Hager-Reilly v. SCO Family of Services

Background

The court issued this order after a January 4, 2023, telephone status conference. Cheryl Hager-Reilly, who was representing herself, did not attend even though she had received a mailed order notifying her of the conference. The court stated that attendance at scheduled conferences was required and warned that missing a conference without extraordinary circumstances could result in sanctions, including dismissal for failure to prosecute.

During the conference, the defendant’s lawyer stated that Hager-Reilly had not complied with earlier orders requiring her to produce several categories of documents. Those orders required production of bank statements, pay stubs, Forms W-2, and a search of her personal email for relevant, non-privileged communications concerning her employment with the defendant or the lawsuit.

Orders

The court gave Hager-Reilly a final extension to comply with the earlier discovery orders by January 13, 2023. The court again warned that failure to comply could result in sanctions, including dismissal for failure to prosecute, while recognizing that people representing themselves receive additional leeway in following litigation procedures.

The court also ordered the defendant to file, by January 6, a letter-motion concerning notes Hager-Reilly had at her deposition and to attach relevant transcript excerpts. Hager-Reilly’s response was due January 13. The court extended the fact-discovery deadline to February 6 and required the parties to submit a joint letter certifying completion of fact discovery by February 13.

Disposition and Significance

Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave entered a procedural case-management and discovery order. The order did not dismiss the case, impose sanctions, or decide the parties’ underlying claims. The opinion identifies Sarah L. Cave as the signing judge, although the supplied case metadata lists John Koeltl.