Judge Ona T. Wang — United States District Court, Southern District of New York

Consent to Proceed Before US Magistrate Judge

AO 85 (Rev. 02/17) Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Civil Action to a Magistrate Judge UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the __________ District of __________ ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiff v. Civil Action No. Defendant NOTICE, CONSENT, AND REFERENCE OF A CIVIL ACTION TO A MAGISTRATE JUDGE Notice of a magistrate judge’s availability. A United States magistrate judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings in this civil action (including a jury or nonjury trial) and to order the entry of a final judgment. The judgment may then be appealed directly to the United States court of appeals like any other judgment of this court. A magistrate judge may exercise this authority only if all parties voluntarily consent. You may consent to have your case referred to a magistrate judge, or you may withhold your consent without adverse substantive consequences. The name of any party withholding consent will not be revealed to any judge who may otherwise be involved with your case. Consent to a magistrate judge’s authority. The following parties consent to have a United States magistrate judge conduct all proceedings in this case including trial, the entry of final judgment, and all post-trial proceedings. Printed names of parties and attorneys Signatures of parties or attorneys Dates Reference Order IT IS ORDERED: This case is referred to a United States magistrate judge to conduct all proceedings and order the entry of a final judgment in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. P. 73. Date: District Judge’s signature Printed name and title Note: Return this form to the clerk of court only if you are consenting to the exercise of jurisdiction by a United States magistrate judge. Do not return this form to a judge. Print Save As... Reset

Consent to Proceed Before US Magistrate Judge Over a Specific Motion

AO 85A (Rev. 02/17) Notice, Consent, and Reference of a Dispositive Motion to a Magistrate Judge UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT for the __________ District of __________ ) ) ) ) ) Plaintiff v. Civil Action No. Defendant NOTICE, CONSENT, AND REFERENCE OF A DISPOSITIVE MOTION TO A MAGISTRATE JUDGE Notice of a magistrate judge’s availability. A United States magistrate judge of this court is available to conduct all proceedings and enter a final order dispositive of each motion. A magistrate judge may exercise this authority only if all parties voluntarily consent. You may consent to have motions referred to a magistrate judge, or you may withhold your consent without adverse substantive consequences. The name of any party withholding consent will not be revealed to any judge who may otherwise be involved with your case. Consent to a magistrate judge’s consideration of a dispositive motion. The following parties consent to have a United States magistrate judge conduct any and all proceedings and enter a final order as to each motion identified below (identify each motion by document number and title). Motions: Printed names of parties and attorneys Signatures of parties or attorneys Dates Reference Order IT IS ORDERED: The motions are referred to a United States magistrate judge to conduct all proceedings and enter a final order on the motions identified above in accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). Date: District Judge’s signature Printed name and title Note: Return this form to the clerk of court only if you are consenting to the exercise of jurisdiction by a United States magistrate judge. Do not return this form to a judge. Print Save As... Reset

Individual Practices in Civil Cases

Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Ona T. Wang, United States Magistrate Judge    Chambers  United States District Court  500 Pearl Street  New York, NY 10007  Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov  Courtroom  Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse  500 Pearl Street, Courtroom 20D  New York, NY 10007      Civil cases come before magistrate judges in one of two ways: for one or more specific  purposes pursuant to an order of reference by the assigned district judge, or, on  consent of the parties, for all purposes pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). When a district  judge approves an all‐purposes consent form signed by counsel and/or self‐represented  parties, the magistrate judge assumes the role of the district judge and may conduct all  proceedings. The right to a jury trial is preserved, and any appeal is directly to the Court  of Appeals.     It is the uniform practice of the magistrate judges in the Southern District of New York  to schedule trials in civil consent cases for firm dates, rather than requiring counsel to  be available for trial on short notice. Additionally, because magistrate judges rarely try  criminal cases, such firm trial dates are unlikely to be changed to accommodate criminal  trials.     Unless otherwise ordered by Judge Wang, civil matters before her shall be conducted in  accordance with the following practices.1 These practices are applicable to cases before  Judge Wang if the matter is within the scope of the District Judge’s order of reference or  if the parties consent to magistrate judge jurisdiction for all purposes pursuant to  28 U.S.C. § 636(c). Should the parties wish to have Judge Wang hear their case for all  purposes, the necessary form is available at: https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ona‐t‐wang.           1 Requests for reasonable accommodations on account of disability with respect to the Court’s rules or  in connection with any proceeding before Judge Wang may be emailed to:  Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

I. Guidelines for All Submissions.  a. Text Searchable Submissions. If feasible, every submission should be in text‐searchable  format created by converting the document electronically to .pdf by computer (that is,  not by scanning a printed document). If a .pdf is created by scanning a printed  document (for instance, in the case of a pre‐existing documentary exhibit), the party  should use software to make the document text searchable whenever possible.   b. Amended or Corrected Filings. Any amended or corrected filing (including but not  limited to amended pleadings) shall be filed with a redline showing all differences  between the original and revised filing. Any motion to amend a pleading shall similarly  be filed with a redline showing all differences between the operative pleading and the  proposed amended pleading.   c. Submission of Large Electronic Files. The Court has a file transfer protocol for the safe  electronic transmission of large files. If a party needs to submit large files by email (as  opposed to ECF), the party should email Chambers (at  Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov) requesting a link to be used for such  transfer. The email should include the name and docket number of the case and the  nature and size of the materials to be submitted electronically.  II. Communications with Chambers.  a. Letters. In general, communications with the Court should be by letter filed on the  docket.  Represented Parties. Letters which the Court has specifically directed be emailed  directly to Chambers should be emailed as a .pdf attachment to  Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov. E‐mails shall state in the subject line: (1)  the caption of the case, including the lead party names and docket number, and (2)  a brief description of the contents of the attachment. Confidential information  should be clearly indicated as such in the letter. Counsel must serve pro se parties  with a paper copy of any document that is filed electronically or emailed and must  separately file proof of service with the Court. No courtesy copies to the Court are  necessary. This rule does not apply to ex parte settlement correspondence, which  is governed by the rules set forth below in § VII.     Pro se/Self‐Represented Parties. By Standing Order, any pro se party who does not  participate in Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”) must either (1) mail or hand deliver all  communications with the Court to the Pro se Intake Unit located at 500 Pearl Street,  Room 230, New York, NY 10007 or (2) email their correspondence in .pdf format to  ProSe@nysd.uscourts.gov, including the docket number and case in the subject line of  the cover email. Pro se parties may not call Chambers or send any document or filing  directly to Chambers. Submissions requiring immediate attention should be hand‐

