Court Rules
Senior Judge

Judge Donald L. Graham

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Southern District of Florida

Adjournments

10Calendar Daysnotice
  • Discovery extension requests must be made 10 days before deadline; extensions won't affect other deadlines.
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingConferencesTypographyProposed OrdersExhibitsECF FilingMemorandaOral Argument

Document Format Requirements1 rule

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In accordance with Local Rule 5.1.a.4, all pleadings, motions, and other papers tendered for filing shall be plainly typed or written on one (1) side with one (1) inch margins on each side and properly paginated at the bottom of each page. In addition, all such papers shall be double-spaced and typed papers shall appear in twelve (12) point font size.

Summary: All pleadings must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-sided, and paginated.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"

Document Filing Requirements4 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In accordance with Local Rule 7.1.a.3, the moving party must include the position of opposing parties on all appropriate motions. Please indicate with specificity the manner in which reasonable efforts were initiated (via facsimile, e-mail or voice-mail), the dates of such efforts, and the number of times an inquiry and follow up on the response to the inquiry was sought. Failure to comply with Local Rule 7.1.a.3 will likely result in denial of the requested relief.

Summary: Moving party must include opposing parties' positions and detail conference efforts for all motions.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Include a proposed order with all motions in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. The proposed document should be sent separately by e-mail in WordPerfect or Word format. The e-mail subject line and the name of the attachment should include the case number, docket entry number, followed by a short description of the attachment (e.g., xx-CV-xxxxx Order on DE xx) to graham@flsd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed order required with all motions, sent via email in WordPerfect or Word format.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

For all motions requesting extensions of time, the moving party should type on the middle right hand side of the pleading, the deadline for filing motions, the date of the pretrial conference, calendar call and trial period, if applicable. Also, advise the number of times requests for extensions of time have been filed and whether the motion has been referred to the Magistrate Judge.

Summary: Extension motions must include deadlines, dates, extension count, and magistrate referral status.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Local Rule Certificate
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Local Rule 7.1.b.4 provides that a “Notification of Ninety Days Expiring” be filed for any motion that has been pending and fully briefed for ninety (90) days. In this Division, if a ripe motion or decision after oral argument or a bench trial is pending for more than forty-five (45) days, please contact Chambers and advise the Judicial Administrator of the pendency of the motion.

Summary: Notification required for motions pending 90 days; contact chambers if pending 45+ days.

Document Type

Notification Of Ninety Days Expiring

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Discovery extension requests must be made 10 days before deadline; extensions won't affect other deadlines.

Any requests to extend the discovery deadline must be made at least ten (10) days before the expiration of the discovery deadline. Generally, the Court will not permit discovery past the discovery deadline, except on occasion at the convenience of the parties and without Court intervention in the resolution of any discovery disputes. Any such accommodation will not result in an extension of the remaining pre-trial deadlines i.e. deadline for filing motions, trial, etc.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Motions for extensions of time will rarely be granted.

The Southern District of Florida is one of the busiest trial courts in the country. In order to resolve your case in a timely manner, please refrain from filing motions for extensions of time. Motions to Extend, Continue or Enlarge will rarely be granted.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

About Senior United States District Judge Donald L. Graham

**Senior Judge Donald L. Graham** was appointed to the Southern District of Florida by President George H. W. Bush in 1991, confirmed by the Senate on September 12, 1991. Born on December 15, 1948 in Salisbury, North Carolina, he graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia State College and received awards as Best Oralist and Outstanding Trial Practice Student at Ohio State University College of Law. He assumed senior status on December 15, 2013. **Education** - Ohio State University College of Law, J.D., 1974 - West Virginia State College, B.A. magna cum laude, 1971 **Career** - Founding Partner, Raskin & Graham, P.A., Miami, Florida, 1983–1991 - Assistant U.S. Attorney, Southern District of Florida, 1979–1984 - U.S. Army, JAG Corps, active duty 1974–1979; reserve 1983–1991 - Adjunct Instructor, University of Maryland, 1975–1977

**Division:** Miami **Courthouse:** Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse, 400 North Miami Avenue, Miami, Florida 33128 **Chambers:** Room 13-4 **Phone:** (305) 523-5130

Common questions about Judge Donald L. Graham's rules

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Donald L. Graham?

Judge Donald L. Graham's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, single sided, and paginated at bottom. All pleadings must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-sided, and paginated.

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Donald L. Graham?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Extension motions must include deadlines, dates, extension count, and magistrate referral status.

What must be included with notification of ninety days expiring filings before Judge Donald L. Graham?

The rule requires notice of motion. Notification required for motions pending 90 days; contact chambers if pending 45+ days.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Rule 17

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Donald L. Graham?

Requests should be made at least 10 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Donald L. Graham. Discovery extension requests must be made 10 days before deadline; extensions won't affect other deadlines.

Complete rules summary for Judge Donald L. Graham

All pleadings must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-sided, and paginated.

Motions for extensions of time will rarely be granted.

Discovery extension requests must be made 10 days before deadline; extensions won't affect other deadlines.

Extension motions must include deadlines, dates, extension count, and magistrate referral status.

Proposed order required with all motions, sent via email in WordPerfect or Word format.

Moving party must include opposing parties' positions and detail conference efforts for all motions.

Notification required for motions pending 90 days; contact chambers if pending 45+ days.

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