(a) Conference of Attorneys with Respect to Motions and
Objections Relating to Discovery. The Court will not consider motions and objections
relating to discovery unless moving counsel files a certificate that after personal
consultation and diligent attempts to resolve differences the parties are unable to reach an
accord. The certificate shall set forth the date of the conference, the names of the
participating attorneys, and the specific results achieved. It shall be the responsibility of
counsel for the movant to arrange for the conference and, in the absence of an agreement
to the contrary, the conference shall be held in the office of the attorney nearest the court
location where the initial pretrial conference was convened or, in the absence thereof,
nearest to Greensboro. Alternatively, at any party's request, the conference may be held
by telephone or video conference.
(b) Expedited Resolution of Some Discovery Disputes. If, after a LR
37.1(a) conference, the parties agree that a discovery dispute can be ruled upon in a
telephone conference of no more than 30 minutes, the Magistrate Judge will schedule
such a conference and rule on the dispute without briefing by the parties. Alternatively,
if the parties agree that the dispute can be ruled upon in an in-court hearing of no more
than one hour, without briefing, the Magistrate Judge will schedule an early hearing. The
fact that these proceedings are expedited and without briefing does not alter the
application of Fed.R.Civ.P. 37(a)(5) regarding the imposition of sanctions in discovery
motions.
(c) Time for Filing Response and Reply. Any response to a discover-
related motion shall be filed within 14 days after service of the motion. Any reply to a
response shall be filed within 7 days after service of the response.
