Court Rules
Judge Andrew H. Dowling
Judge

Judge Andrew H. Dowling

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Case Dispositive Motion, Brief

  • Upon Filing

Motion In Limine

  • Upon Filing

Opposition

  • Upon Filing

Praecipe

  • Immediately Upon Filing

Communication

Email

Chambers

vmihailoff@dauphincounty.gov
Email

Clerk

gsmith@dauphincounty.gov
SchedulingTechnical Issues
Phone
Court-wide
(717) 780-6624
Phone
Court-wide
(717) 780-6640
Phone
Court-wide
Emergencies
Filters:AllMandatoryFormattingExhibitsOral ArgumentMemorandaConferences

Document Format Requirements3 rules

Formatting

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

An attached order must not be labeled as proposed so the court may sign it when appropriate.

When including any Order, DO NOT put “proposed” Order so, if appropriate, the Court can sign the Order submitted.

Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications
Formatting

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

A preferred format for motions for Rule Absolute is provided as Exhibit 2.

Motions for Rule Absolute – preferred format attached as Exhibit 2.

Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications
Formatting

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

A preferred template for the Rule to Show Cause is provided as Exhibit 1.

If applicable, also attach Rule to Show Cause. (Preferred format attached as Exhibit 1.)

Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications

Document Filing Requirements10 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

A Certificate of Readiness stating whether oral argument is requested must be filed before a dispositive motion is assigned for disposition.

6. A Certificate of Readiness must be filed for the Dispositive Motion to be assigned to the Court for disposition. The Certificate of Readiness must include if Oral Argument is requested or is not requested.

Document Type

Certificate Of Readiness

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
exhibit-3---cmo · p. 1|SecCASE MANAGEMENT ORDER
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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

Pre-trial memoranda must name all witnesses, attach all expert reports, and identify agreed and desired stipulations.

In addition to the requirements of L.R. 212.2, Pre-Trial Memoranda shall contain the ===== PAGE 2 ===== names of all witnesses, attach copies of all Expert Reports and indicate Stipulations agreed and Stipulations desired.

Document Type

Pretrial Memorandum

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
exhibit-3---cmo · p. 2|SecCASE MANAGEMENT ORDER
Filing Requirements

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

The distribution list must include an email address for every attorney and pro se litigant.

Include e-mail for each attorney or pro se litigant.

Document Type

Distribution List Certificate Of Service

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecDistribution List/Certificate of Service
Filing Requirements

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

The distribution list must identify or reference the lead attorney and the represented party.

List/reference lead attorney and party represented.

Document Type

Distribution List Certificate Of Service

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecDistribution List/Certificate of Service
Filing Requirements

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

A party must file a Certificate of Readiness before the assigned judge will receive the matter.

The matter will not be received by the assigned Judge until/unless a party files a Certificate of Readiness.

Document Type

Certificate Of Readiness

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications
Filing Requirements

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

A motion that references or seeks modification of a prior order must attach that prior order.

If Motion references a prior Order and/or seeks modification of a prior Order, ATTACH THE PRIOR ORDER.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications
Filing Requirements

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

Bring to conference Points for Charge and proposed Verdict Form.

Summary: Parties must bring the Points for Charge to the pre-trial conference.

Document Type

Points For Charge

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecPre-Trial Conference
Filing Requirements

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

State concurrence/non-concurrence.

Summary: A motion must state whether the moving party concurs or does not concur.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications
Filing Requirements

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

Attach Order on relief sought.

Summary: A motion must be accompanied by an order addressing the relief sought.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications
Filing Requirements

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

If applicable, also attach Rule to Show Cause.

Summary: When applicable, a Rule to Show Cause must also be attached.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Dauphin Pa:bbc2ecf33ac55b057428fae4|SecMotions/Petitions/Applications

Filing & Service rules

Service and Proof of Service Rules

A Motion to Make Rule Absolute must include evidence demonstrating compliance with applicable service requirements.

A Motion to Make Rule Absolute shall include evidence of compliance of the service requirements of the applicable Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.

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

Page 1 | RULE TO SHOW CAUSE

Counsel for the moving party must serve the rule to show cause on all parties, and the rule is returnable the stated number of days after service.

RULE RETURNABLE _____ days after service. It shall be the obligation of counsel for (moving party) to provide service of this Rule upon all parties.

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

Page 1 | RULE TO SHOW CAUSE

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A courtesy copy of any praecipe must be provided to chambers immediately upon filing.

Provide Chambers with a courtesy copy of any Praecipes immediately upon filing (e.g.:  Praecipe to Discontinue the case; Praecipe to Withdraw a Motion).

