L. Rule 7026. GENERAL PROVISIONS GOVERNING DISCOVERY

(a) The initial disclosures required by FRCP 26(a) shall be provided to parties within twenty (20) days after entry of a scheduling order, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. The disclosures shall not be filed with the Clerk.

(b) A party may not seek discovery from any source until a scheduling order is entered by the Court, unless otherwise authorized.

(c) FRCP 26(f) requires that parties shall confer to consider the nature and basis of their claims and defenses and the possibilities for a prompt settlement or resolution of the case, to make or arrange for the disclosures required by FRCP 26(a)(1), and to develop a proposed discovery plan. Parties may agree to waive this requirement and follow the terms and deadlines in the scheduling order and addendum issued by the Court and found at Appendix 7016-a. If the parties do not agree to waive the provisions of FRCP 26(f), upon request the Court will schedule a pre-trial conference to discuss the provisions and deadlines of a scheduling order. Parties who anticipate the use of expert witnesses at trial must request a pre-trial conference.