Eastern District of Pennsylvania Document Format Requirements

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

A requested courtesy copy must be clearly marked and tabbed, and bound so the exhibit book opens and lies flat.

The Court’s courtesy copy shall be clearly marked, tabbed, and bound in a 3-ring binder or other binding method that allows the exhibit book to open and lay flat on an even surface.

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

Counsel must simultaneously send the Deputy a digital Microsoft Word copy of sentencing motions and memoranda, unless the matter is sealed; noncompliance will likely result in sanctions.

In addition to filing any such motions and/or sentencing memoranda with the Clerk of Court – and unless the matter is sealed – counsel shall simultaneously send a digital copy of same in Microsoft Word format directly to Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan. Counsel’s failure to strictly adhere to this protocol will likely result in sanctions.

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

Civil cases

When producing an image file, the producing party must preserve the document’s original formatting, metadata, and, where applicable, revision history.

When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

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

Civil cases

Electronic documents must be produced to the requesting party as image files, such as PDF or TIFF.

Electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF).

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

Civil cases

If the parties cannot agree on production format during the Rule 26(f) conference, electronic documents must be produced as image files.

If, during the course of the Rule 26(f) conference, the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF).

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

Civil cases

When producing an image file, the producing party must preserve the document's original formatting, metadata, and, where applicable, revision history.

When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

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

Civil cases

A party seeking native-format production after initial image-file production must demonstrate particularized need.

After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

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

Before trial, the videotape must be edited to remove pauses and speed-ups so it plays without interruptions.

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

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

Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

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

Each proposed point for charge must be numbered, appear on a separate sheet, and cite applicable authority.

Each proposed point for charge shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper, with citation to the applicable authority.

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

Civil cases

After initial production in image format, a party must demonstrate particularized need to obtain electronic documents in native format.

After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

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

Counsel are encouraged to post searchable briefs to ECF and, when possible, use OCR for scanned briefs.

Counsel are encouraged to post searchable versions of their briefs to ECF. If counsel posts a scanned copy of a physical brief, that brief should, if possible, be save in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Letter Motions will not be accepted.

Summary: Letter motions will not be accepted by the Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each document filed as an exhibit must be filed as a separately numbered attachment to the main document and must be clearly titled with an objective description of the document (e.g., 6/14/19 Deposition of John Doe; 10/14/21 Letter from Smith to Jones; 3/15/20-3/23/20 Email Thread between Doe and Roe) so that the nature of the exhibit and its relevance are clearly discernible without the need to open the file.

Summary: Every exhibit must be filed as a separately numbered attachment to the main document and clearly titled with an objective description so its nature and relevance are apparent without opening the file.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Motions for judgment as a matter of law in jury trials and motions for an involuntary dismissal in non-jury trials must be in writing.

Summary: Motions for judgment as a matter of law (jury trials) and motions for involuntary dismissal (non-jury trials) must be in writing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

PDF

Counsel shall confer and prepare a single, joint exhibit chart in PDF format that includes all exhibits admitted into evidence. Each exhibit must include a neutral, non-argumentative description. The exhibit chart shall be formatted as follows:

Summary: Counsel must prepare a single joint exhibit chart in PDF format listing all admitted exhibits, each with a neutral, non-argumentative description and the specified columns.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Exhibits should be pre-marked and exchanged in accordance with the scheduling order or other pretrial order.

Summary: Exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged in accordance with the scheduling order or other pretrial order.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

If a party modifies a model jury instruction, the additions should be underlined, and deletions should be placed in brackets.

Summary: Modifications to model jury instructions must show additions underlined and deletions placed in brackets.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

are over 30 pages, the copies cannot be stapled - the copies should be placed in a three-ring binder.

Summary: Copies exceeding 30 pages must not be stapled and should instead be placed in a three-ring binder.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

The use of footnotes is discouraged. If absolutely necessary, footnotes are to be used sparingly and should not contain citations to textual matter.

Summary: Footnotes in briefs and memoranda are discouraged and, if absolutely necessary, must be used sparingly and must not contain citations to textual matter.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a three-ring binder.

