Judge Keri L. Holleb Hotaling
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Filings (Settlement Letter)
Required
Adjournments
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Letter Ecf
Chambers
Chambers
Detailed Drafting Rules
Parties must be willing to negotiate from their written settlement positions; no standing on initial demands/offers.
The parties also must be prepared to further negotiate from their written demands or offers. In other words, a party may not stand upon the demand or offer included in its written submissions to the Court but must be willing to meaningfully compromise from that position after submitting it. If there is no willingness to negotiate, there is no work for the mediator to perform.
Document Type
Settlement Letter
Court conducts ex parte communications about settlement letters; telephonic communications docketed, email follow-ups may not be.
As part of the pre-settlement process, the Court frequently conducts ex parte conversations with any party about the issues raised in its letter or the productivity of any settlement conference. The Court typically notifies counsel before beginning ex parte communications, begins such communications with ex parte telephone calls with both sides, and makes a docket entry to reflect each telephonic communication. The Court will not necessarily make a docket entry for each follow-up ex parte email communication.
Phone
Direct to: Chambers
- Advance Notice RequiredTypically notifies counsel before beginning
- HoursNot specified
- Status Inquiries
Parties must promptly notify Court if settlement reached, conference rescheduled, or deemed unnecessary.
On occasion, the exchange of settlement letters will lead directly to a settlement. If it does, the parties are to notify the Court as soon possible so we may attempt to schedule another case in your time slot. Similarly, if the parties must reschedule, or have concluded that a settlement conference is not necessary or helpful at this time, they should inform Chambers as soon as possible.
Letter via ECF
Direct to: Chambers
- Advance Notice RequiredAs soon as possible
- HoursNot specified
- Status Inquiries
Final pretrial conference held 10 days before trial; lead counsel must attend.
A final pretrial conference will be held approximately ten (10) days prior to trial. The purpose of this conference shall be to avoid surprises and to simplify the trial. At the conference, Judge Holleb Hotaling will address pending motions in limine, objections to witnesses and exhibits, and contested jury instructions, and will discuss trial procedures and scheduling. Lead trial counsel fully prepared and with authority to discuss all aspects of the case must attend.
Direct to: Chambers
- Advance Notice Required10 days before trial