Summary
This document is a magistrate judge's findings, conclusions, and recommendation regarding a defendant's agreed motion to refer the case to a magistrate judge for mediation. The magistrate judge notes that the parties have engaged in extensive prior litigation across state and federal courts, including pending Fifth Circuit appeals and active state court proceedings on remand. Consequently, the magistrate judge recommends vacating the prior referral order and denying the motion for mediation, concluding that the matter is not an appropriate candidate for federal settlement conferences at this time.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether the district court should vacate its order referring the case to a magistrate judge for mediation.
Key quotations
“Failure to do so will bar that party from appealing the findings and conclusions that the district court accepts or adopts, except upon the grounds of plain error.”
Factual background
Chapman sued ADT LLC alleging employment discrimination. The district court dismissed the federal claims and referred the case to a magistrate for mediation. The parties have been involved in multiple related state and federal actions, and the Fifth Circuit is reviewing the dismissal.
Procedural history
The district court dismissed Chapman’s federal claims and referred the case to a magistrate for mediation. The Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal and is hearing a petition for rehearing. The magistrate judge issued a recommendation to vacate the referral order.