(a) Dismissal or Default. Failure of counsel for any party, or a party proceeding pro se, to
appear before the Court at a conference, to complete the necessary preparations, or to be
prepared to proceed to trial at the set time may be considered an abandonment of the case
or a failure to prosecute or defend diligently. An appropriate order for sanctions may be
entered against the defaulting party with respect to either a specific issue or the entire case.
(b) Imposition of Costs on Attorneys. Upon finding that sanctions pursuant to section (a)
would be inadequate or unjust to the defaulting party, the Judge may, in accordance with
28 U.S.C. § 1927, assess reasonable costs directly against counsel whose action has
obstructed the effective administration of the Court’s business.
(c) Assessment of Jury Costs. In any civil case in which a settlement is reached, or in which
the Court is notified of settlement later than the close of business on the last business day
before jurors are to appear for jury selection, the Court, in its discretion, may impose the
Court’s costs of compensating jurors for their needless appearance against one or more of
the parties, or against one (1) or more counsel. Funds so collected shall be deposited by
the Clerk of Court into the Treasury of the United States.
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