Court Rules
Judge Kim Brown
Judge

Judge Kim 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

  • Every continuance and amendment to the original case schedule requires the Court's approval, even if all parties agree.
  • A civil trial continuance requires a written motion and should be requested well before trial, absent a true emergency; stipulations alone are insufficient.
  • A motion affecting scheduling should state whether the change is opposed or agreed, the reasons for a continuance, and the proposed continuance period.
  • +3 more

Request must include

Adversary PositionReason For RequestProposed New Dates

Communication

Phone
614.525.3811
Phone
614.525.5927
Phone
614.525.4679
SchedulingStatus Inquiries
Phone
614.525.6049
Phone
614.525.5995
Status Inquiries
Phone

Chambers

Scheduling
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingMemorandaPage LimitsJury

Page & Word Limits2 rules

Page LimitsCivil cases

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

The Court may disregard memorandum pages exceeding the Local Rules limits unless it granted prior leave to file a longer document.

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:9b7b5bf06086526c64cc89cf
|SecV. Motions and Memoranda
Page LimitsCivil cases

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

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

Summary: Counsel ordinarily should edit briefs tightly and comply with the Local Rule 12 page limits.

Memoranda

Franklin Oh:9b7b5bf06086526c64cc89cf
|SecV. Motions and Memoranda

Document Format Requirements2 rules

FormattingCriminal cases

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

The final jury charge must be submitted in writing to every juror.

The final jury charge is submitted to each juror in writing in all cases.

Franklin Oh:864595e83b1f1ba68ffeb438
|SecIV. Trial Procedures
FormattingCriminal cases

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

The proposed entry must be prepared in Word.

Such proposed entry shall be prepared in Word and uploaded in the e-filing system.

Franklin Oh:864595e83b1f1ba68ffeb438
|SecIII. Motions and Memoranda

Document Filing Requirements1 rule

Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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

All motions should be accompanied by a separate proposed entry.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Franklin Oh:864595e83b1f1ba68ffeb438
|SecIII. Motions and Memoranda

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The proposed entry must be uploaded through the court’s e-filing system.

Such proposed entry shall be prepared in Word and uploaded in the e-filing system.

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

Page 1 | III. Motions and Memoranda

A media outlet may submit its media permission form through e-filing, but the Judge must review and approve it before media technology enters the courtroom.

Media outlets may submit a media permission form through e-filing which the Judge will review and approve prior to media technology being placed in the courtroom.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Trial Procedures

Electronic motions for continuance are not accepted in criminal cases.

We do not accept electronic motions for continuance.

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

Page 1 | II. Continuances

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

All motions in limine must be filed and emailed to the judge's staff attorney thirty days before trial.

All motions in limine shall be filed thirty days prior to the trial date, and shall also be emailed to my staff attorney.

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

Page 1 | Trials

Counsel must email proposed jury instructions to the judge's staff attorney as an attachment fourteen days before trial.

Counsel shall prepare proposed jury instructions and forward them as an email attachment fourteen days prior to the trial date to my staff attorney.

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

Page 1 | Trials

Pre-trial statements must be submitted and filed by the pre-trial conference date if one is set, or fourteen days before trial otherwise.

All pre-trial statements shall be submitted and filed with the Court by the date of the pre-trial conference, if set, or fourteen days prior to trial.

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

Page 1 | Trials

A party intending to use a PowerPoint presentation during opening statements must submit it to the Court for approval fourteen days before trial.

Any party intending to use a power-point presentation during opening statements shall submit a copy of their presentation to the Court for its approval, 14 days before the trial date.

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

Page 1 | Trials

Chambers normally sends a settlement notice giving counsel 30 days to file a final entry or stipulation of dismissal; extra time may be allowed for unusual matters, and failure to file timely may result in dismissal from the active docket.

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. In matters requiring approval from the Probate Court or other unusual circumstances, more time will be allotted. If the final Entry or stipulation is not timely received, the Court will dismiss the case from the active docket, pursuant to Local Rule 25.03.

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

Page 1 | IX. Settlement Conferences

A Local Rule 41.04 pretrial statement is required and must be filed two weeks before trial.

Pre-trial Statements in accordance with Local Rule 41.04 are required and must be filed two weeks prior to trial.

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

Page 1 | III. Status and Pretrial Conferences

A motion in limine must be filed at least 28 days before trial unless extraordinary circumstances are shown.

Motions in Limine must be filed at least 28 days before trial absent a showing of extraordinary circumstances.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Trial Procedures

A response to a motion in limine is due 14 days after the motion is filed.

