Notice of Trial and Pretrial Order
Last Updated: January 2025

If a case is set for Trial, the Judge will provide the parties with certain guidelines and requirements to be followed for the trial to move rapidly and smoothly. The Pretrial Order sets the following requirements: a date for the conclusion of discovery in the case; a date by which lists of witnesses and exhibits must be exchanged and filed with the court; and a date by which all parties are to exchange and file with the court Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and any Memorandums of authority to assist the Judge in making a final determination.

What To Do:

 

  1. Update the Matter in CHAP Web

    1. Open the Calendar for the Hearing Date

      1. Select Judge

      2. Click Hearing Date on Calendar

    2. Scroll and Locate the Case/Hearing

      1. Left Click the Hearing (Highlights the Case)

      2. Right Click the Hearing (Opens drop-down menu) 

      3. Select Update Utility from the drop-down. 

    3. On the CAL tab, Click Sort/Strike Code 

      1. Select sr - Stricken - Rescheduled (From drop-down menu)

    4. Check Reschedule Box 

      1. Add the Trial Date, Time, and Location information. Set Sort Code at 90.

    5. Enter Save to reserve the hearing (date/time) in CHAP.

  2. Update the CHAP calendar:

    1. Return to the CHAP Dashboard

      1. Click on the future hearing date.

      2. Right Click the case / matter (Highlights the Case)

      3. Hover over the Scroll Icon. Select "Detail" in drop-down.

    2. Update the Hearing

      1. ADD Trial Information: Estimated Time (as noted on PM); Sort Code; and Hearing Location

      2. Update the matter text to "Trial on ..."

      3. ADD Moving / Opposing Attorneys (if necessary)

  3. Docket the Proceeding Memo and Scheduling Order in ECF 
    [Adversary > Court Events > PM/Hearing Adjourned - Pretrial or Final Hearing Order (auto form)].

    1. Attach the Proceeding Memo (PM) if "cc: Debtor(s)" or "cc: Pro se party" is marked on the PM. 

    2. Answer question: "Has a trial been scheduled?"
      a) Answer Yes if a Trial has been scheduled
      b) Answer No if a Final Hearing has been scheduled on a Motion

    3. Under Satisfy Pending Scheduled Events, Select the Pretrial.

    4. Select the Trial / Final Hearing Date and Time from drop down list.
      The Location and hearing Judge will auto-populate.

    5. Refer to the Complaint

    6. Select the docket entry for the Complaint.
      (If the docket entry appears twice, select the entry on the bottom of the list.)

    7. Answer Question: "Were Dispositive Motions Deadlines Set?"

      1. If YES, Set Dispositive Motion Deadlines as noted on the PM.

        1. The dates will auto populate the Pre-Trial Order.

    8. Enter the Main Pleading Name in docket text. Generate BNC forms.

      Example: Trial scheduled for 1/8/2024 at 10:00 AM at Madison Hearings, Room 350 on Complaint

      PM/Pretrial Conference Held.

      Pretrial Order. Dispositive motion, if any, including supporting memorandum, to be filed by xxx; Response due by xxx; Reply, if any, due by xxx. Signed on: 10/8/23. cc: Parties in interest (Related Doc # [1]).

    9. CJF CASES Generate the Pretrial Order Form AND Courtroom Practice Form.

      1. When the form opens, enter/modify the information as noted on the Judge's PM.

      2. Send the Order to ALL parties that attended the hearing.
        Note: You will be prompted twice to select the recipients (once for each form).

Note: The Pretrial Order requires the parties to file a List of Exhibits and List of Witnesses before the hearing. Two sets of exhibits are needed at the hearing (one for the Judge and one for the witness, unless they will be using the electronic courtroom for their exhibits).

UPDATES:

08/30/19 Under Recode the matter is CHAP, sort code was changed to 90.

Under Docket the Proceeding Memo, changed "Skip the Browse screen" to "Browse and attach PM if the box is checked on the PM."

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