Scheduling conferences are to be held within 90 days of the filing of the complaint. Early and firm trial dates to be set. Monitoring and ensuring compliance with scheduled deadlines. Consent to trial by magistrate and possibilities of settlement are to be fully explored. Encouraging Cost Effective Discovery a.
Cooperative discovery is encouraged.
Alternative Dispute Resolution A plan for Early Neutral Evaluation of cases by competent, respected members of the bar of the Court has been developed as a Mediation Program Plan for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee . Other forms of alternative dispute resolution are under study by the Civil Justice Reform Act Committee of the District. The presence, or immediate telephone availability of party representatives authorized to bind the parties in settlement discussions is required at all settlement conferences.