Summary: Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a three-ring binder.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

If counsel posts a scanned copy of a physical brief, that brief should, if possible, be saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

Summary: Scanned physical briefs posted to ECF should, if possible, be saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

The filing of exhibits in text searchable format is encouraged, but not required.

Summary: Filing exhibits in text searchable format is encouraged but not required.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.INFO?

Counsel seeking admission pro hac vice should use the form available on the Courts website at https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/forms/forms-miscellaneous.

Summary: Pro hac vice admission requests must use the form available on the court’s website.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

All proposed exhibits shall be placed in binders accompanied by a table of contents. The table of contents should include the following columns: Exhibit # - Bates #; a brief description of the document; a column entitled 'Stipulations' a column entitled 'Introduced'; and a column entitled 'Admitted'.

Summary: Exhibits must be in binders with detailed table of contents.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each point for charge shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper identifying the name of the requesting party.

Summary: Each jury instruction point must be numbered and on separate sheet with party name.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

DOCX ?

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 delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word format via email.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Margins

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All documents shall be filed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced with one-inch margins and numbered pages.

Summary: All documents must use 12-pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, numbered pages.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

Summary: All PDF documents must be text searchable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Exhibits shall be placed in a three-ring binder, pre-marked and tabbed with a table of contents. The text table of contents should be in at least 12-point font, in table format with separate columns for the exhibit numbers, exhibit description, indication of identification and admission.

Summary: Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binder with tabbed table of contents in 12-point font.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

If the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF). When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document’s contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history. After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

Summary: Electronic documents must be produced as PDF/TIFF unless parties agree otherwise; native format requires particularized need.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

DOCX ?

All documents submitted shall be in Word format.

Summary: All documents must be submitted in Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each proposed instruction should be on a separate sheet of paper, double spaced, and should include citation to specific authority.

Summary: Each proposed jury instruction must be on separate sheet, double spaced, with citations.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

DOCX ?

All documents submitted shall be in Word format.

Summary: All documents must be submitted in Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each proposed instruction should be on a separate sheet of paper, double spaced, and should include citation to specific authority. The court will not consider proposed instructions without citation to specific legal authority. Cases and model jury instructions that are cited should be accurately quoted and a page reference should be provided.

Summary: Each proposed jury instruction must be on a separate sheet, double spaced, with citations to specific authority including accurate quotes and page references.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF ?

All ECF filings must be text-searchable, including exhibits. Within the limits of what the ECF system allows, ECF descriptions and filenames must reflect the contents of the filing (e.g., use “Ex. A - Contract” or “Ex. B - Smith Dep. Transcript” instead of “Exhibit A”).

Summary: All ECF filings must be text-searchable with descriptive filenames.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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All briefs must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least 1-inch margins. Footnotes must be in the same font size as the body of the brief. Any brief longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents and table of authorities.

Summary: All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins; footnotes same size; briefs over 10 pages need TOC and TOA

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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All written submissions to the Court must be prepared in 12-point, Times New Roman font, with at least one-inch margins. All footnotes shall appear in 12-point font as well. Motion papers and memoranda of law must be double-spaced. Any briefs longer than ten pages must include a table of contents.

Summary: Written submissions must use 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, double-spacing, and include TOC for briefs over 10 pages.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

The parties shall 'bates stamp' their appendices. All references to the appendix made in the motions and responses shall identify the bates number of the referenced page.

Summary: Appendices must be bates stamped with page references.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

The parties may choose whether to label any given exhibit as a “Plaintiff,” “Defense,” or “Joint” exhibit, but no single exhibit may have more than one designation. All exhibits should be numbered consecutively, tabbed and contained in three-ring binders. Each binder must begin with a table of contents that identifies all the trial exhibits, provides a brief description of each trial exhibit, and identifies the binder in which the trial exhibit can be found.

Summary: Exhibits must be numbered consecutively, tabbed, in three-ring binders with table of contents.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins and be prepared in 12-point, Times New Roman font.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins, and use 12-point Times New Roman font.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Citations to authority should be reflected in footnotes or comments appended to the text and should not appear in the body of the proposed instructions.

