Williams Steele v. Equifax

Background

The case was reassigned to United States District Judge Jesse M. Furman. The order does not describe the merits of Beatrice Shirley Williams Steele’s claims against Equifax and the other defendants.

Court’s Order

The court ordered the parties to file a joint letter on the electronic filing system by April 18, 2022. The letter may not exceed five pages and must separately address:

- Counsel’s names and current contact information; - The nature of the case and principal defenses; - Why federal jurisdiction and venue are proper, including required citizenship information if jurisdiction is based on diversity of citizenship; - Existing deadlines and cutoff dates; - Previously scheduled conferences that have not occurred; - Outstanding motions and the relief requested; - Pending appeals; - Discovery completed and any discovery needed for meaningful settlement discussions; - Prior settlement discussions; - Whether the parties have considered settlement conferences, the District’s Mediation Program, or a private mediator; - Estimated trial length; and - Other information that could help move the case toward settlement or trial.

The order states that existing dates and deadlines remain in effect despite the reassignment. Scheduled conferences or oral arguments before Judge Furman are adjourned pending further order, but appearances scheduled before the assigned magistrate judge remain in effect. If the case has already been settled or otherwise terminated, the parties do not need to file the joint letter if they file appropriate proof of termination before the deadline. The order also sets requirements for requests to extend deadlines or adjourn conferences.

Disposition

This was a case-management order. It required a status update and addressed scheduling; it did not grant or deny a merits motion, dismiss the case, or decide the underlying claims. Judge Jesse M. Furman also directed the Clerk of Court to mail a copy of the order to Beatrice Shirley Williams Steele.