District Court Judge

Counties: Blue Earth

State Court Bio: View Bio

Motion Practice

• How long do you normally allow per party for argument of non-dispositive motions? As needed, within the constraints of the calendar.
• How long do you normally allow per party for oral argument of dispositive motions? As needed, within the constraints of the calendar.
• With respect to oral argument, do you prefer an attorney to not reiterate written material? Yes
• Do you regularly conduct hearings and motions by phone? No
  If yes, please describe the procedure you would like attorneys to use to do so, including how testimony is to be transcribed and who puts the teleconference together:
• State any specific procedures you would like attorneys in your courtroom to follow at motion hearings: Arrive early and confer in good faith with opposing counsel in an effort to settle or narrow the issues in dispute.
• Do you like to receive courtesy copies of motion papers? Yes

Discovery Disputes

• Do you require counsel to "meet and confer" before bringing discovery disputes to a hearing? Yes
• Will you accept telephone calls from attorneys to rule on discovery disputes that occur during the course of a deposition? No

Pretrial Procedures

• When do you normally set the pretrial in relation to the trial? Typically 30 days prior to trial.
• Do you normally hear motions in limine at the pretrial? Yes
• When are jury instructions due? Prior to the pretrial hearing.
• When are proposed special verdict forms due? Prior to the pretrial hearing.
• When do you require that final witness lists be exchanged and filed? Prior to the pretrial hearing.
• When do you require that final exhibit lists be exchanged and filed? Prior to the pretrial hearing.
• Do you discuss settlement of the case with the parties at the time of the pretrial? Yes
• State any specific procedures you would like attorneys to follow at the time of the pretrial: Be prepared to discuss the status of the case, the issues for trial and any stipulations. Have exhibits prepared for being marked. Be ready to discuss anticipated objections to deposition testimony prior to trial as well as any logistical issues, such use of technology at trial.

Continuances and Changes in the Scheduling Order

• For changes in the scheduling order, except date of trial: I normally allow upon written request and agreement of counsel.
• For changes on the date of trial: Written request or motion to the court.
• Under what circumstances would you consider granting a change in the trial date? A compelling or urgent situation. Granting a change in trial date is rare, but determined on a case by case basis.

Civil Jury Trials

• Do you perform preliminary voir dire? Yes
• Do you place a time limit on voir dire by counsel? No
• Is there subject matter you will not permit counsel to ask of the jury? Yes
  If yes, please explain: It is expected voir dire will be conducted according to the rules/law.
• Do you require counsel to sit or stand during questioning of witnesses? Sit
• Do you require counsel to be behind counsel table unless counsel has a specific reason to approach a witness? Yes
• Do you normally require counsel to meet each morning with the court before the jury comes into the courtroom? Yes
  If yes, how many minutes before court commences? 10-15 minutes, unless more is needed
• I normally start jury trials at: 8:30 a.m.
• I normally give the jury a break of 10-15 minutes minutes in the morning.
• I normally take a lunch break at: Noon, or a natural break in testimony
• I normally give the jury a break of 10-15 minutes minutes in the afternoon.
• I normally finish court for the day at: 5:00 p.m.
• Do you permit jurors to:
  Take Notes: Yes
  Keep notes during deliberation? Yes
  Ask the witnesses questions? No
• If counsel asks to approach to argue a ruling, do you generally: Allow counsel to approach & discuss briefly at bench with jury present.
• Do you place a time limit on final argument? No
  If yes, If yes, what is the time limit?
• When do you instruct the jury? After argument
• After argument and instructions, do you:
  Require counsel to be available by telephone? Yes
  Request that counsel remain at the courthouse during deliberations of the jury? No
  Take a verdict without counsel present and inform them after the verdict by telephone of the result? Yes

Sanctions of Counsel

• Have you ever sanctioned counsel with imposition of a fine? No
  Or jail? No
• Have you ever held counsel in contempt of court? No
• Have you ever reported an attorney for unethical behavior? No
• When, if ever, would you consider issuing sanctions, formal reprimands, holding an attorney in contempt, or reporting an attorney for unethical behavior?