IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF OHIO
__________________, Case No. _____________
Plaintiff(s),
-vs-
JUDGE PAMELA A. BARKER
_________________,
NOTICE OF CASE MANAGEMENT
Defendant(s). CONFERENCE
All counsel and/or parties will take notice that the above-captioned action has been set for a
Case Management Conference (“CMC”) on ____________ at _____________ a.m./p.m. before
Judge Pamela A. Barker, Room 16A, Carl B. Stokes U.S. Courthouse, 801 W. Superior Avenue,
Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Lead counsel and pro se parties must be present in person at the CMC
1. Track Assignment
This case is subject to the provisions of Rule 16 of the Local Rules of the Northern District of
Ohio entitled Differentiated Case Management (“DCM”). Counsel and the parties are expected to
familiarize themselves with the Local Rules as well as with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Court shall evaluate this case in accordance with Rule 16 and assign it to one of the case
management tracks described in L.R. 16(a)(2). Each of the tracks (expedited, standard, complex,
mass tort, and administrative) has its own set of guidelines and time lines governing discovery
practice, motion practice, and for trial. Discovery shall be guided by L.R. 26.1, et seq. Motion
practice shall be guided by Local Rule 7.1, et seq.
2. Consent to Magistrate Judge
Magistrate Judge _________ has been assigned to assist in this case. The parties are
encouraged to discuss and consider consenting to the jurisdiction of the Magistrate Judge.
3. Preparation for CMC by Counsel
The parties shall meet prior to the CMC to discuss the case and prepare a proposed discovery
plan pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f). The Court places the burden of arranging this meeting on
Plaintiff(s) if originally filed with this Court or, on counsel for Defendant(s) if removed.
With the exception of certain cases enumerated in Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)(B), 1 the parties
shall, at or within 14 days after the meeting and without awaiting a discovery request, provide the
basic information to the other parties specified by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1), (2), and (3). A Report of
Parties’ Planning Meeting under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) and Local Rule 16.3(b) (attached hereto as “Att.
1”) shall be filed with the Court at least five (5) working days before the CMC. Pursuant to Fed. R.
Civ. P. 26(d), a party may not seek formal discovery from any source before the parties have met and
conferred.
4. Filing of Discovery Materials
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, initial disclosures, discovery depositions,
interrogatories, requests for documents, requests for admissions, answers and responses thereto shall
not be filed with the Clerk’s Office, except that discovery materials may be filed as evidence in
support of a motion or for use at trial. If a party intends to rely on deposition testimony in support of
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The following categories of proceedings are exempt from the initial disclosure requirements of Rule 26(a)(1); (i) an
action for review on an administrative record, including ERISA cases; (ii) a federal forfeiture action; (iii) a petition for
habeas corpus; (iv) an action brought without an attorney by a person in the custody of the United States, a state, or a
state subdivision; (v) an action to enforce or quash an administrative summons or subpoena; (vi) an action by the United
States to recover benefit payments; (vii) an action by the United States to collect on a student loan guaranteed by the
United States; (viii) a proceeding ancillary to a proceeding in another court; and (ix) an action to enforce an arbitration
award.
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its position on a motion, the Court prefers the filing of the entire deposition rather than excerpts,
unless the party truly believes that excerpts are sufficient, and with the proviso that any other party
who believes the excerpts offered are not sufficient is free to file the entire deposition. In any event,
discovery and disclosure material submitted in support of any party’s position shall be filed at the
same time as the party’s memorandum setting forth its position.
5. Electronic Filing
This case is subject to mandatory electronic filing pursuant to Local Rule 5.1(c). Counsel are
advised that all documents, notices and orders in this matter be filed electronically, except as provided
for in the Electronic Filing Policies and Procedures Manual, a copy of which is available on the
Court’s electronic case files web site at http://ecf.ohnd.uscourts.gov. Also, the Clerk’s Office has
established an Electronic Filing Help Desk at 1-800-355-8498 to answer questions and provide
assistance should difficulties arise.
Plaintiff, as a pro se litigant, may register to receive a “read only” electronic filing account so
that he/she may access documents in the system and receive electronic notice, but all his/her filings
must be completed manually, as typically only registered attorneys, as Officers of the Court, are
permitted to file electronically.
Only counsel of record will be notified of court proceedings. Moreover, both counsel and pro
se litigants have an affirmative duty to notify the Court of any change in address and/or other contact
information. Counsel shall follow the instructions for updating contact information via the procedures
set forth on this Court’s public website. See Attorney Registration Change of Name/Address
instructions set forth at www.ohnd.uscourts.gov. Pro se litigants shall file a written notice of change
of address with the Court.
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6. Other Directives
Parties shall submit a courtesy copy of all dispositive motions, oppositions and replies, along
with all supporting material to Chambers.
No party may file a motion for summary judgment prior to close of discovery without express
leave of court. All summary judgment motions shall be in a single motion. Parties may not file
multiple summary judgment motions without express leave of Court.
In all cases in which it is anticipated that a party or parties will seek attorney’s fees pursuant
to statutory or case-law authority, such party shall file with the Court at or prior to the CMC a
preliminary estimate and/or budget of the amount of fees and expenses anticipated to be the subject
of any such claim.
It is the responsibility of Plaintiff to verify that a copy of this Order has been received by
counsel for Defendant(s) or, if no counsel has entered an appearance for Defendant(s), has been
received by Defendant(s).
Any attorney desiring to practice in a case before this Court, whose name has not appeared
on an initial pleading or motion, shall enter a written notice of appearance.
Any parties proceeding pro se are expected to familiarize themselves with the Federal Rules
of Civil Procedure and Local Civil Rules. In addition, pro se litigants are encouraged to review the
Pro Se Information posted on this Court’s public website, including the “Guide for Pro Se Litigants”
(attached as “Att. 2”).
7. Requests to Reschedule CMC or Excuse In-Person Attendance of Lead Counsel
Any requests to reschedule the CMC and/or excuse the in-person attendance of lead counsel
must be set forth in a written motion. Such motion must be filed no less than seven (7) days prior to
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the CMC, absent extenuating circumstances. With regard to a motion to reschedule the CMC, the
moving party (or parties, if it is a joint motion) must confer with opposing counsel and propose no
less than three (3) alternative dates that are agreeable to all participants. Any request not complying
with the above provisions will be denied. The Court will not entertain telephone calls or emails
requesting that the CMC be rescheduled or that lead counsel be excused.
8. Resolution prior to the CMC
In the event that this case is resolved prior to the CMC, counsel should submit a jointly signed
stipulation of settlement or dismissal, or otherwise notify the Court that the same is forthcoming.
During the course of this litigation, any questions or concerns regarding any aspect of this
case should be directed to (216) 357-7240.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
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