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

delivered to the Pro se Intake Unit. Unless the Court orders otherwise and except for  the Proposed Case Management Plan, all communications with the Court will be  docketed upon receipt; such docketing shall constitute service on any user of the ECF  system. If any other party is not a user of the ECF system (e.g., if there is another pro  se party in the case), a pro se party must send copies of any filing to the party and  include proof of service affirming that he or she has done so. Copies of  correspondence between a pro se party and opposing parties shall not be sent to the  Court.    Any nonincarcerated pro se party who wishes to participate in electronic case filing  (“ECF”) must file a Motion for Permission for Electronic Case Filing, available in the  Pro se Intake Unit or at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/node/844.    Any nonincarcerated pro se party who wishes to receive documents in their case  electronically (by e‐mail) instead of by regular mail may consent to electronic service  by filing a Pro se (Nonprisoner) Consent & Registration Form to Receive Documents  Electronically, available in the Pro se Intake Unit or at  https://nysd.uscourts.gov/node/845.    Word/Page Limit. Whether filed electronically or not, letters may not exceed 1,500  words, with single‐spaced text (exclusive of exhibits, headings, captions, and  signatures). If filed by a party not represented by an attorney and handwritten, letters  may not exceed 5 pages.    Letters solely between parties or their counsel or otherwise not addressed to the  Court may not be filed on ECF or otherwise sent to the Court (except as exhibits to an  otherwise properly filed document).    b. Letter Motions. Letter motions must be filed by ECF in accordance with the S.D.N.Y.  Local Rules and the S.D.N.Y. Electronic Case Filing Rules and Instructions. Parties shall  file as letter‐motions all requests for adjournments, extensions, pre‐motion conferences  (including pre‐motion conferences with respect to discovery disputes), and requests for  a settlement conference.   Letter motions are limited to 1,500 words, with single‐spaced text (not including  exhibits, headings, captions, or signatures). If filed by a party not represented by an  attorney and handwritten, letter motions may not exceed 5 pages.  c. Hand Deliveries. Hand‐delivered mail should be left with the Court Security Officers at  the Worth Street entrance of 500 Pearl Street and may not be brought directly to  Chambers.  d. Faxes. Chambers does not accept submissions by fax.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

e. Requests for Adjournments or Extensions of Time. All requests for adjournments or  extensions of time must be filed on ECF as letter motions. The letter‐motion must state:  (1) the original date(s), with a citation to the ruling setting the original date; (2) the  number of previous requests for adjournment or extension; (3) whether these previous  requests were granted or denied; and (4) whether the adversary consents and, if not,  the reasons given by the adversary for refusing to consent. If a conference must be  rescheduled, counsel shall propose at least two alternative dates that fall in consecutive  weeks. Absent good cause, any request for extension or adjournment shall be made at  least 48 hours before the deadline or scheduled appearance.  If a request contains sensitive or confidential information, the requesting party should  file (1) a redacted version of the letter on the public docket and (2) an accompanying  motion to seal, in accordance with the procedures set forth below in § VI.  f. ECF. In accordance with the Electronic Case Filing Rules and Instructions, counsel are  required to register promptly as ECF filers and to enter an appearance in the case. The  pertinent instructions are available on the Court website, at   https://nysd.uscourts.gov/electronic‐case‐filing. Counsel are responsible for updating  their contact information on ECF, should it change, and they are responsible for  checking the docket regularly, regardless of whether they receive an ECF notification of  case activity. For questions about ECF rules and procedures, please contact the ECF help  desk at (212) 805‐0800.  g. Electronic Device Orders. Orders permitting an attorney to bring an electronic device to  Court may be found on the forms page of the SDNY website  (https://nysd.uscourts.gov/forms) and is titled “Fillable Forms for Electronic Devices  General Purpose.” Please note that only attorneys are eligible for such an order. These  orders should not be filed on ECF. Once completed, they may be emailed to Chambers  (Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov) for Court approval (and the Court will then  email back to counsel a copy of the signed order if approved).  III. Conferences  a. In‐Person Conferences. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, all in‐person  conferences will be held in Courtroom 20D of the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States  Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, New York NY. If any counsel wishes for a conference to be  conducted remotely (by telephone or video), they should confer with all other counsel  and promptly file a letter‐motion to that effect. Even if a motion for a remote  conference is on consent, the Court does not automatically grant such motions.   b. Teleconferences. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any proceeding held by  telephone will be held on the Chambers telephone line or via Teams. Instructions will  be provided to counsel before the conference.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

IV. Pre‐Trial Practice.  a. Initial Case Management Conference. Except for Complex Cases and Pro se Cases,  parties must confer and then file a Report of Rule 26(f) Conference and Proposed Case  Management Plan one week before the Initial Case Management Conference. A  template form for the Report of Rule 26(f) Conference and Proposed Case Management  Plan is available at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ona‐t‐wang.   Complex Cases. Parties must confer and file at least one week before the Initial Case  Management Conference an Initial Report that includes the parties’ positions on the  applicable topics included on the “Initial Pretrial Conference Topics List for Complex  Cases” at Appendix A. The parties must also file a joint Report of Rule 26(f) Conference  and Proposed Civil Case Management Plan and Scheduling Order, available at   https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ona‐t‐wang.  Pro se Cases. The parties each must submit their Proposed Case Management Plan for  Pro se Cases one week before the scheduled conference in conformance with the  procedures in Section II above. The parties shall use the form Proposed Case  Management Plan template for Pro se Cases found at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ ona‐t‐wang.  Attendance. Counsel for the parties who attend the Initial Case Management  Conference must be able to discuss the case and agree to proposed interim deadlines  and schedules. Additionally, an incarcerated party who is unable to attend this or other  conferences may be able to participate by telephone. If appropriate, the Court’s  scheduling order will outline the procedures for participation by telephone.  b. Discovery Disputes. Parties shall follow Local Rule 37.2 with the following modifications.  Any party wishing to raise a discovery dispute with the Court must first meet and confer  in good faith with the opposing party, in person or by telephone, in an effort to resolve  the dispute. If this meet‐and‐confer process does not resolve the dispute, the party may  submit an ECF letter‐motion to the Court or, if applicable, to the Pro se Intake Clerk, no  longer than 1,500 words, single‐spaced, explaining the nature of the dispute and  requesting a conference. Such letter must include a representation that the meet‐and‐ confer process occurred, including when and whether it was in person or over the  telephone. Any responsive letter should be submitted within three business days after  submission of the letter‐motion. Discovery motions should address the Federal Rules of  Civil Procedure, in particular Rule 26(b)(1), to the extent applicable.   c. Confidentiality Stipulations and Orders. In cases where confidential information will be  exchanged, the parties must utilize the Court’s model Stipulation and Proposed  Protective Order found at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ona‐t‐wang; provided,  however, the parties may apply for a protective order that differs from the Court’s  model by submitting a letter request via ECF and attaching the proposed order showing  in a blackline comparison how the proposed order differs from the Court’s model. The

