Court Rules
Judge Jeffrey Brown
Judge

Judge Jeffrey Brown

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Franklin County Court of Common Pleas

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

BriefCourt-wide
15 pgs
Reply BriefCourt-wide
7 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Receivership Plan, Receiver Progress Report

Court-wide
  • Upon Filing

Adjournments

  • A civil trial continuance must be requested in writing well before the final pretrial conference, and stipulations or agreed entries alone are insufficient absent a true emergency.
  • A continuance or amended-schedule motion must state whether the requested change is opposed after consultation with all counsel and must provide specific supporting reasons.

Request must include

Reason For RequestAdversary Position

Communication

Phone
614.525.3550
Phone
614.525.6289
Phone
614.525.4678
Status Inquiries
Phone
614.525.3762
Phone
614.525.3117
Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJuryExhibitsConferencesMemorandaPage Limits

Page & Word Limits2 rules

Page LimitsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

The Court may disregard memorandum pages exceeding Local Rule limits unless prior leave to file longer documents was obtained.

The Court reserves the right to disregard pages of memoranda beyond the limits set in the Local Rules, absent prior leave to file longer documents.

Memoranda

Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecIII. Motions and Memoranda
Page LimitsCivil cases

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

Page limits (Local Rule 12 (PDF)) serve a salutary purpose given the heavy docket. Ordinarily, counsel should edit tightly and live within those page limits.

Summary: Counsel ordinarily should edit tightly and keep filings within applicable Local Rule page limits.

Memoranda

Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecIII. Motions and Memoranda

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

The final jury charge ordinarily must be submitted in writing in all cases.

The final jury charge ordinarily is submitted in writing in all cases.

Required Format

Paper

Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecVI. Trial Procedures

Document Filing Requirements7 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Counsel must submit proposed entries whenever filing a motion.

Counsel are required to submit proposed entries along with any motions filed.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Motions in limine may be filed only after good-faith discussion among counsel and certification that efforts to resolve the issues were exhausted.

They may only be filed after discussion in good faith among counsel, and after counsel certify they have met and exhausted efforts to resolve the issue(s).

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecVI. Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Unless an earlier pretrial-order date applies, trial counsel must meet and confer in person about case-specific jury-charge issues no later than seven business days before trial.

Unless an earlier date is specified in a pretrial order in your case, all trial counsel are obligated to meet and confer in person about the case-specific parts of the jury charge no later than 7 business days before the start of trial.

Document Type

Jury Charge

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecVI. Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Trial counsel must discuss and prepare the case-specific portions of the jury charge.

However, trial counsel are required to discuss and prepare the case-specific portions of the charge.

Document Type

Jury Charge

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecVI. Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Mandatory

Trial exhibits must be pre-marked, copied, and exchanged before the final pretrial conference.

Trial Exhibits must be pre-marked, copied, and exchanged prior to the Final Pretrial Conference.

Document Type

Trial Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecVI. Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026Important

Counsel must bring a separate list of trial exhibits for the Court’s use at trial.

Please bring a separate list of your trial Exhibits for the court’s use to trial.

Document Type

Trial Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecVI. Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Pre-trial Statements in accordance with Local Rule 41.04 are required and must be filed on or before the day of the Final Pre-Trial Conference.

Summary: A pretrial statement is required and must be filed no later than the day of the final pretrial conference.

Document Type

Pretrial Statement

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Franklin Oh:007a3fa68b233b81cc83e652
|SecI. Status and Pretrial Conferences

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Motions in limine must be filed at least seven days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

Motions in Limine must be filed at least 7 days before trial absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | VI. Trial Procedures

Responses to a motion in limine are due three days after the motion is filed.

Responses are due 3 days after the motion in limine is filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | VI. Trial Procedures

After settlement, chambers normally gives counsel 30 days to file a final entry or stipulation of dismissal.

Normally a formal notice will be sent by chambers confirming settlement, and advising that counsel have 30 days to file a final Entry or stipulation of dismissal.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | VII. Settlement Conferences

Motions generally are not reviewed until 28 days after filing.

Accordingly, motions are generally not reviewed until 28 days after they are filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Counsel should address Daubert issues among themselves and, absent agreement, with the Court at the final pretrial conference.

If there are Daubert issues counsel should address them with each other and, barring agreement, with the court at the Final Pretrial Conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | VI. Trial Procedures

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A continuance or amended-schedule motion must state whether the requested change is opposed after consultation with all counsel and must provide specific supporting reasons.