Responses are due 14 days after the motion in limine is filed.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Trial Procedures

Proposed jury instructions should be submitted to defense counsel, the bailiff, and the staff attorney no later than the second day of trial.

Proposed jury instructions should be submitted to defense counsel and to the Court’s bailiff and staff attorney by no later than the second day of trial.

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

Page 1 | IV. Trial Procedures

A filing submitted to the Clerk's Office may take as long as three days to reach Chambers.

When a filing is submitted to the Clerk’s Office, the filing does not instantaneously reach Chambers and could take up to three days to be received.

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

Page 1 | II. Case Scheduling

Unless a pretrial order sets an earlier date, trial counsel must confer in person about case-specific jury instructions 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.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Trial Procedures

Except under Local Rules 21 and 55, motions generally are not reviewed until 28 days after filing.

Except as provided in Local Rules 21 and 55, briefing of motions is controlled by Local Rule 21. Accordingly, motions are generally not reviewed until 28 days after they are filed.

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

Page 1 | V. Motions and Memoranda

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Proposed agreed jury instructions must be sent to the Staff Attorney two weeks before trial.

Proposed Agreed Jury Instructions must be sent to the Staff Attorney two weeks prior to the trial date.

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

Page 1 | VIII. Trial Procedures

Copies of a motion 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 | VIII. Trial Procedures

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before filing a discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute, and a single email is insufficient.

Pursuant to Civil Rule 37, before filing any discovery motions, counsel shall make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute. A single email to opposing counsel does not constitute a reasonable effort.

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

Page 1 | IV. Discovery

The Court generally will not hold a discovery conference or hearing unless counsel first files a motion certifying its efforts to resolve the dispute.

The Court generally will not hold conferences or hearings on discovery disputes without counsel first filing a motion and certifying therein the efforts to resolve the matter.

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

Page 1 | IV. Discovery

Counsel must make every effort to resolve discovery disputes by agreement before filing a motion with the court.

Counsel shall make every effort to resolve discovery disputes by agreement prior to filing motions with the Court.

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

Page 1 | 47.01. Informal Discovery

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

Such motions are strongly discouraged. 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).

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

Page 1 | VIII. Trial Procedures

Counsel must participate in discovery conferences with opposing counsel and freely exchange discoverable information and documents upon informal request.

Counsel will participate in discovery conferences with opposing counsel and shall freely exchange discoverable information and documents upon informal request.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | 47.01. Informal Discovery

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Every continuance and amendment to the original case schedule requires the Court's approval, even if all parties agree.

All continuances and amendments to the original case schedule, even if agreed to by all parties, must be submitted to the Court for its approval.

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

Page 1 | Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

Leave of court is required before filing a motion or memorandum outside the rule or beyond the Case Schedule deadline.

It is necessary to obtain leave of court prior to filing a Motion or Memorandum out of rule or beyond the deadline set in the Case Schedule.

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

Page 1 | V. Motions and Memoranda

A civil trial continuance requires a written motion and should be requested well before trial, absent a true emergency; stipulations alone are insufficient.

Stipulations or "Agreed" Entries are not enough to postpone civil trials. Motions for continuance of a trial date, absent true emergency, must be in writing and should be sought well before the trial date.

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

Page 1 | II. Case Scheduling

A civil trial continuance must be requested by written motion well before trial absent a true emergency; a stipulation or agreed entry alone is insufficient.

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

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

Page 1 | VI. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

When a court-date conflict exists, the prosecutor’s office must be contacted before the Court about appearing to execute a continuance.

If there is a conflict with a court date please contact the prosecutor’s office prior to contacting the Court about appearing to execute a continuance.

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

Page 1 | II. Continuances

A motion affecting scheduling should state whether the change is opposed or agreed, the reasons for a continuance, and the proposed continuance period.

Any motions affecting scheduling should affirmatively state:Whether, following consultation with all other counsel, the change is opposed or agreed to The reasons supporting a continuance The proposed time frame for the continuance (example: 30 days)

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

Page 1 | II. Case Scheduling

A continuance or Case Schedule motion should state whether the requested change is opposed after consultation with counsel and 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 | VI. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

A defendant and counsel must execute a continuance in person.

Defendants must appear in person to execute a continuance with their counsel.

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

Page 1 | II. Continuances

Chambers Communication Rules

Proposed jury instructions must be sent to the judge's staff attorney as an email attachment.

Counsel shall prepare proposed jury instructions and forward them as an email attachment fourteen days prior to the trial date to my staff attorney.

