Judge Wanda A. Evans
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Adjournments
- A non-moving party must request an adjournment by motion.
- All parties are responsible for costs associated with adjourning or removing a case from Case Evaluation.
- Stipulations may adjourn scheduling-order dates through Track #2; an adjournment of Case Evaluation beyond Track #2 requires a motion and a scheduled motion hearing.
- +3 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Reply briefs may not exceed 10 pages, excluding attachments and exhibits, and must be filed and served at least three days before the hearing.
10. Reply briefs are permitted, but must be no longer than 10 pages, exclusive of attachments/exhibits. Replies must be filed and served at least 3 days prior to a hearing.1
Reply Brief
10 pages
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
11. MCR 2.119(A)(2) is also strictly enforced as written as to form and typography.1
Summary: The form and typography requirements of MCR 2.119(A)(2) are strictly enforced.
Document Filing Requirements20 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A written motion is required to amend the Joint Final Pre-Trial Order.
What is the procedure for amending the Joint Final Pre-Trial Order? Written motion required
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Plaintiffs are typically responsible for timely entry of the Joint Final Pre-Trial Order unless the Trial Order states otherwise.
Yes, and Plaintiff(s) are typically responsible for timely entry of the Joint Final Pre-Trial Order, unless stated otherwise in the court's Trial Order.
Document Type
Joint Final Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Alternate service and second summons require separate orders and filings.
Separate orders/filings are required for alternate service and second summons.
Requirement
Document requirement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Responses must use separately numbered paragraphs and fully and fairly respond to each corresponding motion paragraph; responsive briefs are required.
4.All responses SHALL likewise be set forth in separately numbered paragraphs, fully and fairly responding to each corresponding paragraph of the motion. Responsive briefs are likewise required in accordance with MCR 2.119(A)(2).
Document Type
Opposition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Notices of hearing must include Zoom connection information.
All notices of hearing must contain Zoom connection information: Zoom available thru "Virtual Hearing" for Judge Wanda A. Evans here: http://3rdcc.org/courtroom-zoom-info
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Summary-disposition motions must use separately numbered paragraphs, each limited as far as practicable to one assertion.
All motions for summary disposition MUST be set forth in separately numbered paragraphs, limited as far as practicable to a single assertion.
Document Type
Summary Disposition Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Responses to summary-disposition motions must use separately numbered paragraphs and fully and fairly answer each corresponding motion paragraph.
All responses to motions for summary disposition SHALL likewise be set forth in separately numbered paragraphs, fully and fairly responding to each corresponding paragraph of the motion.
Document Type
Opposition
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The motion itself must state the substance of its arguments in separately numbered paragraphs; required briefs should elaborate on those arguments.
2.The substance of all arguments MUST be set forth through these separately numbered paragraphs, within the motion itself. Briefs are required in accordance with MCR 2.119(A)(2), and should elaborate/expand on the substantive argument(s) already set forth in the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Motions must use separately numbered paragraphs, each limited as far as practicable to one assertion.
1.All motions MUST be set forth in separately numbered paragraphs, limited as far as practicable to a single assertion. See MCR 2.113(B).
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
Motions and responses must cite exhibits or the record with particularity, identifying specific pages and/or line numbers.
MOTIONS AND RESPONSES SHALL CITE TO EXHIBITS/RECORD WITH PARTICULARITY. SPECIFIC PAGES AND/OR LINE NUMBERS SHALL THUS BE IDENTIFIED AND SET FORTH IN THE MOTION/RESPONSE.
Requirement
Document requirement
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The stipulated order must identify the mediator or facilitator and the mediation date and time, and state that the event cannot be adjourned without court order.
Name of the mediator/facilitator, specific date and time of mediation/facilitation, and that it may not be adjourned without order of Court; and
Document Type
Stipulated Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A hearing is not required, but the motion generally must include documentation, typically an affidavit, explaining how and why at least three traditional service attempts failed.
Although no hearing is required, Judge Evans generally requires the motion include documentation (typically an affidavit) showing how and why at least three ('3') attempts at traditional service have failed, before alternate service and/or a second summons will be allowed.
