The parties are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Florida, which are available at: https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/local-rules-and-procedures. Attorneys must consult and comply with Orders and Court Rules.

Do NOT wait until one month before discovery cutoff before commencing discovery. Lack of diligence does not constitute good cause for extension of discovery cutoff.

In discovery matters, attorneys' failure to communicate usually causes the most problems. Do not certify attempt at conferring with opposing counsel without personally talking with counsel. Emailed requests for conference, with no response, usually are not enough to certify compliance with the Rule.

If you take the time to file motions or brief matters for the Court, make sure you reasonably research the issues and cite the relevant cases.

Most importantly be courteous to each other.

Finally, the Court is mindful that newer attorneys generally have less speaking opportunities in court than their more experienced colleagues. Accordingly, the Court strongly encourages the participation of attorneys with five years or less experience in all court proceedings, such as discovery hearings, especially where the attorney has been significantly involved in the litigation.