Opinion
Civil Action No. 02-CV-6736
April 7, 2003
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER
Before the Court is a Joint Motion for Extension of Time to Complete Discovery. This case was filed by the plaintiff, pro se, on August 14, 2002. On October 28, 2002, the Court ordered that the defendant must respond to the Complaint within 14 days or be subject to a default judgment. The defendant filed an Answer to the Complaint on November 8, 2002. At the request of the plaintiff, the Court granted an extension of a preliminary pretrial conference on January 8, 2003. A Scheduling Order was entered by the Court on December 12, 2002, which stated that discovery was to be completed on or before April 26, 2003. The plaintiff requested an extension to complete pretrial matters because he was unrepresented.
On March 28, 2003, an attorney by the name of Tanya Alverado, Esquire, contacted defendant's counsel that she was thinking of representing the plaintiff, but needed more time to evaluate the case. The plaintiff has, so far, not provided the defendant with any medical records, nor has the plaintiff affirmatively responded to a deposition previously noticed. In face of the dilatory tactics by both the plaintiff and the defendant's counsel in this matter, the Court will grant the motion for extension of time to complete discovery in part. The plaintiff has had from October 14, 2002 to secure counsel. The absence of counsel for the plaintiff will no longer be considered a valid reason to extend discovery.
It is ORDERED that:
1. Discovery in this matter shall be completed on or before May 30, 2003.
2. Plaintiff shall file his Pretrial Memorandum on or before June 10, 2003.
3. Defendant shall file their Pretrial Memorandum on or before June 20, 2003.
4. A final pretrial conference will be held on June 24, 2003 at 9:30 a.m.
5. This matter shall be placed in the trial pool as of June 30, 2003.