CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WV News) — Harrison Circuit Judge Joseph F. Shaffer Jr. on Thursday set a briefing schedule for dueling motions in former city manager Patrick Ford's whistleblower lawsuit against the city.

The city has been granted a temporary restraining order and is still looking for a preliminary injunction on certain matters that might be released by Ford and his legal team.

Meanwhile, Ford has sought an injunction reinstating him to his job, and had asked for an evidentiary hearing on that request.

Shaffer denied, at least for now, scheduling an evidentiary hearing on Ford's request.

On the city's temporary restraining order/preliminary injunction request, Shaffer has given Ford's lawyers until June 5 to respond, and then the city's counsel has until June 12 to reply. Shaffer's filing appears to leave it open whether he will rule by order or will hold a hearing first.

Meanwhile, Shaffer gave the city until June 5 to respond to Ford's reinstatement motion, and Ford will have until June 12 to respond. Again, Shaffer appears to have left it open on whether he will rule by order or will hold a hearing first.

Shaffer also indicated that any proffers involving information that may come under the temporary restraining order would have to be sealed submissions to the court.

Bridgeport’s lawyer in defending against Ford’s whistleblower lawsuit, Tiffany Durst, had sought the temporary restraining order citing the potential of irreparable damage if Ford’s side continues to...

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