Yes. The briefing schedule can be changed if one or more of the parties files a motion with the Court requesting such relief. The motion must meet the following standards: (1) it must represent that all parties and the mediator (who is not identified in the motion by name) consent to the change in schedule; (2) it must represent in both the caption and the first paragraph that the change is requested “to accommodate a pending mediation;” and (3) it must identify precisely the relief sought: e.g., that the case be held in abeyance or that the briefing schedule be extended by a specified number of days.

Neither the mediator nor Court staff has the authority to alter briefing schedules or to grant extensions. The parties should be aware that, in most cases, a change in the briefing schedule will also alter the oral argument date and will result in a change in the composition of the oral argument panel.