Document Type
Motion
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
The order must leave a blank line for the Court to add a settlement conference date and require counsel, clients, and representatives with full settlement authority to attend in person at 9:45 a.m.
The order must include a blank line - __________________________________ - for the Court to add in a new settlement conference date, and must state that all counsel and all clients and representatives with full settlement authority are required to attend the settlement conference in person at 09:45 AM; and
Document Type
Stipulated Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory
A motion must be filed to request alternate service and/or a second summons.
Judge Wanda A. Evans requires motion(s) be filed for alternate service (and)/or a second summons.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
After such motion is filed with supporting materials attached, the moving party must subsequently submit a proposed order(s) under the Mi-filing code: 'ORDER/JUDGMENT ACCEPTED-WAITING FOR JUDGE'S SIGNATURE.' HOWEVER, THE PROPOSED ORDER FOR SIGNATURE MUST HAVE THE MOTION AND ALL SUPPORTING MATERIALS ATTACHED TO THE PROPOSED ORDER AND THUS SUBMITTED AS A SINGLE DOCUMENT. DO NOT USE 'CONNECTED FILING(S)'. **AGAIN, USE OF SCAO FORMS mc 304 AND/OR mc 01b IS RECOMMENDED**
Summary: After filing the motion and supporting materials, the moving party must submit a proposed order under the specified Mi-filing code, with the motion and all supporting materials attached as one document; do not use connected filings.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If approved, a re-notice of hearing must be filed.
Summary: An approved change to the hearing date requires filing a re-notice of hearing.
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The substance of all arguments must be fully set forth through such paragraphs.
Summary: Summary-disposition motions must fully state the substance of all arguments in the separately numbered paragraphs.
Document Type
Summary Disposition Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If the mediator will be issuing an award, it must be issued within fourteen (14) days of mediation (date must be specified), and the date of acceptance/rejection period is twenty-eight (28) days from date of award via email to the facilitator/evaluator (again, date must be specified - THIS LANGUAGE IS NOT NECESSARY IF FACILITATOR IS NOT ISSUING AN AWARD); and
Summary: If the mediator will issue an award, it must issue within 14 days of mediation, and the acceptance or rejection period is 28 days from the award date by email to the facilitator or evaluator.
Document Type
Stipulated Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
The moving party must ascertain whether a contemplated motion will be opposed. The motion must affirmatively state that the concurrence of counsel in the relief sought has been requested on a specified date, and that concurrence has been denied or has not been acquiesced in, and hence, that it is necessary to present the motion.
Summary: The moving party must determine whether the motion will be opposed and affirmatively state in the motion the date concurrence was requested and that it was denied or not acquiesced in.
Document Type
Summary Disposition Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Note?
Attorneys may submit additional questions to the Judge with the Joint Final Pretrial Order.
Summary: Attorneys may submit additional voir dire questions to the Judge with the Joint Final Pretrial Order.
Document Type
Joint Final Pretrial Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Submit the praecipe through the Court website after the filing is entered.
SUBMIT PRAECIPE THRU COURT WEBSITE AFTER FILING IS ENTERED USING:HTTPS://WWW.3RDCC.ORG/EFILING/EPRAECIPE
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | General Civil Motion Dates and Filing Procedures
After filing a motion or objection, obtain Court acceptance of the proposed hearing date by submitting a praecipe through the Third Circuit website.
12. After a motion or objection is filed, the proposed hearing date must be accepted by the Court by submitting a praecipe thru the 3rd Circuit's website at: https://www.3rdcc.org/efiling/epraecipe
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE - GENERALLY
Attorneys must submit proposed jury instructions through Mi-file.
Attorneys submit proposed instructions thru Mi-file
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Jury Policies and Procedures
The Joint Final Pre-Trial Order is due as provided in the Trial Order and must be submitted using the specified Mi-filing code.
When is such an order due? As set forth in the Court's Trial Order, and shall be submitted with the Mi-filing code of: 'Final Pre-Trial Order, Signed and Filed.'
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Stipulations and Requirements
File the summary-disposition motion in Mi-file with a notice of hearing stating that the date and time will be determined by the Court.
Mi-file motion with notice of hearing as a date and time to be determined by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
No praecipe is required for summary-disposition motions; the Courtroom Clerk adds hearings to the docket as ordered.
