Eastern District of Pennsylvania Chambers Communication Rules

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Contact

Email to chambers

Phone

267-299-7361

Counsel generally may not contact law clerks directly; Chambers communication usually goes through the Judge’s Deputy by phone or email, and clerk-initiated contact is at the Judge’s direction.

Judge Younge generally does not permit counsel to directly communicate with law clerks. If a law clerk contacts counsel, it is at Judge Younge’s direction. Usually, communication with Chambers shall occur via Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan, at 267-299-7361, or via e-mail to Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Counsel must discuss objections to videotaped testimony before trial in an effort to resolve them.

Counsel must discuss in advance of trial all objections to the presentation of videotaped testimony to resolve all conflicts.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Counsel are expected to discuss and attempt to resolve objections to exhibits and testimony before submitting unresolved objections to the Court.

It is expected that counsel have discussed and have attempted to resolve all objections to exhibits and testimony prior to submitting those objections to this Court, leaving only those objections the parties could not resolve.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026INFO

Civil cases

Parties are encouraged to contact the Court’s civil deputy, with opposing counsel, to arrange a call to help streamline the case schedule or discovery.

The Court will entertain reasonable requests to streamline the case schedule and discovery and encourages the parties to contact the Court’s civil deputy (with opposing counsel) to arrange a call with the Court when such interaction might help streamline the case.

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Counsel are advised to provide current telephone and fax numbers to the Clerk’s Office.

Counsel are advised to submit current telephone and fax numbers to the Clerk’s Office.

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Counsel may contact Chambers the day before a hearing or trial to learn the assigned courtroom.

Counsel may contact Chambers the day prior to any hearing or trial to ascertain the assigned courtroom.

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Counsel are strongly urged to resolve discovery disputes among themselves.

When a discovery dispute arises, counsel are strongly urged to settle it amongst themselves.

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Contact

Email to chambers ?

Any contact should only come after notifying other counsel of the intent to reach out to Chambers.

Summary: Counsel must notify opposing counsel before making any contact with Chambers.

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Contact

Email to chambers ?

Parties should not email Chambers on substantive matters. Parties may contact Chambers via email in the following situations: (1) When counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information by letter or email or in response to same by the Court; (2) When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16 Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the summary judgment date and dates thereafter including trial; (3) When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by a personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness, or counsel's immediate family, such as medical problems, vacation plans, or other similarly personal problems or questions; (4) When the parties seek Court approval of stipulated proposals (which should include a signature and date line so that Judge Kenney can indicate his approval prior to filing on the docket); (5) When the parties have remaining administrative or scheduling questions after

Summary: Chambers email is prohibited for substantive matters and permitted only for the five enumerated situations (court-requested communications, uncontested Rule 16 continuance requests not affecting the summary judgment date or later dates, personal matters affecting participation, stipulated proposals seeking approval, and administrative/scheduling questions).

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Contact

Email to chambers ?

All other communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to Judge Kenney's calendar should be made by the filing of a pleading, motion or other filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. Do not write letters or emails to the Court that are properly the subject of these filings unless given authorization. The Court does not do litigation by letter.

Summary: All other communications must be made by filing a pleading, motion, or other filing; letters and emails to the Court on matters properly subject to filings are prohibited unless authorized.

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Contact

Letter ecf to chambers ?

shall be prepared to state the position of opposing counsel. Regarding criminal matters, counsel must also confer with any assigned officer, pretrial services officer or probation officer, prior to communicating with the Court.

Summary: Before communicating with the Court, counsel must confer with opposing counsel and be prepared to state opposing counsel's position; in criminal matters, counsel must also confer with the assigned officer, pretrial services officer, or probation officer first.

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Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Any Stipulation that requires court approval is to be emailed to Chambers at: Chambers_of_Judge_Gerald_McHugh@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Stipulations requiring court approval must be emailed to Chambers at Chambers_of_Judge_Gerald_McHugh@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Civil cases

Contact

Email to chambers ?

Any Stipulation for Protective Order is to be emailed to Chambers at: Chambers_of_Judge_Gerald_McHugh@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Stipulations for protective order must be emailed to Chambers at Chambers_of_Judge_Gerald_McHugh@paed.uscourts.gov.

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If a matter settles before the scheduled arbitration date or the parties need to continue the arbitration, counsel is to notify Judge Toplin's chambers immediately.

Summary: Counsel must notify Judge Toplin's chambers immediately if a matter settles before the scheduled arbitration date or if the parties need to continue the arbitration.

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Contact

Email to chambers ?

Judge Toplin requires that all relevant documents be emailed to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Toplin@paed.uscourts.gov and Tashia_Reynolds@paed.uscourts.gov in advance of court.

Summary: All relevant documents must be emailed to Judge Toplin's chambers email address and Tashia Reynolds in advance of court.

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Email to chambers ?

Emails with any Chambers personnel should copy the Chambers email address.

Summary: All emails with any Chambers personnel must copy the Chambers email address.

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel should not seek to engage in advocacy during any administrative contact with Chambers staff. It is presumed that all counsel are aware of any communication made with Chambers and have been copied on any emails or other correspondence.

Summary: Counsel must not engage in advocacy during administrative contacts with Chambers staff, and all counsel are presumed aware of and copied on any such communications.

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Contact

Phone ?

Rule 16's and any subsequent case management conferences are held in the courtroom on the record. Telephone Rule 16s are not favored and are granted only upon exigent circumstances. Counsel are litigating in this District so they need to be readily available then to appear in court in person in the District.

Summary: Rule 16 conferences are held in person in the courtroom on the record; telephone Rule 16 conferences are disfavored and granted only upon exigent circumstances.

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Email to chambers ?

Any stipulation for a protective order should be sent to Chambers via email for Court approval.

Summary: Stipulations for protective orders must be emailed to Chambers for Court approval.

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Contact

Phone to clerk ?

If a criminal defendant decides to plead guilty to an indictment or an information, counsel shall contact the Court’s deputy clerk to schedule a hearing.

Summary: When a criminal defendant will plead guilty, counsel must contact the Court's deputy clerk to schedule the plea hearing.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

As such, if the attorneys would like to use any electronic presentation technology, then counsel must supply their own equipment. In this instance, counsel must contact the deputy clerk in chambers and make the proper arrangements. The deputy clerk will need to provide security clearance for those individuals or firms delivering any technology systems to the courtroom.

Summary: Counsel using electronic presentation technology must supply their own equipment and contact the deputy clerk in chambers in advance to make arrangements, with the deputy clerk providing security clearance for those delivering the technology systems.

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Contact

Letter ecf to chambers ?

Counsel and pro se parties may correspond with the Court concerning scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters or to advise the Court that a case has been settled. All other communications with the Court should be made by the filing of pleadings, motions, applications, briefs or similar filing permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Criminal or Civil Procedure.

Summary: Counsel and pro se parties may correspond with the Court only regarding scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters, or settlement notice; all other communications must be made by formal filing.

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Contact

Phone to clerk ?

Phone

267-299-7530

Telephone calls regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Pappert’s Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Katie Rolon, at 267-299-7530. Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.

Summary: Telephone calls on civil and criminal cases must go to Courtroom Deputy Clerk Katie Rolon at 267-299-7530, and direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Pappert through his Civil Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.

Summary: In civil cases, counsel for the moving party must initiate the telephone conference and contact the Judge through his Civil Deputy Clerk once all parties are on the call.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

In a criminal case, the United States Attorney’s Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting Judge Pappert through his Criminal Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.

Summary: In criminal cases, the United States Attorney’s Office must initiate the telephone conference call and contact the Judge through his Criminal Deputy Clerk once all parties are on the call.

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Contact

Phone

Counsel may not use cell phones on any telephone conferences with the Court.

Summary: Counsel are prohibited from using cell phones on any telephone conferences with the Court.

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Contact

Letter ecf to chambers ?

In general, Judge Pappert expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel. When communicating with the Court, counsel shall be prepared to state the position of opposing counsel.

Summary: Counsel should generally discuss matters with opposing counsel before raising them with the Court and, when communicating with the Court, must be prepared to state opposing counsel's position.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Judge Toplin permits counsel to communicate with her courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.

Summary: Counsel may contact the courtroom deputy and law clerks about scheduling and administrative matters, but never about the merits of the case.

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It will be the responsibility of all counsel seeking relief to initiate any such conference by contacting the Judge's courtroom deputy, Tashia Reynolds.

Summary: Counsel seeking relief must initiate the telephone conference by contacting courtroom deputy Tashia Reynolds.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Judge Toplin expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Toplin permits contact with the Court through her courtroom deputy to set up telephone or chambers conferences to resolve outstanding issues. The use of motion practice in discovery matters is discouraged.

Summary: Parties must attempt to resolve discovery disputes in good faith; if unresolved, counsel may contact the courtroom deputy to arrange telephone or chambers conferences, and motion practice in discovery matters is discouraged.

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In exceptional circumstances, Judge Toplin may permit a person to virtually participate in an in-person conference. Counsel seeking relief must contact chambers as soon as they are aware of a problem with attendance. Counsel and the parties must strictly adhere to this procedure.

Summary: Counsel must contact chambers as soon as they become aware of an attendance problem; virtual participation in an in-person conference is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Judge Toplin will not require counsel to remain in the courthouse during deliberations but will require counsel to be available on short telephone notice. Counsel must provide the courtroom deputy with their phone number.

Summary: Counsel need not remain in the courthouse during jury deliberations but must be available on short telephone notice and must give their phone number to the courtroom deputy.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

(6) To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed, or otherwise finally disposed; or

Summary: Counsel may contact chambers to confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed, or otherwise finally disposed.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(267) 299-7541

Communications and correspondence regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Kenney's Deputy Clerk, Shelli L. MacElderry, at telephone number (267) 299-7541 or email address Chambers_of_Judge_Chad_F_Kenney@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Communications regarding civil and criminal cases must be directed to Judge Kenney's Deputy Clerk at (267) 299-7541.

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Phone to chambers ?

(7) If counsel has not received a disposition on a motion for class certification, for summary judgment, or a motion requiring a decision regarding qualified immunity within ninety days of the motion being fully briefed (and argued where applicable); or sixty days for all other motions.

Summary: Counsel may contact chambers about a pending motion if no disposition has been received within 90 days after a class certification, summary judgment, or qualified immunity motion is fully briefed (and argued where applicable), or within 60 days for all other motions.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

When a written communication concerning a case cannot timely address a last-minute development, counsel may initiate necessary telephone communications with Chambers.

Summary: Counsel may initiate telephone communications with Chambers when a written communication cannot timely address a last-minute development.

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Contact

Email to chambers ?

For decisions on class certification, summary judgment, motions to compel arbitration, and decisions regarding qualified immunity, counsel may send an email inquiry if the Court has not ruled on the motion within ninety days after full briefing (and argument if applicable). In all other instances, counsel may reach out and inquire after sixty days.

Summary: Counsel may email chambers to inquire about undecided motions after 90 days (class certification, summary judgment, motions to compel arbitration, qualified immunity) or after 60 days for all other motions.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Kenney permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions,

Summary: Judge Kenney permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes that arise during depositions.

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Email to clerk ?

Counsel are advised to consult the materials available on the Eastern District of Pennsylvania's website at https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/arbitration-department and direct questions or correspondence regarding the arbitration hearing to the arbitration clerk at PAED_arbitration@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Questions and correspondence about the arbitration hearing should be directed to the arbitration clerk at PAED_arbitration@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Contact

Email to clerk ?

If counsel file sealed documents, then counsel must submit the sealed documents, and a motion to impound, to the Office of the Clerk of Court via email at ECF_Documents@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Sealed documents and motions to impound are submitted to the Clerk of Court via the designated email address ECF_Documents@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7301

Counsel should not hesitate to contact Chambers where necessary to facilitate the progress of a case, by phone (267-299-7301), fax (267-299-5020), or email (Chambers_of_Judge_Gerald_McHugh@paed.uscourts.gov). District courts must manage a daunting caseload. If counsel is concerned that a matter may have been overlooked, or that the Court may not be aware that an issue is time sensitive, they are invited to make an appropriate inquiry of Chambers.

Summary: Counsel may contact Chambers by phone (267-299-7301) to facilitate case progress and to inquire about matters that may have been overlooked or are time sensitive.

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Civil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers ?

If a dispute arises during a deposition, counsel are invited to call Chambers in the event that the Judge is available to supply an immediate ruling.

Summary: Counsel may call Chambers when a dispute arises during a deposition to obtain an immediate ruling if the Judge is available.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Pappert encourages parties to address routine discovery disputes through the scheduling of a telephone conference.

Summary: Judge Pappert encourages parties to address routine discovery disputes through scheduled telephone conferences with the Court.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Pappert permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.

Summary: Judge Pappert permits telephone conferences with the Court to resolve disputes arising during depositions that would otherwise have to be adjourned.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

If Judge Pappert believes oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, he will schedule it, particularly when it involves a dispositive motion. A party desiring oral argument should request it by letter or in the body of the motion or responsive pleading.

Summary: Parties may request oral argument by letter or in the body of a motion or responsive pleading, and the Court will schedule argument when it believes argument will be helpful, particularly for dispositive motions.

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Contact

Email to chambers ?

