Judge Iain D. Johnston
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
Each of these letters typically should be five pages or fewer.
Summary: Each initial settlement position letter is typically recommended to be no more than five pages.
Settlement Position Letter
5 pages
Document Format Requirements2 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Final Pretrial Order in Western Division civil cases must use the approved Western Division form.
The Final Pretrial Order to be used, pursuant to Local Rule 16.1, in civil cases pending in the Western Division shall be in the form approved for use in the Western Division, which is available in the District Court Clerk’s Office, Western Division and on this court’s webpage.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Sections (a)–(m) attached to the pretrial order must be tabbed and labeled by section.
The stipulations and statements attached as sections (a)-(m) of the pretrial order shall be tabbed and labeled by section.
Document Filing Requirements3 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The defendant’s response letter must identify points of agreement and disagreement with the plaintiff’s letter and state a settlement offer.
The defendant’s counsel’s letter in response to the plaintiff’s initial letter must set forth at least the following information: (a) any points in plaintiff’s letter with which the defendant agrees; (b) any points in plaintiff’s letter with which defendant disagrees; and (c) a settlement offer.
Document Type
Defendant Initial Settlement Position Letter
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each confidential letter to chambers must state only the party’s specific settlement figure or, where appropriate, specific settlement proposal, and must not include other information or argument.
The second set of letters shall include only the following information: a specific dollar figure (or, in the appropriate case, other specific settlement proposal) at which the party is willing to settle. The parties shall not include additional information or argument in their confidential letters.
Document Type
Confidential Settlement Letter
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The plaintiff’s initial settlement letter must address liability, the basis for damages or other relief, itemized damages and supporting evidence and law, and a settlement demand.
The plaintiff’s counsel’s initial letter must set forth at least the following information: (a) a brief summary of the evidence and legal principles that plaintiff asserts will allow it to establish liability; (b) a brief explanation of why damages or other relief would appropriately be granted at trial; (c) an itemization of the damages plaintiff believes can be proven at trial, and a brief summary of the evidence and legal principles supporting those damages; and (d) a settlement demand.
Document Type
Plaintiff Initial Settlement Position Letter
Filing & Service rules
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Sealed documents disposition options per General Rule 10 upon case closure
Any document contained within has been ordered sealed. Pursuant to General Rule 10 upon this case being closed the sealed document is to be:
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Failure to meet the telephonic-hearing requirements results in personal appearances unless the Court grants a motion for leave to appear telephonically.
If the Court determines that any of these requirements has not been met, it will bar counsel from appearing telephonically and thereafter require counsel to personally appear. Barred counsel will only be allowed to appear telephonically after a motion seeking leave to appear telephonically has been filed, presented, heard and granted.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel must participate in telephonic status hearings from a quiet location free from noise and distractions.
Counsel must be in a quiet location, free from noise and distractions. A prime example of a good location would be counsel's desk.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Counsel must provide a correct, direct telephone number for telephonic status hearings.
Counsel must provide the correct, direct telephone number where they can be reached.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception; use of a landline is recommended.
Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception. A landline would help in this regard.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Counsel must answer the Court's call for a telephonic status hearing.
Counsel must answer the Court's telephone call.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS