Lee v. Federal Bureau of Prisons

Nature of the Order

This is a notice of reassignment and case-management order. The opinion states that the case was reassigned to Judge Jennifer L. Rochon. It does not describe a ruling on the merits of Ji Yun Lee’s claims or the defendants’ defenses.

Directions After Reassignment

The court stated that all prior orders, dates, and deadlines would remain in effect unless the court ordered otherwise. Any conference or oral argument before or directed by a magistrate judge would proceed as previously ordered. Previously scheduled appearances or conferences before the district judge were adjourned pending further notice.

Within three weeks of the order’s filing, the parties were ordered to confer and prepare a joint letter updating the court on the case. The defendants were ordered to file the letter on the court’s electronic filing system and serve it on pro se plaintiff Ji Yun Lee. The letter could not exceed four pages and was required to address, as relevant, contact information, the nature of the case and principal defenses, jurisdiction and venue, deadlines, scheduled conferences, outstanding motions, appeals, discovery, settlement discussions, alternative dispute resolution, estimated trial length, and other information that could help move the case toward settlement or trial.

If the case had already been settled or otherwise terminated, the parties did not need to submit the letter or appear, provided they filed appropriate proof of termination before the submission deadline. The court also directed the Clerk of Court to mail the order and Judge Rochon’s individual practice rules to Ji Yun Lee.

Disposition and Classification

The court entered case-management directions and did not grant or deny a merits motion, dismiss any claim, enter judgment, or otherwise resolve the underlying dispute. The order is therefore classified as a procedural order.