Chambers_Judge_Toplin@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Judge Toplin's chambers email address is Chambers_Judge_Toplin@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7500

267-299-7500

Summary: Judge Toplin's chambers telephone number is 267-299-7500.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Toplin permits correspondence from counsel on any matter, providing all other counsel in the matter are provided copies of such correspondence; and unless otherwise specified.

Summary: Counsel may send correspondence to Judge Toplin on any matter, provided all other counsel receive copies.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Toplin sometimes permits letter motions in lieu of formal motions.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Toplin prefers telephone conferences to be utilized for matters such as scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes.

Summary: Judge Toplin prefers telephone conferences for scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time, and routine discovery disputes.

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Email to chambers ?

When a case is referred to Judge Toplin for a settlement conference by a district judge, counsel will receive an email from Judge Toplin's Deputy, Tashia Reynolds, with Judge Toplin's availability and instruction regarding schedule a settlement conference. If you have any questions about scheduling a settlement conference, email Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Toplin@paed.uscourts.gov .

Summary: Questions about scheduling a settlement conference should be emailed to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Toplin@paed.uscourts.gov, and counsel will receive scheduling instructions from the Deputy after referral.

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Contact

Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7500

Counsel may contact Tashia Reynolds (267-299-7500) if there are any questions regarding the matters before the Court.

Summary: Counsel may call Tashia Reynolds at 267-299-7500 with questions regarding matters before the Court.

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To the extent deemed necessary by Judge Toplin, oral arguments and evidentiary hearings will be scheduled through the courtroom deputy.

Summary: Oral arguments and evidentiary hearings deemed necessary by Judge Toplin are scheduled through the courtroom deputy.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

G. All other written communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to the Court’s calendar should be by the filing of a pleading, motion, application, brief, legal memorandum or other similar filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or our Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. Do not write letters to the Court that are properly the subject of these filings.

Summary: All other communications should be filed as pleadings, motions, or applications.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Communications regarding cases must be made through filing a pleading, motion, or application through Electronic Case Filing (ECF) whenever possible.

Summary: Case communications must be filed through ECF whenever possible

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Letter ecf to clerk ?

All pro se communications must be sent to the clerks' office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Henry or her chambers directly.

Summary: Pro se litigants must contact clerks' office, not chambers

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Email to chambers ?

Communications regarding cases must be made through filing a pleading, motion, or application through Electronic Case Filing (ECF) whenever possible. Email correspondence regarding cases is permitted in the following situations: • To advise the Court of unanticipated schedule changes (less than seven (7) business days in advance of a deadline) or schedule changes due to personal or medical issues that counsel does not wish to file on the docket. • To promptly advise the Court that a case has been settled.

Summary: Case communications must use ECF; email only permitted for schedule changes and settlement notice.

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Letter ecf to clerk ?

All pro se communications must be sent to the clerks' office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Henry or her chambers directly.

Summary: Pro se litigants must send communications to clerks' office; direct contact with chambers prohibited.

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Email to chambers

The change of plea memorandum shall be submitted to chambers by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Guilty plea memorandum must be submitted to chambers via email.

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Email to chambers

All Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda shall also be promptly delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word Format by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be emailed to chambers.

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Civil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk ?

A party may not file a Motion to Compel discovery unless: (1) lead counsel have met and conferred in good faith to try to resolve the dispute, and (2) the party has contacted the Court’s law clerk (with opposing counsel) to arrange a telephone conference with the Court to summarize the dispute and the parties respective positions.

Summary: To arrange the required discovery-dispute conference, the party must contact the Court’s law clerk by involving opposing counsel and arranging a telephone conference with the Court.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers

At least five days prior to the Settlement Conference. a confidential Settlement Memorandum should be sent via email to chambers at chambers weilheimer@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: The Settlement Memorandum must be emailed to chambers at least five days before the conference.

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Email to chambers ?

Continuance requests must be put in writing via email only.

Summary: Continuance requests must be submitted in writing via email only

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Letter fax to chambers ?

Faxes are not accepted.

Summary: Fax communications are not accepted by chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

All requests and written communication with chambers should be made through an appropriate ECF filing. Requests for relief should almost always be made by motion. E-mail (murphy_chambers@paed.uscourts.gov) or other written communication is permitted only when directed or because of a scheduling emergency.

Summary: All communications with chambers must be via ECF filing unless directed otherwise or in scheduling emergencies.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Gallagher requires all attorneys to use Electronic Case Filing (ECF). Attorneys appearing before Judge Gallagher are required to register as ECF Filing Users in accordance with Local Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1.2. Pro se parties are not required to use ECF.

Summary: Attorneys must use ECF and register as ECF Filing Users; pro se parties exempt.

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Judge Younge does not permit ex parte communication with the Court, written or otherwise.

Summary: Ex parte communications with the Court are prohibited, whether written or otherwise.

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Email to chambers ?

All documents must be sent via e-mail: Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: All listed pretrial submissions must be sent by email to Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Email to chambers ?

Documents must be submitted via e-mail to Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format - .pdf format is not acceptable.

Summary: Pre-trial submissions must be emailed to Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format; PDF is not acceptable.

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Email to chambers ?

Communications Policy - General Communication with chambers is permitted by e-mail, telephone, letter, or facsimile regarding scheduling and non-substantive matters only, with the exception of the procedures for raising discovery disputes with the Court.

Summary: Chambers communication allowed only for scheduling and non-substantive matters via email, phone, letter, or fax

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Email to chambers ?

An e-mail does not constitute a filing.

Summary: Emails to chambers do not constitute official filings

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Email to chambers ?

Stipulations should be sent by e-mail or facsimile to chambers with a proposed form of order for Court approval.

Summary: Stipulations should be sent by email or fax to chambers with proposed order

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Email to chambers ?

Stipulations should not be sent to the Clerk of Court.

Summary: Stipulations should not be sent to the Clerk of Court

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Phone to chambers ?

In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting the Judge through the Judge's Civil Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.

Summary: In civil cases, moving party counsel initiates telephone conferences through Civil Deputy Clerk

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Phone to chambers ?

In a criminal case, the United States Attorney's Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting the Judge through the Judge's Criminal Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.

Summary: In criminal cases, USAO initiates telephone conferences through Criminal Deputy Clerk

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Phone to chambers ?

Requests for Court approval for the parties to provide and pay for (at the parties' expense) courtroom technology should be directed to the Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Justin F. Wood.

Summary: Requests for courtroom technology approval should be directed to Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Phone

Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk

Any requests concerning seating (e.g., requests for more than one counsel table or special requests for seating, visual aids, etc.) are to be submitted to the Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Justin F. Wood, at least one week before trial.

Summary: Seating requests must be submitted to Deputy Clerk at least one week before trial

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In person to witness ?

Counsel may not approach a witness without leave of court.

Summary: Counsel must obtain court permission before approaching a witness.

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In person to witness ?

Counsel are reminded that they may not discuss a witness’s testimony with him or her once that witness has begun testifying until the witness is excused.

Summary: Counsel cannot discuss testimony with a witness after they begin testifying until excused.

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In person to witness ?

Only one attorney for each side may examine the same witness or address the jury during opening statements or closing arguments.

Summary: Only one attorney per side may examine a witness or address the jury.

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In person to witness ?

If counsel wishes to examine a witness on the basis of a prior written statement made by the witness, the witness shall first be shown the statement and asked whether he or she acknowledges having made it.

Summary: Witness must be shown prior written statement and asked to acknowledge it before examination.

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In person to witness ?

If counsel wishes to cross-examine a witness on the basis of a deposition, counsel must give a copy of the deposition to the witness, who will be permitted to read the deposition and to adopt or deny the testimony before counsel may proceed with cross-examination.

Summary: Witness must be given deposition copy to read and adopt/deny before cross-examination.

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In person to court ?

Counsel are to bring objections to the Court’s attention at the time of the final pretrial conference. After the Court rules on any objections, counsel is required to edit the video recording before offering the videotaped testimony at trial.

Summary: Objections to videotaped testimony must be raised at final pretrial conference; counsel must edit video after court rules.

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Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.

Summary: No ex parte communication with chambers personnel about substantive matters

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel should direct communications concerning administrative or procedural matters to a Courtroom Deputy or Chambers. Parties may submit letters (when appropriate) via email, but they must limit such communications to routine matters for which no opposition is anticipated or required. Responsive letters should only be submitted at Judge Wolson’s request.

Summary: Administrative or procedural communications must be directed to a Courtroom Deputy or Chambers; emails for letters are only allowed for routine matters with no anticipated opposition, and responsive letters require Judge Wolson’s request.

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Email to chambers ?

Emails to Judge Wolson must include the case name and docket number in the subject line. Judge Wolson will filter emails based on certain terminology in the subject line. Therefore, to ensure that emails receive prompt attention, where appropriate, emails to Judge Wolson must also use the following verbiage in the subject line: Contents of email Required verbiage Letters seeking extensions “request for extension” Letters seeking continuances “request for continuance” Proposed orders “proposed order” Stipulation “stipulation” Rule 26(f) reports “26(f) report” Letters seeking leave to exceed a “page limits” page limit Letters confirming that the parties “deposition scheduling” have set aside dates for depositions Letters updating Judge Wolson on “settlement status” the status of settlement discussions

Summary: Emails to Judge Wolson must include the case name and docket number in the subject line, plus required verbiage corresponding to the email’s content.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Wolson must receive any request to exceed an applicable page limit at least seven days before the filing is due. Counsel may make such a request via letter emailed to Chambers with the words “page limits” in the subject line. Counsel making such a request should confer with opposing counsel and set forth opposing counsel’s position in the letter.

Summary: Requests to exceed applicable page limits must be received at least seven days before the filing due date, emailed to Chambers with 'page limits' in the subject line, and include opposing counsel's position after conferral.

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel should contact Judge Wolson by phone for any issues that arise during depositions. Counsel should not walk out of a deposition before trying to contact Judge Wolson and obtain guidance.

Summary: Counsel must contact Judge Wolson by phone for deposition issues before walking out of a deposition.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Sánchez permits communications with chambers by telephone, letter, email, or facsimile regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters only. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.

Summary: Chambers communication limited to scheduling and non-substantive matters only; no ex parte substantive communications allowed.

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Email to chambers

Correspondence directed to Judge Sánchez may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy, by facsimile, or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, with a copy to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov. Emails must include the Case Name and Case Number in the subject line. Written communications with chambers must be copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties.

Summary: Correspondence to chambers must include case name/number in subject line and be copied to all parties.

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Letter

If good cause exists, a continuance must be sought as soon as possible. Requests for continuances should be directed to Judge Sánchez by letter and may be emailed to chambers with a copy to opposing counsel.

Summary: Continuance requests must be made promptly by letter or email with copy to opposing counsel.

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Email to chambers

Correspondence directed to Judge Sánchez may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy, by facsimile, or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, and must be copied to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Correspondence to Judge Sánchez must be copied to Nancy DeLisle.

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Email to chambers ?

In criminal cases, counsel may communicate with Judge Sánchez’s Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, by email regarding scheduling matters at Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov; however, requests for a continuance of any court proceeding or an extension of any case management deadline must be directed to Judge Sánchez by motion with proposed order.

Summary: Email scheduling allowed with deputy; continuance requests must be motions with proposed orders.

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Email to chambers ?

Communications with chambers should be copied to all counsel.

Summary: All chambers communications must be copied to all counsel.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Sánchez permits communications with chambers by telephone, letter, email, or facsimile regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters only. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.

Summary: Chambers communications are limited to scheduling and non-substantive matters; ex parte substantive communications are prohibited.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Requests for a continuance of any court proceeding or an extension of any case management deadline must be directed to Judge Sánchez by letter.

Summary: Continuance and extension requests must be submitted by letter to Judge Sánchez.

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Email to chambers ?

Emails must include the Case Name and Case Number in the subject line.

Summary: Emails to chambers must include case name and case number in the subject line.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Written communications with chambers must be copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties.

Summary: Written communications to chambers must be copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties.

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Email to chambers ?

In the event the parties are unable to resolve a discovery dispute on their own, counsel should request a telephone conference with Judge Sánchez by emailing a letter to chambers briefly outlining the nature of the dispute. The letter must certify that counsel have made a good faith effort to resolve the issue themselves.

Summary: Discovery disputes require emailing a letter to chambers requesting a phone conference and certifying good faith resolution efforts.

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Email to chambers ?

Upon reaching a settlement, counsel must notify Judge Sánchez's chambers immediately and request dismissal of the action pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 41.1.

Summary: Settlement requires immediate notification to chambers and dismissal request per Local Rule 41.1.

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Email to chambers

The joint requested points for charge and joint verdict slip shall be filed on the docket, one instruction per page in sequence, and shall be sent by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format. An email to chambers does not constitute filing.

Summary: Joint requested points for charge and verdict slip must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format in addition to being filed on the docket.

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Email to chambers ?

In criminal cases, counsel may communicate with Judge Sánchez's Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, by email regarding scheduling matters at Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov; however, requests for a continuance of any court proceeding or an extension of any case management deadline must be directed to Judge Sánchez by motion with proposed order.

Summary: Criminal case scheduling matters may be emailed to Courtroom Deputy, but continuance/extension requests must be by motion with proposed order.

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Email to chambers ?

Email this form to Chambers no later than one day before the Rule 16 Conference

Summary: Form must be emailed to chambers one day before Rule 16 conference

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Email to chambers ?