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

letter should explain why the modifications are needed and note any disagreements  between the parties regarding the modifications from the Court’s model.  d. Electronic Discovery. The parties are encouraged to utilize the model Joint Electronic  Discovery Submission and Proposed Order, as appropriate, found at  https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ona‐t‐wang. This model may be modified to the extent  appropriate.  e. Status Conferences. Unless otherwise directed by the Court, the parties shall file a joint  proposed agenda at least 3 business days before any status conference, and, where  applicable, a short statement of each party’s position.  V. Motions.  a. Letter‐Motions. Letters seeking relief should be filed on ECF as letter‐motions, not as  ordinary letters.  b. Conferences of Counsel Before Filing Motions Under Rule 12(b) or (c). Except in cases  involving pro se parties, if a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b) or 12(c) is  contemplated, the parties shall meet and confer in advance so that the plaintiff or  counterclaimant can consider whether they wish to amend the subject pleading before  motion practice, and the parties must consider in good faith a stipulation permitting  such amendment. If the parties are unable to reach a resolution, the parties shall submit  a proposed briefing schedule to the Court. Counsel for the moving party shall include  the following statement in the notice of motion: “This motion is made following the  conference of counsel, which took place on [date]. Plaintiff [or Counterclaimant]  declined an opportunity to amend.”  c. Pre‐Motion Conferences. For motions concerning discovery disputes, see Section IV(b)  above. A pre‐motion conference is required for all other motions except: (1) motions  that are required by the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure or the Federal Rules of  Civil Procedure to be made by a certain time; (2) motions by litigants in actions where a  party is incarcerated and pro se; (3) motions for reconsideration; (4) motions for a new  trial; (5) motions in limine; (6) motions to dismiss habeas corpus petitions; and (7)  motions for judgment on the pleadings and motions to dismiss under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12.  If the assigned district judge has a rule on premotion conference letters for dispositive  motions that conflicts with my practice, parties must comply with the district judge’s  rule, even if the district judge has referred the dispositive motion to me for a report and  recommendation.   Letters requesting a pre‐motion conference should summarize the basis of the motion  and follow the procedures for communicating with the Court set forth in Section II.  Letters may not exceed 1,500 words, with single‐spaced text (not including exhibits,  headings, captions, or signatures). If filed by a party not represented by an attorney and

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

handwritten, letters may not exceed five pages. Within 3 business days of receipt of the  letter, each opposing party may submit a written response of no more than 3 pages. The  Court may hold a conference, or issue a briefing schedule if the Court finds that a  conference is not necessary.   d. Memoranda of Law. The typeface, margins, and spacing of motion papers must  conform to Local Civil Rule 7.1(b). Unless prior permission has been granted,  memoranda of law in support of and in opposition to motions are limited to 6,500  words, and reply memoranda are limited to 2,500 words, not including the caption, any  index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, or any required  certificates, but do include material contained in footnotes or endnotes. If filed by a  party not represented by an attorney, memoranda of law in support of and in  opposition to motions are limited to 25 pages, and reply memoranda are limited to 10  pages.  Memoranda of 2,500 words or more shall contain a table of contents and a table of  authorities. Sur‐reply memoranda will not be accepted without prior permission of the  Court, and, if permitted, are not to exceed 2,500 words, or 10 pages if filed by a party  not represented by an attorney. All appendices to memoranda of law must be indexed.  e. Filing of Confidential Material. All Confidential Materials filed with the Court may be  redacted or filed under seal only as the Court directs upon appropriate application by  either party. For further directions on how to file under seal, see Section VI below.  To avoid the unnecessary filing of documents under seal, counsel for the parties will  discuss, in good faith, the need to file Confidential Materials under seal. If the parties  agree in writing that a particular document that has been designated Confidential  Material shall not be filed under seal, that document can be filed without redaction and  such filing will not be a breach of any Stipulation of Confidentiality.  f. Oral Argument on Motions. Parties may request oral argument when the motion has  been fully briefed. This request should be made by letter in accordance with the  procedures set forth in Section II.  Junior members of legal teams are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare  and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Firms are encouraged to  provide this opportunity to junior attorneys for training purposes. This court is  amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an  opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate. The ultimate decision of who speaks on  behalf of the client is for the lawyer in charge of the case, not for the court.  Nothing in my Individual Practices supersedes a specific time period for filing a motion  specified by statute or Federal Rule—including, but not limited to, Fed. R. Civ. P. 50,  52, 54, 59, and 60, and Fed. R. App. P. 4—where failure to comply with the specified  time period could result in forfeiture of a substantive right.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

