Court Rules
Judge

Judge Frederic Block

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Eastern District of New York

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Memorandum Of Law Support Or Opposition
25 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • Not required

Adjournments

  • Adjournment and extension requests must be in writing and include specified prior-request and adversary-position details, plus revised dates when other deadlines are affected.

Request must include

Original DateNumber Of Previous RequestsPrevious Requests Granted Or DeniedAdversary PositionAffects Other DatesProposed New Dates
48Hoursnotice
  • Adjournment requests for court appearances must be made at least 48 hours in advance unless there is an emergency.

Communication

Phone

Chambers

(718) 613-2425
SchedulingEmergenciesStatus Inquiries
Letter via ECF
Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJPTOMemorandaExhibitsJuryBinders/TabsLettersTRO/Injunction

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

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Unless prior permission has been granted, memoranda of law in support of and in opposition to motions are limited to 25 pages, and reply memoranda are limited to 10 pages.

Summary: Memoranda in support of and opposition to motions are limited to 25 pages unless prior permission is granted.

Memorandum Of Law Support Or Opposition

25 pages

FB-MLR · p. 2
|SecMotions - Memoranda of Law

Document Format Requirements1 rule

Formatting

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Where exhibits are voluminous, they should be placed in binders with tabs.

Summary: Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Tabbed Three Ring
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases

Document Filing Requirements15 rules

Filing Requirements

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The notice of motion and all supporting papers are to be served on the other parties along with a cover letter setting forth whom the movant represent and the papers being served. A copy of the cover letter only is to be electronically filed.

Summary: Motion service must include a cover letter identifying representation and served papers, and only the cover letter copy is to be electronically filed.

Document Type

Notice Of Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 2
|SecMotions - Filing of Motion Papers
Filing Requirements

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The moving party shall be responsible for filing all motion papers via ECF.

Summary: The moving party is responsible for filing all motion papers through ECF.

Document Type

Motion Papers

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 2
|SecMotions - Filing of Motion Papers
Filing Requirements

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ii. The names, addresses (including firm names), and telephone and fax numbers of trial counsel.

Summary: The joint pretrial order must list trial counsel names, addresses, and phone and fax numbers.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 3
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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i. The full caption of the action.

Summary: The joint pretrial order must include the full caption.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Content & Formatting
Caption
FB-MLR · p. 3
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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If the Court determines a joint pre-trial order is needed, then the joint pretrial order shall include the following:

Summary: A joint pretrial order is required when the Court determines one is needed.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 3
|SecPretrial Procedures
Filing Requirements

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viii. A list by each party as to the fact and expert witnesses whose testimony is to be offered in its case in chief, indicting whether such witnesses will testify in person or by deposition. Only listed witnesses will be permitted to testify except when prompt notice has been given and good cause shown.

Summary: Each party must list its fact and expert witnesses and only listed witnesses may testify absent prompt notice and good cause.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 3
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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iii. A brief statement by plaintiff as to the basis of subject matter jurisdiction, and a brief statement by each other party as to the presence or absence of subject matter jurisdiction. Such statements shall include citations to all statutes relied on and relevant facts as to citizenship and jurisdictional amount.

Summary: The joint pretrial order must include party jurisdiction statements with supporting statutes and jurisdictional facts.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 3
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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ii. By claim, a detailed statement regarding damages and other relief sought;

Summary: Each party must file a claim-by-claim detailed statement of damages and other requested relief.

Document Type

Pretrial Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecFilings Prior to Trial in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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i. On the Thursday before trial in jury cases, requests to charge and proposed voir dire questions.

Summary: In jury cases, requests to charge and proposed voir dire questions must be filed on the Thursday before trial.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecFilings Prior to Trial in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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iv. In all cases, motions addressing any evidentiary or other issues which should be resolved in limine; and

Summary: Parties must file motions in limine addressing evidentiary or other issues that should be resolved before trial.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecFilings Prior to Trial in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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iii. In non-jury cases, a statement of the elements of each claim or defense involving such party, together with a summary of the facts relied upon to establish each element;

Summary: In non-jury cases, parties must file claim-and-defense element statements with supporting factual summaries.

Document Type

Non Jury Pretrial Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecFilings Prior to Trial in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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(3) All exhibits must be pre-marked for the trial and exchanged with the other parties at least ten days before trial.

Summary: Exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged at least ten days before trial.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, each party shall file 15 days before the date of commencement of trial if such a date has been fixed, or 30 days after the filing of the final pretrial order if no trial date has been fixed;

Summary: Pretrial filings are due 15 days before trial, or 30 days after the final pretrial order if no trial date is set.