Email this form to Chambers no later than one day before the Rule 16 Conference chambers_of_judge_sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Joint Rule 16 Conference Information Report must be emailed to chambers at least one day before the Rule 16 conference.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel and pro se parties should direct communications concerning administrative or procedural matters to Courtroom Deputies or Chambers. Direct communications with law clerks is prohibited.

Summary: Communications with law clerks are prohibited; direct administrative/procedural matters to Courtroom Deputies or Chambers.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

The Court expects to be promptly advised in writing whenever any case has been resolved.

Summary: Court must be promptly advised in writing when any case is resolved.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7370

In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Marston through her Deputy Clerk (via Chambers line 267-299-7370) after all parties are present on the call. In a criminal case, the United States Attorney’s Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting Judge Marston through her Deputy Clerk (via Chambers line 267-299-7370) after all the parties are present on the call.

Summary: In civil cases, moving party's counsel initiates phone conferences; in criminal cases, USAO initiates. Contact Deputy Clerk at 267-299-7370 after all parties are present.

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Counsel and parties are prohibited from recording any conferences or proceedings, including via any artificial intelligence tool.

Summary: Recording of conferences or proceedings, including via AI tools, is prohibited.

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Counsel shall not send copies of correspondence among and between counsel to the Court.

Summary: Copies of correspondence between counsel should not be sent to the Court.

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Email to clerk ?

The Court expects all counsel (including pro se Plaintiffs or Defendants) to be registered on the ECF system for the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. All official filings submitted to the Clerk of Court must be filed directly by the filing attorney onto ECF.

Summary: All counsel must be registered on ECF and file directly onto the system.

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Email to chambers ?

In addition to filing the proposed jury instructions and verdict form on the Court’s docket, the parties must e-mail the documents in Word format to Chambers_Judge_Marston@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be emailed to Chambers in Word format.

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In person ?

The Court does not permit speaking objections. If counsel needs to be heard on a matter immediately, request a sidebar. The Court generally prefers to avoid sidebars. Therefore, the Court encourages counsel to raise evidentiary issues at the final pretrial conference or outside the presence of the jury, whenever possible.

Summary: No speaking objections; request sidebar for immediate matters; raise evidentiary issues at final pretrial conference or outside jury presence.

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Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.

Summary: Ex parte communications with Chambers personnel about substantive matters are prohibited.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7550

Judge Hodge permits communications with Chambers by telephone, or letter sent via email regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. An email request without a letter will not be considered. All other issues must be addressed by an appropriate motion or other document filed on the docket. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or any other relief. For civil and criminal scheduling, case management and general inquiries contact: Leesa Ciamiachelo, Deputy and Courtroom Services Clerk, Telephone: 267-299-7550 (Chambers) or 267-299-7559 (Direct Dial), Email: Leesa_ciamaichelo@paed.uscourts.gov and Judge Hodge Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov. Judge Hodge prohibits any communications to her personal email.

Summary: Chambers communications permitted by phone for scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications; law clerks cannot grant relief.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Hodge permits communications with Chambers by telephone, or letter sent via email regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. An email request without a letter will not be considered. All other issues must be addressed by an appropriate motion or other document filed on the docket. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or any other relief. Judge Hodge prohibits any communications to her personal email.

Summary: Letters sent via email permitted for scheduling/non-substantive matters; email alone without letter not considered.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Hodge prohibits any communications to her personal email.

Summary: Communications to Judge Hodge's personal email are prohibited.

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Email to chambers

The parties must file on ECF (unless leave of Court is requested) and email to Chambers a Rule 26(f) report using the template provided on Judge Hodge’s website at least seven (7) days before the Rule 16 conference.

Summary: Parties must email Rule 26(f) reports to Chambers at least 7 days before the Rule 16 conference.

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Email to chambers ?

Upon reaching a settlement, counsel must notify Judge Hodge’s Chambers immediately and request dismissal of the action pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 41.1.

Summary: Counsel must immediately notify Chambers upon reaching a settlement and request dismissal under Local Rule 41.1.

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Email to chambers ?

Extension requests should be made by letter sent via email and counsel requesting the extension shall include the basis for the request and state the position of opposing counsel. An email request without a letter attached will not be considered.

Summary: Extension requests must be sent via email with a letter attachment; emails without a letter will not be considered.

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Email to chambers ?

Should there be no response by the Court to any such voucher within ten (10) days of submission, counsel MUST email Chambers to advise that the eVoucher remains pending.

Summary: If no Court response to eVoucher submission within 10 days, counsel must email Chambers.

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Phone to chambers ?

No telephone communications from pro se parties

Summary: Pro se parties prohibited from telephone communications.

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Email to chambers ?

No communication with law clerks or interns

Summary: Communication with law clerks or interns prohibited.

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Letter to chambers ?

We are governed by Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 47(a). Other than as listed below or otherwise directed by Judge Kearney, a request for direction must be made through a pleading, motion, application, or similar filing with service upon all parties. Requests for extension of time to respond to a pleading or motion or a request for the extension of the dates in a scheduling order must be made by motion or stipulation demonstrating good cause which can be reviewed and ruled upon. Judge Kearney will not accept letter requests for extensions of time set by the Federal or Local Rules or our scheduling Orders.

Summary: Requests for extensions must be made by motion or stipulation with good cause, not by letter.

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Letter to chambers ?

Correspondence, not to exceed two pages, may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Chambers copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties only in the following instances: 1. Counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate information by letter; 2. An uncontested request for an extension of sentencing; 3. A scheduling request based on an unanticipated and irreversible personal matter concerning counsel, a party or counsel's immediate family not warranting public access; or, 4. A case, or portions of a case, settled.

Summary: Limited correspondence (max 2 pages) allowed for specific circumstances only.

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Letter to chambers ?

We will not accept unsolicited communications unless pre-approved by Judge Kearney.

Summary: Unsolicited communications are prohibited unless pre-approved.

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone and fax communications by a pro se party are prohibited unless approved by Judge Kearney beforehand and an ESR/Court Reporter is present. Pro se parties may not appear for hearings by telephone unless permitted for good cause, such as incarcerated persons in civil cases.

Summary: Pro se parties prohibited from telephone/fax communications unless pre-approved with ESR present.

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Phone to chambers ?

We may allow telephonic or video conferences for matters not involving pro se parties who are not in custody. We require conferences involving pro se parties not in custody to be held in the Courtroom unless excused based on extraordinary grounds such as a courthouse closure.

Summary: Remote conferences allowed for non-pro se parties; pro se parties must appear in person unless excused.

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Phone to chambers ?

Participants in telephonic or video conferences and their agents may not record or otherwise create an artificial intelligence summary of off-the-record proceedings consistent with our practices in the Courtroom and the Court’s published Protocols for Remote Proceedings (https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/sites/paed/file/documents/Protocols%20for%20Remote%20Pro ceedings.pdf).

Summary: Recording and AI summaries prohibited during remote proceedings.

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Phone to chambers ?

We require all scheduling conferences and hearings with pro se parties not in custody to be held in the Courtroom unless excused by Judge Kearney for extraordinary reasons based on Judge Kearney’s schedule

Summary: Pro se parties must appear in person for scheduling conferences unless excused.

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Private conference ?

Counsel must confer privately to resolve any unanticipated evidentiary issues which may arise during trial. If unsuccessful in resolving the issues, counsel should only bring a matter to the Courtroom Deputy’s attention at the beginning of the day or during an appropriate break when the jury is not present.

Summary: Counsel must first confer privately to resolve evidentiary issues, then notify courtroom deputy during breaks.

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Evidentiary conference

All evidentiary conferences in the courtroom are on the record.

Summary: All courtroom evidentiary conferences are on the record.

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Email to chambers

The United States must submit a guilty plea memorandum at least two days prior to the change of plea hearing... The change of plea memorandum shall be provided in Microsoft Word Format by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Kearney@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Guilty plea memorandum must be emailed to Judge Kearney's chambers in Word format.

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Email to chambers ?

If an agreement has been reached to request Judge Kearney set an expedited sentencing, the United States must notify Chambers and the probation office at least two days prior to the change of plea hearing.

Summary: Expedited sentencing requests require 2-day notice to chambers and probation office.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel shall provide all character letters by email at least three days before sentencing to Chambers_of_Judge_Kearney@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Character letters must be emailed to Judge Kearney's chambers 3 days before sentencing.

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Email to chambers

Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda shall also be promptly delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word Format by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Kearney@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: PSI Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be emailed to Judge Kearney's chambers in Word format.

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Email to chambers ?

Communications regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Costello's Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Michael Coyle, at 267.299.7720 or chambers costello@paed.uscourts.gov. Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.

Summary: All communications must go through Courtroom Deputy Clerk; direct contact with law clerks is prohibited.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Perez permits communications with Chambers by telephone or email regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. All other issues must be addressed by motion or other filing. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.

Summary: Chambers communications limited to scheduling/non-substantive matters via phone/email; substantive matters require motion/filing; no ex parte communications on substantive matters.

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Letter ecf to clerk ?

All pro se communications must be directed to the Clerks’ Office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Perez or her Chambers directly.

Summary: Pro se litigants must communicate only through Clerks’ Office, not directly with Chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel shall email a brief letter describing the dispute to Chambers (Chambers_of_Judge_Paul_S_Diamond@paed.uscourts.gov) and attach the disputed discovery request as an exhibit. Unless otherwise ordered,

Summary: Discovery disputes must be emailed to Chambers with disputed request attached as exhibit.

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Phone to chambers ?

If a dispute arises during a deposition, I expect Counsel to phone Chambers during the deposition so that I can resolve the dispute immediately.

Summary: Counsel must call chambers during depositions to resolve disputes immediately.

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Civil cases

Pursuant to Rule 16, a Preliminary Pretrial Conference shall be held in Chambers as soon as practicable after a responsive pleading to the Complaint is filed. Lead Counsel shall attend the conference, be familiar with all aspects of the case, and be accompanied by his or her client, or, in the case of corporate parties, a representative with full settlement authority. Requests to appear telephonically or via Zoom will not be granted.

Summary: Preliminary pretrial conference in Chambers after responsive pleading; Lead Counsel must attend with client or corporate representative; no telephonic/Zoom appearances.

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Email to clerk ?

All requests must be filed via ECF.

Summary: All continuance/extension requests must be filed via ECF.

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Phone to chambers ?

However, her law clerks should never be contacted regarding substantive matters, including the merits of pending matters.

Summary: Law clerks must not be contacted about substantive issues or merits of pending matters.

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Letter fax to chambers ?

A contested request for a continuance or extension of a court-ordered deadline should be in a letter (faxed to chambers) or requested via formal motion.

Summary: Contested continuance requests must be in letter (faxed) or formal motion.

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Phone to chambers ?

present or available by telephone, unless expressly excused by her prior to the conference.

Summary: Attorneys must be present or available by telephone unless excused.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells requires counsel to spend the first hour of jury deliberations in or near the courthouse. Thereafter, counsel will be permitted to leave, provided they are available by phone or remain in close proximity to the courthouse.

Summary: Counsel must be present for first hour of jury deliberations, then available by phone.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

Deputy Clerk

Cell phone numbers should be provided to her Deputy Clerk.

Summary: Cell phone numbers must be provided to Deputy Clerk.

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In person to duty week proceedings ?

Counsel must be present at all duty week proceedings.

Summary: Counsel must attend all duty week proceedings.

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Review to pretrial services ?

No party or their counsel may review pretrial service's recommendations regarding detention or release.

Summary: Parties and counsel prohibited from reviewing pretrial service recommendations.

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Phone to chambers ?

Having a client with settlement authority available by telephone is not an acceptable alternative unless compelling circumstances exist and there is prior approval from Judge Goldner Cinquanto (e.g., client is located in another state at the time of the conference).

Summary: Telephone participation by settlement authority clients is prohibited unless compelling circumstances with prior approval.

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Phone to opposing party ?

Judge Goldner Cinquanto will not entertain a request for judicial intervention if parties or their counsel have exchanged emails or other correspondence but have not made a good faith effort to speak to each other by telephone or video conference regarding a discovery dispute.

Summary: Judge will not intervene in discovery disputes without good faith telephone/video conference effort.

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Email to chambers ?

If a party still requires Court intervention in a discovery dispute after making good faith efforts to communicate with an opposing party, the requesting party shall email Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Goldner_Cinquanto@paed.uscourts.gov to request a telephone conference before filing any discovery motion on the docket.

Summary: Email chambers to request telephone conference before filing discovery motion after good faith efforts.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

If settlement is not a real possibility (e.g., if defendant will not make an offer or will offer only nuisance value), counsel shall notify the Court (jointly or individually) to request a brief video conference regarding their status on or before [one week before the conference].

Summary: Counsel must notify court one week before settlement conference if settlement is not possible.

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Conference to court ?

A final pretrial conference will be held on [seven days before date certain] at __ a.m./p.m. in Courtroom 3D. Counsel shall confer in advance and shall be prepared to discuss all aspects of their Pretrial Stipulation, including any disputed issues. A principal with full settlement authority shall be in attendance for each party.

Summary: Final pretrial conference 7 days before trial with settlement authority required

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Conference to court ?

A principal with full settlement authority shall be in attendance for each party.

Summary: Principal with full settlement authority required at final pretrial conference

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Letter ecf to court ?