VI. Filing Under Seal in Civil and Miscellaneous Cases.  a. Sealing/Redactions Not Requiring Court Approval.  Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2  describes sensitive information that must be redacted from public court filings without  seeking prior permission from the Court.    b. Sealing/Redaction Requiring Court Approval.  Motions or Letter Motions for approval  of sealed or redacted filings in civil and miscellaneous cases and the subject documents,  including the proposed sealed document(s), must be filed electronically through the  court’s ECF system in conformity with the court’s standing order, 19‐mc‐00583, and ECF  Rules & Instructions, Section 6.    The motion must be filed in public view, must explain the particular reasons for seeking  to file that information under seal and should not include confidential information  sought to be filed under seal.  Supporting papers must be separately filed electronically  and may be filed under seal or redacted only to the extent necessary to safeguard  information sought to be filed under seal. Any motion to seal should address the Court  of Appeals’ opinions in Lugosch v. Pyramid Co. of Onondaga, 435 F.3d 110 (2d Cir. 2006)  and Bernstein v. Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossman LLP, 814 F.3d 132 (2d Cir. 2016).  If a request for redactions is based on another party’s designation of information as  Confidential, the parties shall confer and jointly submit the request for redactions.  The proposed  sealed document must be contemporaneously filed under seal in the ECF  system and electronically related to the motion.  The summary docket text, but not the  sealed document, will be open to public inspection and should not include confidential  information sought to be filed under seal.    Where the motion seeks approval to redact information from a document that is to be  publicly filed, the filing party shall: (1) publicly file the document with the  proposed  redactions, and (2) electronically file under seal a copy of the unredacted  document  with the proposed redactions highlighted.  Both documents must be electronically filed  through the ECF system and related to the motion.  Any party unable to comply with the requirement for electronic filing under seal  through the ECF system, or who has reason to believe that a particular document should  not be electronically filed, must move for leave to file in the traditional manner, on  paper.  VII. Settlement Conferences.  The Court believes the parties should fully explore settlement at the earliest practical  opportunity. Early consideration of settlement allows the parties to avoid the  substantial cost, expenditure of time, and uncertainty that are typically part of the  litigation process. Even for those cases that cannot be resolved, early consideration of

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

settlement can provide the parties with a better understanding of the factual and legal  nature of their dispute and streamline the issues to be litigated.  The following  procedures apply to Settlement Conferences:  a. Confidentiality. All settlement conferences, whether by phone or in person, are “off the  record” and strictly confidential. All communications relating to settlement may not be  used in discovery and will not be admissible at trial.  b. Preliminary Settlement Conference Telephone Call(s). The Court will schedule one or  more telephone calls before an in‐person conference to discuss issues pertinent to  settlement. and may try to resolve the case without need for an in‐person settlement  conference. The Court strongly prefers that the parties exchange at least one round of  demand and offer before the first settlement conference call.  c. Ex Parte Settlement Conference Summary Form and Letter. Unless otherwise directed  by the Court, no later than 7 days before the Settlement Conference, each party must  complete the Court’s Settlement Conference Summary Form found at   https://nysd.uscourts.gov/hon‐ona‐t‐wang. Each party also must provide the Court with  a letter, not to exceed three pages, summarizing: (1) the history of settlement  discussions; (2) the issues in the case; (3) the settlement value of the case and rationale  for it; (4) case law authority relevant to settlement discussions; and (5) any other facts  that would be helpful to the Court in preparation for the conference. Parties may attach  exhibits to their letters to the extent they believe the exhibits would aid settlement  discussions. In FLSA cases, the parties shall include damages calculations with their ex  parte submissions. In all other cases, such a submission is highly encouraged but not  required unless otherwise requested. The Settlement Conference Summary Form and  letter should be emailed to Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.  d. Attendance. The parties—not just the attorneys—must attend the Settlement  Conference in person. In the event personal attendance is a hardship, a party may make  a written request at least one week before the conference to attend virtually (or be  excused from attendance). Each party must supply its own interpreter, if required.  Corporate parties or labor unions must send the person with decision‐making authority  to settle the matter to the conference. Where liability insurance is involved, a decision‐ making representative of each carrier must attend unless specifically excused by the  Court. Where any government agency is a party, counsel of record must be  accompanied by a knowledgeable representative from the agency. In addition, in cases  where the Comptroller of the City of New York has authority over settlement, the  Assistant Corporation Counsel must make arrangements before the conference for a  representative of the Comptroller either to attend the conference or to be available by  telephone to approve any proposed settlement.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

Junior members of legal teams are also invited to participate and speak in settlement  conferences, but must be properly supervised and prepared. Sending a junior lawyer,  alone, without sufficiently briefing the junior lawyer on the case and its history may be  considered by the Court to be a failure to properly supervise the junior lawyer.   e. Consequences of Non‐Compliance with Attendance Requirement. If a party fails to  comply with the attendance requirements, that party may be required to reimburse all  the other parties for their time and travel expenses and may face other sanctions.  VIII. Pretrial Procedures in Consent Cases.  a. Joint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the parties  shall submit a Joint Pretrial Order within 30 days after the date for the completion of  discovery, or, if a summary judgment motion has been filed, within 30 days after the  decision on the motion. The proposed Joint Pretrial Order shall be signed by all parties  and include the following:

1. The full caption of the action.
2. The names, addresses, telephone numbers (both office and mobile) and  email addresses of each principal member of the trial team, and  identification of each party’s lead trial counsel.
3. A brief statement by plaintiff (or, in a removed case, by defendant) as to the  basis of subject matter jurisdiction, and a brief statement by each other party  as to the presence or absence of subject matter jurisdiction, including  citations to all statutes relied on and relevant facts, such as citizenship and  jurisdictional amount.
4. A list and brief summary by each party of the claims and defenses that party  has asserted that remain to be tried, and a list of any claims and defenses  asserted in the pleadings that are not to be tried. Where applicable, the  statements shall identify citations to all statutes relied on, but without recital  of evidentiary matter.
5. With respect to each claim remaining to be tried, a brief statement listing  each element or category of damages sought with respect to such claim (e.g.,  lost profits, back wages, medical costs, etc.) and a calculation of the amount  of damages sought with respect to such element or category.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

