Requirements for Senior District Judge Barefoot Sanders

I. Case Management Procedures

1. Preliminary Pretrial Conference ("Rule 16 Conference")
   
   The judge does not conduct a preliminary pretrial conference.
   
   
2. Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) Conference
   
   Normally, by separate order in each case, no Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) conference is required.
   
   
3. Status Report/Scheduling Order
   
   The judge issues an order requiring parties to meet to prepare a joint status report once the answer is filed. When the joint status report is received, the judge issues a scheduling order. The judge’s scheduling order modifies several deadlines set forth in the federal rules of civil procedure and local civil rules. The deadline for filing is typically noon rather than the close of business. Trial date is set in the scheduling order.
   
   
4. Referrals to Magistrate Judges
   
   Discovery disputes normally referred for determination. Infrequently, other motions are referred for recommendation.
   
   
5. Settlement Discussion
   
   Judge requires periodic written reports on status of settlement negotiations. Mediation is favored and ordered on a case-by-case basis.
   
   
6. Pretrial Order
   
   Counsel must file a joint pretrial order by noon 21 days before trial along with a report describing the status of settlement negotiations. In addition to the requirements of Local Civil Rule 16.4, each party must file a list of witnesses described in III.A.2 below.
   
   A party may file a trial brief with the pretrial order but is only required to do so at the direction of the judge.
   
   
7. Final Pretrial Conference
   
   Normally held week prior to trial.
   
   
8. Judge Sanders has adopted the Standing Order Designating Case for Enrollment in the Electronic Case Files "ECF" System as entered in each of his cases. Judge Sanders requires judge's copies of all dispositive motions, responses, replies, and appendices thereto. Current Standing Order
   

II. Motion Practice

1. Requirements for Specific Motions
   
   
   1. Summary Judgment - The time for filing a motion for summary judgment is set by the judge’s scheduling order. A motion for summary judgment typically must be filed 90 days before trial. Additionally, a motion for summary judgment may not exceed fifteen pages.
   2. Continuance - Not favored, but if imperative, should be filed as early as possible.
   3. In Limine - A motion in limine must usually be filed by noon at least ten days before trial.
   4. Other - Not applicable.
      
      
2. Hearing
   
   Oral argument on motions is granted on a case-by-case basis.

III. Discovery

1. Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)
   1. 26(a)(1): The judge issues an order re: 26(a)(1) in each case. Normally, parties are not required to make initial disclosures.
   2. 26(a)(3): By noon 21 days before trial, each party must file a list of witnesses who may be called in its case-in-chief. The list must contain a brief narrative summary of the testimony to be elicited from each witness, shall state whether the witness has been deposed, and shall state whether the witness’s testimony at trial is "probable", "possible", "expert" or "record custodian". A copy of this list must be furnished to the court reporter before trial.
      
      
2. Filing Discovery Material
   
   Parties are to follow Fed. R. Civ. P. 5 and Local Civil Rule 5.2.

IV. Trial Procedures

1. Marking and Exchanging Exhibits
   
   Each party must comply with the requirements of Local Civil Rule 26.2(b) by noon 14 days before trial.
   
   
2. Voir Dire
   
   In most cases, the judge conducts voir dire. However, depending on the type of case and its complexity, he may allow brief questioning by attorneys. Proposed voir dire questions must usually be filed by noon 10 days before trial. Judge may use a questionnaire to provide information about each panelist to the attorneys.
   
   
3. Proposed Jury Instructions/Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
   
   Each party must file its annotated requested jury instructions or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law by noon 14 days before trial.
   
   
4. Courtroom Decorum
   
   Appropriately dressed. Use lectern for questioning.
   
   
5. Electronic Equipment in the Courtroom
   
   Secure Court's permission and arrange with Court for time of installation.
   
   
6. Other
   
   Objections to exhibits and objections to deposition designations must usually be filed by noon 10 days before trial.

V. Miscellaneous Procedures

1. Courtesy Copy of Pleading - Bring copy to Court when pleading requires rapid action.
   
   
2. Telephone Call to Chambers
   
   1. Procedural Information - An attorney may address a procedural question that cannot be answered by the federal rules of procedure, local rules, or the judge’s scheduling order to Mrs. Phyllis Macon, Secretary, or to Law Clerk.
   2. Scheduling Information - An attorney may direct a question regarding scheduling to Mrs. Phyllis Macon, Secretary, or to Law Clerk.
   3. Status of Motion/Proposed Order - Mrs. Phyllis Macon, Secretary, or to Law Clerk.
   4. Other - Mrs. Phyllis Macon, Secretary, or to Law Clerk.
      
      
3. Faxed Document - A faxed document will be accepted.

VI. Law Clerk/Extern Positions

1. Application Procedures - File written application with resume with Mrs. Phyllis Macon, Secretary.

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