By: Judge Sonny Ferguson

I. PRE-TRIAL

II. TRIAL

I. PRE-TRIAL

1. Attorney’s Appearance In Court

a. Be on time or notify Court of tardiness

1. Some attorneys are always late and never call

2. Not Communicating With Own Client

a. Case is continued yet client not informed and comes to Court

3. Not Being Candid With Court

a. Reasons for continuance (not ready)

4. Attorneys Not Prepared With Discovery

a. Too many arguments among attorneys

b. Little communication with client as to what needs to be produced

1. Clients need to understand what is expected

5. PLR/Reference Hearings

a. Attorneys continue to ask questions that are outside the scope of the issue referred after being instructed not to do so

b. Bickering between attorneys during the hearing

c. Constant and unnecessary objections

d. Attempting to use the Reference Hearing as a discovery tool

e. Constant and sometimes lengthy consultations with clients at the attorney’s table during the hearing

6. Announcing ready - BUT

a. Parties not present

b. Witnesses not present or available

c. Discovery not complete

d. Attorney not being candid with the Court resulting in the case being delayed or continued

7. Failure To Make Good Faith Efforts To Settle Case