6. A statement by each party as to whether the case is to be tried with or  without a jury, and the anticipated number of trial days needed. If a jury trial,  this statement shall also indicate whether the parties agree to a non‐ unanimous verdict pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 48. If the  parties do not agree on length of trial, each party shall give their estimate  and the basis for that estimate.
7. Any stipulations or agreed‐to statements of fact or law and a brief  description of any dispute regarding choice of law.
8. A statement by each party as to the witnesses whose testimony is to be  offered in its case in chief, with a brief statement of: the general subject  area(s) of each witness’s testimony, the expected duration of their  testimony, and whether such witnesses will testify in person or by  deposition. If two or more witnesses will testify to the same facts, state why  their testimony will not be cumulative. Absent extraordinary circumstances,  a party may not call as a witness in its case in chief any person not listed in  the Joint Pretrial Order.
9. A designation by each party of deposition testimony to be offered in that  party’s case in chief, referencing page and line numbers, with any cross‐ designations and objections by any other party. If there is no objection or  cross‐designation, the Court will deem the opposing party to have waived  any such objection or cross‐designation. Absent extraordinary circumstances,  a party may not offer in its case in chief deposition testimony that is not  listed in the Joint Pretrial Order.
10. A list by each party of exhibits to be offered in its case in chief. Each exhibit  shall be pre‐marked (plaintiff to use numbers, defendant to use letters). For  each exhibit as to which there is an objection, the party objecting must  briefly specify, next to the listing for that exhibit, the nature of the party’s  objection (e.g., “authenticity,” “hearsay,” “Rule 6 403”). Any objection not  listed shall be deemed waived. Absent extraordinary circumstances, a party  may not offer in its case in chief any exhibit not listed in the Joint Pretrial  Order.
11. A proposed schedule by which the parties will exchange demonstrative  exhibits that the parties intend to use at trial, notify each other of any  objections thereto, consult with each other regarding those objections and  notify the Court of any remaining disputes.
12. All other matters that the Court may have ordered or that the parties believe  are important to the efficient conduct of the trial.
13. The Proposed Pretrial Order shall be filed by ECF.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

IX. Additional Pretrial Filings in Civil Cases.   Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the following shall be filed at the same time as  the proposed joint pretrial order:  a. Jury Cases.

1. Each party must file a Trial Memorandum of Law addressing each issue of law  that the party expects to arise at or before trial.
2. The parties must jointly prepare and submit proposed Jury Materials  consisting of:   proposed voir dire questions to be asked of prospective jurors;     proposed jury instructions (with each instruction separately  numbered and beginning on a separate page, and the source or basis  for seeking the instruction identified in a footnote); and     a proposed verdict form.
3. To the extent a party objects to another party’s requested voir dire  questions, jury instructions, or proposed verdict form, that party must: (i) set  forth the grounds for the objection; and (ii) if applicable, propose an  alternative (all in the same document so that the Court can compare the  parties’ respective proposals).
4. All jury instructions, objections, and alternative proposals must include  citation to supporting authority.
5. In addition to filing on ECF the voir dire questions, requests to charge, and/or  verdict sheets, electronic copies must also be submitted to the Court as  Microsoft Word documents and sent via email to:  Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.  b. Non‐Jury Cases.
6. Each party must file a Trial Memorandum of Law identifying the issues,  summarizing facts and applicable law, and addressing any evidentiary issues.
7. The Court may also ask each party to file Proposed Findings of Fact and  Conclusions of Law before and/or after trial.
8. In addition to filing on ECF, these materials must also be submitted to the  Court as Microsoft Word documents and sent via email to:  Wang_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

c. Motions in Limine. Each party shall file and serve any motions in limine at the same time  as the proposed pretrial order. Within two weeks of filing the proposed pretrial order,  each party shall file and serve its opposition to any motion in limine. There shall be no  replies for motions in limine.  d. Pro se Cases. In pro se cases, the parties are not required to prepare joint pretrial filings  (but may do so jointly if feasible). Instead, within 30 days from the date for the  completion of discovery in a civil case or, if a dispositive motion has been filed, within 30  days of a decision resolving the motion, the represented party(ies) shall submit the  pretrial materials set forth in Section IV.b above. The pro se party shall file its own  Pretrial Statement. The pro se party’s Pretrial Statement need take no particular form,  but must be concise and contain:

1. a statement of the facts the party hopes to prove at trial;
2. a list of all documents or other physical objects that the party plans to put  into evidence at trial; and
3. a list of the names and addresses of all witnesses the party intends to have  testify at trial and the general subject matter of each witness’s expected  testimony.  The Pretrial Statement must be sworn or affirmed by the pro se party to be true and  accurate based on the facts known by the party. The pro se party must file an original  Pretrial Statement with the Pro se Office (see Section II(a)) and serve a copy on all other  parties or their counsel if represented. The original Pretrial Statement must indicate the  date a copy was mailed to the other party or that party’s attorney.  X. Courtesy Copies.  a. Filings. The parties should not submit courtesy copies of any motion papers, except for  cases regarding appeals of administrative agency determinations.  Courtesy copies  should be double‐sided and placed in well‐organized three‐ring binder(s). Where  appropriate, the binder(s) shall be separated by tab dividers preceded by an exhibit list.  Courtesy copies must be provided no later than two business days after the filing.   b. Settlement Conference Materials. A courtesy copy of Ex Parte Settlement Conference  Summary Forms and Letters shall be submitted to the Court if the exhibits to the Letter  exceed 10 pages. Courtesy copies must be provided no later than one business day after  submission of the Form and Letter.

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

Appendix A  Initial Pretrial Conference Topics List for Complex Cases

1. Proportionality assessment of “the needs of the case, amount in controversy,  the parties’ resources, the importance of the issues at stake in the action, and  the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues” (see Rule 26(b)(2)(C)  (iii)).
2. Possible limitations on document preservation (including electronically  stored information).
3. Appropriateness of initial disclosures pursuant to Rule 26(a)(1). Is there some  readily identifiable document or category of documents that should be produced  immediately in lieu of initial disclosures?
4. Possibility of a stay or limitation of discovery pending a dispositive motion.
5. Preliminary issues that are likely to arise that will require court intervention.
6. Discovery issues that are envisioned.
7. Proposed discovery including:    A. limitations on types of discovery beyond those in the Rules (i.e.,  waiver of interrogatories, requests for admission, expert depositions);    B. limitations on scope of discovery;    C. limitations on timing and sequence of discovery;    D. limitations on restoration of electronically‐stored information;    E. agreement to allow depositions of trial witnesses named if not already deposed;    F. preservation depositions; and    G. foreign discovery and issues anticipated.
8. Schedule (as appropriate and possibly excluding public agency cases) including:    A. date(s) for completion of discovery, including a protocol and schedule  for electronic discovery;    B. date(s) for dispositive motions;    C. date(s) for exchange for expert reports;

