Opinion
Case No. 02-2498-JWL
December 11, 2002
ORDER
Upon the oral request of defendants, and for cause shown, the Court orders the following:
The telephone scheduling conference set for December 23, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. is continued to January 22, 2003, at 3:00 p.m. The Court will initiate the telephone conference call.
Pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(f), no later than January 7, 2003, the parties, in person and/or through counsel, shall meet to discuss the nature and basis of their claims and defenses, to discuss the use of mediation or other methods of alternative dispute resolution, to develop a proposed discovery plan, and to make or arrange for the disclosures required by Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(a)(1). Prior to the Rule 26(f) Planning Meeting, counsel shall have conferred with their clients to discuss these issues and the benefits of mediation or other methods of alternative dispute resolution. Absent exceptional circumstances, the Court expects the parties to utilize some form of alternative dispute resolution within ninety days of the scheduling conference. The parties and counsel should select the particular process to be pursued and the person who will conduct the process, i.e., a mediator or other neutral.
By January 13, 2003, defendants shall submit to Honorable James P. O'Hara, U.S. Magistrate Judge, 208 Robert J. Dole U.S. Courthouse, 500 State Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas 66101, a completed Report of Parties' Planning Meeting. The Report shall follow the Modified Form 35 previously provided to the parties. The Report shall not be filed with the Clerk of the Court.
The Court appreciates the cooperation and diligent efforts which will secure a just and speedy determination of the issues in this matter. If you have questions, please call the administrative assistant, Kathy Grant, at 913-551-6710.
IT IS SO ORDERED.