Scheduling Order- User Guide
Scheduling Order Processing
The Scheduling Order Processing tool is designed to manage court documents, Scheduling Orders, Case Management Orders and similarly titled documents that dictate litigation timelines. The workflow allows users to upload Scheduling Orders directly into TeamConnect, where an AI component automatically extracts critical dates and categories—such as discovery deadlines, motion cutoffs, and trial dates. While the technology used is highly accurate, it is important that users understand that AI is not perfect.
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Document Upload: Use the Process Scheduling Order button on the matter to launch the Scheduling Order wizard.
Users can also enter a Scheduling Order by launching the wizard on the Scheduling Orders object.
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Matter Entry: During the record creation process, the user chooses the relevant matter (if not already populated) and the applicable time zone and clicks Finish. The Relevant Time Zone is the time zone where the matter is located. This will allow appointments to be scheduled with the correct start and end times.
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Document Upload: When the Scheduling Order record appears, click Choose File to select the file and click Upload.
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AI Extraction: Once uploaded, change the phase of the record to an AI component extracts all dates and categories from the document by clicking Change Phase → Process Scheduling Order”.
In the pop-up window, click Yes for confirmation.
Once the phase change is confirmed, the document is sent to the AI engine for extraction. This process takes about two minutes.
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Review and Updates: The extracted data should be reviewed against the scheduling order to match with the appropriate docket planner. The user has the ability to update extracted date items. In edit mode, select the item to be edited.
Note: Attorneys can sync deadlines to Outlook via integration, auto-pushing Docket Planner Appointments to their calendar.
Any of the fields can be edited if necessary. From the schedule item list, find the item you wish to change and click the pencil icon in the action for that specific row.
This will populate the form above with the item’s current details. Update the necessary fields as follows:
- Schedule Item: Name or description assigned to a schedule item.
- Item Original Date: The first deadline date assigned to this task.
- Original Time: The specific time (if applicable) associated with the original deadline.
- Item Current Date: The actual date the task is due now.
- Current Time & Current AM or PM: The specific time of day the filing or event is scheduled for.
- Amended: A checkbox used to indicate if this specific schedule item has been modified from its original court-ordered state.
- Item Category: assigned for reporting and filtering based on specific types of deadlines across all cases.
- Docket Planner: This links the schedule item to a specific Docket Planner rule in the system.
Click the OK button located directly below the form to save the changes. Once you have finished all your edits, you must click the Save & Close button in the top blue navigation bar to finalize your changes and exit the screen.
Editing the Item Category does not automatically search for a docket planner. The user should choose the appropriate docket planner if needed. The user may also remove the docket planner if the associated actions are not needed.
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Phase change: Once all details have been reviewed and verified for correctness, the user should proceed to update the phase so that the tasks and appointments are generated. Click Change Phase → Take Actions.
In the pop up window, click Yes for confirmation.
Returning to the matter's activities will reveal that the system has automatically generated Appointments and Tasks for those specific dates.
Appointments:
Tasks:
Uploading a second scheduling order for the same matter resulted in two Scheduling Items with the same trial date category—one kept the original date while the other was not updated—leading TeamConnect to create a new appointment instead of updating the existing one, though a user would likely catch the duplicate and correct it before proceeding.
Relations Between Matters and Scheduling Orders
When a scheduling order is created, the system will create a relation to the matter. This will allow a user to get to prior scheduling orders if necessary. Scheduling Orders are named as the matter number plus the date the scheduling order was processed.
When a role (such as Attorney or Paralegal) is targeted, the system automatically creates entries for every person assigned to that role on the matter.
The items from the scheduling order are displayed on the matter.
When a new scheduling order is issued, the system eliminates manual data entry of each task and appointment by allowing you to upload the scheduling order document directly to extract relevant dates and deadlines. The system identifies the discrepancies between the old and new dates and upon your approval to "Take Action", these changes are reflected immediately in the matter's activities, ensuring all calendar events align with the most recent court order.
Working with Amended Scheduling Orders
It is common for scheduling orders to be amended over the life of the matter. When an amended scheduling order is received on a matter, the user should create a new record as described above. The system will pull in the items from the previous scheduling order and show the original vs new entries.