NO; JUDGE EVANS'S COURTROOM CLERK WILL ADD THE HEARING(S) TO THE DOCKET AS ORDERED.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
MCR 2.116(G) timing requirements are strictly enforced, and an untimely opposition may result in the motion being treated as unopposed.
The timing requirements set forth in MCR 2.116(G) are strictly enforced. Failure to file a timely response in opposition may result in the motion being treated as unopposed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
The timing requirements in MCR 2.116(G) and MCR 2.119(C) are strictly enforced.
7.The timing requirements set forth in both MCR 2.116(G) and MCR 2.119(C) are strictly enforced.1
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE - GENERALLY
Proposed stipulated orders removing a case from Case Evaluation for private facilitation should be submitted at least 21 days before the scheduled Case Evaluation and must state the specified numbered terms.
Yes; however, Judge Wanda A. Evans requires that all proposed stipulated orders removing a case from Case Evaluation in favor of private facilitation should be submitted at least twenty-one ('21') days before a currently scheduled Case Evaluation, and must also explicitly state each of the following, and as numbered (1-9) below:
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Removing a case from Case Evaluation in favor of Private Facilitation
Do not wait until the very end of the summons expiration period to seek alternate service or a second summons.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE VERY END OF EXPIRATION TO SEEK ALTERNATE SERVICE/A SECOND SUMMONS.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Alternate Service and/or Second Summons - POLICY & PROCEDURE
The Court may treat a motion as unopposed if a written response is not timely filed.
8.If a written response to a motion is not timely filed as provided, the Court may treat the motion as unopposed.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE - GENERALLY
The facilitator must file the Mediation Status Report within seven days after facilitation, and plaintiffs must ensure it is electronically filed and served.
Facilitator shall file Mediation Status Report (SCAO form MC280) within seven (7) days of completing facilitation (date must be specified) and Plaintiff(s) are responsible for ensuring such report is electronically filed and served; and
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Removing a case from Case Evaluation in favor of Private Facilitation
Dispositive motions must be filed no later than 30 days after discovery closes or they are deemed waived; the discovery cutoff date must be specified.
All dispositive motions shall be filed with the Court no later than 30 days following the close of discovery (date of discovery cut-off must be specified) or shall be deemed waived; and
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Removing a case from Case Evaluation in favor of Private Facilitation
Summary-disposition motions must be filed within 30 days after discovery closes.
Yes; all motions for summary disposition shall be filed within thirty ('30') days of the close of discovery. See MCR 2.401(B)(2)(a)(ii).
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Reply briefs must be filed and served at least three days before the hearing.
10. Reply briefs are permitted, but must be no longer than 10 pages, exclusive of attachments/exhibits. Replies must be filed and served at least 3 days prior to a hearing.1
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE - GENERALLY
Courtesy Copy Requirements
The Court does not require or want judge’s copies.
*Absolutely no judge's copy of any kind is required (or desired); the Court follows MCR 2.116(G)(1)(c) and MCR 2.119(A)(2)(d).
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1
Do not mail or deliver documents to the Court.
PLEASE DO NOT MAIL/DELIVER ANY DOCUMENTS.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
If case evaluation is not accepted, counsel and self-represented litigants must appear by Zoom for a first settlement conference 42 days after case evaluation.
Yes, counsel for all parties and any self-represented litigants are directed to appear for a first settlement conference via Zoom video forty-two ('42') days after their case evaluation, if there is non-acceptance of case evaluation.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Status and Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences
Counsel and self-represented litigants must appear by Zoom for the first settlement conference after case evaluation.
All counsel/self-represented litigants must appear for the first settlement conference following Case Evaluation via Zoom video.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Status and Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences
In-person settlement conferences are scheduled for 9:45 a.m.; clients and adjusters must personally appear when the conference is set for that time.
In person Settlement Conferences are always scheduled for 9:45 AM; if your Settlement Conference is scheduled for 9:45 AM it is IN PERSON, with clients/adjusters also required to personally appear.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Status and Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences
Motions are typically heard Fridays at 9:00 a.m. unless the Judge or Judicial Attorney specially approves another arrangement.
