ORDER

LORNA G. SCHOFIELD, District Judge.

WHEREAS the initial pretrial conference in this matter is scheduled for February 25, 2020;

WHEREAS no significant issues were raised in the parties' joint letter or proposed case management plan (Dkt. Nos. 9-10). It is hereby

ORDERED that the February 25, 2020, initial pretrial conference is cancelled. If the parties believe that a conference would nevertheless be useful, they should inform the court immediately so the conference can be reinstated. It is further

ORDERED that the parties' request to stay discovery is denied. The case management plan and scheduling order will issue in a separate order. The parties' attention is particularly directed to the provisions for periodic status letters, and the need for a pre-motion letter to avoid cancellation of the final conference and setting of a trial date. It is further

ORDERED that, if and when the parties are ready to proceed with a settlement conference with the assigned Magistrate Judge or mediation in the Court's mediation program, they shall file a joint letter on ECF requesting a referral. The parties should be aware that the Court does not extend the deadlines for fact and expert discovery absent compelling circumstances. It is further

ORDERED that, as noted in the joint letter to the Court (Dkt. No. 9), Defendant intends to file a motion to dismiss. Defendant shall file a letter, not exceeding three single-spaced pages, citing the controlling authorities that Defendant contends would warrant granting the motion, in accordance with the Court's Individual Rules, by February 26, 2020. Plaintiff shall respond by similar letter, in accordance with the Court's Individual Rules, by March 4, 2020.