Document Type

Pretrial Filings

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecFilings Prior to Trial in Civil Cases
Filing Requirements

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Memoranda of 10 pages or more shall contain a table of contents.

Summary: Memoranda that are 10 pages or longer must include a table of contents.

Document Type

Memorandum Of Law

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
FB-MLR · p. 2
|SecMotions - Memoranda of Law
Filing Requirements

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The Court needs no copies of any exhibits.

Summary: No exhibit copies are required by the Court.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
FB-MLR · p. 4
|SecJoint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases

Filing & Service rules

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies are not required for motion papers.

Courtesy copies of all motion papers are not required.

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Page 2 | Motions - Courtesy Copies

Filing Bundling Requirements

Motion papers must be held and filed only after briefing is complete.

No motions papers shall be filed until the motion has been fully briefed.

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Page 2 | Motions - Filing of Motion Papers

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

A pre-motion conference is required before filing motions, with discovery motions and listed case categories excluded from this requirement.

For discovery motions, follow Local Civil Rules 37.3 and 6.4. For motions other habeas corpus/prisoner petitions and Social Security and Bankruptcy appeals, a pre-motion conference with the court must be requested before making any motions.

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Page 2 | Motions - Pre-Motion Conference Requests in Civil Cases

A pre-motion conference request requires a moving-party letter of up to 3 pages, and other parties may optionally file a response letter of up to 3 pages within 7 days.

To request a pre-motion conference, the moving party shall submit a letter not to exceed three (3) pages in length setting forth the basis for the anticipated motion. All parties so served may, but are not required to, serve and file a letter response, not to exceed three (3) pages within seven (7) days from service of the notification letter.

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Page 2 | Motions - Pre-Motion Conference Requests in Civil Cases

Pre-motion conference letter requirements do not apply to Rule 50, Rule 59, and Rule 60 motions.

Note that these provisions do not apply to motions other than those specifically enumerated. For example, letters requesting pre-motion conferences do not apply to motions pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 50, 59 and 60, and counsel should be aware that the Court of Appeals will not accept an argument that compliance with district court motion rules should excuse noncompliance with Fed. R. App. P. 4. (Cite).

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Page 2 | Motions - Pre-Motion Conference Requests in Civil Cases

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Adjournment requests for court appearances must be made at least 48 hours in advance unless there is an emergency.

If the request is for an adjournment of a court appearance, absent an emergency, it shall be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled appearance.

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Page 1 | Communications With Chambers - Request for Adjournments or Extension of Time

Adjournment and extension requests must be in writing and include specified prior-request and adversary-position details, plus revised dates when other deadlines are affected.

All requests for adjournments or extensions of time must be in writing and state (1) the original date, (2) the number of previous requests for adjournment or extension, (3) whether these previous requests were granted or denied, and (4) whether the adversary consents, and, if not, the reasons given by the adversary for refusing to consent. If the requested adjournment or extension affects any other scheduled dates, a proposed revised dates must be provided.

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Page 1 | Communications With Chambers - Request for Adjournments or Extension of Time

Chambers Communication Rules

Communications with chambers must be by letter with simultaneous copies to all counsel, and counsel-to-counsel correspondence should not be sent to the Court.

Except as provided below, communications with chambers shall be by letter, with copies simultaneously delivered to all counsel. Copies of correspondence between counsel shall not be sent to the Court.

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Page 1 | Communications With Chambers

Fax communications with chambers require prior authorization.

Faxes to chambers are permitted only if prior authorization is obtained.

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Page 1 | Communications With Chambers

Telephone calls to chambers are permitted, and docketing/scheduling/calendar matters should be directed to (718) 613-2425.

In addition to Paragraph 1(D) below: Telephone calls to chambers are permitted. For docketing, scheduling or calendar matters, call (718) 613-2425.

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Page 1 | Communications With Chambers

Counsel may contact chambers by telephone or letter for pending-motion status and emergency or timing concerns.

Counsel are welcomed to contact chambers either by telephone or letter to inquire as to their pending motion or to notify the Court regarding any emergency or time concerns as to their pending motion.

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Page 1 | Communications With Chambers

Parties may request oral argument by letter when filing a fully briefed motion.

The parties may request oral argument by letter at the time they file their fully briefed motion.

