The Magistrate Judges discussed how they are typically assigned to cases at the same time as the District Judge is assigned; however, the Magistrate Judges are not assigned to a particular District Judge. They noted how some discovery matters are referred to the Magistrate Judges in the Northern District of Texas, but there is a not a uniform referral practice across the different District Judges.

They also emphasized how they enjoy trying cases and would like the opportunity to try more cases by consent. The Magistrate Judges discussed how they can sometimes provide special settings for trial that the District Judges cannot. This may provide more flexibility for the parties. In terms of handling trial, Hon. Jeff Kaplan discussed how he likes to use jury questionnaires because they often provide more meaningful voir dire.

The Magistrate Judges each then discussed some issues of importance to each of them related to the handling of discovery disputes. Some of the highlights were as follows:

• Hon. Cureton: He encourages face-to-face meeting between the parties to try to resolve discovery issues. He also likes to have hearings to resolve discovery disputes.
• Hon. Toliver: She emphasized that the parties need to really conference before filing a discovery motion. She may sometimes require face-to-face meeting between the parties to narrow issues. One of her “pet peeves” is when parties delay filing motions to compel until the end of the discovery period.
• Hon. Ramirez: She criticized the lack of meaningful briefing when presenting discovery disputes, particularly in terms of raising novel issues of law. She emphasized how the parties need to remember who has the burden on a discovery motion.
• Hon. Kaplan: He has a standing order on non-dispositive motions requiring the parties to attempt to informally resolve discovery disputes, such as through a call with the Court. He also requires a meaningful conference, and the parties then have to submit a joint status report setting forth the arguments related to any discovery dispute. He generally rules on the discovery dispute within 24-48 hours after the joint status report is filed, and he believes that his requirements generally reduce the number of discovery disputes raised in his court.
• Hon. Stickney: He echoed the sentiments of the other Magistrate Judges but also encouraged the attorneys to avoid personal attacks on each other.

Thanks to each of the Magistrate Judges for participating in this panel and providing us with insight into the role of the U.S. Magistrate in the Northern District of Texas.

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