Court Rules
Judge

Judge Mark S. Davis

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Eastern District of Virginia

Communication

Phone

Clerk

Alexandria: (703) 299-2100, Newport News: (757) 247-0784, Norfolk: (757) 222-7202, Richmond: (804) 916-2220
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingCertificatesECF FilingTRO/InjunctionMemorandaElectronics

Document Format Requirements2 rules

Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a party proceeds Pro Se without CM/ECF privileges: i. Also subject to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 where applicable, the Pro Se party shall submit to the Clerk's office for filing a motion to treat a document as an HSD, the HSD sought to be filed, and a certificate of service in the form of two paper copies, using unfolded 8½ x 11 paper.

Summary: Pro se parties without CM/ECF must file two paper copies (unfolded 8½x11) of the motion, HSD, and certificate of service, with FRCP 11 certification.

Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 4
|Sec2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs
Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Counsel shall also submit two paper copies, using unfolded 8½ x 11 paper, of the memorandum in support of the Motion to file, the HSD sought to be filed, and a certificate of service, as directed in Section 2(b) above.

Summary: Paper copies must be on unfolded 8½x11 paper.

Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 4
|Sec2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

Document Filing Requirements5 rules

Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

A request for HSD designation shall be accompanied by a certification, subject to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 where applicable, of the movant's good faith belief that the material meets the criteria set forth in Section 1, above;

Summary: The motion for HSD designation must include a certification under FRCP 11 of good faith belief that the material qualifies as highly sensitive.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 3
|Sec2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

If a party proceeds Pro Se without CM/ECF privileges: i. Also subject to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 where applicable, the Pro Se party shall submit to the Clerk's office for filing a motion to treat a document as an HSD, the HSD sought to be filed, and a certificate of service in the form of two paper copies, using unfolded 8½ x 11 paper.

Summary: Pro se parties must include FRCP 11 certification with their HSD motion and documents.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 4
|Sec2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

However, when the HSD exceeds fifty pages, counsel must also provide the documents to the Court on a secure electronic device;

Summary: If the HSD exceeds 50 pages, it must also be provided to the Court on a secure electronic device.

Document Type

Highly Sensitive Document

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 4
|Sec2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

The Pro Se party shall explain why the proposed document is an HSD or why it should otherwise be subject to the heightened protection accorded to HSDs

Summary: Pro Se parties must include an explanation in their motion to seal about why the document qualifies as an HSD.

Document Type

Motion To Seal

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 5
|Sec2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

A party’s motion to remove alleged HSD materials or a highly sensitive case from the Court’s electronic filing system shall explain why such document or case is highly sensitive under the criteria set out in Section 2 above or why it should otherwise be subject to the heightened protection for HSDs.

Summary: A motion to remove HSD materials from the electronic filing system must explain why the document is highly sensitive.

Document Type

Motion To Remove Hsd

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Second Amended HSD Standing Order 4142021 · Apr 2021 · p. 5
|Sec3. Removal of Existing HSDs or Highly Sensitive Cases from the Court’s Electronic Filing System

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The HSD itself must not be filed electronically; a blank placeholder is attached to the motion on CM/ECF to reserve the docket number.

The motion to seal and to treat a document as an HSD via CM/ECF shall go forward under existing procedures, except that a copy of the proposed HSD shall NOT be filed electronically. Instead, a blank placeholder document shall be attached to the motion in place of the proposed HSD to reserve the docket number.

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Page 3 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Final CJA voucher must be submitted within 45 days of conclusion of representation.

Within 45 days of the conclusion of the representation, counsel should submit a final voucher, without regard to the amount of the claim or the date of any previously submitted voucher.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | In Re: Criminal Justice Act Program

Subsequent interim CJA vouchers may be submitted when amount exceeds $4,000 or four months after previous voucher.

Subsequent interim vouchers may be submitted when the current interim voucher amount is greater than $4,000 or at four months after the date of the previously submitted interim voucher.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | In Re: Criminal Justice Act Program

Initial CJA voucher may be submitted no sooner than four months after appointment.

The initial voucher may be submitted no sooner than four months after the date of appointment.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | In Re: Criminal Justice Act Program

Service and Proof of Service Rules

HSD must be served on other parties: in civil cases by any method under Civil Rule 5(b)(2) except e-filing; in criminal cases by methods under Criminal Rule 49(a)(3)(B) or (a)(4).

The filing party shall serve the HSD on the other parties as follows: i. Civil cases - by any manner specified in Civil Rule 5(b)(2), except for service via the Court's electronic filing system; or ii. Criminal cases - by any manner specified in Criminal Rule 49(a)(3)(B) or (a)(4).

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Page 4 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

The Clerk's office serves paper copies of orders on Pro Se HSD motions by mail and records service in an informational docket entry.

The Clerk's office will serve paper copies of these orders by mail and shall reflect such service in an informational entry.

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Page 5 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

A motion for leave to file a Highly Sensitive Document (HSD) is required before filing.

If represented by counsel, any party seeking to file an HSD must, before such filing, seek leave of court for such filing. Any other party may also move the Court to designate a filing as an HSD if, in its judgment, the filing qualifies as an HSD. The motion shall explain why such document is highly sensitive or why it should otherwise be subject to the heightened protection for HSDs.

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Page 3 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

After filing the motion, the HSD and certificate of service must be delivered to the Clerk's office as soon as practicable.

As soon as practicable after the motion is filed, the filing party shall deliver to the Clerk's office the HSD sought to be filed along with a certificate of service.

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Page 3 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

Two paper copies (unfolded 8½x11) of specified documents must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked 'HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT' with redacted caption page and placeholder number affixed.

Counsel shall also submit two paper copies, using unfolded 8½ x 11 paper, of the memorandum in support of the Motion to file, the HSD sought to be filed, and a certificate of service, as directed in Section 2(b) above. Regardless of whether or not these documents contain highly sensitive information, these documents shall be submitted to the Clerk's Office in a sealed envelope marked "HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT." The outside of the envelope shall be affixed with a copy of the HSD's caption page (with confidential information redacted), along with the CM/ECF placeholder document number described in Section 2(b).

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Page 4 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

The Court may order removal of an HSD or highly sensitive case from the electronic filing system upon motion of a party or sua sponte.

Upon motion of a party or upon its own motion, the Court may determine that a document, case, or any portion of it, that has been filed electronically is highly sensitive and direct that the HSD or case be removed from the Court’s electronic filing system.

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Page 5 | 3. Removal of Existing HSDs or Highly Sensitive Cases from the Court’s Electronic Filing System

For Pro Se parties, the proposed HSD shall not be filed electronically; the motion to seal proceeds under existing procedures.

The motion to seal and to treat a document as an HSD shall go forward under existing procedures, except that a copy of the proposed HSD shall NOT be filed electronically.

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Page 5 | 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

Chambers Communication Rules

Questions about HSD filing procedures should be directed to the relevant division by phone.

Any questions about how an HSD should be filed with the Court pursuant to this Second Amended Standing Order should be directed to the relevant division of this Court: Alexandria - (703) 299-2100 Newport News - (757) 247-0784 Norfolk - (757) 222-7202 Richmond - (804) 916-2220

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Page 6 | 5. Questions about HSD Filing Procedures

About United States District Judge Mark S. Davis

**Judge Mark S. Davis** was appointed to the Eastern District of Virginia by President George W. Bush in 2008. He served as Chief Judge from December 4, 2018, to December 3, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, Judge Davis clerked for Judge John Ashton MacKenzie of this court after law school, then spent nearly a decade at McGuireWoods and later at Carr-Porter LLC, where he developed expertise in maritime law. From 2003 to 2008 he served as a judge on the Portsmouth Circuit Court (Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia). He was nominated by President Bush on November 15, 2007, confirmed 94-0 on June 10, 2008, and received his commission on June 23, 2008. **Education** - Washington and Lee University School of Law, J.D., 1988 - University of Virginia, B.A., 1984 **Career** - U.S. District Judge (Chief Judge 2018–2025), Eastern District of Virginia, 2008–present - Judge, Portsmouth Circuit Court, Third Judicial Circuit of Virginia, 2003–2008 - Partner, Carr-Porter LLC (Virginia), 1998–2003 - Associate/Partner, McGuireWoods (Virginia), 1989–1998 - Law clerk, Hon. John Ashton MacKenzie, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 1988–1989

**Division:** Norfolk **Courthouse:** Walter E. Hoffman United States Courthouse, 600 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 **Phone:** (757) 222-7014

Common questions about Judge Mark S. Davis's rules

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Mark S. Davis?

Judge Mark S. Davis' formatting rule includes letter paper, unfolded paper required, two paper copies required, and must include certificate of service. Pro se parties without CM/ECF must file two paper copies (unfolded 8½x11) of the motion, HSD, and certificate of service, with FRCP 11 certification.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Mark S. Davis?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The motion for HSD designation must include a certification under FRCP 11 of good faith belief that the material qualifies as highly sensitive.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

What must be included with highly sensitive document filings before Judge Mark S. Davis?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. If the HSD exceeds 50 pages, it must also be provided to the Court on a secure electronic device.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

How may parties contact Judge Mark S. Davis' chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Mark S. Davis' clerk. The rule lists phone Alexandria: (703) 299-2100, Newport News: (757) 247-0784, Norfolk: (757) 222-7202, Richmond: (804) 916-2220. Questions about HSD filing procedures should be directed to the relevant division by phone.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 5. Questions about HSD Filing Procedures

How does Judge Mark S. Davis handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Mark S. Davis. A motion for leave to file a Highly Sensitive Document (HSD) is required before filing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

Is electronic filing required before Judge Mark S. Davis?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. The HSD itself must not be filed electronically; a blank placeholder is attached to the motion on CM/ECF to reserve the docket number.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Mark S. Davis?

Final CJA voucher must be submitted within 45 days of conclusion of representation.

View ruleSource: page 1, section In Re: Criminal Justice Act Program

What service or proof of service rules apply before Judge Mark S. Davis?

Proof of service is not required by this specific service rule. HSD must be served on other parties: in civil cases by any method under Civil Rule 5(b)(2) except e-filing; in criminal cases by methods under Criminal Rule 49(a)(3)(B) or (a)(4).

View ruleSource: page 4, section 2. Motions to File, Filing, and Service of HSDs
Complete rules summary for Judge Mark S. Davis

Initial CJA voucher may be submitted no sooner than four months after appointment.

Subsequent interim CJA vouchers may be submitted when amount exceeds $4,000 or four months after previous voucher.

Final CJA voucher must be submitted within 45 days of conclusion of representation.

If the HSD exceeds 50 pages, it must also be provided to the Court on a secure electronic device.

A motion for leave to file a Highly Sensitive Document (HSD) is required before filing.

The motion for HSD designation must include a certification under FRCP 11 of good faith belief that the material qualifies as highly sensitive.

The HSD itself must not be filed electronically; a blank placeholder is attached to the motion on CM/ECF to reserve the docket number.

After filing the motion, the HSD and certificate of service must be delivered to the Clerk's office as soon as practicable.

Two paper copies (unfolded 8½x11) of specified documents must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked 'HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT' with redacted caption page and placeholder number affixed.

Paper copies must be on unfolded 8½x11 paper.

HSD must be served on other parties: in civil cases by any method under Civil Rule 5(b)(2) except e-filing; in criminal cases by methods under Criminal Rule 49(a)(3)(B) or (a)(4).

Pro se parties without CM/ECF must file two paper copies (unfolded 8½x11) of the motion, HSD, and certificate of service, with FRCP 11 certification.

Pro se parties must include FRCP 11 certification with their HSD motion and documents.

For Pro Se parties, the proposed HSD shall not be filed electronically; the motion to seal proceeds under existing procedures.

Pro Se parties must include an explanation in their motion to seal about why the document qualifies as an HSD.

The Clerk's office serves paper copies of orders on Pro Se HSD motions by mail and records service in an informational docket entry.

The Court may order removal of an HSD or highly sensitive case from the electronic filing system upon motion of a party or sua sponte.

A motion to remove HSD materials from the electronic filing system must explain why the document is highly sensitive.

Questions about HSD filing procedures should be directed to the relevant division by phone.

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