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

Page 1 | Praecipe to Discontinue; Praecipe to Withdraw Motion; etc.

A courtesy copy of dispositive motions filed with briefs must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

4. Dispositive Motions with Briefs shall be filed by ___________. A courtesy copy shall be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

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

Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

A courtesy copy of briefs responding to motions in limine must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

9. Briefs in Response to Motions in Limine to be filed by ___________. A courtesy copy shall be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

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

Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

A courtesy copy of motions in limine filed with briefs must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

8. Motions in Limine with Briefs shall be filed by ___________. A courtesy copy shall be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

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

Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

A courtesy copy of briefs responding to dispositive motions must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

5. Briefs in Response to Dispositive Motions shall be filed by ___________. A courtesy copy shall be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

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

Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

A courtesy copy of each pre-trial memorandum must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

10. Pre-Trial Memoranda to be filed by ___________. A courtesy copy shall be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

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

Page 1 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A party may request an extension or modification of scheduling or trial deadlines for good cause or by agreement of the parties.

Extension or modification of the foregoing deadlines, including the date for trial, may be granted upon Motion by a party for good cause shown or agreement of the parties.

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

Page 2 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

A continuance request should be made immediately upon receipt of the scheduling order rather than at the last minute.

Matters are typically scheduled approximately 4 weeks prior. If a continuance is requested, it should be done immediately upon receipt of the Scheduling Order and NOT at the last minute.

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

Page 1 | Continuances

Chambers Communication Rules

Plaintiff’s attorney must immediately notify Chambers and Court Administration by email if the case settles.

If the case settles, Plaintiff’s attorney shall immediately inform Chambers (vmihailoff@dauphincounty.gov) and Court Administration (sshaffer@dauphincounty.gov).

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

Page 2 | CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

The courtroom clerk crier may be emailed at gsmith@dauphincounty.gov to schedule a pre-trial courtroom and equipment technology viewing.

Schedule a time with the Judge’s Courtroom Clerk Crier, Greg Smith, at gsmith@dauphincounty.gov, to have your technology company view the Courtroom and equipment at some time during the week prior to Trial.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Jury Trials

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 591 rules apply across Dauphin 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 247

  • All papers filed with the Clerk of Courts must identify the filing attorney or party and provide an address for service.

  • Applies to
    Search warrant application

    A judicial officer must not issue the search warrant unless an attorney for the Commonwealth approved the application before filing.

  • Applies to
    Search warrant application

    A judicial officer may not issue a search warrant application involving electronically stored data unless an attorney for the Commonwealth approves it before filing.

Service

All 99
  • Applies to
    Memorandum
    Service
    Mail to all parties

    The Divorce Hearing Officer must file the Memorandum with the Prothonotary and mail a copy to all legal counsel and self-represented parties.

  • Applies to
    Report and recommendation and proposed order
    Service
    Mail to all parties

    A copy of the Report and Recommendation and Proposed Order must be mailed to counsel and self-represented parties with written notice of the right to file Exceptions.

  • Petitions and motions subject to Rule 574 must be served forthwith upon the adverse party.

Filing Timing

All 74

  • When the District Attorney determines that the allegations support contempt, the complaint must be docketed by 11:00 a.m. on the next business day.

  • When probable cause is found, the court must schedule a hearing within ten days after filing the private criminal complaint.

  • The Magisterial District Judge must cause the complaint to reach the Prothonotary by 11:00 a.m. on the next business day.

Fees

All 67
  • Fee
    $75
    Applies to
    Motion for appointment of hearing officer

    When a Hearing Officer was previously appointed for pretrial or discovery matters, a $75 administrative fee plus any Prothonotary filing fee must be paid.

  • Fee
    $150
    Applies to
    Motion for appointment of hearing officer

    When no Hearing Officer has been previously appointed, a $150 administrative fee plus any Prothonotary filing fee must be paid.

  • Fee
    150
    Applies to
    Petition for contempt

    A Petition for Contempt must be filed with the Prothonotary with an administrative fee of $150.00.