Important note - All prior scheduling orders for a matter must be fully processed before an amended scheduling order may be processed.
Supported File Types
Advanced Docket Management is designed to work with text-searchable PDF files. While some image content may be extracted, the system will not process handwritten items.
Missing Dates in Extracted Data
Sometimes, the system will not be able to calculate a due date for an item. These items will be extracted and displayed but without a docket planner.
Return to Pending Actions
On some occasions, a user may want to have the extraction redone if Actions have not been taken. The phase may be changed back to Pending Actions. A new document may be uploaded, or the same document may be used.
Scheduling Item Definitions
The following list shows the prompt that is being used with the AI processes. These categories are standard for the system and may not be customized by the client.
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Item Category |
Details about usage |
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# Expert Discovery Deadline |
**Definition:** Last permissible date to complete discovery **about expert witnesses** (e.g., expert depositions, expert written discovery, expert disclosure follow-ups). |
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**Match when:** "expert discovery cutoff/close/completion," "expert witness discovery," "expert depos completed by," "FRCP 26(b)(4) discovery." |
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**Do not match:** General/fact discovery cutoffs; expert **disclosure** due dates (reports/designations) unless expressly tied to completion of discovery deposition deadlines. |
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**Examples:** "Expert discovery closes 11/15," "Deadline to complete expert depos." |
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# Dispositive Motion Deadline |
**Definition:** Last date to file **case-dispositive motions** (e.g., summary judgment, judgment on the pleadings, motion to dismiss), often controlling all merits MSJ filings. |
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**Match when:** "dispositive motions due," "MSJ deadline," "Rule 56 motions due," "case-dispositive motion cutoff," "JOP 12(c) deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Non-dispositive motion deadlines (e.g., discovery motions, in limine), Daubert unless explicitly designated as dispositive. |
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**Examples:** "Motions for summary judgment due 6/1," "Dispositive motion cutoff." |
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# Non-dispositive Motion Deadline |
**Definition:** Procedural requests in a lawsuit that do not end the case. |
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**Match when:**** Non-dispositive motion deadlines (in limine), Daubert unless explicitly designated as dispositive. |
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**Do not match:** "dispositive motions due," "MSJ deadline," "Rule 56 motions due," "case-dispositive motion cutoff," "JOP 12(c) deadline." "Motion to compel," "Discovery disputes" |
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**Examples:** "Motions in limine," "Motions to exclude evidence," "Daubert motions" |
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# Motion to Compel |
**Definition:** Deadline to file motions to compel discovery responses, compliance with subpoenas, or protective orders related to discovery. |
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**Match when:** "motion to compel due," "discovery motion deadline," "deadline to compel further responses," "Rule 37 motion deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Dispositive motions; sanctions unrelated to discovery; motions in limine. |
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**Examples:** "Any motions to compel must be filed by 5/10," "Discovery motion cutoff." |
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# Trial Status Conference |
**Definition:** Hearing near trial to confirm readiness, address logistics (witnesses, exhibits, time estimates), and resolve remaining issues. Also known as "Pre-trial Conference". |
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**Match when:** "trial status conference," "final status conference (FSC)," "trial readiness conference (TRC)," "trial management conference (TMC)," "Rule 16(e) final pretrial conference." |
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**Do not match:** Generic "status conference" set earlier in the case; settlement conferences. |
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**Examples:** "FSC set 30 days before trial," "Pretrial readiness conference on 4/10." |
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# Pleadings Deadline |
**Definition:** Last date to file or amend pleadings (complaint, answer, counterclaims), including motions to amend. |
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**Match when:** "pleading amendment deadline," "last day to amend pleadings," "deadline to add claims/defenses via amended pleading." |
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**Do not match:** Joinder of **parties** (track separately), motions practice deadlines. |
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**Examples:** "Amended pleadings due by 5/15," "Deadline to amend complaint." |
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# Deposition Deadline |
**Definition:** Final date by which **all depositions** (fact or as specified) must be completed. |
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**Match when:** "deposition cutoff," "depos completed by," "Examination before trial," "last day to take depositions." “EBT completed” “last day to take depositions” |
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**Do not match:** Expert-only deposition deadlines unless expressly scoped; written discovery cutoffs. Expert-only deposition deadlines. |