Summary: Citations to authority must be in footnotes or comments, not in the body of proposed jury instructions.

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Format

DOCX ?

Jury instructions and verdict forms should be submitted to the deputy clerk as Microsoft Word files.

Summary: Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted as Microsoft Word files.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins and be prepared in 12-point, Times New Roman font. Citations to authority should be reflected in footnotes or comments appended to the text and should not appear in the body of the proposed instructions.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins, use 12-point Times New Roman font, and citations must be in footnotes/comments, not body.

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

Exhibits shall be taped and submitted in binders for ease of use by the Court.

Summary: Exhibits must be taped and submitted in binders for the Court’s use.

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

Format

DOCX ?

The above listed documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format; .pdf format is not acceptable.

Summary: The listed pretrial submissions must be in Microsoft Word format; PDF format is not accepted.

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

Format

DOCX ?

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 provided in Microsoft Word format, and PDF format is unacceptable.

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

Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

In addition to filing a guilty plea memorandum with the Clerk of Court – and unless the matter is sealed – counsel shall simultaneously send a digital copy of the same in Microsoft Word format directly to Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan. Counsel’s failure to strictly adhere to this protocol will likely result in sanctions.

Summary: Counsel must simultaneously send the guilty plea memorandum in Microsoft Word format to the judge’s deputy, unless the matter is sealed; failure to follow the protocol will likely result in sanctions.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

DOCX ?

Any attachments to e-mail communications are to be submitted in Microsoft Word format or pdf format, unless otherwise specified.

Summary: Email attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel shall arrange to have all approved electronic equipment in the courtroom and

Summary: Counsel must arrange approved electronic equipment in courtroom

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Required

Always ?

Papers or other documents filed in this Court, except original or true copies of exhibits, shall be on paper eight and one-half (8½) inches by eleven (11) inches in size. Any paper or other document filed shall be sufficient as to format and other physical characteristics if it substantially complies with the following requirements:

Summary: Paper filings must be 8.5 x 11 inches and substantially comply with formatting requirements.

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Required

Always ?

Margins

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(2) The lettering shall be clearly legible and shall not be smaller than 12 point word processing font, using Times New Roman typeface. The text must be double spaced, but quotations more than two lines long may be indented and single-spaced. Headings and footnotes may be single-spaced. The font type and size used in footnotes shall be the same as that used in the body of the document. Margins must be at least one inch on all four sides. All pages should be numbered.

Summary: Font must be at least 12 pt Times New Roman, text double-spaced, margins at least 1 inch, all pages numbered.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

(3) Printed material shall appear on only one (1) side of each page.

Summary: Printed material must appear on only one side of each page.

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Format

PDF ?

Counsel are to use electronic case filing and comply with the Court’s Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”) Procedures pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1.2, unless excused from ECF registration. Pro se litigants are not required to file electronically.

Summary: Electronic filing required for counsel, not required for pro se litigants.

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Format

DOCX ?

If a jury trial is scheduled, the parties will be directed to file with the Clerk of Court and submit to Chambers electronically in Microsoft Word format all of the following:

Summary: Jury trial materials must be filed with Clerk and submitted to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Margins

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Court normally begins at 9:00 a.m. The Court will make every effort to commence proceedings on time. Counsel, parties, and witnesses shall be on time. Court normally adjourns at 5:00 p.m.

Summary: Court proceedings start at 9:00 AM and adjourn at 5:00 PM

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Required

Always ?

Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate mode) before entering the courtroom. Recording or taking photographs in the courtroom is strictly prohibited. A violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone or device and prosecution. Attorneys are responsible for their own electronic devices and those of their witnesses and clients.

Summary: Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off before entering courtroom

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel should instruct witnesses and parties to wear proper attire to court. Shorts, tank tops, etc. are not permitted attire. Witnesses or parties not properly attired may be excluded from the courtroom. In criminal cases, defense counsel must make arrangements to secure civilian clothes for the defendant so that the defendant does not appear in prison clothes in front of the jury.