Plaintiff’s counsel shall promptly advise the Court of any settlement.

Summary: Plaintiff’s counsel must promptly advise Court of any settlement

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Straw requires that all relevant documents be emailed to Chambers at Mag_Judge_Straw@paed.uscourts.gov and Donna Croce at Donna_M_Croce@paed.uscourts.gov in advance of court. Counsel may contact Donna Croce (267-299-7661) if there are any questions regarding the matters before the Court.

Summary: All relevant documents must be emailed to Chambers and Donna Croce before court.

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Judge Straw requires in-person attendance at the conference by the parties or the parties’ representatives, with knowledge of the case and settlement authority. If Judge Straw determines that a virtual conference is appropriate, he will set forth the type of conference on the settlement conference order and the same requirements will apply.

Summary: In-person attendance required at settlement conferences; virtual allowed if court determines appropriate.

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Email to chambers ?

submit to Chambers (via email at chambers_of_magistrate_judge_elizabeth_hey@paed.uscourts.gov) a confidential settlement memorandum

Summary: Settlement memorandum must be emailed to chambers at the provided email address.

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Email to chambers ?

All communications with chambers regarding settlement should be directed to: Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Hey@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Settlement communications must go to specific chambers email

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Chambers to chambers ?

If the parties jointly request a settlement conference, they shall contact chambers and request a settlement conference within their agreed-upon time frame and must do so at least 45 days prior to the requested date absent unusual circumstances.

Summary: Joint settlement conference requests must be made at least 45 days in advance.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

If there is no joint request for a settlement conference, the party seeking a settlement conference may submit an ex parte letter to chambers requesting a telephone conference with Judge Hey to discuss settlement.

Summary: Unilateral settlement conference requests require ex parte letter to chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

All communications with chambers regarding discovery disputes should be directed to: Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Hey@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: All discovery dispute communications must be emailed to chambers at the designated address.

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Email to chambers ?

When a case is referred to Judge Arteaga for settlement purposes, counsel shall contact chambers to schedule a settlement conference in compliance with the district judge’s referral order.

Summary: Counsel must contact chambers to schedule settlement conferences when a case is referred for settlement.

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Email to chambers ?

A copy of the offer shall be submitted to chambers by letter or email.

Summary: Defendant's settlement offer copy may be submitted to chambers via email.

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Email to chambers ?

A copy of the demand shall be submitted to chambers by letter or email.

Summary: Plaintiff's settlement demand copy may be submitted to chambers via email.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel for all parties must submit the attached summary and their confidential case summary to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov on or before (2 weeks prior to the conference).

Summary: Settlement summary and confidential case summary must be submitted to the provided chambers email address.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel shall submit a joint letter setting forth the most recent settlement positions of the parties on or before (1 week prior to the conference).

Summary: Joint settlement position letter may be submitted to chambers via email.

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Email to chambers ?

All requests for Court action shall be by motion, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b), except for routine requests, which may be by email to the Court with copies to all parties. Any requests shall state whether it is made with the other party’s consent.

Summary: Routine requests to the Court may be submitted via email (with copies to all parties); all requests must state if made with the other party’s consent. Non-routine requests require a motion per Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b).

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Email to chambers ?

In addition to filing the proposed jury instructions and verdict form on the Court’s docket, the parties must e-mail Word versions of the documents to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Parties must email Word versions of proposed jury instructions and verdict form to chambers email address.

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Email to chambers

Parties who intend to use video equipment to present the testimony of a witness should either supply that equipment or request, at least two weeks before trial, that the Court reserve equipment for them by email to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Parties must request video equipment reservation at least two weeks before trial via email to chambers.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Sitarski permits correspondence from counsel on all matters, with copies to all counsel of record. Except for settlement conference documents, everything sent to the Court must also be sent to all counsel of record, and be served in the same manner.

Summary: All correspondence to court must be copied to all counsel of record

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Email to chambers ?

Please complete the attached settlement conference form and email it to Chambers at Chambers_sitarski@paed.uscourts.gov on or before XXXXX , 20XX.

Summary: Settlement conference form must be emailed to Chambers at the specified email address by the deadline.

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In person to chambers ?

Judge Carlos prefers that counsel and the parties come to the U.S. Courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania for all settlement conferences.

Summary: Settlement conferences must be in-person at Allentown courthouse.

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In person to chambers ?

Oral argument and evidentiary hearings will be conducted in person.

Summary: Oral arguments and evidentiary hearings must be in-person.

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Email to chambers ?

The memoranda are not to be filed with the Clerk’s office. Instead, they should be sent to chambers via email at: PAED_Carlos_Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Settlement conference memoranda must be emailed to chambers, not filed with clerk.

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Chambers to chambers ?

PLAINTIFF AND COUNSEL ARE TO REPORT TO CHAMBERS AT 9:30 A.M. ON THE DATE STATED ABOVE. DEFENSE COUNSEL SHALL REPORT AT 10:30 A.M.

Summary: Plaintiff and counsel report at 9:30 AM, defense counsel at 10:30 AM for settlement conference.

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Email to chambers ?

LETTER TO CHAMBERS, VIA EMAIL, INDICATING WHETHER A SETTLEMENT DEMAND AND A SETTLEMENT OFFER HAVE BEEN MADE. THE PARTIES ARE ALSO DIRECTED TO CONFIRM WHETHER BASED UPON THE STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS THERE IS AN AGREEMENT TO PROCEED WITH A GOOD FAITH SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE.

Summary: Parties must email chambers confirming settlement demand/offer status.

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In person to court ?

At all 'criminal duty week' proceedings, counsel once appointed or retained, must be present to permit the proceeding to go forward.

Summary: Counsel must be present at all criminal duty week proceedings once appointed/retained.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Rufe permits communications with Chambers by telephone, email, or facsimile regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. All other issues must be addressed by an appropriate motion or other document filed on the docket. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or any other relief.

Summary: Chambers communications limited to scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications allowed.

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Email to chambers

On or before [date], the parties, through counsel, shall jointly report to the Court, in writing, as to whether they wish to have a settlement conference before a magistrate judge, attempt mediation under Local Civil Rule 53.3 (a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A), or pursue some other form of alternative dispute resolution, for assistance in resolving the case and, if so, indicate by what date they will be prepared to commence such proceedings. This joint report should be submitted to Chambers by fax (to (267) 299-5077) or email (to (Chambers_of_Judge_Cynthia_M_Rufe@paed.uscourts.gov) and not filed of record.

Summary: Joint report on ADR options due by specified date, submitted to chambers by fax or email.

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Judge Slomsky does not permit speaking objections. Objections shall be made by reciting the appropriate rule number or a one word basis.

Summary: Speaking objections prohibited; must cite rule number or use one-word basis.

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Motions in limine must be filed by the deadline set in the Scheduling Order. Judge Slomsky will usually rule upon such motions before or at the final pretrial conference.

Summary: Motions in limine must meet Scheduling Order deadline; rulings before or at final pretrial conference.

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Only one attorney for a party may examine the same witness or argue the same legal point. More than one attorney for a party may examine different witnesses or argue different legal points.

Summary: Only one attorney per party per witness/legal point; multiple attorneys allowed for different witnesses/points.

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Counsel should discuss privately any evidentiary issue that may have been unanticipated. Only after they have been unable to reach agreement, should counsel bring the matter to the deputy clerk's attention at the beginning of the day or during an appropriate break when the jury is not present.

Summary: Evidentiary issues must be privately discussed first; unresolved issues go to deputy clerk when jury absent.

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The videotape must be edited prior to trial to eliminate pauses and speed-ups so there are no interruptions.

Summary: Videotaped testimony must be edited to eliminate pauses and speed-ups before trial.

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Phone to clerk ?

Counsel must be available upon fifteen (15) minutes notice during jury deliberations. As a practical matter, this means that counsel must stay in or near the courthouse. Counsel must leave their office and cell phone numbers with the deputy clerk.

Summary: Counsel must be available within 15 minutes during jury deliberations and provide contact information to deputy clerk.

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Judge Slomsky will insist on punctuality and courtesy from counsel to the Court and to each other, both in the presence of the Court and otherwise. The examination of witnesses should be conducted from the lectern or from counsel table. Counsel should rise to address the Court and should seek permission of the Court before approaching witnesses or the bench. In addition, counsel will direct all comments to the Court or to the witness under examination and not to other counsel or to the jury. Counsel are reminded that their own opinions regarding facts or issues in a case are irrelevant and should not be communicated to the jury (e.g., "I think . . ., we believe . . ."). To the extent possible, the parties should notify the Court of any issues that will need to be ruled upon at the start of the day's proceedings, or during a recess out of the jury's presence. Unless leave is otherwise given, counsel shall make opening statements and closing arguments from the lectern and shall speak into the microphone.

Summary: Judge requires punctuality, courtesy, proper courtroom decorum; counsel must address Court/witnesses only, not jury; opening/closing from lectern with microphone.

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Counsel must discuss voir dire questions and resolve any differences before the panel is brought to the courtroom. If they cannot agree, counsel must advise the deputy clerk that the judge must rule upon the disputed issues.

Summary: Counsel must resolve voir dire questions before panel arrives; unresolved issues go to deputy clerk.

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After a verdict has been recorded and the jury has been discharged, counsel may interview jurors. The jurors are told that they are permitted to talk to counsel and others, if they desire, but they need not do so. Counsel shall respect the jurors' desire not to speak to them. Counsel is not permitted to disclose facts to the jury that were previously excluded by evidentiary rulings or would undermine the jury's confidence in its verdict.

Summary: Counsel may interview jurors after verdict/discharge, must respect jurors' wishes, cannot disclose excluded facts or undermine verdict confidence.

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Counsel must discuss in advance of trial all objections to the presentation of videotaped testimony to resolve all conflicts. If counsel cannot resolve their disagreements, they should present any outstanding disagreements at least ten days prior to the final pretrial conference by providing a transcript of the testimony with the challenged question and answer highlighted, and a list setting forth each objection by page and line numbers and the basis for the objection.

Summary: Videotaped testimony objections must be discussed in advance; unresolved objections due 10 days before final pretrial conference with transcript and objection list.

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Letter fax to chambers ?

Facsimile transmittal of pleadings, motions, other filings or correspondence to chambers is not permitted.

Summary: Faxing pleadings, motions, filings, or correspondence to chambers is prohibited.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Written communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to Judge Slomsky's calendar should be by the filing of a pleading, motion, application or other similar filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or Local Rules of Civil Procedure.

Summary: Written communications with the court must be filed as pleadings, motions, applications, or similar filings under FRCP or Local Rules.

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Letter fax to chambers ?

Facsimile transmittal of pleadings, motions, other filings or correspondence to chambers is not permitted.

Summary: Faxing pleadings, motions, filings, or correspondence to chambers is prohibited.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Padova requires that the parties email jury instructions and verdict forms in Microsoft Word format to: chambers_of_judge_john_r_padova@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Email jury instructions and verdict forms in Word format to chambers email.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Padova requires that proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in non-jury cases be submitted in accordance with the date set forth in the Rule 16 Scheduling Order. One courtesy should be sent to Chambers, as well as emailed in Microsoft Word format to: chambers_of_judge_john_r_padova@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be emailed to chambers in Word format.

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Filing to clerk ?

Pro se parties are expected to adhere to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of Civil Procedure and to file all of their pleadings with the Clerk of the Court, rather than directly with Chambers.

Summary: Pro se parties must file with Clerk, not Chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

Electronic Mail to Chambers is not permitted except for the following reasons: 1) in direct response to an e-mail from Chambers as to that circumstance or event only; 2) as specifically directed by the Court for a submission via e-mail; and/or 3) with express permission given by Chambers (in very limited and extenuating circumstances).

Summary: Email to Chambers prohibited except for specific limited circumstances.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Surrick will handle disputes concerning discovery, scheduling, and requests for extensions of time by telephone conference. Prior to requesting a telephone conference, counsel should discuss the dispute with other counsel and send Judge Surrick a letter setting forth his or her position and the position of opposing counsel.

Summary: Telephone conferences for discovery/scheduling disputes require letter and opposing counsel discussion

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Offers of proof

Judge Surrick requires that parties inquire of each other privately as to offers of proof regarding any witness or exhibit expected to be offered. If counsel cannot resolve such matters, Judge Surrick will rule on them upon application before a witness testifies or an exhibit is offered into evidence.

Summary: Parties must privately discuss offers of proof before seeking court ruling.

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Exhibit offering ?

Judge Surrick permits counsel to choose the timing of their offer of exhibits into evidence so long as each exhibit is offered and admitted into evidence before it is shown to the jury. At the conclusion of a party=s case-in-chief, counsel should make sure that all exhibits intended to be offered into evidence either have been or are offered into evidence.

Summary: Exhibits must be offered and admitted before showing to jury; all intended exhibits must be offered by end of case-in-chief.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Surrick requires that counsel be available on ten (10) minutes notice during the jury deliberations.

Summary: Counsel must be available within 10 minutes during jury deliberations.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Counsel must discuss voir dire questions and resolve any differences the day before jury selection. If they cannot agree, counsel must advise the deputy clerk that the judge must rule upon the disputed issues.

Summary: Voir dire questions must be resolved with deputy clerk the day before jury selection.

