Until the court as a whole adopts and announces a uniform approach to the present crisis, Judge Barnes will continue to conduct in person hearings as scheduled in Courtroom 744.  Any change to that will be as stated by the court or Judge Barnes in a later announcement.

Parties are reminded that they may agree to continuances or the entry of orders in accordance with normal procedures.  Agreed orders may be submitted by way of Judge Barnes’ draft order to follow procedures even if submitted in advance of a hearing.  Judge Barnes’ chambers should be notified of any agreed continuance or order no later than 3 p.m. on the business day preceding the applicable hearing.

Parties are further reminded that Judge Barnes accepts telephonic appearances through CourtSolutions, LLC, www.court-solutions.com.  To appear telephonically, parties must create a CourtSolutions account.  Once an account is established, parties may submit a request to appear telephonically through that account.  While there is a cost associated with this service, CourtSolutions generally waives its fee for pro se parties, parties represented on a pro bono basis and certain governmental entities.  Any party seeking such a waiver must state so in the initial appearance request.  Only if approved by CourtSolutions and Judge Barnes at the time the appearance itself is approved will such a waiver be given.

Judge Barnes’ normal rule requiring requests for telephonic appearances to be submitted 2-days in advance of a hearing will not be enforced during this period.  Parties must instead request telephonic appearances no later than 3 p.m. on the business day immediately preceding the hearing.  All telephonic appearances will be for live participation unless otherwise restricted by Judge Barnes.