Summary: Proper attire required; shorts, tank tops prohibited; criminal defendants must wear civilian clothes

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Civility is the foundation of all courtroom procedures and will be expected at all times. Counsel and the parties shall rise when the Judge and the jury enter and leave the courtroom.

Summary: Civility required; parties must rise when Judge and jury enter/leave

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel shall dress in an appropriate professional manner. The parties shall conduct the trial in a dignified and formal manner. Counsel shall not raise their voices any louder than is necessary to be clearly heard by the Court, witnesses, and the jury. All remarks are to be addressed to the Court and not opposing counsel. Counsel should never act or speak disrespectfully to the Court or opposing counsel.

Summary: Counsel must dress professionally and conduct trial with dignity and respect

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel's demeanor should be one of courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel and are to avoid using first names. During opening statements and closing arguments, no juror is to be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties by body language or facial expression shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

Summary: Counsel must maintain courtesy and professionalism; avoid familiarity and first names

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel must rise to address the Court.

Summary: Counsel must rise when addressing the Court

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Only counsel and parties, if desired, may sit at counsel table. Witnesses shall sit in the spectator section only, unless otherwise authorized by the Court. If any party desires sequestration, the party shall move for sequestration at the outset of the trial. If the Court orders sequestration, all witnesses for all parties shall be sequestered. Counsel are responsible for informing their non-party witnesses that they should remain outside the courtroom until called, and that they should not discuss their testimony with other witnesses until the trial is concluded.

Summary: Only counsel and parties may sit at counsel table; witnesses must be sequestered if requested

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Parties should submit deposition testimony and other transcripts to Judge Wolson as full-sized pages, not miniscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue.

Summary: Deposition testimony and transcripts must be submitted as full-sized pages, with only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages; full transcripts are only allowed if entirely relevant.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Parties should not submit pleadings from the case before Judge Wolson. For example, there is no need to attach a copy of a complaint to a Motion to Dismiss. Judge Wolson can retrieve those documents from the CM/ECF system. Nor should parties submit pleadings from other federal cases. It is enough to cite the pleading by court, case number, and docket number. Judge Wolson will retrieve the pleading from the CM/ECF

Summary: Do not submit pleadings from the current case before Judge Wolson (cite instead); do not submit pleadings from other federal cases (cite by court, case number, docket number instead).

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

All exhibits must be text searchable.

Summary: All exhibits filed with the court must be text searchable.

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To the extent that a document is scanned, as opposed to converted from Word or another format, the party submitting the document must use optical character recognition (OCR) or other comparable technology to ensure the exhibit’s searchability.

Summary: Scanned exhibits must use optical character recognition (OCR) or comparable technology to ensure text searchability.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Margins

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All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font. All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

Summary: All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, use at least 12-point proportionally spaced font, have at least 1-inch margins, and footnotes must match the body font and size.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Any briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.

Summary: Briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Counsel must file text-searchable versions of their briefs on the CM/ECF system.

Summary: Counsel must file text-searchable versions of all briefs on the CM/ECF system.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Margins

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All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font.

Summary: All written submissions must be double-spaced, at least 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and use any proportionally spaced font.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

Summary: Footnotes must use the same font family and size as the body of the written submission.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper.

Summary: Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory must be numbered and placed on a separate sheet of paper.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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All papers submitted to the Court shall be formatted in Times New Roman size 12 font with one-inch margins and double-spaced. Footnotes should also be in size 12 font.

Summary: All papers must use Times New Roman 12pt font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

The possession of cell phones and other electronic devices in the courthouse is governed by the May 16, 2019 Standing Order on this subject, which is available here on the court website. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate mode) before entering the courtroom, absent the Court’s prior permission. Recording or taking photographs in the courtroom is strictly prohibited. See Local Rule of Civil Procedure 83.3. A violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone or device and prosecution.

Summary: Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off before entering courtroom; recording/photographs prohibited.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Food, drink, and chewing gum are prohibited in the courtroom, and witnesses should be so instructed. Personal water bottles are permitted if kept on the floor.