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Counsel must confer privately to resolve any unanticipated evidentiary issues that may arise during trial. Only if they are unable to reach agreement should counsel bring the matter to the deputy clerk=s attention at the beginning of the day or during an appropriate break when the jury is not present.

Summary: Evidentiary issues must be resolved privately before involving deputy clerk.

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Phone to chambers ?

The videotape must be edited prior to trial to eliminate pauses and speed-ups so there are no interruptions. Counsel must arrange with the deputy clerk a date and time before the trial date to test and learn to operate the courtroom equipment.

Summary: Videotaped testimony must be edited and tested before trial.

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Phone to chambers ?

Exhibits may be published to the jury at the end of the party=s examination of the witness or prior to a break. If the exhibit is necessary to explain the testimony, Judge Savage may permit it to be published during the testimony. Permission must be sought prior to the witness taking the stand.

Summary: Exhibits published after witness examination or before break, with permission for during testimony.

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel must be available upon fifteen (15) minutes notice during jury deliberations. As a practical matter, this means that counsel must stay in or near the courthouse.

Summary: Counsel must be available within 15 minutes during jury deliberations, staying in or near courthouse.

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Phone to chambers ?

When counsel become aware of any unavoidable and compelling professional or personal conflicts affecting the trial schedule, they should notify Judge Beetlestone and opposing counsel immediately. Such notice may be given to Judge Beetlestone’s Deputy Clerk by telephone, but it must be confirmed in writing.

Summary: Conflicts affecting trial schedule must be reported immediately by phone and confirmed in writing.

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Letter fax to chambers ?

Faxes and regular mail are strongly discouraged.

Summary: Faxes and regular mail strongly discouraged

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Letter fax to chambers ?

Faxes and regular mail are strongly discouraged.

Summary: Fax and regular mail communications are strongly discouraged.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Weilheimer’s staff cannot give legal advice. Ex parte advocacy on any substantive issue is prohibited.

Summary: Chambers staff cannot provide legal advice; ex parte advocacy on substantive issues is prohibited.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel are expected to respond with reasonable promptness to communication from Chambers and should be courteous in their interaction. Any discourtesy to Chambers staff will be viewed as a disrespect for the Court.

Summary: Counsel must respond promptly and courteously to Chambers communications; discourtesy is viewed as disrespect for the Court.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

If the Parties feel that settlement talks would be most productive before discovery commences, the Parties should inform the Court of that immediately upon the scheduling of the Rule 16 Conference so early settlement talks can be facilitated while still leaving adequate time for discovery if such talks do not resolve the case.

Summary: Parties must inform court immediately upon Rule 16 scheduling if preferring settlement before discovery.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Law clerks have no authority to grant continuances or to give advice on substantive or procedural matters. Therefore, unless contacted by a law clerk, counsel should not communicate with the law clerk.

Summary: Counsel should not communicate with law clerks unless contacted first; law clerks cannot grant continuances or give legal advice.

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Phone

phone numbers with the Civil or Criminal Deputy Clerk and be able to return to the courthouse within ten to fifteen minutes.

Summary: Counsel must provide phone numbers and be available to return to courthouse within 10-15 minutes during jury deliberations.

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Email to chambers ?

Absent a scheduling emergency, do not call or send chambers informal correspondence asking us to mark your matter as settled. That accomplishes nothing.

Summary: Do not contact chambers informally to mark cases as settled unless there is a scheduling emergency.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel should not communicate with the law clerks unless directly contacted by a law clerk or instructed by the Court to do so. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or to give advice on substantive or procedural matters.

Summary: Counsel prohibited from contacting law clerks unless instructed; clerks cannot grant continuances or give advice.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Gallagher may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes. The Court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference. Counsel for the moving party will be responsible for providing telephone conferencing details to all parties and to Judge Gallagher through his deputy clerk. Parties are prohibited from recording any conferences or proceedings without prior written approval of the Court.

Summary: Telephone conferences may be held for scheduling/discovery; moving party provides details; recording prohibited without approval.

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Email to chambers ?

The Court holds proceedings in Courtroom 4B, which is equipped for electronic presentation of evidence. Parties expecting to employ courtroom technology are required to contact the Courtroom Deputy no later than the final pretrial conference to discuss their technological needs. The Courtroom Deputy will then schedule a preliminary run to minimize disruptions during the trial itself.

Summary: Parties must contact Courtroom Deputy by final pretrial conference to arrange technology needs.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel may write to Judge Younge to request an unopposed extension of time and for unopposed requests pertaining to scheduling. However, Judge Younge does not permit correspondence in lieu of opposed extension requests, contested discovery or substantive motions, or other disputed substantive matters which should be made of record via motion practice. Correspondence may be e-mailed to Judge Younge at Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Counsel may email the Court about unopposed extensions and scheduling, but disputed matters must proceed through motion practice rather than correspondence.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Judge Younge does not accept carbon copies of letters to opposing counsel.

Summary: The Court does not accept carbon copies of letters sent to opposing counsel.

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In person to witness ?

Counsel should stand to examine witnesses unless counsel has obtained the Court’s permission to proceed otherwise.

Summary: Counsel must stand to examine witnesses unless court permission is granted.

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In person to witness ?

Re-cross examination is permitted only “[w]here new evidence is opened up on re-direct examination.” See United States v. Riggi, 951 F.2d 1368, 1375 (3d Cir. 1991) (explaining that “the privilege of recross-examination as to matters not covered on redirect examination lies within the trial court’s discretion” (citation omitted)).

Summary: Re-cross examination only allowed when new evidence is introduced on re-direct.

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Phone to chambers ?

Only in exceptional circumstances will Judge Leeson permit a person to participate in the conference by telephone. This shall be the exception rather than the rule. Counsel seeking this relief must contact chambers as soon as they are aware of a problem with attendance.

Summary: Telephone participation in settlement conferences only allowed in exceptional circumstances with advance notice.

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Email to chambers

Correspondence directed to Judge Sánchez may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy, by facsimile, or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, and must be copied to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov. Communications with chambers should be copied to all counsel.

Summary: Correspondence to Judge Sánchez may be by hard copy, fax, or email; must copy Courtroom Deputy and all counsel.

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Email to chambers ?

Letters may be submitted to the Court via e-mail, but such communications should be limited to routine matters for which no opposition is anticipated or required. Responsive letters should only be submitted at the Court’s request.

Summary: Emails to court limited to routine matters with no anticipated opposition; responsive letters only at court's request.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Requests to be excused from ECF registration must be made in writing directly to Judge Marston.

Summary: Requests for ECF exemption must be made in writing to Judge Marston.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

We permit correspondence in limited circumstances.

Summary: Correspondence permitted only in limited circumstances.

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone inquiries and conferences as warranted

Summary: Telephone inquiries and conferences permitted as warranted.

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Letter to chambers ?

This limited correspondence must include a specific and candid description of the situation requiring Judge Kearney's attention and the position of the opposing party. Correspondence may be sent by email, fax, or mail to the Chambers' Philadelphia address above.

Summary: Limited correspondence must include specific situation description and opposing party's position.

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Email to chambers ?

Parties may examine witnesses from the lectern, from counsel table, or within hearing distance of the ESR operator or court reporter but not within ten feet of the witnesses. Counsel shall seek permission before approaching witnesses, as warranted. In addition, counsel will direct all comments to Judge Kearney or to the witness under examination and not to other counsel or to the jury.

Summary: Witness examination from lectern/table; no comments to jury/other counsel.

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Email to chambers ?

Co-counsel and the parties may not talk to each other or distract the presentation of evidence or argument. Trial counsel shall instruct persons from their offices attending trial in the gallery to not speak in the public courtroom while Judge Kearney or the jury is present as trial counsel should be mindful of waiving privileges or of the effect statements overheard by the public including witnesses, jurors, or members of their families regarding the adversary process may affect the fact-finding process.

Summary: Co-counsel/parties must not distract; instruct gallery attendees to remain silent.

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Email to chambers ?

Correspondence, not to exceed two pages, may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Chambers copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties only in the following instances: 1. Counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate information by letter; 2. An uncontested request for an extension of sentencing; 3. A scheduling request based on an unanticipated and irreversible personal matter concerning counsel, a party or counsel's immediate family not warranting public access; or, 4. A case, or portions of a case, settled.

Summary: Correspondence to chambers is limited to 2 pages and permitted only for court-requested information, uncontested sentencing extensions, personal scheduling matters, or settlement notice.

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Email to chambers ?

We will not accept unsolicited communications unless pre-approved by Judge Kearney.

Summary: Unsolicited communications to chambers are not accepted unless pre-approved by Judge Kearney.

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone and fax communications by a pro se party are prohibited unless approved by Judge Kearney beforehand and an ESR/Court Reporter is present. Pro se parties may not appear for hearings by telephone unless permitted for good cause, such as incarcerated persons in civil cases.

Summary: Pro se parties are prohibited from telephone and fax communications with chambers unless pre-approved with a court reporter present.

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Counsel and pro se litigants may correspond with the Court concerning scheduling, routine matters, or to advise the Court that a case has been settled. All other communications with the Court should be made by the filing of pleadings, motions, applications, briefs, or similar filings permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure.

Summary: Correspondence limited to scheduling, routine matters, and settlement notifications; other communications must be filed as pleadings/motions.

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In general, Judge Costello expects counsel to bring matters to her attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.

Summary: Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing them to the Court's attention.

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Phone to chambers ?

I permit Counsel to speak with my Law Clerks on scheduling and procedural matters only.

Summary: Counsel may speak with law clerks only on scheduling and procedural matters.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

It is the responsibility of counsel to arrange mutually agreeable times for such conferences and to call chambers once counsel for all parties are on the line.

Summary: Counsel must coordinate conference timing and call chambers only after all parties are already on the line.

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Phone to chambers ?

If this is not possible, counsel should request a telephone conference by letter or initiate a joint telephone conference call. It should be noted that a telephone conference is not encouraged if pro se are litigants involved.

Summary: When discovery disputes cannot be resolved, counsel should request a telephone conference, but telephone conferences are discouraged in cases with pro se litigants.

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Phone to clerk ?

Thereafter, counsel will be permitted to leave, provided they are available by phone or remain in close proximity to the courthouse. Cell phone numbers should be provided to her Deputy Clerk.

Summary: After the first hour of deliberations, counsel may leave only if they remain reachable by phone and provide cell numbers to the Deputy Clerk.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells expects opposing counsel to attempt to resolve disputes prior to bringing them to her attention, pursuant to Local Rule 26.1(f).

Summary: Counsel must attempt to resolve disputes before bringing them to court.

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Phone to chambers ?

If a telephone conference does not resolve an issue, Judge Wells may instruct the parties to file briefs. The parties must seek permission to file supplemental briefs.

Summary: Permission required to file supplemental briefs after unsuccessful conference.

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Interview to jurors ?

After a civil verdict is taken, Judge Wells will permit jurors to be interviewed should they elect to participate, and with the admonition that counsel not inquire about specific votes.

Summary: Jurors may be interviewed after civil verdict with restrictions on questioning.

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Civil cases

Judge Wells permits counsel to speak directly with her law clerks on procedural matters. However, her law clerks should never be contacted regarding substantive matters, including the merits of pending matters.

Summary: Law clerks may be contacted for procedural matters only, not substantive issues.

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Email to chambers ?

If settlement is not a real possibility (e.g., if the defendant will not make an offer or will offer only nuisance value), counsel shall notify the Court (jointly or individually) by a call or email to request a brief video conference regarding the lack of settlement possibility at least one week before the scheduled settlement conference.

Summary: Notify court by call/email at least 1 week before conference if settlement unlikely.

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Email to chambers ?

If any discovery dispute is pending at the time of the referral, please contact chambers immediately and provide any letters that had previously been sent to the District Judge regarding the discovery dispute or refer to the pending motion(s)/response(s) by ECF document number.

Summary: If a discovery dispute is pending at referral, contact chambers immediately with prior letters or ECF references.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Sitarski permits counsel to talk with her Deputy Clerk and law clerks regarding logistical matters, but never on the merits of the case. Counsel should never contact Chambers to inquire on the status of a pending motion.

Summary: Chambers communication limited to logistical matters only

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel should never contact Chambers to inquire on the status of a pending motion.

Summary: Status inquiries to Chambers are prohibited.

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Phone to chambers ?

In most cases, Judge Sitarski will expect counsel to remain in the Courthouse during deliberations, and will expect counsel to be available on short telephone notice and be able to be in the courtroom within 10 minutes.

Summary: Counsel must remain in the Courthouse during jury deliberations and be available within 10 minutes.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Carlos will not normally permit reply or supplemental briefs. Counsel desiring to file a such a brief must first seek permission of the Court before such a brief will be accepted.

Summary: Reply/supplemental briefs require prior court permission.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Carlos expects counsel to attempt to resolve disputes prior to bringing them to her attention, pursuant to Rule 26.1(f) of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Summary: Counsel must attempt to resolve discovery disputes before contacting court.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Except for subpoenas issued to non-parties, the use of motion practice in discovery matters is discouraged.

Summary: Motion practice discouraged for discovery matters except subpoenas to non-parties.

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel seeking relief must contact chambers as soon as they are aware of a problem with attendance.

Summary: Contact chambers immediately if attendance issues arise for settlement conference.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Counsel may write to Judge Bartle to request an extension of time and for all matters pertaining to scheduling. Judge Bartle does not permit correspondence in lieu of formal discovery or contested motions or other substantive matters which should be made of record.