United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang  Individual Practices in Civil Cases  Updated: April 9, 2025

D. date(s) for exchange of witness lists; and    E. date (s) for Joint Preliminary Trial Reports and Final Joint Trial Reports.    9. Issues to be tried, including ways in which issues can be narrowed to make trial  more meaningful and efficient; as well as whether there are certain issues as to  which a mini‐ trial would be helpful.    10. Bifurcation.    11. Class certification issues.    12. Whether the parties recommend that expert discovery precede or follow any  summary judgment practice.    13. Settlement/mediation and the timing of discussions about settlement.    14. Pleadings, including sufficiency and amendments, and the likelihood and  timing of amendments.    15. Joinder of additional parties and the likelihood and timing of joinder of  additional parties.    16. Expert witnesses (including necessity or waiver of expert depositions).    17. Damages (computation issues and timing of damages discovery).    18. Final pretrial order (including possibility of waiver of order).    19. Possible trial‐ready date.    20. Court logistics and mechanics (e.g., communication with the court, streamlined  motion practice, pre‐motion conferences, etc.).

Model Joint Electronic Discovery Submission and Proposed Order

Revised: March 8, 2018 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK -------------------------------------------------------------x Plaintiff, -against- Defendant. : : : : : : : : : :

No. (OTW)

JOINT ELECTRONIC DISCOVERY SUBMISSION NO: ___ AND [PROPOSED] ORDER

-------------------------------------------------------------x One or more of the parties to this litigation have indicated that they believe that relevant information may exist or be stored in electronic format, and that this content is potentially responsive to current or anticipated discovery requests. This Joint Submission and [Proposed] Order (and any subsequent ones) shall be the governing document(s) by which the parties and the Court manage the electronic discovery process in this action. The parties and the Court recognize that this Joint Electronic Discovery Submission No.___ and [Proposed] Order is based on facts and circumstances as they are currently known to each party, that the electronic discovery process is iterative, and that additions and modifications to this Submission may become necessary as more information becomes known to the parties. (1) Brief Joint Statement Describing the Action, [e.g., “Putative securities class action pertaining to the restatement of earnings for the period May 1, 2009 to May 30, 2009”] :

(a) Estimated amount of Plaintiff(s)’ Claims: __ Less than $100,000 __ Between $100,000 and $999,999 __ Between $1,000,000 and $49,999,999 __ More than $50,000,000

__ Equitable Relief __ Other (if so, specify)

(b) Estimated amount of Defendant(s)’ Counterclaim/Cross-Claims: __ Less than $100,000 __ Between $100,000 and $999,999 __ Between $1,000,000 and $49,999,999 __ More than $50,000,000 __ Equitable Relief
__ Other (if so, specify)

(2) Competence. Counsel certify that they are sufficiently knowledgeable in matters relating to their clients’ technological systems to discuss competently issues relating to electronic discovery, or have involved someone competent to address these issues on their behalf. (3) Meet and Confer. Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f), counsel are required to meet and confer regarding certain matters relating to electronic discovery before the Initial Pretrial Conference (the Rule 16 Conference). Counsel hereby certify that they have met and conferred to discuss these issues. Date(s) of parties’ meet-and-confer conference(s):

(4) Unresolved Issues: After the meet-and-confer conference(s) taking place on the aforementioned date(s), the following issues remain outstanding and/or require court intervention: __ Preservation; __ Search and Review; __ Source(s) of Production; __ Form(s) of Production; Identification or Logging of Privileged Material; __ Inadvertent Production of Privileged Material; __ Cost Allocation; and/or, Other (if so, specify) ________________________. To the extent specific details are needed about one or more issues in dispute, describe briefly below.

As set forth below, to date, the parties have addressed the following issues: (5) Preservation. (a) The parties have discussed the obligation to preserve potentially relevant electronically stored information and agree to the following scope and methods for preservation, including but not limited to: retention of electronic data and implementation of a data preservation plan; identification of potentially relevant data; disclosure of the programs and manner in which the data is maintained; identification of computer system(s) utilized; and identification of the individual(s) responsible for data preservation, etc. Plaintiff(s):

Defendant(s):

(b) State the extent to which the parties have disclosed or have agreed to disclose the dates, contents, and/or recipients of “litigation hold” communications.

(c) The parties anticipate the need for judicial intervention regarding the following issues concerning the duty to preserve, the scope, or the method(s) of preserving electronically stored Information:

(6) Search and Review (a) The parties have discussed methodologies or protocols for the search and review of electronically stored information, as well as the disclosure of techniques to be used. Some of the approaches that may be considered include: the use and exchange of keyword search lists, “hit reports,” and/or responsiveness rates; concept search; machine learning, or other advanced analytical tools; limitations on the fields or file types to be searched; date restrictions; limitations on whether back-up, archival, legacy, or deleted electronically stored information will be searched; testing; sampling; etc. To the extent the parties have reached agreement as to search and review methods, provide details below: Plaintiff(s):

Defendant(s):

(b) The parties anticipate the need for judicial Intervention regarding the following issues concerning the search and review of electronically stored information:

(7) Production (a) Source(s) of Electronically Stored Information. The parties anticipate that discovery may occur from one or more of the following potential source(s) of electronically stored information [e.g., email, word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, instant messages, web sites, blogs, social media, ephemeral data, etc.]: Plaintiff(s):

Defendant(s):

(b) Limitations on Production. The parties have discussed factors relating to the scope of production, including but not limited to: (i) number of custodians; (ii) identity of custodians; (iii) date ranges for which potentially relevant data will be drawn; (iv) locations of data; (v) timing of productions (including phased discovery or rolling productions); and (vi) electronically stored information in the custody or control of non-parties. To the extent the parties have reached agreements related to any of these factors, describe below: Plaintiff(s):

Defendant(s):

(c) Form(s) of Production: (1) The parties have readied the following agreements regarding the form(s) of productions: Plaintiff(s):

Defendant(s):

(2) Please specify any exceptions to the form(s) of production indicated above (e.g., word processing documents in TIFF with load files, but spreadsheets in native form):

(3) The parties anticipate the need for judicial intervention regarding the following issues concerning the form(s) of production:

(d) Privileged Material. (1) Identification. The parties have agreed to the following method(s) for the identification (including the logging, if any, or alternatively, the disclosure of the number of documents withheld), and the redaction of privileged documents:

