Opinion
21 Civ. 11208 (VEC) (GWG)
12-13-2022
W. et al., Plaintiffs, v. NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Defendants.
ORDER
GABRIEL W. GORENSTEIN, UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE:
In accordance with the provisions of 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Fed.R.Civ.P. 73, a United States Magistrate Judge is available to conduct all proceedings in this case, including but not limited to any decisions on motions, any jury or nonjury trial, and/or the entry of a final judgment. An appeal from a judgment entered by a Magistrate Judge, if any, is taken directly to the United States Court of Appeals in the same manner as an appeal from any other judgment of this district court.
It is the practice of the United States Magistrate Judges of this Court, including the undersigned, that cases that go to trial are given a firm trial date (rather than being placed on a “ready trial” list requiring the parties to be ready to try the case on short notice).
Exercise of jurisdiction by a Magistrate Judge is permitted only if all parties voluntarily consent. To determine whether the parties wish to voluntarily consent, defense counsel is directed to send to counsel for plaintiff on or before December 27, 2022, a copy of the attached consent form bearing either (1) a signature indicating consent to the Magistrate Judge conducting all proceedings in this matter or (2) a notation that the defendant does not consent.
On or before January 3, 2023 plaintiff's counsel is directed to file a letter either (1) stating that all parties have signed the form and attaching that form or (2) stating that all parties have not consented. If any party has not consented, the letter shall not inform the Court which of the parties have not consented but shall merely state that there has not been consent by all parties
This Order is not intended to interfere with the parties' right to have a trial and/or any other dispositive proceedings before a United States District Judge. The parties are free to withhold their consent without adverse substantive consequences, although this will prevent the Court's jurisdiction from being exercised by a United States Magistrate Judge. If any party withholds consent, the identity of the parties consenting or withholding consent shall not be communicated to any Magistrate Judge or District Judge to whom the case has been assigned. 1
SO ORDERED 2