effort to conclude each day by 4:30 p.m.
In trials that proceed 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, an hour lunch break is taken around
noon. Typically, one 15-minute morning break and at least one 15-minute afternoon break
will be taken. Counsel is reminded to avoid stopping unilaterally to announce he or she
is “ready to break now.” The Court will determine when to take a break after learning
from counsel the anticipated time of the examination remaining.
Motions, jury instruction conferences, and other matters may be handled with counsel
prior to 9:00 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m., as directed by Judge Sison.
• Attorney Conference Room
A conference room is available near Judge Sison’s courtroom for attorney-client or
attorney-witness consultation. Please see Judge Sison’s Courtroom Security Officer for
access.
• Attorney Availability During Jury Deliberation
Counsel must give the Courtroom Deputy Clerk a telephone number where they can be
reached when the jury indicates it has reached a verdict or has a question. Counsel should
be able to arrive in the courtroom within 10 minutes after being contacted.
• Post-Verdict Juror Interviews
At the conclusion of the trial, Judge Sison informs the jurors that they may, but are not
required to talk to counsel about the case. Counsel are instructed that they may only talk
to jurors if the jurors approach counsel.
Final Pretrial Order
Counsel shall prepare a Final Pretrial Order using Judge Sison’s approved form. It is
mandatory.
Local Rule 16.2(b)(1) provides that the parties shall submit a signed, joint Final Pretrial
Order no later than 3 days prior to the Final Pretrial Conference date. Counsel shall e-
mail the Final Pretrial Order to Judge Sison’s proposed document in-box at:
[email protected]. The parties shall put effort into drafting the statement of the
case provided in the Final Pretrial Order, as the Court reads it to the jury during voir
dire.
Mandatory Exhibit List
NOTE: The parties shall identify the exhibits they intend to use at trial in the disclosures
timely made pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3). When possible,
objections filed pursuant to Rule 26(a)(3) will be resolved at the Final Pretrial Conference.
The parties shall bring their Rule 26(a)(3) disclosures and any objections to the Final
Pretrial Conference.
In addition to the provisions of Rule 26, the parties shall prepare an Exhibit List stating
the number and brief description of each exhibit they expect to present at trial. The
Exhibit List must be submitted at least 4 business days before the scheduled trial date
using the approved form (a revision of AO Form 187). A copy of that blank form will be
provided to counsel by the Courtroom Deputy Clerk. The parties may also request the
template by contacting Judge Sison’s Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Catina Simpson, at (618)
482-9334 or by email at
[email protected].
Other points to note when preparing the exhibit list:
• Letters should not be used to identify exhibits (, use only 1, 2, 3, 4; do
not use 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A). i.e.
• Do not designate any exhibits as “group” exhibits.
• Designate multiple page exhibits with one exhibit number, using page
numbers for further identification.
• Do not group sets of multiple photographs. Give each photograph a
separate exhibit number.
• Do not assume that the Court will allow any exhibits to be passed
among jurors. Publication will be handled by evidence presentation
technology orby use of juror notebooks.
Finally, the Court encourages the parties to assemble an exhibit book for witnesses to
view while being examined, as this expedites the examination process.
Specific questions about preparing the exhibit list should be directed to the Courtroom
Deputy Clerk, Catina Simpson, by email to
[email protected] or may be
raised at the Final Pretrial Conference.
Witness List
The parties shall disclose the names of witnesses as directed by Federal Rule of Civil
Procedure 26(a)(3) and include in the Final Pretrial Order the name of all persons who
may possibly/potentially be called at trial. The list of witnesses in the Final Pretrial Order
may be read to the jury during voir dire. Absent extraordinary circumstances, any person
not included on the list will not be permitted to testify at trial, because his/her name will not
have been disclosed to the potential jurors.
If a different deadline is not set on CM/ECF, then by 12:00 noon on the business day prior
to trial, counsel shall each e-mail a final list of the witnesses they are intending to call at
trial to Courtroom Deputy Catina Simpson at
[email protected].
Questions regarding the witness lists may be addressed to Catina Simpson at (618) 482-
9334.
Jury Instructions
Unless this deadline is altered by an Order entered by Judge Sison in a specific case, the
parties shall submit their proposed jury instructions in electronic and paper form no
later than 7 days before the Final Pretrial Conference. The electronic form must be sent
in Microsoft word format and submitted to Judge Sison’s chambers via email message to
[email protected].
Instructions are not to be filed with the Clerk of Court. The Court prefers the use of
Seventh Circuit Civil Pattern Jury Instruction. Proposed instructions should be in regular
case, and each instruction must be submitted both in “marked” and in “clean form.” The
clean instructions should contain only the text of the instruction and no other writing.