(2) Inadvertent Production / Claw-Back Agreements. Pursuant to Fed R. Civ. Proc. 26(b)(5) and F.R.E. 502(e), the parties have agreed to the following concerning the inadvertent production of privileged documents (e.g. “quick-peek” agreements, on-site examinations, non-waiver agreements or orders pursuant to F.R.E. 502(d), etc.):

(3) The parties have discussed a 502(d) Order. Yes _; No _ The provisions of any such proposed Order shall be set forth in a separate document and presented to the Court for its consideration. (e) Cost of Production. The parties have analyzed their client’s data repositories and have estimated the costs associated with the production of electronically stored

information. The factors and components underlying these costs are estimated as follows: (1) Costs: Plaintiff(s):

Defendant(s):

(2) Cost Allocation. The parties have considered cost-shifting or cost-sharing and have reached the following agreements, if any:

(3) Cost Savings. The parties have considered cost-saving measures, such as the use of a common electronic discovery vendor or a shared document repository, and have reached the following agreements, if any:

(f) The parties anticipate the need for judicial intervention regarding the following issues concerning the production of electronically stored information:

(8) Other Issues:

The preceding constitutes the agreement(s) reached, and disputes existing, (if any) between the parties to certain matters concerning electronic discovery as of this date. To the extent additional agreements are reached, modifications are necessary, or disputes are identified, they will be outlined in subsequent submissions or agreements and promptly presented to the Court. Party:

Party:

Party:

Party:

Party:

By:
By:
By:
By:
By:
The next scheduled meet-and-confer conference to address electronic discovery issues, including the status of electronic discovery and any issues or disputes that have arisen since the last conference or Order, shall take place on: ________________. The next scheduled conference with the Court for purposes of updating the Court on electronic discovery issues has been scheduled for _____________. Additional conferences, or written

status reports, shall be set every 3 to 4 weeks, as determined by the parties and the Court, based on the complexity of the issues at hand. An agenda should be submitted to the Court four (4) days before such conference indicating the issues to be raised by the parties. The parties may jointly seek to adjourn the conference with the Court by telephone call 48 hours in advance of a scheduled conference, if the parties agree that there are no issues requiring Court intervention. Additional Instructions or Orders, if any:

Dated: ________, 20 SO ORDERED.

Ona T. Wang United Stated Magistrate Judge

Proposed Case Management Plan for Pro Se Cases

Revised: March 8, 2018

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK -------------------------------------------------------------x Plaintiff(s), -against- Defendant(s). : : : : : : : : : :

No. -cv-__ ( ) (OTW)

-------------------------------------------------------------x PROPOSED CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR PRO SE CASE

1. Summary of Claims, Defenses, and Relevant Issues. Plaintiff/Defendant (circle one)

2. I understand my obligation to preserve – and am preserving – relevant information. Plaintiff/Defendant (circle one)

3. Proposed Schedule. All discovery should be completed by ____________________________

a. Depositions: Depositions shall be completed by ____________ b. Neither party may take more than ______ depositions. Absent an agreement between the parties or an order from the Court, non-party depositions shall follow initial party depositions. c. Initial Requests for Documents must be made by ____________. d. Responses to Requests for Documents must be made by ___________________.

e. Documents from third-parties (such as doctors) will/will not (circle one) be required. If required, the following are the third-parties from whom Documents will be requested.

f. Subpoenas requesting Documents from third-parties must be served by _________________. Documents obtained from third-parties must be provided to all parties in this matter. g. There will/will not (circle one) be expert testimony in this case. If expert testimony will be needed, please describe the topic on which the expert(s) is expected to testify:

4. Early Settlement or Resolution. The parties have/have not (circle one) discussed the possibility of settlement. The parties request a settlement conference by no later than ___________________. The following information is needed before settlement can be discussed:

5. Other Matters. Plaintiff(s)/Defendant(s) (circle one) wish to discuss the following additional matters at the Initial Case Management Conference.

Respectfully submitted this ____day of _______.

Name

Address

Phone number

Email

Party representing (if applicable)

Report of Rule 26(f) Meeting and Proposed Case Management Plan

Revised: March 8, 2018

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK -------------------------------------------------------------x Plaintiff(s), -against- Defendant(s). : : : : : : : : : :

No. -cv-__ ( ) (OTW)

-------------------------------------------------------------x REPORT OF RULE 26(f) MEETING AND PROPOSED CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN In accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(f), counsel for the parties spoke on _______________ and exchanged communications thereafter, and submit the following report of their meeting for the court’s consideration: 1. Summary of Claims, Defenses, and Relevant Issues Plaintiff:

Defendant:

Basis of Subject Matter Jurisdiction: ___________________________________

Revised: March 8, 2018

Subjects on Which Discovery May Be Needed Plaintiff:

Defendant:

Informal Disclosures The information required by Rule 26(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure was disclosed by Plaintiff(s) on ____________. In addition, on _______________, Plaintiff(s) produced/will produce an initial set of relevant documents identified in its Initial Disclosures and will continue to supplement its production. The information required by Rule 26(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure was disclosed by Defendant(s) on ____________. In addition, on _____________, Defendant(s) produced/will produce an initial set of relevant documents identified in its Initial Disclosures and will continue to supplement its production. 5. Formal Discovery The parties jointly propose to the Court the following discovery plan: a. All fact discovery must be completed by ____________. b. The parties are to conduct discovery in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of the Southern District of New York. The following interim deadlines may be extended by the parties on consent without application to the Court,

Revised: March 8, 2018

provided that the parties meet the deadline for completing fact discovery set forth in 3(a) above. i. Depositions: Depositions shall be completed by ______ and limited to no more than _____ depositions per party. Absent an agreement between the parties or an order from the Court, non-party depositions shall follow initial party depositions. ii. Interrogatories: Initial sets of interrogatories shall be served on or before ___________. All subsequent interrogatories must be served no later than 30 days before the discovery deadline. iii. Requests for Admission: Requests for admission must be served on or before ______________. iv. Requests for Production: Initial requests for production were/will be exchanged on __________ and responses shall be due on _______________. All subsequent requests for production must be served no later than 30 days before the discovery deadline. v. Supplementation: Supplementations under Rule 26(e) must be made within a reasonable period of time after discovery of such information. 6. Anticipated Discovery Disputes
Are there any anticipated discovery disputes? Does either party seek limitations on discovery? Describe.

