Oral Argument

Oral argument on motions is scheduled at the Judge’s discretion. If either party feels strongly that oral argument is necessary, he or she should file a motion seeking argument.

Rulings from the Bench

Judge Garcia occasionally rules from the bench, particularly in situations involving discovery disputes or situations where the need for a ruling is immediate.

Referral to Other Magistrate Judges/Special Masters

In cases assigned to Judge Garcia for resolution on the merits, she may request that another Magistrate Judge conduct a settlement conference.

26(f) Reports

Judge Garcia expects counsel to prepare and timely file a carefully considered 26(f) Report. Unless she thinks the case is being mismanaged, she usually defers to counsel’s agreements concerning scheduling but urges the parties to be realistic as to their deadlines. If there is a dispute over scheduling, she usually attempts to resolve this through a telephone conference with counsel.

Discovery Disputes

When discovery disputes are referred to Judge Garcia by a District Judge, she follows any procedures that judge may have established for resolving them. In the absence of any specific procedures established by the District Judge or when discovery disputes emerge in a case that has been assigned to Judge Garcia for all purposes, those disputes should be raised by a written motion that complies with Local Rule 37. Judge Garcia will typically schedule a telephonic discovery conference to discuss the dispute, conduct argument and resolve the issues. Judge Garcia does not accept phone calls on discovery disputes except in emergency situations (e.g., a deposition impasse with out-of-state deponents) and with counsel for all parties on the line.

Settlement

Prior to scheduling a settlement conference, Judge Garcia will conduct a telephonic status conference with counsel to set a date for the settlement conference and to discuss any information to be exchanged and critical discovery that must be completed prior to the conference so that settlement discussions will be productive. A detailed order will then issue, requiring the parties to exchange offers and demands in advance of the conference. Any party with a claim for damages must also provide a comprehensive damages analysis to opposing counsel and to the Court. The parties are required to submit ex parte memoranda seven (7) days prior to the settlement conference and the Court’s order will set forth the required content for such memoranda. Ex parte memoranda should be emailed to meg_settlement@ctd.uscourts.gov.

All parties are required to attend the settlement conference, including persons with settlement authority for government, corporate and other legal entities.

Judge Garcia believes settlement conferences can be effective and efficient for all parties, and she dedicates significant time and effort to prepare for such conferences. Accordingly, the parties are expected to comply fully with the Court’s orders and prepare thoroughly with their clients for these conferences. Prior to the conference, counsel are expected to discuss with their clients the “best case” and “worst case” scenarios; the expected costs of continued litigation; the estimated time to resolution of the case if it is not settled; and any risks associated with continued litigation.

If a case is not resolved during the settlement conference, Judge Garcia will often follow up with counsel by telephone. Counsel are encouraged to contact the Court to restart settlement discussions if circumstances change.

Letter Briefs

The District of Connecticut generally does not accept letter briefs. Judge Garcia prefers that all requests for relief be filed through CM/ECF and on the record.

Sur-reply Briefs

Sur-reply briefs may not be filed without prior permission of the Court. If a party believes that a sur-reply is necessary, that party should file a motion seeking permission to sur-reply and explain the specific reasons why a sur-reply is required.

Motions for Extension of Time

Local Rule 7(b) should be strictly followed. Counsel should make sure to state their good cause for seeking the extension.

Motions for Reconsideration

Motions for reconsideration should be filed timely and sparingly, and only in situations where a persuasive reason, which might convince the court to change its mind, exists.

Chambers' Copies

Judge Garcia does not require courtesy copies of any materials filed electronically. However, if a filing includes particularly lengthy exhibits, or exhibits in color, chambers’ copies would be appreciated and should be submitted to the Judge’s law clerk.

Motions Relating to Detention, Bond, or Conditions of Release

If a criminal case is assigned a "CR" number, and the presiding judge is a District Judge, Judge Garcia may not get notice of all docket filings. Accordingly, if any party files a motion related to detention, bond, or conditions of release, that may be handled by Judge Garcia, counsel shall provide a copy of the submission by electronic mail to Courtroom Deputy. If the motion seeks relief on an emergency or time-sensitive basis, counsel should also call chambers at 203-773-2022 to alert the Court of the filing.

Joint Status Report

Where parties are ordered to file a Joint Status Report, on or before the deadline assigned by the Scheduling Order, the parties shall file on the docket, with certification copies sent to all counsel of record, an original joint status report, stating the following:

(a) The status of the case, describing with particularity the status of discovery and identifying any pending motions and any circumstances potentially interfering with the parties’ compliance with the Scheduling Order;

(b) Interest in referral for settlement purposes to a United States Magistrate Judge;

(c) The estimated length of trial.