Any such Motion should affirmatively state: 1) whether, following consultation with all other counsel, the change is opposed and 2) specific reasons supporting a continuance (and if applicable an amended Case Schedule).

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

A civil trial continuance must be requested in writing well before the final pretrial conference, and stipulations or agreed entries alone are insufficient absent a true emergency.

Stipulations or "Agreed" Entries are not enough to postpone civil trials in Courtroom 4A motions for continuance of a trial date, absent true emergency, must be in writing, and should be sought well before the Final Pre-trial Conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Chambers Communication Rules

Counsel must promptly notify the Staff Attorney when a matter requires urgent attention.

In the event that the matter requires more urgent attention, counsel shall promptly notify the Staff Attorney.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 1, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda

The bailiff may be contacted by phone or email about procedures and processes in civil or criminal matters.

Candice Shearn Bailiff 614.525.6289 Email Inquire about procedures and processes in any civil or criminal matters before the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

The staff attorney may be contacted by phone or email to request a status conference or inquire about pending civil matters.

Stephanie Hanna Staff Attorney 614.525.4678 Email Request a status conference or to inquire about any pending civil matters before the court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

The magistrate may be contacted by phone about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, or damages hearings.

Jhay Spottswood-Harrison Magistrate 614.525.3117 Inquire about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, or damages hearings.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

The court reporter may be contacted by phone or email to order transcripts.

Susanna L. Jackson Court Reporter 614.525.3762 Email Order transcripts.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

The secretary may be contacted by phone or email for general court information, reporting a civil-case settlement, and scheduling a courtroom visit.

Allie Breckenridge Secretary 614.525.3550 Email General court information. Report settlement of a civil case. Schedule a classroom visit to the courtroom.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 1, 2026

Page 1 | Courtroom Staff

Copies of motions in limine should be emailed to the Court, using the appropriate address obtained from chambers.

Copies should be emailed to the Court (please call chambers for the appropriate email address).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | VI. Trial Procedures

Counsel must promptly notify the Staff Attorney or Secretary by telephone when a case settles.

Counsel must call the Staff Attorney or Secretary as soon as possible to advise when a case has been settled.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | VII. Settlement Conferences

Telephone conferences are permitted only if the Court gives permission before the conference.

Telephone conferences are permissible if the Court’s permission is obtained before the conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | I. Status and Pretrial Conferences

Opposing counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on all emails with Court staff.

Opposing counsel and unrepresented parties should be "cc’d" on all emails with Court staff.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | I. Status and Pretrial Conferences

Parties may request a status conference by written motion or by contacting the Court’s staff attorney.

Parties can request status conferences through written motions or by contacting the Court’s staff attorney.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | I. Status and Pretrial Conferences

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 361 rules apply across Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 135
  • Applies to
    Motion

    Every civil or criminal motion must be accompanied by a brief stating its grounds and citing the authorities relied upon.

  • Applies to
    Court document
    Must include
    caption

    Every court document must identify filing counsel by name, Ohio Supreme Court attorney registration number, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.

  • Applies to
    Fee application

    A fee application submitted to the Court’s Finance Department must include a copy of the signed and filed Entry of Appointment.

Fees

All 69
  • Applies to
    Fee application

    A fee application submitted more than 30 days after the case disposition date will have the requested fees reduced by 50%.

  • Fee
    $75
    Applies to
    Appointed counsel representation

    The hourly fee is $75 for time spent in court and $75 for time spent out of court for cases covered by R.C. 120.33(A)(3).

  • Applies to
    Appointed counsel representation

    Payment is limited to the maximum amounts applicable to Common Pleas–General Division courts in the incorporated Franklin County Board of Commissioners Resolution.

Filing Timing

All 65
  • The evidentiary-material filing requirement does not extend the deadlines for opposition or reply briefs.

  • Assigning a summary judgment motion for oral argument does not change the time periods for serving and filing briefs and permitted evidentiary materials unless the trial judge specifically orders otherwise.

  • Summary judgment motions must be filed by the dispositive motion deadline in the Case Schedule, and a later filing requires leave of court granted only for good cause.

Service

All 43
  • Service
    Court service

    The written status-conference order must be served on all counsel.

  • A final written pretrial order may be prepared by the Trial Judge and must be prepared at any party’s request, filed, and served on all counsel.

  • Applies to
    Cqe notification
    Service
    Mail

    The Probation Department may send CQE notifications to other courts or prosecutors by ordinary U.S. mail or electronically.

