LeDeatte v. Horizon Media

Nature of the Order

This is a notice of reassignment and case-management order. The opinion does not decide the merits of the case, describe the claims or defenses in detail, or rule on any substantive motion.

Reassignment and Existing Schedule

The case was reassigned to Judge Jennifer L. Rochon. Unless the court orders otherwise, all earlier orders, dates, and deadlines remain in effect despite the reassignment. Any conference or oral argument before, or directed by, a magistrate judge will proceed as previously ordered. All previously scheduled appearances or conferences before the district court were postponed until the court provides further notice.

Required Joint Status Letter

The parties were ordered to confer and prepare a joint letter within three weeks after the order was filed. Defendants were ordered to file the letter on the court’s electronic filing system and serve it on pro se Plaintiff. The letter may not exceed four pages.

The court directed the letter to address, when relevant:

- The names and current contact information of counsel and pro se Plaintiff; - The nature of the case and the principal defenses; - Why federal jurisdiction and venue are proper, including required citizenship information for diversity jurisdiction; - All existing deadlines and cutoff dates; - Previously scheduled but not yet held court conferences and their anticipated subjects; - Outstanding motions, including their dates and requested relief; - Any pending appeals; - Discovery completed and any discovery needed for meaningful settlement discussions; - The status of prior settlement discussions without stating exact offers or demands; - Whether the parties have considered a settlement conference, mediation, or a private mediator, and when such a process would be appropriate; - An estimate of the trial length; and - Any other information that could help move the case toward settlement or trial, including dispositive or novel issues.

If the case had already been settled or otherwise terminated, the parties did not need to submit the letter or appear, provided that proof of termination was filed before the submission deadline.

Other Directions

Requests to extend deadlines or postpone dates not affected by the order must comply with Judge Rochon’s individual rules, including her rules for civil cases involving pro se parties. The Clerk of Court was directed to mail the order and Judge Rochon’s individual rules to pro se Plaintiff.

Disposition

The court entered case-management directions and did not reach the underlying legal issues. The order is therefore classified as a procedural order.