The marked instructions must contain the text of the instruction, without heading. At the
bottom, the marked copy should list the name of the party submitting it (e.g., “Plaintiff’s
Proposed Instruction No. 1”) and a reference to the source of the instruction (e.g., 7th Cir.
Civil Pattern Instruction No. 1.01). If any instruction is modified in any way, counsel
should designate the instruction as modified.
When submitting the required paper instructions, counsel shall paper clip each marked
instruction to the corresponding clean instruction, placing the marked version on top. For
example, the marked version of Defendant’s Proposed Instruction No. 1 should be
clipped on top of the clean version of Defendant’s Proposed Instruction No. 1, and so
forth. The parties shall also exchange proposed instructions prior to the final pretrial
conference. When possible, the parties should work together in an effort to produce one
set of proposed instructions. If the parties are unable to agree on certain instructions, each
party may submit a version of the contested instructions. Plaintiff is primarily responsible
for the burden of proof instructions, the damage instructions, the verdict instructions and
the verdict forms. Defendant is primarily responsible for the cautionary instructions. The
paper form should likewise be submitted or mailed to chambers no later than 7 days
before the Final Pretrial Conference.
Jury Selection
• Jury Questionnaires
Jury questionnaires click here are completed by each venire person before being placed
on a venire panel. The completed questionnaires are placed in binders according to venire
number and provided to each party before jury selection begins. Questionnaires must be
returned to Courtroom Deputy Catina Simpson after the jury is selected. Questionnaires
are confidential and may not be retained by any party.
• Voir Dire
Judge Sison conducts preliminary voir dire, which includes many of the basic questions
such as residence, employment, and prior jury service. If counsel would like Judge Sison
to question jurors about certain issues during voir dire, proposed questions may be
submitted 7 days before jury selection. Judge Sison will review the questions and may or
may not inquire of the jury during his voir dire. After Judge Sison concludes preliminary
questioning, each party may participate in voir dire separately.
• Selection Methodology
The jury is selected outside the presence of the venire in open court. Challenges for cause
are entertained first and then peremptory challenges are taken up next.
Generally, each side is given 3 peremptory strikes. After strikes for cause, the first
proposed juror goes to the Plaintiff to strike or accept the juror, then the Defendant may
accept or strike the juror. The next juror will be tendered to the Defendant first. This
alternating process will continue until all peremptory strikes are exhausted. Back-striking
is not allowed. If there are multiple plaintiffs or defendants, the parties may move for
additional strikes. In its discretion, the Court may allow additional peremptory
challenges if the size of the venire permits, after challenges for cause have been
determined.
Typically, in civil cases eight jurors will be chosen, and all remaining at the end of closing
arguments will participate in deliberations pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure
48.
• Juror Notes
Jurors are permitted to take notes during trial and may refer to them during
deliberations.
• Assessment of Jury Costs
Local Rule 54.1 allows the Court to assess juror costs (including per diem and mileage
expenses) against one or more parties, if they failed to advise the Court of the settlement
of a case prior to 3:00 p.m. on the last full business day before trial was scheduled to
commence. The Court strives to keep juror costs down, and assessment of costs will be
considered if a jury is brought in unnecessarily. Nonetheless, the parties are strongly
encouraged to pursue settlement up to and throughout the trial.
Opening Statement and Closing Argument
The Court will determine the time counsel will be given for opening statement. Any
exhibits which counsel wish to use during the opening must first be shown to opposing
parties to determine whether there is agreement for its use. In the event of a
disagreement, the Court will only allow the use of the exhibits for which admissibility
can be determined promptly and without causing a delay in the start of the trial.
Electronic demonstrative aids that do not involve exhibits to be introduced during trial,
such as Power Point, must be shown to opposing parties and the Court for evaluation of
its reasonableness.
Examination of Witnesses
Counsel are expected to plan trial time so as to prevent delays caused by a witness’s
absence. Witnesses should be present and ready to testify when called. Unless the Rule
on Witnesses has been invoked, a party’s next witness should be in the courtroom and
ready to take the stand when announced. Counsel should not agree to suspend testimony
for a period of time as an accommodation to witness availability without consulting the
Court.
Objections and Questions
The Court does not allow speaking objections. When objecting, counsel shall briefly state
the grounds for the objection without argument. The Court will solicit further argument,
if necessary.
Bill of Costs
Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(d)(1) provides that costs (other than attorneys’ fees)
shall be allowed “as of course” to the prevailing party, unless the District Court otherwise
directs. Rule 54(d)(1) further provides that such costs may be taxed by the Clerk of Court
“on 14 days’ notice.” Pursuant to Local Rule 54.2, opposing counsel will be allowed 14
days (from the date the Bill of Costs is filed in this Court) to file any objections. If no
objections are filed within that 14-day period, the Clerk of Court will tax the appropriate
costs. If objections are timely-filed, the matter will be reviewed and resolved by Judge
Sison.
