A. A matter may be heard by telephonic conference call by permission or direction of the Court.

   B. All nonevidentiary hearings, and any evidentiary hearings approved by the Court and by stipulation of all parties that have filed an appearance, may be heard by the Court telephonically or by videoconferencing or by use of similar equipment, at any location within the judicial district as ordered by the Court and in a manner that ensures the preservation of an accurate record. Such hearings shall not include trials before a jury.

   C. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, all documentary evidence shall be submitted to the court at least 3 working days in advance of the hearing with copies to other counsel or pro se parties.

   D. The party requesting the telephone conference call shall be responsible for:

   (1) arranging the time for the conference call, with the Clerk if scheduled for a motion day and with the judge if scheduled otherwise;

   (2) serving written notice, clearly stating that the hearing will be held by telephone conference, on all other parties who will participate in the conference call.

   (3) initiating the call promptly at the time scheduled and providing for all expenses of the call; and,

   (4) utilizing appropriate equipment and systems to ensure that all persons participating have adequate sound quality and volume. If the Court determines that the sound quality or volume is insufficient, the court may require the party initiating the call to utilize other means to complete the hearing by telephone or terminate the telephonic hearing and schedule an in-court hearing.