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**Examples:** "Fact depositions to be completed by 9/30," "Deposition cut-off." |
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# Trial Management Report |
**Definition:** Party(ies) file a report/statement that outlines trial issues, witness/exhibit lists, time needs, stipulations—typically before a trial conference. |
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**Match when:** "trial management report/statement," "joint pretrial statement," "pretrial report (Rule 16)," "case management statement (trial)." |
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**Do not match:** Briefing (motions in limine), separate exhibit/witness list filings unless the order labels them as the report. |
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**Examples:** "Joint pretrial statement due 14 days before FSC," "Trial management report due." |
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# Trial Date |
**Definition:** Scheduled start date of trial (jury or bench). |
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**Match when:** "trial set for," "jury trial begins," "bench trial date," "trial start." |
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**Do not match:** Calendar/docket call dates, trial setting conferences. |
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**Examples:** "Trial set 10/21," "Jury trial to commence on January 4, 2022." |
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# Settlement Conference |
**Definition:** Court-facilitated conference aimed at settlement (often "MSC" — Mandatory Settlement Conference). |
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**Match when:** "settlement conference," "mandatory settlement conference (MSC)," "settlement conference with magistrate/JPT." |
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**Do not match:** Mediation or arbitration administered privately (classify under ADR/Mediation); status conferences. |
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**Examples:** "MSC before Judge Smith on 8/1/2013," "Settlement conference set 21 days pre-trial." |
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# ADR Completion Date |
**Definition:** Date for an **alternative dispute resolution** event (arbitration, early neutral evaluation, private arbitration scheduling session). |
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**Match when:** "ADR session," "neutral evaluation," "arbitration session," "ADR completion deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Court-run settlement conferences; if explicitly "mediation," classify as **Mediation** below. |
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**Examples:** "ADR to be completed by 5/30," "Arbitration hearing set for 7/12." |
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# Scheduling Conference |
**Definition:** Early case management conference to set deadlines (often Rule 16 scheduling conference / CMC). |
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**Match when:** "scheduling conference," "case management conference," "Rule 16 conference," "initial pretrial conference." |
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**Do not match:** Later "trial status/final pretrial conference." |
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**Examples:** "Rule 16 conference on 2/10," "CMC set to establish discovery schedule." |
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# Mandatory Disclosure Deadline |
**Definition:** Deadline for initial mandatory disclosures (typically Rule 26(a)(1))—names of witnesses, key documents, damages computations, insurance, bill of particulars, interrogatories. |
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**Match when:** "initial disclosures due," "Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures," "mandatory disclosure deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Expert disclosures (Rule 26(a)(2)) or pretrial witness/exhibit list deadlines. |
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**Examples:** "Initial disclosures due 21 days after Rule 26(f)," "Mandatory disclosures by 3/1." |
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# Motion to Join Parties |
**Definition:** Last date to move to add parties (joinder) under Rules 19/20 or state analogs. |
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**Match when:** "joinder of parties deadline," "deadline to add parties," "motion to join parties." |
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**Do not match:** Amend pleadings **without** adding parties; third-party practice (impleader) tracked separately. |
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**Examples:** "Last day to add parties: 4/30," "Joinder motions due." |
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# Third Party Action |
**Definition:** Deadline or permission to bring in third parties (impleader via Rule 14) by filing a **third-party complaint**. |
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**Match when:** "third-party action/complaint," "impleader deadline," "Rule 14 third-party practice." |
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**Do not match:** Joinder of parties under 19/20; intervention by non-parties. |
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**Examples:** "Impleader motions by 6/15," "Deadline to file third-party complaint." |
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# Status Conference |
**Definition:** Interim conference to report case progress, address scheduling/procedural issues, and adjust deadlines. |
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**Match when:** "status conference," "case status hearing," "CMC (non-trial)," "review conference." |
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**Do not match:** "Trial status/final pretrial" events (classify as **Trial Status Conference**). |
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**Examples:** "Status conference set for 10/5," "Case review hearing." |