Summary: Food, drink, and gum prohibited in courtroom; personal water bottles allowed on floor.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel shall dress in a professional manner. The trial shall at all times be conducted in a dignified and formal manner. Counsel shall not raise their voices any louder than is necessary to be clearly heard by the Court, witnesses, and the jury. All remarks should be addressed to the Court. Counsel should never act or speak disrespectfully to the Court or opposing counsel in any manner.

Summary: Counsel must dress professionally, maintain dignified conduct, and address all remarks to the Court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel’s demeanor should reflect courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel, and should avoid using first names. During opening statements or closing arguments, no juror should be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties, by their body language or facial expression, shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

Summary: Counsel must maintain professional demeanor, avoid familiarity, and not react to witness testimony.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Counsel must rise to address the Court. Address the Court as “Your Honor.”

Summary: Counsel must rise and address the Court as “Your Honor.”

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

If the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF). When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

Summary: Electronic documents must be produced as image files (PDF/TIFF) if parties cannot agree on format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

Summary: All PDF documents must be text searchable

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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Format

PDF

All documents shall be filed in 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

Summary: All documents must use 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins; PDFs must be text searchable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

DOCX ?

Counsel must submit proposed voir dire questions in Microsoft Word format via email to Chambers and should do so in accordance with the Scheduling Order.

Summary: Proposed voir dire questions must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to Chambers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Judge Kearney holds court in Courtroom 6-B, which is not an electronic courtroom. Parties are responsible for arranging and providing all electronic technology they wish to bring for trial. Any party planning to use such equipment must submit a letter to Chambers, as early as possible and copied to all counsel, but no later than one week before trial, identifying the equipment it will use at trial. Any equipment counsel wishes to have brought in for trial must be set up and tested before jury selection. Parties should contact Courtroom Deputy Ulrike Bower (267-299-7688) before trial to arrange a time to set up and test electronic equipment in Courtroom 6-B and for permission to bring in the equipment through courthouse security.

Summary: Electronic equipment must be arranged, tested, and approved before trial.

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Proposed jury instructions, separately numbered, shall include a table of contents and be submitted on a separate sheet of paper, double-spaced, with accurate quotes from, and pinpoint citations to cases and pattern jury instructions where appropriate.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be separately numbered, include table of contents, double-spaced with citations.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

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All writings submitted to Judge Perez’s Chambers should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch page margins.

Summary: All writings to Chambers must use 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins.

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Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF ?

In accordance with Local Rule 5.1.2, I require that the Parties file electronically all documents via Electronic Case Filing. The Parties shall file all stipulations and proposed orders on the docket via ECF. Stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to the Clerk of Court.

Summary: All documents must be filed electronically via ECF; stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to Clerk.

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Civil cases

Counsel shall present to the Court, in a loose-leaf binder, a list and copy of all exhibits before trial.

Summary: Exhibit submissions to the Court must be presented in a loose-leaf binder.

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Counsel are expected to confer about exhibits and provide Joint Exhibits (marked J-1, etc.) and additional exhibits (marked as P-1 or D-1, etc.).

Summary: Joint Exhibits must be marked J-1, etc.; additional exhibits marked P-1/D-1

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Exhibits shall be provided to the Court in the form of a jointly prepared, loose leaf Exhibit Book separately numbering Joint Exhibits, Plaintiff's Exhibits, and Defendant's Exhibits.

Summary: Exhibits must be provided in a jointly prepared, loose leaf Exhibit Book with separate numbering for Joint, Plaintiff's, and Defendant's exhibits.

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Attachments should be no more than 15 pages and should be separated with labeled divider pages.

Summary: Attachments must be separated with labeled divider pages.

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Only attach excerpts which are most relevant to the claims at issue.

Summary: Only attach excerpts that are most relevant to the claims at issue.

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Relevant portions must be highlighted.

Summary: Relevant portions of attached excerpts must be highlighted.

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Format

DOCX ?

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: Proposed jury instructions and verdict form emailed to chambers must be in Word (DOCX) format.

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Required

Always ?

Counsel shall provide Judge Sitarski with two sets of exhibits in a tabbed, three-ring binder, together with a schedule of exhibits that briefly describes each exhibit.