More categories

View all Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas rules
About Judge Andrew H. Dowling

Elected to the bench November 2009. Retained November 2019. Graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School, Lafayette College and the Dickinson School of Law. Judge Dowling began his legal career as a Dauphin County Deputy District Attorney. Thereafter, he had a distinguished career as a trial lawyer with the Harrisburg law firm of Mette, Evans and Woodside. While engaged as a litigation attorney, he became Board Certified in Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial AdvocacyBorn in Harrisburg and a lifelong resident of Dauphin County, he has one brother and four sisters. Judge Dowling is a devoted father to his nineteen-year-old son, Jack. Jack was an accomplished swimmer as a child, medaling in USA Jr. Olympics and Eastern Zones, as well as in high school, qualifying for District III Finals. Judge Dowling had been involved in a variety of professional and community organizations. He was on the Executive Board of the Keystone Area Council (Boy Scouts) and served as Treasurer for Inspired Recreation, a community based organization that raised money and organized the community to build an innovative playground accessible to children with disabilities. Judge Dowling has been involved with the Toastmasters (President; Area Governor), a non-profit international organization that promotes public speaking and leadership skills. He also has served on the Board of Directors of his church where he was President; he has served on the Board of Directors of a community group providing food to the needy; and in the past volunteered as an assistant T-Ball and Soccer Coach in Lower Paxton Township.

**Address:** Dauphin County Courthouse, 101 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 **Telephone:** (717) 780-6650 **Fax:** (717) 780-6658 **Courtroom:** #5, Third Floor **Judicial Assistant:** Vasilka Mihailoff (vmihailoff@dauphincounty.gov) **Law Clerk:** Heather Verchick (hverchick@dauphincounty.gov) **Crier:** Greg Smith (gsmith@dauphincounty.gov)

Common questions about Judge Andrew H. Dowling's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Andrew H. Dowling?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for case dispositive motions and briefs. Details: delivery upon filing. A courtesy copy of dispositive motions filed with briefs must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Andrew H. Dowling?

Judge Andrew H. Dowling's formatting rule includes preferred format for motions for rule absolute attached as exhibit 2.. A preferred format for motions for Rule Absolute is provided as Exhibit 2.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions/Petitions/Applications

What must be included with certificate of readiness filings before Judge Andrew H. Dowling?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. A Certificate of Readiness stating whether oral argument is requested must be filed before a dispositive motion is assigned for disposition.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

What must be included with pretrial memorandum filings before Judge Andrew H. Dowling?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Pre-trial memoranda must name all witnesses, attach all expert reports, and identify agreed and desired stipulations.

View ruleSource: page 2, section CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

How may parties contact Judge Andrew H. Dowling's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Andrew H. Dowling's chambers. The rule lists email vmihailoff@dauphincounty.gov. Plaintiff’s attorney must immediately notify Chambers and Court Administration by email if the case settles.

View ruleSource: page 2, section CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Andrew H. Dowling?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. A party may request an extension or modification of scheduling or trial deadlines for good cause or by agreement of the parties.

View ruleSource: page 2, section CASE MANAGEMENT ORDER

What rule applies to service for rule to show cause before Judge Andrew H. Dowling?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties. Counsel for the moving party must serve the rule to show cause on all parties, and the rule is returnable the stated number of days after service.

View ruleSource: page 1, section RULE TO SHOW CAUSE
Complete rules summary for Judge Andrew H. Dowling

A Certificate of Readiness stating whether oral argument is requested must be filed before a dispositive motion is assigned for disposition.

A courtesy copy of dispositive motions filed with briefs must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

A courtesy copy of briefs responding to dispositive motions must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

A courtesy copy of motions in limine filed with briefs must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

A courtesy copy of briefs responding to motions in limine must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

A courtesy copy of each pre-trial memorandum must be served on Judge Dowling’s Chambers.

Pre-trial memoranda must name all witnesses, attach all expert reports, and identify agreed and desired stipulations.

Plaintiff’s attorney must immediately notify Chambers and Court Administration by email if the case settles.

A party may request an extension or modification of scheduling or trial deadlines for good cause or by agreement of the parties.

A preferred template for the Rule to Show Cause is provided as Exhibit 1.

The distribution list must identify or reference the lead attorney and the represented party.

The distribution list must include an email address for every attorney and pro se litigant.

A motion must be accompanied by an order addressing the relief sought.

When applicable, a Rule to Show Cause must also be attached.

A motion that references or seeks modification of a prior order must attach that prior order.

A motion must state whether the moving party concurs or does not concur.

A preferred format for motions for Rule Absolute is provided as Exhibit 2.

An attached order must not be labeled as proposed so the court may sign it when appropriate.

A party must file a Certificate of Readiness before the assigned judge will receive the matter.

A courtesy copy of any praecipe must be provided to chambers immediately upon filing.

Parties must bring the Points for Charge to the pre-trial conference.

The courtroom clerk crier may be emailed at gsmith@dauphincounty.gov to schedule a pre-trial courtroom and equipment technology viewing.

A continuance request should be made immediately upon receipt of the scheduling order rather than at the last minute.

Counsel for the moving party must serve the rule to show cause on all parties, and the rule is returnable the stated number of days after service.

A Motion to Make Rule Absolute must include evidence demonstrating compliance with applicable service requirements.

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