(a) Scheduling conference. (1) The Judge may, upon his or her discretion, consult with all attorneys and any unrepresented parties, by a scheduling conference, telephone, mail, or other suitable means, and within 30 days after the filing of the answer, enter a scheduling order that limits the time:
(i) To join other parties and to amend the pleadings;
(ii) To file and hear motions; and
(iii) To complete discovery.
(2) The scheduling order also may include:
(i) The date or dates for conferences before hearing, a final prehearing conference, and hearing; and
(ii) Any other matters appropriate to the circumstances of the case.
(b) Prehearing conference. In addition to the prehearing procedures set forth in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16, the Judge may upon his own initiative or on the motion of a party direct the parties to confer among themselves to consider settlement, stipulation of facts, or any other matter that may expedite the hearing.