Summary: Correspondence allowed for extensions and scheduling only, not for substantive matters.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Bartle will use telephone conferences for scheduling changes, extensions of time, and similar matters. He often has conference calls on discovery motions. Judge Bartle requests that counsel or a conference call operator place the call.

Summary: Telephone conferences for scheduling, extensions, and discovery motions; counsel must place the call.

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Chambers ?

In general, Judge Bartle expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.

Summary: Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing to Judge's attention.

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Sidebar conferences are discouraged and are rarely permitted. Only unanticipated issues will necessitate a sidebar conference.

Summary: Sidebar conferences discouraged; only for unanticipated issues.

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Counsel should check with the deputy clerk to determine whether the courtroom is equipped for playback or whether counsel must provide playback equipment.

Summary: Counsel must verify courtroom playback equipment availability with deputy clerk.

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For cases in the trial pool, counsel shall be prepared to commence trial upon 48 hours notice.

Summary: Cases in trial pool require 48-hour notice to commence trial.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Correspondence regarding the following is permitted, provided the letter states that counsel agrees or disagrees with the request: (1) When counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter; (2) When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16 Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the dates for filing a summary judgment motion and trial; (3) When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by an unanticipated personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness or counsel's immediate family, such as medical problems, vacation plans or other personal problems; or, (4) To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed or otherwise finally disposed.

Summary: Written correspondence is permitted only for Court requests, uncontested Rule 16 continuances, unanticipated personal matters, or case disposition confirmation.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Padova strongly discourages communication with his law clerks. All telephone inquiries should be directed to Judge Padova's deputy.

Summary: Communication with law clerks is strongly discouraged; all inquiries should go through the deputy.

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Judge Padova expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.

Summary: Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing them to the judge's attention.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Padova permits correspondence under the following circumstances: (1) When letters of transmittal accompany documents required to be sent to, or filed with, the Court or another official office in the Courthouse; (2) When counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter;

Summary: Correspondence with the court is only permitted for transmittal letters or when specifically requested by the court.

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone calls to law clerks are discouraged. Law clerks are not permitted to render advice and have no authority to grant continuances or to speak on behalf of the Court. All scheduling matters should be discussed with the Deputy Clerk.

Summary: Telephone calls to law clerks are discouraged; scheduling matters should go to Deputy Clerk.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Surrick permits correspondence with the Court so long as the initiating attorney has discussed his or her request with other counsel.

Summary: Correspondence with court requires discussion with opposing counsel first

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Judge Surrick permits communication with law clerks concerning administrative aspects of the case. Counsel may not communicate with the law clerks on the merits of any case, and law clerks are not permitted to render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or to speak on behalf of the Court.

Summary: Law clerk communication limited to administrative matters only

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Phone to chambers ?

Sidebar conferences are discouraged and are rarely permitted. Only unanticipated issues will necessitate a sidebar conference.

Summary: Sidebar conferences are discouraged except for unanticipated issues.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

I. Correspondence with the Court: Judge Beetlestone permits correspondence with the Court under the following circumstances:

Summary: Judge Beetlestone permits correspondence with the Court under specific circumstances.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

A. When letters of transmittal accompany documents required to be sent to, or filed with, the Court or in another official office in the courthouse;

Summary: Letters of transmittal are permitted when accompanying required documents.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

B. When counsel is specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter;

Summary: Letters are permitted when specifically requested by the Court.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

C. When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16. Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the trial date or pool placement;

Summary: Uncontested continuances of Rule 16 deadlines are permitted by letter.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

D. To seek the Court’s assistance in resolving a discovery dispute;

Summary: Letters are permitted to seek Court's assistance with discovery disputes.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

E. When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by a personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness or counsel’s immediate family, such as medical problems, or other similarly personal problems or questions;

Summary: Letters are permitted for personal matters affecting counsel's participation.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

F. To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed or otherwise finally disposed;

Summary: Letters are permitted to confirm case settlement or dismissal.

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7450 ?

2. Attendance of witnesses;

Summary: Telephone contact is permitted for witness attendance issues.

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Phone to chambers ?

B. When a written communication concerning a case cannot timely address a problem, counsel may initiate necessary telephone communications with chambers. Issues appropriately addressed by telephone contact include:

Summary: Telephone communications are permitted when written communication cannot timely address a problem.

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Phone ?

III. Telephone Conferences A. Judge Beetlestone may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes. The Court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference. In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Beetlestone through her Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call. In a criminal case, the United States Attorney’s Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting Judge Beetlestone through her Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.

Summary: Judge Beetlestone may hold telephone conferences for scheduling or discovery disputes.

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5. Requests for absolutely necessary extensions of time to file any response, reply, brief, memorandum of law or the like.

Summary: Telephone contact is permitted for absolutely necessary time extensions.

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3. Exhibit handling or arrangements for video replay;

Summary: Telephone contact is permitted for exhibit handling or video replay arrangements.

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Phone to chambers ?

All such inquiries should be directed to the Deputy Clerk. Counsel should submit current email, telephone numbers and any changes to the Clerk’s Office, and to Judge Beetlestone’s Deputy Clerk.

Summary: All inquiries should be directed to the Deputy Clerk.

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Phone ?

4. Arrangements for telephone conferences regarding discovery disputes;

Summary: Telephone contact is permitted for arranging discovery dispute conferences.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Beetlestone will generally hold a telephone conference to address the dispute.

Summary: Telephone conferences are generally held to address discovery disputes.

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1. Scheduling of conferences or proceedings, including pretrial and trial conferences;

Summary: Telephone contact is permitted for scheduling conferences or proceedings.

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IV. Oral Arguments and Evidentiary Hearings: Judge Beetlestone does not set aside certain days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings. Hearings and argument are scheduled when requested or warranted.

Summary: Judge Beetlestone does not set aside specific days for oral arguments or hearings.

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Email to chambers ?

Email is the preferred method of communication. All general inquiries, including questions about these policies, may be emailed to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Email is preferred for general inquiries to chambers

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

(610) 333-1836

Telephone calls should be directed as follows: Court Services Clerk: Tanya Allender (610) 333-1836 Tanya_Allender@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Telephone calls directed to Court Services Clerk Tanya Allender

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Email to chambers ?

Email correspondence regarding cases is permitted in the following situations: • To advise the Court of unanticipated schedule changes (less than seven (7) business days in advance of a deadline) or schedule changes due to personal or medical issues that counsel does not wish to file on the docket. • To promptly advise the Court that a case has been settled.

Summary: Email permitted for schedule changes under 7 days and case settlements

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Letter ecf to intake unit ?

Judge Henry's highly preferred method for receiving applications is through OSCAR. OSCAR will be consistently updated with deadlines and instructions. Applicants and schools may, however, email Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov with questions that are not resolved in OSCAR.

Summary: OSCAR preferred for internship/clerkship applications, email for questions

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Henry is paired with Magistrate Judge José Arteaga. Parties may request that Judge Arteaga preside over settlement discussions at the Rule 16 Conference or as soon thereafter as possible. Judge Henry will then issue a referral order.

Summary: Judge Arteaga available for settlement discussions at Rule 16 Conference

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Email to chambers ?

Email is the preferred method of communication. All general inquiries, including questions about these policies, may be emailed to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Email is the preferred method for general inquiries to chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

If a Rule 16 conference has not been scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of the answer, counsel should email Judge Henry's Chambers to request a conference.

Summary: Counsel may email chambers to request a Rule 16 conference if not scheduled within a reasonable time after the answer is filed.

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Phone to chambers ?

Parties are encouraged to call chambers when an unresolvable discovery dispute arises; if Judge Henry is available, she may resolve the dispute.

Summary: Parties may call chambers to resolve unresolvable discovery disputes.

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Meet and confer

In cases in which the discovery of electronically stored information is likely to be a significant cost or burden, the Court encourages the parties to engage in ongoing meet-and-confer discussions and use the following Checklist to guide those discussions.

Summary: Court encourages meet-and-confer discussions for ESI discovery in cases with significant cost/burden.

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Meet and confer ?

The parties’ discussions should be framed in the context of the specific claims and defenses involved. The usefulness of particular topics on the Checklist, and the timing of discussion about these topics, may depend on the nature and complexity of the matter.

Summary: ESI discovery discussions should be tailored to specific claims and matter complexity.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel are welcome to contact Chambers via phone or email with any procedural questions or where communication will assist in facilitating the progress of a case. All communication regarding substantive issues must be docketed. Counsel may contact Chambers to provide notification of a substantive filing that needs prompt attention from the Court.

Summary: Chambers may be contacted for procedural questions or to facilitate case progress; substantive communications must be docketed.

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Email to chambers ?

Chambers email: Chambers_Weilheimer@paed.uscourts.gov Chambers phone: 267-299-7760

Summary: Chambers contact information provided for email and phone.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Schmehl permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.

Summary: Telephone conferences allowed to resolve deposition disputes.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Schmehl will promptly list any request for a temporary restraining order ("TRO") or a preliminary injunction assigned to him.

Summary: TRO and preliminary injunction requests will be promptly listed.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Schmehl does not generally hold a telephone scheduling conference with counsel in criminal cases, unless counsel specifically request one. All scheduling of criminal matters is handled by the Judge’s Criminal Deputy Clerk.

Summary: Judge generally does not hold telephone scheduling conferences in criminal cases unless requested; scheduling handled by Criminal Deputy Clerk.

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Phone to clerk ?

Phone

610-320-5099

Telephone inquiries regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Brian R. Dixon, Deputy Clerk, at 610-320-5099.

Summary: Telephone inquiries for civil and criminal cases must be directed to Deputy Clerk Brian R. Dixon at 610-320-5099.

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Email to chambers ?

Email is preferred for most written correspondence with chambers, and the address is Chambers_of_Judge_Jeffrey_L_Schmehl@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Email is the preferred method for written correspondence with chambers.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Schmehl permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.

Summary: Telephone conferences are permitted to resolve deposition disputes that would otherwise require adjournment.

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Email to chambers ?

Questions relating to scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Schmehl's Civil Deputy Clerk via email.

Summary: Scheduling questions must be directed to the Civil Deputy Clerk via email.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel should submit a copy of the proposed jury instructions to chambers via email.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be submitted to chambers via email.

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Email to chambers ?

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in non-jury cases should be submitted to chambers via email at least seven days before the trial date.

Summary: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted to chambers via email.

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Email to chambers ?

Chambers_of_Judge_Jeffrey_L_Schmehl@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Email address for submitting Joint Status Report to Judge Schmehl's Chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

This form should be submitted to Chambers by email (preferred) or hard copy.

Summary: The Joint Status Report form must be submitted to Chambers by email (preferred) or hard copy.

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Email to chambers ?

Chambers_of_Judge_John_Gallagher@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Chambers email address for Judge Gallagher

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Email to chambers ?

Magistrate Judge Assignment: Magistrate Judge Pamela A. Carlos

Summary: Magistrate Judge Pamela A. Carlos assigned to Judge Gallagher

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel or pro se parties may correspond with the Court by letter, email or telephone concerning routine scheduling and administrative matters. The Court expects counsel and pro se parties to copy opposing counsel or pro se parties on their written communications with the Court. All communications with the Court should be directed to the deputy clerk or chambers.

Summary: Correspondence with court allowed by letter, email, or phone for routine matters; must copy opposing parties.

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel should submit current telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses and any changes to the Clerk’s Office and Judge Gallagher’s deputy clerk.

Summary: Counsel must keep contact information current with clerk and deputy clerk.

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Phone to chambers ?

The Court urges the parties to settle discovery disputes among themselves. If Court assistance is required, Judge Gallagher prefers that simple disputes be addressed by telephone conferences.

Summary: Parties urged to resolve discovery disputes themselves; telephone conferences preferred for simple disputes.

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A date for trial will be determined at the initial Rule 16 conference. Once a case is listed for trial, counsel, parties and witnesses should be ready to start trial on the listed date, and counsel should consider themselves formally attached for trial as of that date. Questions relating to scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Gallagher's deputy clerk.

Summary: Trial date set at Rule 16 conference; parties must be ready to start on listed date.

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Email to chambers ?

All counsel of record will be notified via e-mail in advance of the conference on how to connect remotely, and if it will be held telephonically or through use of video conference technology.

Summary: Counsel of record will receive advance email notice explaining remote connection instructions and whether a conference will be by phone or video.

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone inquiries are to be directed to the civil or criminal deputy, as appropriate, at the telephone numbers listed below.

Summary: Telephone inquiries should be directed to civil or criminal deputy

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Phone to chambers ?

If the appropriate deputy is unavailable, attorneys may speak to the law clerks regarding scheduling matters; however, law clerks may not render advice.

Summary: Attorneys may speak to law clerks about scheduling if deputy unavailable, but clerks cannot give advice

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone conferences are scheduled at the Court's discretion and may be held to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes.

Summary: Telephone conferences scheduled at Court's discretion for scheduling or discovery disputes

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Microphone to witness ?

Counsel must ensure that a witness is speaking into the microphone for ease of recording and hearing.

Summary: Witnesses must speak into the microphone for recording purposes.

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In person to court ?