Amendments to Pleadings a. Are there any amendments to pleadings anticipated?________________ b. Last date to amend the Complaint: ______________________________

Revised: March 8, 2018

Expert Witness Disclosures At this time, the parties do/do not (circle one) anticipate utilizing experts. Expert discovery shall be completed by ___________________________________________________. 9. Electronic Discovery and Preservation of Documents and Information a. Have the parties discussed electronic discovery? ___________________ b. Is there an electronic discovery protocol in place? If not, when the parties except to have one in place? _______________________________________________ c. Are there issues the parties would like to address concerning preservation of evidence and/or electronic discovery at the Initial Case Management Conference?

Anticipated Motions

Early Settlement or Resolution The parties have/have not (circle one) discussed the possibility of settlement. The parties request a settlement conference by no later than ___________________. The following information is needed before settlement can be discussed:

Trial a. The parties anticipate that this case will be ready for trial by __________.

Revised: March 8, 2018

b. The parties anticipate that the trial of this case will require _______ days. c. The parties do/do not (circle one) consent to a trial before a Magistrate Judge at this time. d. The parties request a jury/bench (circle one) trial.
13. Other Matters

Respectfully submitted this _____ day of _________. ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF(S):

ATTORNEYS FOR DEFENDANT(S):

Settlement Conference Summary

Settlement Conference Summary Ona T. Wang, United States Magistrate Judge

Case Caption:____________________________________________________________ District Court Judge ______________________________
Jury / Non Jury (Circle One) Claims: _________________________________________________________________

Defenses: _______________________________________________________________

Relief Available Under Applicable Law (with appropriate citations):

Summary of Actual Damages: ________________________________________________

Counsel Attending Settlement Conference

Plaintiff / Defendant (Circle One)

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

Phone & email: _________________________________________________________

Client: _________________________________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________

Phone & email: __________________________________________________________

Client: __________________________________________________________________

Client(s) and/or Client Representative(s) Attending Settlement Conference:

Revised: March 8,2018

Motions Pending:

Other Relevant Matters You Wish to Bring to the Court’s Attention:

Prior Offers / Demands:

Attach a brief (limited to 3 pages) synopsis of the case

Stipulation and Model Protective Order

Revised: March 8, 2018

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK -------------------------------------------------------------x Plaintiff(s), -against- Defendant(s). : : : : : : : : : :

No. -cv-__ (____) (OTW)

STIPULATION AND PROPOSED PROTECTIVE ORDER

-------------------------------------------------------------x WHEREAS, the Parties having agreed to the following terms of confidentiality, and the Court having found that good cause exists for the issuance of an appropriately tailored confidentiality order pursuant to Rule 26(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, it is hereby ORDERED that the following restrictions and procedures shall apply to the information and documents exchanged by the parties in connection with the pre-trial phase of this action: 1. Counsel for any party may designate any document or information, in whole or in part, as confidential if counsel determines, in good faith, that such designation is necessary to protect the interests of the client in information that is proprietary, a trade secret or otherwise sensitive non-public information. Information and documents designated by a party as confidential will be stamped “CONFIDENTIAL.” 2. The Confidential Information disclosed will be held and used by the person receiving such information solely for use in connection with the action. 3. In the event a party challenges another party's designation of confidentiality, counsel shall make a good faith effort to resolve the dispute, and in the absence of a resolution, the challenging party may seek resolution by the Court. Nothing in this Protective Order constitutes an admission by any party that Confidential Information disclosed in this case is relevant or admissible. Each party reserves the right to object to the use or admissibility of the Confidential Information. 4. The parties should meet and confer if any production requires a designation of “For Attorneys’ or Experts’ Eyes Only.” All other documents designated as “CONFIDENTIAL” shall not be disclosed to any person, except: a. The requesting party and counsel, including in-house counsel;

b. Employees of such counsel assigned to and necessary to assist in the litigation; c. Consultants or experts assisting in the prosecution or defense of the matter, to the extent deemed necessary by counsel; and d. The Court (including the mediator, or other person having access to any Confidential Information by virtue of his or her position with the Court). 5. Before disclosing or displaying the Confidential Information to any person, counsel must: a. Inform the person of the confidential nature of the information or documents; b. Inform the person that this Court has enjoined the use of the information or documents by him/her for any purpose other than this litigation and has enjoined the disclosure of the information or documents to any other person; and c. Require each such person to sign an agreement to be bound by this Order in the form attached hereto. 6. The disclosure of a document or information without designating it as “confidential” shall not constitute a waiver of the right to designate such document or information as Confidential Information. If so designated, the document or information shall thenceforth be treated as Confidential Information subject to all the terms of this Stipulation and Order. 7. Any Personally Identifying Information (“PII”) (e.g., social security numbers, financial account numbers, passwords, and information that may be used for identity theft) exchanged in discovery shall be maintained by the receiving party in a manner that is secure and confidential.
8. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 502, inadvertent disclosure of privileged communications shall not constitute a waiver of the privilege in this matter provided the parties follow the steps set forth in Rule 502. 9. Notwithstanding the designation of information as “confidential” in discovery, there is no presumption that such information shall be filed with the Court under seal. The parties shall follow the Court’s procedures with respect to filing under seal. 10. At the conclusion of litigation, Confidential Information and any copies thereof shall be promptly (and in no event later than 30 days after entry of final judgment no longer subject to further appeal) returned to the producing party or certified as destroyed, except that the parties' counsel shall be permitted to retain their

working files on the condition that those files will remain protected. SO STIPULATED AND AGREED.

Dated:

Dated:

SO ORDERED.

Ona T. Wang

United States Magistrate Judge

Dated:
New York, New York

Agreement

I have been informed by counsel that certain documents or information to be disclosed to me in connection with the matter entitled have been designated as confidential. I have been informed that any such documents or information labeled “CONFIDENTIAL” are confidential by Order of the Court. I hereby agree that I will not disclose any information contained in such documents to any other person. I further agree not to use any such information for any purpose other than this litigation. DATED:

Signed in the presence of:

(Attorney)

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