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Page 3 | Motions

About United States District Judge Frederic Block

**District Judge Frederic Block** was appointed to the Eastern District of New York by President William J. Clinton in 1994. He assumed senior status on September 1, 2005. Born in 1934 in Brooklyn, New York, Judge Block maintained private law practices across multiple Long Island communities—including Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Centereach, and Smithtown—from 1961 until his federal appointment in 1994. He also served as an adjunct professor at Touro Law School beginning in 1992. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court (1959–1961). **Education** - Cornell Law School, LL.B., 1959 - Indiana University, A.B., 1956 **Career** - Senior U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of New York, 2005–present - U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of New York, 1994–2005 - Private practice, Long Island, NY, 1961–1994 - Adjunct Professor, Touro Law School, 1992–1994 - Law clerk, New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, 1959–1961

**Courthouse:** 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201 **Phone:** (718) 613-2420 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: (718) 613-2425

Common questions about Judge Frederic Block's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Frederic Block?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Frederic Block. Courtesy copies are not required for motion papers.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions - Courtesy Copies

Does Judge Frederic Block require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Frederic Block's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. A pre-motion conference is required before filing motions, with discovery motions and listed case categories excluded from this requirement.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions - Pre-Motion Conference Requests in Civil Cases

What page or word limits apply to memorandum of law support or opposition before Judge Frederic Block?

Judge Frederic Block's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Memoranda in support of and opposition to motions are limited to 25 pages unless prior permission is granted.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions - Memoranda of Law

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Frederic Block?

Judge Frederic Block's formatting rule includes binding tabbed 3-ring and where exhibits are voluminous, they should be placed in binders with tabs.. Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Joint Pretrial Orders in Civil Cases

What must be included with notice of motion filings before Judge Frederic Block?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Motion service must include a cover letter identifying representation and served papers, and only the cover letter copy is to be electronically filed.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions - Filing of Motion Papers

What must be included with motion papers filings before Judge Frederic Block?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The moving party is responsible for filing all motion papers through ECF.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions - Filing of Motion Papers

How may parties contact Judge Frederic Block's chambers?

The rule addresses letter ecf communications with Judge Frederic Block's chambers. Communications with chambers must be by letter with simultaneous copies to all counsel, and counsel-to-counsel correspondence should not be sent to the Court.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications With Chambers

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Frederic Block?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include original date, number of previous requests, previous requests granted or denied, adversary position, affects other dates, and proposed new dates. Adjournment and extension requests must be in writing and include specified prior-request and adversary-position details, plus revised dates when other deadlines are affected.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications With Chambers - Request for Adjournments or Extension of Time

Does Judge Frederic Block require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Frederic Block requires bundling for covered papers. Motion papers must be held and filed only after briefing is complete.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions - Filing of Motion Papers
Complete rules summary for Judge Frederic Block

Communications with chambers must be by letter with simultaneous copies to all counsel, and counsel-to-counsel correspondence should not be sent to the Court.

Counsel may contact chambers by telephone or letter for pending-motion status and emergency or timing concerns.

Telephone calls to chambers are permitted, and docketing/scheduling/calendar matters should be directed to (718) 613-2425.

Fax communications with chambers require prior authorization.

Adjournment and extension requests must be in writing and include specified prior-request and adversary-position details, plus revised dates when other deadlines are affected.

Adjournment requests for court appearances must be made at least 48 hours in advance unless there is an emergency.

A pre-motion conference is required before filing motions, with discovery motions and listed case categories excluded from this requirement.

A pre-motion conference request requires a moving-party letter of up to 3 pages, and other parties may optionally file a response letter of up to 3 pages within 7 days.

Pre-motion conference letter requirements do not apply to Rule 50, Rule 59, and Rule 60 motions.

Courtesy copies are not required for motion papers.

Memoranda in support of and opposition to motions are limited to 25 pages unless prior permission is granted.

Memoranda that are 10 pages or longer must include a table of contents.

Motion papers must be held and filed only after briefing is complete.

Motion service must include a cover letter identifying representation and served papers, and only the cover letter copy is to be electronically filed.

The moving party is responsible for filing all motion papers through ECF.

Parties may request oral argument by letter when filing a fully briefed motion.

A joint pretrial order is required when the Court determines one is needed.

The joint pretrial order must include the full caption.

The joint pretrial order must list trial counsel names, addresses, and phone and fax numbers.

The joint pretrial order must include party jurisdiction statements with supporting statutes and jurisdictional facts.

Each party must list its fact and expert witnesses and only listed witnesses may testify absent prompt notice and good cause.

Exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged at least ten days before trial.

Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.

No exhibit copies are required by the Court.

Pretrial filings are due 15 days before trial, or 30 days after the final pretrial order if no trial date is set.

In jury cases, requests to charge and proposed voir dire questions must be filed on the Thursday before trial.

Each party must file a claim-by-claim detailed statement of damages and other requested relief.

In non-jury cases, parties must file claim-and-defense element statements with supporting factual summaries.

Parties must file motions in limine addressing evidentiary or other issues that should be resolved before trial.

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