The Court has no special practice or policy regarding reading stipulations, pleadings, or discovery material into the record at trial. Admissions, pleadings, requests for admissions, admissions of parties contained in depositions, and answers to interrogatories are not part of the evidence at trial unless counsel moves for their admission and the Court admits them.

Summary: Stipulations, pleadings, and discovery materials are not evidence unless counsel moves for admission and court grants it.

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In person to opposing counsel ?

Counsel are strongly encouraged to stipulate to as many matters as possible before trial, including undisputed facts, exhibits, jury instructions, and special interrogatories, if any.

Summary: Counsel encouraged to stipulate to undisputed facts, exhibits, jury instructions, and special interrogatories before trial.

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Email to chambers ?

Requests for continuances or extensions may be made by letter, which can be emailed to Chambers.

Summary: Continuance or extension requests may be submitted as letters emailed to Chambers.

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Email to chambers ?

Telephone and email inquiries should be directed to Judge Sánchez's Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, at the contact information listed below. If Ms. DeLisle is unavailable, attorneys may speak to Judge Sánchez's law clerks regarding scheduling matters; however, law clerks may not provide advice to counsel.

Summary: Contact Courtroom Deputy Nancy DeLisle for scheduling inquiries; law clerks may assist if unavailable but cannot provide legal advice.

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel may call chambers during the week before the trial pool for guidance.

Summary: Counsel may call chambers during week before trial pool for guidance.

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Sidebar

Judge Sánchez discourages sidebar conferences; issues should be resolved at the final pretrial conference.

Summary: Sidebar conferences discouraged; resolve issues at final pretrial conference.

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Chambers ?

Any matter arising during trial must be brought to the judge’s attention between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., during breaks, at lunchtime, or after the jury is dismissed for the day.

Summary: Trial matters must be raised during specified times: 8-9 AM, breaks, lunch, or after jury dismissal.

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Email to chambers ?

Telephone and email inquiries should be directed to Judge Sánchez's Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, at the contact information listed below.

Summary: Email inquiries should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Nancy DeLisle.

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Email to chambers ?

Requests for extensions of case management deadlines may be submitted by letter sent via email, facsimile, or hard copy

Summary: Extension requests may be submitted via email, fax, or hard copy letter.

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Email to chambers ?

Requests for continuances should be directed to Judge Sánchez by letter and may be emailed to chambers with a copy to opposing counsel. A formal motion is not required. The party requesting a continuance must present the position of opposing counsel.

Summary: Continuance requests should be by letter (not formal motion), may be emailed to chambers, and must include opposing counsel's position.

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Email to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7102

Requests concerning courtroom technology should be directed to the Courtroom Technology department at PAEDml_Courtroom_Technology@paed.uscourts.gov or 267-299-7102.

Summary: Courtroom technology requests should be directed to the Courtroom Technology department via email or phone.

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Phone to chambers ?

Counsel may call chambers during the week before the trial pool for guidance.

Summary: Counsel may call chambers for guidance during the week before the trial pool.

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Email to chambers

Plea papers may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, with a copy to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov. Parties must also file plea memoranda on the docket.

Summary: Plea papers may be emailed to chambers at specified addresses, but must also be filed on the docket.

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Phone to chambers ?

When a written communication concerning a case cannot timely address a problem, counsel may initiate necessary telephone communications with Chambers. Issues appropriately addressed by telephone contact include: a. Scheduling conferences; b. Attendance of witnesses; c. Exhibit handling or arrangements for video replay; d. Arrangements for telephone conferences regarding discovery disputes; e. Requests for absolutely necessary extensions of time to file any response, reply, brief, memorandum of law or the like.

Summary: Telephone contact with Chambers permitted for scheduling, witnesses, exhibits, discovery disputes, and necessary extensions when written communication is insufficient.

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In person ?

During oral arguments outside the presence of the jury, counsel can address the Court from counsel table or the podium, at counsel’s discretion. When examining a witness, counsel should speak from the podium. Counsel should seek permission to approach a witness. Counsel shall direct all comments and questions to the Court or the witness, not to opposing counsel or the jury.

Summary: Courtroom protocol: address from table/podium during arguments, podium when examining witnesses, seek permission to approach witnesses, direct comments to Court/witness only.

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Email to chambers

Counsel and unrepresented parties are invited to provide the names, pronouns, and honorifics they would like used by the Court in hearings, conferences, and opinions via an email to Chambers.

Summary: Counsel and unrepresented parties may email Chambers to provide preferred names, pronouns, and honorifics for court proceedings.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Kearney may hold telephone conferences. Chambers will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference.

Summary: Telephone conferences may be held with prior notification.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Kearney schedules the trial of cases involving out-of-town counsel, parties, or witnesses in the same manner as all other cases. Counsel is responsible for the timely scheduling of witnesses to maximize the jury’s time.

Summary: Out-of-town parties/witnesses scheduled same as local cases.

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Email to chambers ?

After Judge Kearney’s brief introduction to the general nature of the case and standard disqualification questions, Judge Kearney will conduct voir dire, with specific approved follow-up questions from counsel. Judge Kearney will then entertain cause and hardship strikes. Counsel will then exercise peremptory challenges by alternate strikes, plaintiff first, until each side has stricken three potential jurors or opts not to use any or all of their strikes. After consultation with counsel based on length of trial, Judge Kearney will typically seat eight jurors in a civil case.

Summary: Judge conducts voir dire, then peremptory strikes (3 each), seats 8 jurors.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Kearney may require counsel to disclose upcoming witnesses at least one day before the anticipated testimony when warranted to ensure efficient presentation of evidence.

Summary: Witness disclosure may be required one day before testimony.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Kearney does not generally hold telephone conferences with counsel in criminal cases, unless counsel specifically requests one or Judge Kearney finds a conference is appropriate.

Summary: Telephone conferences generally not held in criminal cases unless requested or deemed appropriate.

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Email to chambers ?

The Courtroom Deputy handles scheduling of criminal matters.

Summary: Courtroom Deputy handles scheduling of criminal matters.

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Email to chambers ?

Sentencing will be scheduled on the day Judge Kearney accepts a defendant's guilty plea or after a defendant is convicted at trial. Sentencing will generally occur approximately one hundred and ten (110) days after a guilty plea or trial. Sentencing will be continued for good cause only.

Summary: Sentencing scheduled on plea acceptance or conviction, typically 110 days later, continued only for good cause.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Kearney may hold telephone conferences. Chambers will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference.

Summary: Judge Kearney may hold telephone conferences; chambers will notify counsel of the schedule.

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Daily meeting ?

During trial, counsel shall meet each morning to discuss between themselves the order in which witnesses will be called and evidence will be presented. Counsel must inform the Court of such order.

Summary: Counsel must meet daily to discuss witness order and inform Court.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells permits correspondence from counsel on all matters, but prefers to resolve disputes via joint telephone conference.

Summary: Counsel may correspond with the Court on all matters, but disputes are preferably handled through joint telephone conferences.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells permits counsel to speak directly with her law clerks on procedural matters.

Summary: Counsel may communicate directly with law clerks on procedural matters.

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Phone to chambers ?

However, when counsel cannot be present, or when time is of the essence, she encourages joint telephonic conferences.

Summary: Joint telephonic conferences are encouraged when counsel cannot appear in person or when urgency exists.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells permits correspondence from counsel on all matters, but prefers to resolve disputes via joint telephone conference.

Summary: Judge Wells prefers joint telephone conferences over correspondence for dispute resolution.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells prefers to hold conferences in chambers. However, when counsel cannot be present, or when time is of the essence, she encourages joint telephonic conferences. It is the responsibility of counsel to arrange mutually agreeable times for such conferences and to call chambers once counsel for all parties are on the line.

Summary: Chambers conferences preferred; telephonic conferences allowed when necessary.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells does not set aside any special days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings. These matters are scheduled by her Deputy Clerk who will attempt to accommodate counsel’s schedules.

Summary: Oral arguments and hearings scheduled by Deputy Clerk based on counsel availability.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells regularly conducts pretrial/status and settlement conferences in cases pending before her. Pretrial/status conferences, where appropriate, are scheduled promptly upon referral of the case to Judge Wells. The standard agenda for such conferences tracks Federal Rules.

Summary: Pretrial/status conferences scheduled promptly upon case referral.

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Phone to chambers ?

A joint continuance or extension request of the parties may be made by letter or conference call.

Summary: Joint continuance requests can be made by letter or conference call.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Wells will schedule oral arguments on a motion if it appears likely to be helpful to the Court. One or all counsel should request oral argument if they consider it vital to a fair disposition of the issues before the Court.

Summary: Oral arguments scheduled if helpful; counsel should request if vital.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Wells expects the parties to resolve most discovery disputes without court intervention, per Local Rule 26.1(f). If this is not possible, counsel should request a telephone conference by letter or initiate a joint telephone conference call. It should be noted that a telephone conference is not encouraged if pro se are litigants involved.

Summary: Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; telephone conferences discouraged if pro se litigants involved.

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Chambers to chambers ?

Judge Wells conducts settlement conferences upon request of all parties, upon referral from a District Court Judge, or sua sponte. She actively encourages settlement and makes herself available for in-depth settlement discussions in referred cases.

Summary: Settlement conferences conducted upon request, referral, or sua sponte; actively encourages settlement.

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Chambers to chambers ?

In non-jury cases where the parties have consented to trial before Judge Wells, she will refer in-depth settlement negotiations to another Magistrate Judge.

Summary: In-depth settlement negotiations in non-jury cases referred to another Magistrate Judge.

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Chambers to chambers ?

When a demand for trial de novo is filed after arbitration, Judge Wells promptly schedules a status conference to explore the possibility of settlement and/or schedule a prompt, but mutually convenient trial date.

Summary: Trial de novo after arbitration triggers prompt status conference for settlement/trial scheduling.

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Chambers to chambers ?

Judge Wells assigns a date certain for trial, after consulting with counsel. Counsel should be prepared during any pretrial conference and/or settlement conference to advise the judge as to when discovery and expert reports are expected to be complete.

Summary: Trial date assigned after consulting counsel; counsel must advise on discovery and expert report completion timing.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Goldner Cinquanto permits correspondence from counsel on any matters, so long as all other counsel or unrepresented parties are sent copies of such correspondence.

Summary: Correspondence permitted from counsel if copies sent to all other parties.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Goldner Cinquanto permits communications from counsel, both written and oral, with her law clerks on procedural matters only. Parties who are pro se (do not have counsel) may only communicate by mail or email to the chambers address above, unless otherwise directed.

Summary: Counsel may communicate with law clerks on procedural matters; pro se parties limited to mail/email.

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Email to chambers ?

If requested by counsel, with no opposition, Judge Goldner Cinquanto is available for ex parte Zoom conferences before the settlement conference. Please contact chambers to arrange a pre-conference video call.

Summary: Ex parte Zoom conferences available before settlement conference upon request.

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Conference to opposing counsel ?

Counsel should work together to narrow any areas of dispute before trial.

Summary: Counsel must confer to narrow disputed issues before trial

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Letter ecf ?

Judge Straw permits correspondence from counsel on any matters as long as all other counsel in the matter are sent copies of such correspondence. Judge Straw sometimes permits letter motions in lieu of formal motions.

Summary: Correspondence permitted if all counsel receive copies; letter motions sometimes allowed instead of formal motions.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Straw permits counsel to communicate with his courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.

Summary: Counsel may communicate with courtroom deputy/law clerks on scheduling/administrative matters only, not case merits.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Straw prefers telephone conferences to be utilized for matters such as scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes. It will be the responsibility of all counsel seeking relief to initiate any such conference by contacting the Judge’s classroom deputy, Donna Croce.

Summary: Telephone conferences preferred for scheduling, extensions, and routine discovery disputes; counsel must initiate by contacting courtroom deputy.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Straw expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Straw permits contact with the Court through his courtroom deputy to set up telephone or chambers conferences to resolve outstanding issues.

Summary: Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; conferences available if needed.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Straw will, if appropriate, continue to work with counsel after the settlement conference if the matter is not resolved at the conference.

Summary: Judge Straw may continue settlement discussions after the conference if needed.

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Email to chambers ?

All communications with chambers regarding settlement should be directed to: Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Hey@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Settlement communications should be directed to Magistrate Judge Hey's chambers email address.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

If there is no joint request for a settlement conference, a party seeking a settlement conference may submit an ex parte letter to chambers requesting a telephone conference with Judge Hey to discuss settlement.

Summary: A party may submit an ex parte letter to request a telephone settlement conference.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Hey permits correspondence with the Court on scheduling and administrative matters via Chambers email above.

Summary: Correspondence on scheduling/administrative matters allowed via chambers email

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Hey permits communications from counsel, both written and oral, with her law clerks on procedural matters only.

Summary: Counsel may communicate with law clerks on procedural matters only

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Email to chambers ?

Parties who are pro se (do not have counsel) may only communicate by mail or email to the chambers address above, unless otherwise directed.

Summary: Pro se parties limited to mail/email communication with chambers

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Chambers to chambers ?

When Judge Hey is assigned to criminal duty matters, she holds the hearings in Courtroom 5A in the United States Courthouse at 6th and Market Streets, at 1:30 p.m.

Summary: Criminal duty hearings held in Courtroom 5A at 1:30 PM.

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Email to chambers ?

