A. Direct Assignment of Cases to Magistrate Judge. Every case filed under
42 U.S.C. § 405(g) will be direct assigned to a magistrate judge by division.
B. Consent and Reassignment. On or before the date on which the answer
must be filed, each party must submit a completed Social Security Case
Assignment Form, through which the party either:
1. consents to disposition of the case by the magistrate judge under
28 U.S.C. § 636(c); or
2. asks to have a district judge assigned to the case.
2/28/2025
The Social Security Case Assignment Form must be submitted to the clerk
in paper and not filed on the CM/ECF system.
If any party asks to have a district judge assigned to the case, it will be
randomly assigned. The magistrate judge assigned to the case will remain
assigned to the case to conduct such proceedings as the district judge
directs.
C. Filing an Answer and the Administrative Record. Within 60 days after
notice of an action is given, the Commissioner of Social Security must
electronically file and serve an answer and/or certified copy of the
administrative record consistent with Rule 4 of the Supplemental Rules for
Social Security (Supplemental Rules).
D. Briefing. The briefing deadlines in the Supplemental Rules apply to all
actions brought under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g). As of the adoption of this Local
Rule, unless the Court orders otherwise, the deadlines are: The plaintiff’s brief
is due 30 days after the answer or certified record is filed or 30 days after
entry of an order disposing of the last remaining motion to dismiss. The
commissioner’s brief is due 30 days after service of the plaintiff’s brief. The
plaintiff may file a reply brief within 14 days after service of the
commissioner’s brief.