Summary: Exhibits must be provided in two sets, in a tabbed three-ring binder with a schedule.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

DOCX ?

The proposed jury instructions and verdict forms shall be submitted electronically, via e-mail to chambers, in Word format.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted electronically via email in Word format.

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Civil cases

All filings should be submitted in 14-point font.

Summary: All filings must use 14-point font.

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Civil cases

Proposed jury instructions (one point per page);

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be one point per page.

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Criminal cases

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions must be provided to chambers. Submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper. Do not staple submissions.

Summary: Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions required, single-sided, three-hole punched, unstapled.

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Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a single three ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

Summary: All exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a single three-ring binder, numbered consecutively.

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Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

If counsel cannot agree, proposed alternative instructions must be submitted with authority for each instruction. If a model jury instruction is used, the party submitting it shall state whether the proposed instruction is unchanged or modified. If a party modifies a model instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets. Counsel shall also submit proposed jury instructions and verdict forms on a disk in WordPerfect format.

Summary: Alternative jury instructions must include authority; model instructions must indicate changes (underlined/added, bracketed/deleted); submit on WordPerfect disk.

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Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in a non-jury trial should be submitted at least seven (7) days before the trial or trial pool date. They should be on hard copy and on a disk in WordPerfect format. The parties may submit revised or supplemental findings fact and conclusions of law with specific reference to trial evidence at the conclusion of the case. A schedule for the submission of revised findings/conclusions will be discussed at the conclusion of trial.

Summary: Proposed findings/conclusions due 7 days before trial; submit hard copy and WordPerfect disk; revised versions allowed with trial evidence references.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a single three ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

Summary: Exhibits must be arranged in a single tabbed three-ring binder and numbered consecutively.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

Counsel shall also submit proposed jury instructions and verdict forms on a disk in WordPerfect format.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted on disk in WordPerfect format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

They should be on hard copy and on a disk in WordPerfect format.

Summary: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted on hard copy and disk in WordPerfect format.

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Required

Always ?

Format

PDF ?

Judge Padova requires that all documents be filed electronically through Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”). Unrepresented civil litigants may file documents as provided in Local Civil Rule 5.1.2.2(d).

Summary: All documents must be filed electronically through ECF; pro se civil litigants have special provisions.

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Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced on a separate sheet of paper. Cited cases and pattern jury instructions should be accurately quoted and specific page references should be given.

Summary: Jury instructions must be double-spaced on separate sheets with accurate citations.

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Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF ?

Judge Baylson requires all attorneys to use Electronic Case Filing (ECF). ECF provides greater efficiency and timeliness in the filing of pleadings, motions, and automatic e-mail notice of case activity, as well as electronic storage of documents for remote access by the Court, the Bar, and the litigants. Attorneys appearing before Judge Baylson are required to register as ECF Filing Users in accordance with Rule 5.1.2 of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure, referencing the Procedural Order on Electronic Case Filing.

Summary: Attorneys must use ECF and register as ECF Filing Users.

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Required

Always ?

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1.5 in, right 1 in ?

At the final pretrial conference, the parties shall provide the Court with one copy of each exhibit and two copies of a schedule of exhibits which shall briefly describe each exhibit. At the trial, the parties must provide the court with an additional copy of each exhibit. Exhibits shall be tabbed in a three-ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

Summary: Exhibits must be provided at final pretrial conference and trial in three-ring binders.

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If a model jury instruction is used, the party submitting it shall state whether the proposed instruction is unchanged or modified. If a party modifies a model instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

Summary: When using model jury instructions, parties must indicate if unchanged or modified, with additions underlined and deletions in brackets.

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Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in ?

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper identifying the name of the requesting party.

Summary: Each jury instruction/interrogatory must be on separate sheet with party name.

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Criminal cases

Required

Always ?

If a party modifies a model instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

Summary: Modified model instructions must underline additions and bracket deletions.

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One full set of exhibits that is organized in a tabbed binder with all exhibits numbered consecutively (not separately numbered by party).

Summary: Full set of trial exhibits must be organized in a tabbed binder with consecutive numbering.

