Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_07-cv-00399/USCOURTS-casd-3_07-cv-00399-6/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 890
Nature of Suit: Other Statutory Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1331 Fed. Question

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07cv0399 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

IN RE CELL TOWER LITIGATION

 

 

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Civil No. 07-0399-BEN(WVG)

ORDER VACATING CASE MANAGEMENT

DATES AND SUSPENDING DISCOVERY 

ORDER SETTING SETTLEMENT

CONFERENCE

On March 25, 2011, the Court conducted a Status Conference in

the above-entitled action. At the conference, the Court discussed

with counsel the status of discovery and the desire for a settlement

conference. Also, at the conference, the Court suggested an approach

to allow enough time for counsel to prepare for, and enter into,

meaningful settlement negotiations, that was subject to the approval

of the District Judge assigned to this matter. 

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED:

1. The dates set in the Amended Case Management Conference

Order filed on February 16, 2011 are vacated.

Case 3:07-cv-00399-BEN-WVG Document 209 Filed 04/04/11 Page 1 of 3
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07cv0399 2

2. All formal discovery is suspended until further order of

the Court.

3. Plaintiffs’ and Defendant’s counsel shall meet and confer

forthwith regarding the information and documents Defendant needs to

enter into meaningful settlement negotiations. At the meet and

confer session(s), Defendant shall identify the information and

documents it needs for such purpose. On or before April 11, 2011,

Plaintiffs shall produce to Defendant the information and documents

identified by Defendant.

4. On or after May 12, 2011, Plaintiffs’ and Defendant’s

counsel shall meet and confer regarding settlement of this action.

5. A Settlement Conference will be held on June 6, 2011, at

9:00 AM in Courtroom F.

All parties or their representatives who have full authority

to enter into a binding settlement, in addition to the attorneys

participating in the litigation, shall be present at the conference.

Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 16.3, all party representatives

and claims adjusters for insured defendants with full and unlimited

authority to negotiate and enter into a binding settlement, as well

as the principal attorney(s) responsible for the litigation, must be

present and legally and factually prepared to discuss and resolve

the case at the mandatory settlement conference. Retained outside

corporate counsel shall not appear on behalf of a corporation as the

party who has the authority to negotiate and enter into a settlement. 

"Full authority to settle" means that the individuals at the

settlement conference must be authorized to fully explore settlement

options and to agree at that time to any settlement terms acceptable

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07cv0399 3

to the parties. Heileman Brewing Co., Inc. v. Joseph Oat Corp., 871

F.2d 648 (7th Cir. 1989). The person needs to have "unfettered

discretion and authority" to change the settlement position of a

party. Pitman v. Brinker Intl., Inc., 216 F.R.D. 481, 485-486 (D.

Ariz. 2003). The purpose of requiring a person with unlimited

settlement authority to attend the conference includes that the

person's view of the case may be altered during the face to face

conference. Id. at 486. A limited or a sum certain of authority is

not adequate. Nick v. Morgan's Foods, Inc., 270 F.3d 590 (8th Cir.

2001).

6. On or before May 24, 2011, Plaintiffs’ and Defendant’s

counsel shall submit settlement conference briefs to the chambers of

Magistrate Judge Gallo.

DATED: April 4, 2011

 Hon. William V. Gallo

 U.S. Magistrate Judge

Case 3:07-cv-00399-BEN-WVG Document 209 Filed 04/04/11 Page 3 of 3