Hernandez v. A.K. Rikks, Inc.

Background

The parties appeared for an initial case-management conference on July 20, 2023. After reviewing the pleadings and consulting with the parties, Judge Katharine H. Parker entered a scheduling order under Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Scheduling and Discovery Requirements

The parties could amend the pleadings and join parties until August 19, 2023. After that date, further amendments or joinder would require good cause. The deadline for completing fact discovery was November 17, 2023, and the deadline for completing expert discovery was January 1, 2024.

The order directed the parties to follow the court’s individual procedures for discovery disputes and to comply with Rules 1 and 26(b)(1). It also reminded counsel of their duties under Rules 34 and 26(g), including discussing ways to make document requests and responses specific and avoid unnecessary disputes. The order stated that broad requests for “any and all” documents on a broad topic are presumptively improper and that an objection that does not adequately explain its grounds may be forfeited, except that the cited authority recognized an exception for privilege objections.

Status Report and Disposition

The parties were ordered to file a joint status letter by August 21, 2023, updating the court about mediation and discovery. Judge Parker entered the scheduling order; the opinion does not decide the merits of the parties’ claims.