LAC 40:I.6001. Scheduling Conferences

A. After 120 days following receipt of responsive pleadings, a scheduling conference for the purpose of setting pretrial deadlines shall be held by telephone. 1. The parties may move jointly for a status conference for the purpose of setting an earlier scheduling conference. B. Issues to be considered and determined at the scheduling conference may include: 1. the necessity or desirability of amendments to pleadings; 2. discovery anticipated by the parties; 3. deadlines for amendments to pleadings; completion of discovery and scheduling of pretrial motions; 4. scheduling of the pretrial conference and the scheduling of a pretrial mediation conference; 5. scheduling of the trial; 6. the need for and scheduling of a pretrial conference; 7. such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action. C. At the conclusion of the scheduling conference and no longer than 14 days following the conference, a scheduling order, developed by the assistant secretary, shall be issued by the judge setting forth the actions taken and deadlines set at the conference. Such order shall control the subsequent course of the claim, unless modified to prevent manifest injustice upon motion of a party or by order of the court. D. The judge in his discretion may require a pretrial conference to be held by telephone. E. If the parties agree, discovery may be conducted after the date set in the scheduling order for the completion of discovery and the parties shall notify the court.