Kitani v. City Of New York

Background

The opinion is a notice that the case was reassigned to Judge Jennifer L. Rochon. The caption identifies Mikiko Kitani as the plaintiff and New York City Transit Authority and others as defendants. The opinion does not describe the underlying claims or defenses in detail and does not resolve any disputed legal issue.

Court’s directives

The court directed all counsel and the plaintiff, who is proceeding without a lawyer, to familiarize themselves with Judge Rochon’s individual rules. Unless the court orders otherwise, all prior orders, dates, and deadlines remain in effect. Any conference or oral argument before, or directed by, the magistrate judge will proceed as previously ordered. Previously scheduled appearances or conferences before the district judge are postponed until the court provides further notice.

Within three weeks after the order was filed, the parties must confer and prepare a joint status letter. The defendants must file the letter electronically and serve it on the plaintiff. The letter may not exceed four pages and must separately address, to the extent relevant, the parties’ current contact information; the nature of the case and principal defenses; the basis for jurisdiction and venue; existing deadlines; previously scheduled conferences; outstanding motions; pending appeals; discovery completed and still needed; prior settlement discussions without exact offers or demands; possible alternative dispute resolution; the estimated trial length; and any other information that may help move the case toward settlement or trial.

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

Disposition and classification

Judge Rochon issued a case-management and reassignment order. The order does not grant or deny a motion, dismiss the case, enter judgment, or decide the parties’ underlying rights. It is therefore classified as a procedural order.