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

Page 1 | Trials

All motions in limine must also be emailed to the judge's staff attorney.

All motions in limine shall be filed thirty days prior to the trial date, and shall also be emailed to my staff attorney.

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

Page 1 | Trials

Counsel must promptly call the Staff Attorney after a case settles.

Consistent with Local Rule 22, Counsel must call the Staff Attorney as soon as possible to advise when a case has been settled.

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

Page 1 | IX. Settlement Conferences

Counsel should alert the Staff Attorney as soon as it becomes apparent that a case will likely require a trial.

If you have a case that genuinely appears likely to require a trial, alert the Staff Attorney as soon as you know so that we can do our best to allow enough time and to assign a "firm" trial date.

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

Page 1 | II. Case Scheduling

The secretary may be contacted by phone or email for general court information.

Vickie Amrine Secretary 614.525.3811 Email General court information.

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

Page 1 | General

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

Christy Dickman Court Reporter 614.525.6049 Email Order transcripts.

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

Page 1 | General

The bailiff may be contacted by phone about criminal matters and procedures and processes in all matters.

Lynn Hardesty Bailiff 614.525.5927 Email Inquire about any criminal matters before the court or to inquire about procedures and processes in all matters before the court.

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

Page 1 | General

Counsel seeking input on new trial or pretrial dates should call the Staff Attorney or identify conflicting vacations or court assignments.

If counsel would like input as to new trial or pre-trial dates, they should place a conference call to the Staff Attorney or otherwise indicate their conflicting vacations or court assignments.

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

Page 1 | VI. Continuances or Amended Case Schedules

When all counsel agree to submit a case to the Magistrate for mediation, counsel should call the Staff Attorney.

If counsel desire to submit their case to mediation with the Magistrate, simply call our Staff Attorney and advise that counsel are in agreement

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

Page 1 | VII. Mediation

When a filing needs more timely attention, the filer should telephone the Staff Attorney and provide the case number and filing title.

If more timely attention is genuinely necessary, please phone the Staff Attorney and provide the case number and title of the filing.

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

Page 1 | II. Case Scheduling

The magistrate may be contacted by phone about already-scheduled damages hearings, magistrate trials, mediation, and preliminary injunctions.

Jennifer R. Cordle Magistrate 614.525.5995 Email Inquire about already scheduled:Damages hearings Magistrate trials Mediation Preliminary injunction

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

Page 1 | General

The staff attorney may be contacted by phone regarding pending civil matters, civil settlements, and requests for a status conference.

Ethan Dawson Staff Attorney 614.525.4679 EmailInquire about any pending civil matters before the court. Report settlement of a civil case. Request a status conference on any civil case.

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

Page 1 | General

A party may request a status conference through a 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 | III. 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
    Pleading motion brief memorandum or written argument
    Must include
    certificate of service

    Written proof of service must appear on or accompany each covered filing, and a judge will not consider a filing without a certificate of service unless the filing is a trial brief that counsel agreed not to exchange.

  • Applies to
    Cover sheet

    Court proceedings for a CQE must be initiated with the designated Cover Sheet, Form A.

  • Applies to
    Cover sheet

    The Cover Sheet must state the petitioner's assigned ODRC Electronic Petition Identification Number and include a copy of the completed ODRC Electronic Application.

Fees

All 69
  • Applies to
    Miscellaneous proceedings initiated by columbus bar association

    No advance local filing-fee deposit is required for Columbus Bar Association miscellaneous proceedings, but the court will assess costs at the end of each case as it deems just.

  • Applies to
    Cqe petition

    Every petitioner must deposit at filing a uniform, non-refundable fee in the amount set by the Clerk and approved by the Administrative Judge.

  • Applies to
    Cqe petition

    The filing-fee deposit must be paid before the court is required to take any action on the CQE Petition.

Filing Timing

All 65
  • A motion for leave to exceed the memorandum or brief page limits must be filed no later than seven days before the brief is due and must explain the unusual and extraordinary circumstances requiring the excess.

  • An attorney may not withdraw later than 20 days before a trial or dispositive hearing, except in extraordinary circumstances.

  • Any party filing objections to a magistrate's order or decision must timely file the objections and supporting memorandum in accordance with Civil Rule 53.

Service

All 43
  • Applies to
    Pleading motion brief memorandum or written argument

    Every pleading, motion, brief, memorandum, or written argument filed with the Court or a judge must be served on all opposing counsel and all unrepresented parties.