6.Motions are typically heard on Fridays at 9:00 am, unless other arrangements are specially approved by Judge or Judicial Attorney.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTION PRACTICE - GENERALLY
For subsequent conferences, all parties, counsel, and representatives with full settlement authority will typically be ordered to appear in person.
For subsequent conferences, all parties/insurance adjusters/representatives with full settlement authority will typically be ordered to appear along with all counsel in person.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Status and Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences
General non-summary-disposition motions may be noticed for any business Friday at 9:00 a.m. by Zoom, and the praecipe is submitted after the filing is entered by the Clerk’s Office.
*NEXT AVAILABLE GENERAL CIVIL MOTION DATES FOR JUDGE WANDA A. EVANS: ALL GENERAL (non-summary disposition) MOTIONS MAY ALWAYS BE NOTICED FOR A HEARING ON ANY BUSINESS FRIDAY AT 09:00 AM VIA ZOOM, WITH PRAECIPE SUBMITTED FOR THE SAME AFTER THE FILING IS ENTERED BY THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | General Civil Motion Dates and Filing Procedures
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A non-moving party must request an adjournment by motion.
Requests for adjournment by a non-moving party must be by motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
Stipulations may adjourn scheduling-order dates through Track #2; an adjournment of Case Evaluation beyond Track #2 requires a motion and a scheduled motion hearing.
JUDGE EVANS CURRENTLY ALLOWS STIPULATIONS TO ADJOURN SCHEDULING ORDER DATES TO TRACK #2. A MOTION MUST BE FILED AND A MOTION HEARING SCHEDULED FOR ANY ADJOURNMENT REQUEST OF CASE EVALUATION BEYOND TRACK #2.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Stipulations and Requirements
Substitution of counsel is not a suitable reason for adjournment or delay except in extremely exceptional or unforeseeable circumstances.
NOTE: Substitution of counsel is not a suitable ground for adjournment or delay, absent extremely exceptional/unforeseeable circumstances.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Stipulations and Requirements
Adjournments of summary-disposition hearings are strongly discouraged, particularly requests made during the week of the hearing.
Requests for adjournment of scheduled summary disposition hearings are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED, particularly when requested within the same week set for hearing (as the Court has thus already expended considerable time and effort reviewing the filings).
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
The parties may stipulate to extend discovery to the Case Evaluation date regardless of track.
The parties may also always stipulate to extend discovery to the date of Case Evaluation, regardless of track.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 1 | Pretrial Stipulations and Requirements
All parties are responsible for costs associated with adjourning or removing a case from Case Evaluation.
All parties are responsible for any costs associated with adjourning or removing the case from Case Evaluation; and
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Removing a case from Case Evaluation in favor of Private Facilitation
Chambers Communication Rules
Summary-disposition motions may be withdrawn, but moving counsel must immediately contact the Judicial Attorney once it becomes apparent that the hearing will not proceed.
Withdrawals of motions for summary disposition are thus permitted, however counsel for the moving party SHALL immediately contact the court's Judicial Attorney once it is apparent a hearing will not proceed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
The moving party may email the Judicial Attorney to seek a later hearing date; if approved, a re-notice of hearing must be filed.
Nonetheless, the moving party may email the court's Judicial Attorney to seek approval of a later hearing date. If approved, a re-notice of hearing must be filed.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
After the summary-disposition motion is filed and accepted by Mi-filing, email the Judicial Attorney to request a hearing; do not email before acceptance.
After filing, email the Court's Judicial Attorney at brian.hodgman@3rdcc.org to request a hearing. Do NOT email the Judicial Attorney until the motion has been accepted for filing by the Mi-filing system.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY DISPOSITION - POLICY & PROCEDURE
Telephone conferences are allowed only if specially arranged and approved in advance by the Court.
Do you allow telephone conferences? Yes, but only if specially arranged and approved in advance by the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1
A special request for a pre-case-evaluation Zoom settlement conference may be made by emailing the judicial attorney with mutually agreeable proposed dates.
The Court will entertain special requests for a pre-case evaluation settlement conference via Zoom video, by emailing the Court's judicial attorney with mutually agreeable proposed dates.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | Status and Pre-Trial Settlement Conferences