About Judge Jeffrey Brown

Term expires January 2029. Staff attorney: Stephanie Hanna, 614.525.4678.

**Courtroom:** 4A **Address:** 345 S High Street 4th Floor, Courtroom 4A Columbus, OH 43215 **Phone:** 614.525.3550 **Fax:** 614.525.3868 **Secretary:** Allie Breckenridge, 614.525.3550 **Bailiff:** Candice Shearn, 614.525.6289 **Staff Attorney:** Stephanie Hanna, 614.525.4678 **Court Reporter:** Susanna L. Jackson, 614.525.3762 **Magistrate:** Jhay Spottswood-Harrison, 614.525.3117

Common questions about Judge Jeffrey Brown's rules

Does Judge Jeffrey Brown require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Jeffrey Brown's rules set a pre-motion procedure for daubert. Counsel should address Daubert issues among themselves and, absent agreement, with the Court at the final pretrial conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section VI. Trial Procedures

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Jeffrey Brown?

Judge Jeffrey Brown's formatting rule includes file format paper and the final jury charge ordinarily is submitted in writing in all cases.. The final jury charge ordinarily must be submitted in writing in all cases.

View ruleSource: page 1, section VI. Trial Procedures

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Jeffrey Brown?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Counsel must submit proposed entries whenever filing a motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Courtroom Staff

What must be included with motion in limine filings before Judge Jeffrey Brown?

The rule requires certificate of conference. Motions in limine may be filed only after good-faith discussion among counsel and certification that efforts to resolve the issues were exhausted.

View ruleSource: page 1, section VI. Trial Procedures

How may parties contact Judge Jeffrey Brown's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications. Opposing counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on all emails with Court staff.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Status and Pretrial Conferences

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jeffrey Brown?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A civil trial continuance must be requested in writing well before the final pretrial conference, and stipulations or agreed entries alone are insufficient absent a true emergency.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IV. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

What filing deadlines does Judge Jeffrey Brown set?

Motions in limine must be filed at least seven days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

View ruleSource: page 1, section VI. Trial Procedures
Complete rules summary for Judge Jeffrey Brown

Counsel must submit proposed entries whenever filing a motion.

The secretary may be contacted by phone or email for general court information, reporting a civil-case settlement, and scheduling a courtroom visit.

The bailiff may be contacted by phone or email about procedures and processes in civil or criminal matters.

The staff attorney may be contacted by phone or email to request a status conference or inquire about pending civil matters.

The court reporter may be contacted by phone or email to order transcripts.

The magistrate may be contacted by phone about scheduling mediation, magistrate trials, or damages hearings.

Opposing counsel and unrepresented parties must be copied on all emails with Court staff.

Motions in limine may be filed only after good-faith discussion among counsel and certification that efforts to resolve the issues were exhausted.

Parties may request a status conference by written motion or by contacting the Court’s staff attorney.

Telephone conferences are permitted only if the Court gives permission before the conference.

A pretrial statement is required and must be filed no later than the day of the final pretrial conference.

Counsel ordinarily should edit tightly and keep filings within applicable Local Rule page limits.

The Court may disregard memorandum pages exceeding Local Rule limits unless prior leave to file longer documents was obtained.

Motions generally are not reviewed until 28 days after filing.

Counsel must promptly notify the Staff Attorney when a matter requires urgent attention.

A civil trial continuance must be requested in writing well before the final pretrial conference, and stipulations or agreed entries alone are insufficient absent a true emergency.

A continuance or amended-schedule motion must state whether the requested change is opposed after consultation with all counsel and must provide specific supporting reasons.

Motions in limine must be filed at least seven days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

Responses to a motion in limine are due three days after the motion is filed.

Copies of motions in limine should be emailed to the Court, using the appropriate address obtained from chambers.

Trial exhibits must be pre-marked, copied, and exchanged before the final pretrial conference.

Counsel must bring a separate list of trial exhibits for the Court’s use at trial.

The final jury charge ordinarily must be submitted in writing in all cases.

Trial counsel must discuss and prepare the case-specific portions of the jury charge.

Unless an earlier pretrial-order date applies, trial counsel must meet and confer in person about case-specific jury-charge issues no later than seven business days before trial.

Counsel should address Daubert issues among themselves and, absent agreement, with the Court at the final pretrial conference.

Counsel must promptly notify the Staff Attorney or Secretary by telephone when a case settles.

After settlement, chambers normally gives counsel 30 days to file a final entry or stipulation of dismissal.

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