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