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One additional set of exhibits that are not hole punched or marked with anything besides exhibit numbers, which may be presented to witnesses and jurors.

Summary: Additional trial exhibit set for witnesses and jurors must not be hole punched or marked except for exhibit numbers.

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Civil cases

Each party shall provide a brief factual summation of the case which should be provided as an attachment, double spaced in 12-point font.

Summary: Factual summation must be double-spaced in 12-point font and attached as an attachment.

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Civil cases

The Joint Statement should be drafted neutrally and factually (without needless adjectives) so as to best facilitate a filing which will be useful to the Court.

Summary: Joint Statement must be drafted neutrally and factually without needless adjectives.

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Civil cases

If, during the course of the Rule 26(f) conference, the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF). When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history. After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

Summary: If the parties cannot agree on a production format at the Rule 26(f) conference, electronic documents must be produced as image files (PDF/TIFF) with original formatting, metadata, and revision history preserved; native-format production requires a demonstrated particularized need after initial production is complete.

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Deposition testimony and other transcripts shall be submitted to the Court as full-sized pages, not manuscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue before the Court. The Court will request the entire transcript if it deems it necessary.

Summary: Transcripts must be full-sized pages with cover page identifying witness and relevant pages; entire transcript only if relevant.

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

If counsel modifies a model jury instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

Summary: Modified model jury instructions must show additions underlined and deletions in brackets.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Required

Always ?

(1) Prepared on white paper (except for covers, dividers, and similar sheets) of good quality.

Summary: Filings must be on white paper of good quality, except for covers and dividers.

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when parties submit exhibits via ECF, they must give each document a name identifying the document. Thus, it is not sufficient to label a file “Exhibit A.” Instead, the name should identify the document (i.e., “Exhibit A_Contract” or “Exhibit A_Declaration of John Smith”).

Summary: ECF exhibits must be named descriptively, not just “Exhibit A.”

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Proposed jury instructions must be tailored and personalized for the case and should include accurate quotes from, and citations to, cases and pattern jury instructions where appropriate. If pattern instructions are to be given, those instructions should be taken from the Third Circuit Model Jury Instructions wherever possible. United States Supreme Court or Third Circuit Court of Appeals cases should be cited wherever applicable.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be case-specific with accurate citations to relevant cases and pattern instructions.

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Civil cases

Chambers copies shall be printed single sided on opaque white paper of high quality.

Summary: Chambers copies must be printed single-sided on high-quality opaque white paper.

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should be separated with labeled divider pages

Summary: Attachments to the case synopsis should be separated with labeled divider pages.

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Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions must be provided to chambers. Submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper. Do not staple submissions.

Summary: Pretrial submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper and not stapled.

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Civil cases

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a single three ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

Summary: Exhibits must be arranged in a single three-ring binder with consecutive numbering and tabs.

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Required

Always ?

All trials and other proceedings will be held at the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, Courtroom C, Third Floor, 504 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101.

Summary: All trials and proceedings held at Allentown courthouse, Courtroom C, Third Floor

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

The Judge's courtroom is not an electronic courtroom.

Summary: Judge's courtroom is not electronic

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Required

Always ?

(4) Exceptions to the provisions of this rule may be made only upon motion and for good cause, or in the case of papers filed by a pro se litigant.

Summary: Exceptions to formatting rules require motion and good cause, except for pro se litigants.

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Required

Always ?

Under local practice, the party with the burden of proof (generally the plaintiff in civil cases, the government in criminal cases) is seated at the table closest to the jury box.

Summary: Party with burden of proof sits at table closest to jury box

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Format

DOCX ?

Parties should submit stipulations and proposed Orders as Word documents.

Summary: Parties are encouraged to submit stipulations and proposed orders in Word document format.

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Civil cases

All other non-urgent requests must be filed as motions. Formal motion formatting is not necessary; a letter filed as a motion and a letter filed as a response are fine.

Summary: Non-urgent requests must be filed as motions, but formal motion formatting is not required; a letter format is acceptable for motions and responses.

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Civil cases

Pro se parties are not required to use ECF.

Summary: Pro se parties are exempt from ECF requirement.