If jointly requested by counsel, Judge Arteaga is available for ex-parte video conferences before the settlement conference. Please contact chambers to arrange any pre-conference video call.

Summary: Judge Arteaga is available for ex-parte video conferences before settlement conferences if jointly requested by counsel; contact chambers to arrange.

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Email to chambers ?

Phone

(267) 299-7420

(267) 299-7420 Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov Courtroom Deputy Danielle Hauger danielle_hauger@paed.uscourts.gov

Summary: Chambers contact information: phone (267) 299-7420, email Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov; Deputy Clerk Danielle Hauger email danielle_hauger@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Email to chambers

the parties shall submit a copy of their Rule 26(f) report via email (to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov) at least five days before the scheduled conference.

Summary: Chambers email is Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov for submitting Rule 26(f) reports and requesting discovery conferences.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Sitarski expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Sitarski permits contact with the Court so that telephone or chambers conferences may be set up to resolve outstanding issues.

Summary: Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; chambers conferences available if good faith efforts fail

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Email to chambers ?

Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Sitarski’s Deputy Clerk or law clerks if they have any questions about her courtroom practices or procedures.

Summary: Counsel may contact Deputy Clerk or law clerks with questions about courtroom practices.

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Phone to chambers ?

Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Sitarski permits contact with the Court so that telephone or chambers conferences may be set up to resolve outstanding issues.

Summary: Counsel may contact chambers to schedule telephone or chambers conferences to resolve discovery disputes.

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Phone to chambers ?

Generally, telephone conferences will be used to deal with routine matters such as scheduling changes, extensions of time, and routine discovery disputes. Counsel seeking any such relief are responsible for initiating the conference by contacting Judge Sitarski's Deputy Clerk.

Summary: Telephone conferences for scheduling changes and extensions must be initiated by contacting the Deputy Clerk.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Sitarski expects that in most cases, these papers will be submitted by email.

Summary: Motion papers to chambers should be submitted by email.

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Email to clerk ?

Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Sitarski's Deputy Clerk or law clerks if they have any questions about her courtroom practices or procedures.

Summary: Counsel may contact Deputy Clerk or law clerks with questions about courtroom practices.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Carlos permits correspondence from counsel on any matters so long as all other counsel or unrepresented parties are sent copies of such correspondence.

Summary: Correspondence allowed if copies sent to all parties.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Carlos permits counsel to communicate with her law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.

Summary: Counsel may contact law clerks for scheduling/administrative matters only.

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Phone to chambers ?

Telephone conferences are utilized for status conferences and routine discovery disputes. Rule 16 conferences are generally conducted by Zoom.

Summary: Status conferences and discovery disputes by phone; Rule 16 conferences by Zoom.

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In person to chambers ?

Judge Carlos will schedule oral argument on motions only if it appears likely to be helpful to the Court's resolution of the matter.

Summary: Oral argument scheduled only if helpful to case resolution.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Carlos permits contact with the Court through her deputy clerk to set up telephone or chambers conferences to resolve outstanding issues.

Summary: Contact deputy clerk to schedule discovery dispute conferences.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Generally, Judge Carlos prefers letter memoranda outlining the discovery dispute.

Summary: Discovery disputes should be submitted via letter memoranda.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Carlos will not require counsel to remain in the courthouse during deliberations but will require counsel to be available on short telephone notice. Counsel must provide the deputy clerk with their phone number.

Summary: Counsel must provide phone number and be available by phone during jury deliberations.

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Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Carlos' deputy clerk or law clerks if they have any questions about her courtroom practices or procedures.

Summary: Counsel may contact deputy clerk or law clerks with questions about courtroom practices.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

The Email address is PAED_Carlos_Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Settlement conference communications should be sent to PAED_Carlos_Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov.

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Letter ecf ?

Judge Reid permits correspondence from counsel on any matters as long as all other counsel in the matter are sent copies of such correspondence.

Summary: Correspondence allowed if all counsel receive copies.

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Reid permits counsel to communicate with his courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.

Summary: Communication with clerks allowed for scheduling/administrative matters only.

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Phone ?

Judge Reid prefers that counsel come to chambers for all conferences. Telephone conferences may be utilized, however, for matters such as scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes, it will be the responsibility of all counsel

Summary: In-person conferences preferred; phone allowed for scheduling, extensions, discovery.

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Email to chambers ?

Oral arguments and evidentiary hearings may be scheduled through Judge Reid’s courtroom deputy. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the schedules of counsel.

Summary: Oral arguments/hearings scheduled through courtroom deputy.

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Phone ?

Judge Reid will schedule status conferences, settlement conferences and final pretrial conferences as required by the circumstance of each particular case. Judge Reid will work with counsel in the scheduling of either telephone conferences or conferences in chambers to resolve any issues that may arise during the progress of the case. Judge Reid does expect, however, that counsel will make all good faith efforts to resolve any disputed matter between themselves before seeking involvement of the Court.

Summary: Status/settlement/final pretrial conferences scheduled as needed; counsel must attempt resolution first.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Reid will not require counsel to remain in the courthouse during deliberations but will require counsel to be available on short telephone notice.

Summary: Counsel not required to stay but must be available by phone during deliberations.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Brody permits counsel to email and speak with her law clerks about urgent administrative or scheduling matters. Communication is also permissible when designated by Judge Brody.

Summary: Counsel may email or speak with law clerks about urgent administrative/scheduling matters.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

If counsel agree on a scheduling issue, a letter docketed on ECF requesting Judge Brody’s approval is often sufficient. If time does not permit a letter, an attorney may email the request to chambers.

Summary: Agreed scheduling issues can be handled by ECF letter or email to chambers.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Judge Brody permits correspondence by email from counsel concerning urgent administrative matters. Counsel must address all other matters by motion. If Counsel wishes to address any other matter by letter, that is fine, but the letter must be designated as a motion on ECF. This will trigger the need for a response from opposing counsel and signify to the court that action is required.

Summary: Email permitted for urgent administrative matters; other matters must be motions or ECF-designated letters.

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Civil cases

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Email to chambers ?

Requests to schedule or reschedule a conference or hearing before Judge Brody may be made by letter, fax, or email to the law clerk assigned to the case, stating the reasons and noting the agreement or disagreement of all counsel.

Summary: Scheduling requests may be made by letter, fax, or email to the law clerk, stating reasons and agreement/disagreement.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Bartle has no objection if law clerks are used as vehicles for relaying information to the Court. He does not permit law clerks to give advice to counsel.

Summary: Law clerks may relay information but cannot give legal advice.

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Chambers copy to chambers ?

Judge Bartle provides counsel with a copy of proposed jury instructions for review in advance of a charge conference.

Summary: Judge provides proposed jury instructions to counsel before charge conference.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Bartle permits counsel to interview the jurors after the verdict has been recorded and the jury has been discharged. However, jurors are told they are under no obligation to speak with counsel.

Summary: Juror interviews permitted after verdict, but jurors have no obligation to speak.

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Judge Slomsky usually does not place a time limit on opening statements and summations. However, depending upon the issues in the case and the length of the trial, he may suggest time limits.

Summary: No standard time limits for opening statements/summations; may suggest limits based on case.

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The Court will permit counsel to examine his/her own witnesses out of turn for the convenience of a witness.

Summary: Witness examination out of sequence permitted for witness convenience.

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Judge Slomsky has no general practice for taking a special or general verdict. He usually submits interrogatories to the jury in civil cases.

Summary: Judge usually submits interrogatories to jury in civil cases, no general practice for verdicts.

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Judge Slomsky has no standard practice for polling the jury. He generally allows it if requested.

Summary: Judge generally allows jury polling if requested, no standard practice.

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Judge Slomsky will advise the jury that testimony is usually not in transcript form to give them. However, if a transcript is available, he will consider having appropriate portions read if requested by the jury. He may allow tapes and videotapes to be replayed to the extent necessary.

Summary: Judge will advise jury testimony is usually not in transcript form; may read portions if transcript available and allow replay of tapes/videos.

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Judge Slomsky does not give the jury a copy of the written jury instructions. However, he may do so in an appropriate case.

Summary: Judge does not typically give jury copies of written instructions, but may in appropriate cases.

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The Court will permit limited re-cross examination on matters not previously covered by cross examination or in special circumstances.

Summary: Limited re-cross examination allowed for new matters or special circumstances.

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Judge Slomsky conducts voir dire in criminal cases.

Summary: Judge conducts voir dire in criminal cases.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

The court encourages the submission of discovery disputes by telephone conference. If a discovery motion is filed, it may be acted upon before a response is filed either with or without a telephone conference.

Summary: Discovery disputes encouraged via telephone conference; motions may be decided before response with or without conference.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

Phone

267-299-7341

Telephone inquiries should be directed as appropriate to either one of the following: Courtroom Deputy: Kelly Haggerty - 267-299-7341

Summary: Telephone inquiries for civil scheduling, case management and general procedures should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy at 267-299-7341.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

The court encourages the submission of discovery disputes by telephone conference. If a discovery motion is filed, it may be acted upon before a response is filed either with or without a telephone conference.

Summary: Discovery disputes should be submitted by telephone conference; motions may be acted upon before response.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Padova sometimes conducts telephone conferences for non-complex pretrial matters, scheduling, discovery disputes, settlement conferences, and other similar matters. Telephone conferences should be arranged through his deputy.

Summary: Telephone conferences for non-complex matters must be arranged through the deputy.

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Phone to chambers ?

Judge Padova normally does not hold discovery conferences, but encourages the use of telephone conferences in lieu of motion practice to resolve discovery disputes.

Summary: Discovery conferences discouraged; telephone conferences encouraged for dispute resolution.

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Unspecified to jury ?

Judge Padova will advise the jury that testimony is usually not in transcript form to give them. However, if a transcript is available, he will consider reading appropriate portions requested by the jury. He will usually allow audio and video recordings to be replayed.

Summary: Judge will advise jury testimony not in transcript form; may read portions if transcript available; allows audio/video replay.

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Civil cases

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Phone to chambers ?

The Preliminary Pretrial Conference will take approximately 10 minutes. If it is truly impossible for trial or associate counsel to attend the Preliminary Pretrial Conference, please call Chambers to reschedule.

Summary: Preliminary pretrial conference is 10 minutes; call Chambers to reschedule if needed.

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Surrick will determine whether to schedule oral argument or an evidentiary hearing on a case by case basis. If counsel prefer either oral argument or an evidentiary hearing, they should request it by letter. Judge Surrick does not set aside any certain days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings.

Summary: Oral argument/evidentiary hearing requests must be made by letter

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Chambers drop off to chambers ?

Judge Surrick regularly conducts pretrial conferences. Judge Surrick=s Civil Deputy will initiate the scheduling of an initial pretrial conference. All pretrial conferences are held in Chambers. Judge Surrick uses a standard pretrial order to notify counsel of the conference.

Summary: Pretrial conferences held in chambers, initiated by civil deputy

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Letter ecf to chambers ?

Judge Surrick may schedule oral argument on motions when it is requested by counsel. Oral argument will be scheduled when Judge Surrick believes oral argument will be helpful in the decision-making process.

Summary: Oral argument scheduled when requested and helpful for decision-making

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Side bar

Judge Surrick permits side-bar conferences, but limits them if they become a distraction or interrupt the flow of the trial.

Summary: Side-bar conferences permitted but limited if disruptive.

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Witness examination ?

Judge Surrick will generally grant a request by counsel to take the testimony of a witness out of turn for the convenience of the witness subject to objection by opposing counsel.

Summary: Witness testimony out of sequence permitted with opposing counsel's objection opportunity.

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Opening statements summations ?

No time limits are placed on opening statements or summations by counsel. However, Judge Surrick believes that thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes is usually adequate for an opening and thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes is usually adequate for a summation in routine cases.

Summary: No time limits on opening statements/summations, but 30-45 minutes recommended.

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Multiple attorneys ?

More than one attorney for a party may examine different witnesses or argue different legal points before Judge Surrick. Ordinarily, more than one attorney for a party may not examine a single witness or argue the same legal point.

Summary: Multiple attorneys may examine different witnesses or argue different points, but not the same witness or point.

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Judgment motions ?

Motions for judgment as a matter of law and motions for judgment on partial findings may be either oral or written. Oral argument will be permitted if counsel request it.

Summary: Motions for judgment as a matter of law and partial findings may be oral or written with oral argument upon request.

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Judge Surrick will permit polling the jury when requested. Polling of the jury is allowed in all criminal cases.

Summary: Polling allowed in all criminal cases when requested.

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Judge Surrick will allow oral argument on motions in a criminal case upon the request of counsel.

Summary: Oral argument on motions allowed in criminal cases upon request.

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Judge Surrick will hold pretrial conferences only in complex criminal cases.

Summary: Pretrial conferences held only in complex criminal cases.

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Judge Surrick conducts voir dire in criminal cases.

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Criminal cases

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Email to chambers ?

Pretrial conferences in criminal cases are held only in complex cases or those involving several attorneys.

Summary: Pretrial conferences held only in complex cases or with multiple attorneys.

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Letter ecf to clerk ?

After a verdict has been recorded and the jury has been discharged, counsel may request to interview jurors. The jurors are told that they are permitted to talk to counsel if they desire, but they need not do so. Counsel shall respect the jurors’ desire not to speak to them.

Summary: After verdict and jury discharge, counsel may request to interview jurors, but must respect jurors' choice not to speak.