  • 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.

  • Applies to
    Notice of final decision
    Service
    Court service

    The Clerk must notify each petitioner of the final decision and provide a copy of the Judgment Entry.

About Judge Kim Brown

Listed by the court as Presiding Judge. Term expires January 2031. Staff attorney: Ethan Dawson, 614.525.4679.

**Courtroom:** 5E **Address:** 345 S High Street 5th Floor, Courtroom 5E Columbus, OH 43215 **Phone:** 614.525.3811 **Fax:** 614.525.2464 **Secretary:** Vickie Amrine, 614.525.3811 **Bailiff:** Lynn Hardesty, 614.525.5927 **Staff Attorney:** Ethan Dawson, 614.525.4679 **Court Reporter:** Christy Dickman, 614.525.6049 **Magistrate:** Jennifer R. Cordle, 614.525.5995

Common questions about Judge Kim Brown's rules

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

Judge Kim Brown's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Before filing a discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute, and a single email is insufficient.

View ruleSource: page 1, section IV. Discovery

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kim Brown?

Judge Kim Brown's formatting rule includes prepared in word. The proposed entry must be prepared in Word.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. Motions and Memoranda

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

The rule requires proposed order. All motions should be accompanied by a separate proposed entry.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. Motions and Memoranda

How may parties contact Judge Kim Brown's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications. Proposed jury instructions must be sent to the judge's staff attorney as an email attachment.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Trials

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

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Every continuance and amendment to the original case schedule requires the Court's approval, even if all parties agree.

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

Is electronic filing required before Judge Kim Brown?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Electronic motions for continuance are not accepted in criminal cases.

View ruleSource: page 1, section II. Continuances

What filing deadlines does Judge Kim Brown set?

Pre-trial statements must be submitted and filed by the pre-trial conference date if one is set, or fourteen days before trial otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Trials

What rule applies to service for jury instructions before Judge Kim Brown?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the court. Proposed agreed jury instructions must be sent to the Staff Attorney two weeks before trial.

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

The secretary may be contacted by phone or email for general court information.

The bailiff may be contacted by phone about criminal matters and procedures and processes in all matters.

The staff attorney may be contacted by phone regarding pending civil matters, civil settlements, and requests for a status conference.

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

The magistrate may be contacted by phone about already-scheduled damages hearings, magistrate trials, mediation, and preliminary injunctions.

Every continuance and amendment to the original case schedule requires the Court's approval, even if all parties agree.

Pre-trial statements must be submitted and filed by the pre-trial conference date if one is set, or fourteen days before trial otherwise.

Counsel must email proposed jury instructions to the judge's staff attorney as an attachment fourteen days before trial.

Proposed jury instructions must be sent to the judge's staff attorney as an email attachment.

All motions in limine must be filed and emailed to the judge's staff attorney thirty days before trial.

All motions in limine must also be emailed to the judge's staff attorney.

A party intending to use a PowerPoint presentation during opening statements must submit it to the Court for approval fourteen days before trial.

The proposed entry must be prepared in Word.

A defendant and counsel must execute a continuance in person.

Electronic motions for continuance are not accepted in criminal cases.

When a court-date conflict exists, the prosecutor’s office must be contacted before the Court about appearing to execute a continuance.

All motions should be accompanied by a separate proposed entry.

The proposed entry must be uploaded through the court’s e-filing system.

Proposed jury instructions should be submitted to defense counsel, the bailiff, and the staff attorney no later than the second day of trial.

The final jury charge must be submitted in writing to every juror.

A civil trial continuance requires a written motion and should be requested well before trial, absent a true emergency; stipulations alone are insufficient.

A motion affecting scheduling should state whether the change is opposed or agreed, the reasons for a continuance, and the proposed continuance period.

A filing submitted to the Clerk's Office may take as long as three days to reach Chambers.

When a filing needs more timely attention, the filer should telephone the Staff Attorney and provide the case number and filing title.

Counsel should alert the Staff Attorney as soon as it becomes apparent that a case will likely require a trial.

A party may request a status conference through a written motion or by contacting the Court's Staff Attorney.

A Local Rule 41.04 pretrial statement is required and must be filed two weeks before trial.

Before filing a discovery motion, counsel must make reasonable efforts to resolve the dispute, and a single email is insufficient.

The Court generally will not hold a discovery conference or hearing unless counsel first files a motion certifying its efforts to resolve the dispute.

Leave of court is required before filing a motion or memorandum outside the rule or beyond the Case Schedule deadline.

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