CRIMINAL CASES
Miscellaneous Motions
Any motion for travel filed by a defendant must be filed no later than 48 hours prior to
the scheduled or planned travel date. Counsel must also notify Judge Sison’s Courtroom
Deputy Clerk, Catina Simpson, that such a motion has been filed.
When filing any time-sensitive motion, counsel must inform Judge Sison’s Courtroom
Deputy Clerk, Catina Simpson, that such a motion has been filed.
Guilty Pleas
In the event a defendant decides at any time before trial to enter a plea of guilty, a United
States Magistrate Judge is authorized by 28 U.S.C. 636(b)(3) and SDIL 72.1(b0(2).
However, the consent of the Defendant and the United States of America is required to
conduct the proceedings required by Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11 incident to
the plea. The parties must also contact the district judge prior to setting a plea date with
the magistrate judge.
The parties are instructed to contact Courtroom Deputy Catina Simpson at (618) 482-9334
to schedule change of plea proceedings. You may also contact the Courtroom Deputy for
the consent forms that the parties are required to submit to the Court.
Judge Sison requires submission of proposed plea documents to his proposed documents
box at
[email protected] at least 2 days prior to the scheduled plea date.
MISCELLANEOUS
Courtroom Technology Features and Usage Guidelines
The courtroom technology system can broadcast video and audio content from a variety
of sources/devices to all areas of the courtroom. The flexibility to support a myriad of
devices and content types comes at the expense of a “plug and play” approach. In other
words, connecting your unique device and displaying your unique content may require
some slight configuration changes to your device.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you communicate with the court’s IT
department regarding your evidence presentation intent PRIOR to your court
appearance. (Counsel can call Courtroom Deputy Catina Simpson at (618) 482-9334 and
coordinate contact with the IT department.)
• Document Camera (AKA “Elmo Camera)
The courtroom is equipped with an electronic camera (“ELMO”) that can be used to
display physical documents or objects to electronic viewing monitors disbursed
throughout all areas of the courtroom.
• Computing Devices (i.e., laptops and mobiledevices)
The courtroom is equipped with “connector inputs” at three locations (prosecution table,
defense table, and presentation cart) to facilitate the connection of any electronic
computing device having a VGA or HDMI output connector on that computing device.
Once connected, the entire screen and the audio output of the device can be broadcast to
the electronic viewing monitors and speakers disbursed throughout all areas of the
courtroom.
• Electronic Media
The courtroom is equipped with a VHS/DVD combination unit that can be used to
broadcast VHS tape or DVD video and audio to the electronic viewing monitors and
speakers disbursed throughout all areas of the courtroom.
• Video Conferencing
The courtroom is equipped with a video conferencing system that can be used to connect
to outside parties and simultaneously broadcast that outside parties’ image and audio
throughout the entire courtroom. NOTE: The outside party must have access to very
specific video conferencing equipment OR have a laptop with a webcam attached along
with a special software package installed that is downloaded from the Court. Participants
wishing to video conference must make arrangements in advance and conduct a test with
the Court’s IT department.
• Annotation
The courtroom has a touch screen monitor with annotation features located at the
presentation cart and at the witness box. This device can be used to annotate “on top of”
any video image being displayed from any device connected to the system. The
annotations display to the electronic viewing monitors disbursed throughout all areas of
the courtroom.
• Audio Conferencing
The courtroom is equipped with an audio-conferencing system that can be used to allow
multiple outside parties to communicate with thecourtroom via telephone. The outside
party audio can be broadcast to the entire courtroom.
Courtroom Demeanor
Attorneys must stand and be near a microphone while addressing the Court, the jury, or
any witness. Attorneys who are soft-spoken will be required to use a portable
microphone or the microphone at the podium or at counsel table. Attorneys need only
request permission to approach a witness once and need not seek permission thereafter.
Witnesses must be addressed formally or with the appropriate professional title.
Side-bar conferences are permitted but should be limited to extraordinary
circumstances because adequate time is available at the beginning and end of each day
to discuss witness problems and other issues that may arise.
At all times, attorneys are expected to conduct themselves in a professional and
civil manner in their dealings with each other, with the Court and its staff and
with any other participant in court proceedings. Although some lawyers believe
that incivility is part of the litigation process, Judge Sison does not share that
belief. Judge Sison is courteous and respectful to all who enter his chambers and
courtroom and will expect and tolerate no less from anyone else.
Promptness
Promptness is expected of everyone involved in proceedings before the Court, whether
held in person or by telephone. Please contact the Courtroom Deputy if it appears that
you will be late.
