In an effort to streamline complex civil litigations in the Southern District, a committee has recommended that parties immediately divulge to the court and their adversaries the documents they request, accede to a schedule for electronic discovery and acknowledge whether they intend to seek settlement discussions or mediation.
The committee, chaired by Southern District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin (See Profile), also reported yesterday that courts will attempt to hold in-person pretrial conferences within 45 days of service on any party in the litigation, and within 60 days if a government entity is involved.
