Legal Ethics

Federal Judge Invites Lawyers to Court 'Kindergarten Party' Focusing on Remedial Discovery Skills

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Updated: A federal judge in Austin, Texas, has served notice on local lawyers that they would be well-advised to try harder to get along. In a Friday court order, he issues a mandatory invitation to two apparently squabbling members of the bar to attend what is described as a “kindergarten party” focused on learning basic discovery skills.

Promising a “memorable and exciting event,” U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks of the Western District of Texas told the invitees to bring a sack lunch as well as a toothbrush, if they wish, noting that the U.S. Marshals Office has beds available should the party run late, according to Above the Law, which published a copy of the court order.

The order responds to a motion asking Sparks to quash subpoenas concerning a case pending in another U.S. District Court jurisdiction.

The Sept. 1 party would have focused, Sparks promised, on basic skills including “not wasting the time of a busy federal judge and his staff because you are unable to practice law at the level of a first-year law student.”

The two lawyers settled the case before the “party” took place, and the event was canceled.

Related article:

ABAJournal.com: After Fierce Federal Judge’s Invitation to ‘Kindergarten Party,’ 2 Lawyers Settle Case

Updated Sept. 2 to reflect that the two lawyers have settled and the party is canceled.

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