Opinion
CASE NO. C20-0419JLR
04-22-2020
RUSSELL DEAN HARRIS, Plaintiff, v. LAW SCHOOL ADMISSIONS COUNCIL, Defendant.
ORDER OF REFERENCE
This action was previously assigned to the Honorable John C. Coughenour and referred to Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson. (See 4/9/20 Min. Order (Dkt. # 18).) This action was subsequently reassigned to the Honorable James L. Robart, United States District Judge. (See 4/13/20 Min. Order (Dkt. # 20).) All future documents filed in this case must bear the cause number C20-0419JLR-MLP. The court has reviewed the files and records herein and determined that certain pretrial matters are appropriate to refer to a Magistrate Judge as described below.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A) and Local Rule MJR 3, the court hereby refers to Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson all motions to amend or supplement the pleadings under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15, and all motions related to discovery disputes, including but not limited to motions to compel discovery, motions for a protective order related to discovery, and motions related to issues of privilege. See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(A); Local Rules W.D. Wash. MJR 3(a). Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72(a) governs any objections to Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rulings concerning the above-described discovery motions. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(a); Local Rules W.D. Wash. MJR 3(b).
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B) and (C) and Local Rule MJR 4, the court also hereby refers to Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson for preparation of a report and recommendation all motions (1) for a temporary restraining order pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b); (2) for judgment on the pleadings pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(c); (3) to dismiss pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b); and (4) for a default judgment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 55(b). See 28 U.S.C. § 636(b)(1)(B); Local Rules W.D. Wash. MJR(a)(3). Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 72(b) governs any further proceedings in this court after Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson files a report and recommendation. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 72(b); Local Rules W.D. Wash. MJR 4(c).
Accordingly, the court ORDERS that the above-entitled action is referred to Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson for the specific purposes and types of motions described herein. The court further DIRECTS and EMPOWERS Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson to conduct hearings and make further necessary orders consistent with 28 U.S.C. § 636, the local rules, and this order.
Dated this 22nd day of April, 2020.
/s/_________
JAMES L. ROBART
United States District Judge