Court Urges ‘Meet and Confer’ Solution to Parties’ Confidentiality Disagreements

PITTSBURGH — A federal judge has denied a drilling firm’s request for a confidentiality order to govern discovery in a shale gas leasing dispute, saying the parties instead should continue using a “meet and confer” process in deciding what materials should be shielded from public view. Dillon v. Antero Resources, et al., Nos. 2:11-cv-01038 and 2:11-cv-01040 (W.D. Pa.).

Judge Mark R. Hornak of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania said in his July 10 opinion, however, that the court would appoint a special discovery master at the parties’ expense, if that remedy should become necessary.

Plaintiffs …