Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-01138/USCOURTS-caed-1_19-cv-01138-6/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Commissioner of Social Security
Defendant
Robert Wojtowicz
Plaintiff

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

On June 9, 2020, the parties stipulated for Plaintiff to have an additional extension of time to 

file an opening brief. Notably, the Scheduling Order allows for a single extension of thirty days by the 

stipulation of the parties. (Doc. 5 at 3) Beyond the single extension by stipulation, “requests to modify 

[the scheduling] order must be made by written motion and will be granted only for good cause.” (Id.) 

This is now the third extension requested by Plaintiff by stipulation. (See Doc. 13, 19, 21) Thus, the 

Court construes to be a motion to amend the Court’s scheduling order. (See id.)

Jonathan Pena, counsel for Plaintiff, asserts the additional time is necessary because he “is 

operating with very limited staff” because “COVID-19 has taken a toll on the regular course of 

business within Counsel’s office.” (Doc. 21 at 1) In addition, Mr. Pena reports he has many 

administrative hearings and appointments with claimants each week, as well as ten opening briefs to 

prepare during the week of June 7, 2020. (Id. at 2) Mr. Pena notes the Commissioner does not oppose 

the requested extension and stipulated to it on June 8, 2020. (Id. at 2-3) Further, it does not appear the 

ROBERT WOJTOWICZ,

 Plaintiff,

v.

COMMISSIONER OF SOCIAL SECURITY,

Defendant.

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Case No.: 1:19-cv-1138 - JLT 

ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF’S REQUEST 

FOR A FURTHER EXTENSION OF TIME

(Doc. 21)

Case 1:19-cv-01138-JLT Document 22 Filed 06/15/20 Page 1 of 2
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Commissioner would suffer any prejudice as a result of the additional extension of time. Accordingly, 

the Court ORDERS:

1. The request for a third extension of time (Doc. 21) is GRANTED;

2. Plaintiff SHALL file an opening brief no later than June 24, 2020; and

3. Plaintiff is informed that no further extensions of time will be granted for service of this

brief without a showing of exceptionally good cause, which will not include Counsel’s 

workload.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: June 15, 2020 /s/ Jennifer L. Thurston 

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 1:19-cv-01138-JLT Document 22 Filed 06/15/20 Page 2 of 2