Opinion
00 Civ. 6504 (LAK)
April 18, 2002
ORDER
The Court has been advised by Michele L. Anderson, Esq., that she will be appearing on behalf of the plaintiff, subject to her obtaining leave to appear pro hac vice. There is also pending a motion by the defendant to dismiss the action for failure to prosecute and/or for sanctions as to which plaintiff has defaulted.
In view of the strong preference for deciding matters on the merits whenever possible, the Court will afford plaintiff one final chance despite a record of apparent obstruction and disregard of obligations to the Court. The Court sua sponte extends plaintiff's time to respond to the pending motion to and including May 1, 2002. Any responsive papers shall be filed no later than May 8, 2002.
The Court will hear argument and conference the case on May 12, 2002 at 3:45 p.m. Counsel shall be prepared and authorized to discuss settlement at that time. In addition, the plaintiff shall be present personally.
The Court cannot overemphasize the seriousness with which it views plaintiff's apparent previous conduct in this action. Any failure to comply with this or any future order of this Court may result in the imposition of case dispositive and other sanctions, which may include payment by plaintiff of the defendant's cost of defending this action.
SO ORDERED.