Important Information The information on this and linked pages contains important information about my pretrial case management procedures. Please take the time to read it carefully. These policies and rules have been designed to facilitate the prompt, efficient and equitable disposition of civil cases on my docket. The success of this court's trial procedures depends on your willingness to familiarize yourself with these materials and to act accordingly. Counsel will be expected to fully explain to the court any failure to comply with the court's pretrial procedures. Calendar Schedule Judge Marvin E. Aspen --> Procedures to be followed in cases assigned to Judge Marvin E. Aspen Initial Status Conference The court will set cases for status within 45 days of the filing of the complaint. At the initial status conference the parties will: 1) inform the court of the nature and scope of the case, 2) identify settlement opportunities, 3) set the initial discovery parameters, and 4) schedule future conferences and, when necessary, motions. The court will set discovery and pretrial order deadlines at the time of the initial status. Scheduling and Settlement Conferences Parties are to the Judge's Courtroom Deputy to schedule a date for a settlement conference. Both sides must agree to the settlement conference. Principles or someone with settlement authority are to be present. Motion Practice Scheduling Motions -- The court hears motions on Thursdays at 10:30 AM. Unless the court has told a party it need not appear, counsel is expected to be present whether or not the motion is agreed. The Original is to be filed electronically no later than three business days preceding the day the motion is to be heard. Discovery Motions a. Meeting Requirement The court encourages the parties to work out discovery disputes and discourages the filing of discovery motions. Discovery disputes are normally resolved at a status call or a pretrial conference without briefing. If the matter is not resolved, then the court will set a briefing schedule. With regard to the filing of motions for discovery and production of documents under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26-37 , the court will not hear or consider any discovery motions unless the parties have complied with Local Rule 37.2 In any motion for discovery or production of documents, the movant shall state when and how the movant complied with Local Rule 37.2 . Failure to comply with these rules will result in the imposition of sanctions. Most often the court will rule on these motions after oral argument at the motion call and without briefing. The court will also consider these motions at a status call or a settlement conference. Consent to Proceed Before a Magistrate Judge Too often litigants are unaware of the efficiencies to be gained by having their cases tried before United States Magistrate Judges. The court strongly encourages counsel to inform their clients of this option, and to discuss it with opposing counsel.

Discovery Motions a. Meeting Requirement The court encourages the parties to work out discovery disputes and discourages the filing of discovery motions. Discovery disputes are normally resolved at a status call or a pretrial conference without briefing. If the matter is not resolved, then the court will set a briefing schedule. With regard to the filing of motions for discovery and production of documents under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26-37 , the court will not hear or consider any discovery motions unless the parties have complied with Local Rule 37.2 In any motion for discovery or production of documents, the movant shall state when and how the movant complied with Local Rule 37.2 . Failure to comply with these rules will result in the imposition of sanctions. Most often the court will rule on these motions after oral argument at the motion call and without briefing. The court will also consider these motions at a status call or a settlement conference.