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# Discovery Deadline |
**Definition:** Final date to complete **fact discovery** (interrogatories, RFPs, RFAs, fact depos). Often excludes expert discovery unless the order says "all discovery." |
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**Match when:** "discovery cutoff/close/completion," "fact discovery (cutoff / close / completion / deadline)," "non-expert discovery closes." |
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**Do not match:** Expert discovery completion (track under **Expert Discovery Deadline**). |
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**Examples:** "Fact discovery closes 8/31," "All non-expert discovery to be completed by…," “all discovery to be completed” |
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# Class Action Deadline |
**Definition:** Class-specific milestone, most commonly the deadline to move for **class certification** (Rule 23) or related briefing. |
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**Match when:** "class certification motion due," "Rule 23 certification deadline," "motion to decertify," "class notice schedule (if expressly labeled as deadline)." |
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**Do not match:** Merits dispositive dates; settlement approval hearings unless labeled as a class action milestone. |
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**Examples:** "Motion for class certification due 9/1," "Decertification motion deadline." |
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# Identify Experts Deadline |
**Definition:** Date to identify/designate expert witnesses (and sometimes exchange Rule 26(a)(2)(B)/(C) reports if specified). |
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**Match when:** "expert designations due," "identify experts by," "expert reports due," "initial/rebuttal expert disclosures." |
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**Do not match:** Completion of expert discovery (depositions)—that is the **Expert Discovery Deadline**. |
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**Examples:** "Opening expert reports due 5/1; rebuttal 6/1," "Expert designations by 4/15." |
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# Mediation |
**Definition:** Scheduled mediation session or completion deadline with a neutral mediator (a subtype of ADR). |
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**Match when:** "mediation," "mediation session/hearing," "mediate by," "mediation completion deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Court-run settlement conferences (classify as **Settlement Conference**); arbitration/ENE. |
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**Examples:** "Mediation to occur by 7/30," "Mediation set for 3/18." |
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# Motion to Change Venue |
**Definition:** Deadline to move to change/transfer venue or forum (including motions to transfer for convenience or forum non conveniens). |
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**Match when:** "motion to change venue," "motion to transfer venue," "forum non conveniens motion," "§1404(a) transfer deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Removal/remand between state/federal courts unless the order explicitly treats them as venue changes. |
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**Examples:** "Any motion to transfer venue due by 2/28," "FNC motions by 30 days." |
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# Meet and Confer |
**Definition:** Deadline for both parties to meet about a topic related to the litigation. |
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**Match when:** "meet & confer," "meet and confer," "JSR" "Joint Scheduling Conference," "Rule 26 conference deadline." |
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**Do not match:** Other meetings and conferences |
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**Examples:** "Meet and confer by October 9, 2023," "Rule 26(f) conference deadline is 12/21/2023" |
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#JSR - Joint Status Report |
**Definition:** Deadline for creating a joint status report |
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**Match when:** "JSR Deadline" "JSR Due" "Rule 26 Report" |
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**Do not match:** Other reports due |
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**Examples:** "Joint Rule 26(f) Report Due Date: October 7, 2021," "JSR filed by: July 3, 2023" |
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#Date Filed |
**Definition:** Date that the document was filed or ordered by the judge |
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**Match when:** "Filed: ," "Approved and So Ordered," "IT IS SO ORDERED," |
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**Do not match:** Timestamp Submitted, TimestampSubmitted |
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**Examples:** "SIGNED this 18th day of July, 2022," "Filed: 1/19/2023" |
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# Diary/Deadline from Court Orders (Other Court-Ordered Deadline) |
**Definition:** Catch-all for **specific, court-ordered** one-off deadlines not covered by categories above (e.g., "file joint letter by," "serve revised privilege log by," "produce ESI protocol by"). |
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**Match when:** Order-specific commands with a due date that don’t fit another milestone type. |
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**Do not match:** Routine briefing sub-deadlines that are part of a separately tracked motion schedule unless the order isolates them as standalone milestones. |
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**Examples:** "Parties to submit proposed protective order by 12/1," "Depositions schedule due in 7 days." |

