Ni v. HSBC Bank USA, N.A.

Nature of the Order

This is a scheduling order entered under Rule 16 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure after the parties appeared for an initial case-management conference.

Deadlines and Requirements

The parties may amend the pleadings and join additional parties until October 30, 2023. After that date, further amendments or joinder require good cause.

The deadline to complete fact discovery is December 29, 2023. The parties must follow the court's individual procedures for discovery disputes and comply with Rules 1 and 26(b)(1) when conducting discovery.

The order also reminds counsel to understand their obligations under Rules 34 and 26(g), including discussing ways to reduce disputes about overly broad or insufficiently specific document requests and responses. The order states that broad requests for all documents on a topic are presumptively improper and that an objection that does not adequately explain its grounds may be forfeited. It cites prior decisions concerning specific discovery objections and identifying whether documents are being withheld based on an objection.

The parties must file a joint status letter updating the court by August 31, 2023.

Disposition and Scope

The court entered the scheduling order. The opinion does not resolve the merits of Ni's claims against HSBC Bank USA, N.A. or otherwise describe a ruling on the parties' underlying legal dispute.