Judge Charles R. Eskridge III
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Mail • Promptly
Exhibits
- 3 copies • Simultaneously With Exhibit Lists
Joint Trial Notebook
- 3 copies • At Least Four Business Days Prior To Final Pretrial Conference Or Docket Call
Sealed Document, Joint Pretrial Order, Trial Material
- 1 copy • Promptly
Adjournments
- A continuance will be granted only upon a showing of actual diligence and extraordinary cause, even if jointly requested.
- Motions for extension of deadlines and discovery disputes are not considered emergencies.
- Continuances of Scheduling and Docket Control Orders require showing of actual diligence and extraordinary circumstances; continuances in Section 10 matters only permitted for health exigencies or emergencies.
- +8 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Letter via ECF
Chambers
Clerk
Page & Word Limits5 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The opposing party should promptly submit a responsive letter of similar length identifying any disagreement.
Summary: Opposing parties must submit responsive letters of similar length (~2 single-spaced pages) to discovery dispute permission requests.
Letter
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Bring any request by letter not exceeding approximately three single-spaced pages.
Summary: Letters requesting in camera inspection of privilege log documents may not exceed approximately three single-spaced pages.
Letter
3 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The brief must clearly state which (if any) party it supports and must not exceed 4,000 words without other permission.
Summary: Amicus curiae briefs are limited to 4,000 words unless other permission is granted.
Amicus Brief
4,000 words
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
motion or response to 5,000 words (approximately twenty- five pages). Limit any reply to 2,000 words (approxi- mately ten pages).
Summary: Motions/responses limited to 5,000 words; replies limited to 2,000 words.
Brief
5,000 words
Reply Brief
2,000 words
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
Word limits don’t include the case caption, table of contents, table of authorities, signature block, and certificates.
Summary: Word count exclusions: caption, TOC, TOA, signature block, and certificates do not count toward word limits.
Brief
Document Format Requirements27 rules
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Producing parties must produce electronic documents as single-page TIFF files.
A producing party must produce each electronic document in single- page Tagged Image File Format. TIFF files must be single page
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Each single-page TIFF file must be named with a unique production number followed by the appropriate file extension.
TIFF files must be single page and named with a unique production number followed by the appropriate file extension.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
When those fields exist, ESI must include the document’s sent and received dates and times and complete distribution list.
Where such fields exist, ESI must include the date and time that a document was sent and received, as well as the complete distribution list.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Text-searchability is not generally required, but documents already in or converted to text-searchable format for the litigation must be produced in that format at no cost to the recipient.
No party has an obligation to make its production searchable by text. But where a party’s documents already exist in such format independent of this litigation, or are converted to such format for use in this litigation (including for use by the producing party’s counsel), then such documents must be produced in the same format at no cost to the receiving party.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Each document image must have a footer showing a sequentially ascending production number.
Each document image must contain a footer with a sequentially ascending production number.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Absent good cause, ESI production need not include metadata.
Absent a showing of good cause, ESI need not include production of metadata.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
After review, a receiving party may reasonably request a document in native format, and the producing party must provide it or raise burden concerns.
A party receiving a document produced in the format specified above may make a reasonable request after review to receive the document in its native format. Upon such request, the producing party must produce the document in its native format or bring concerns of burden to the requesting party’s attention.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use Form 11 to prepare draft proposed orders.
Summary: Draft proposed orders must be prepared using Form 11.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use American letter-size paper, a minimum 13-point font, and a minimum of 1" margins. Double space except for lengthy quotations, headings, and footnotes.
Summary: Motion papers must use letter-size paper, minimum 13-point font, 1-inch margins, and be double-spaced except for quotations, headings, and footnotes.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
a. Form. Use Form 12 to prepare a Joint Pretrial Order. Adapt it within reason to accommodate the nature and complexity of the case.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Orders must use Form 12, adapted as needed for case complexity.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
a. Form. Use Form 13 to prepare a trial exhibit list. Also refer to Section 14. Each offering party must mark its own exhibits with the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number. List only those exhibits intended in good faith for use before the jury during trial.
Summary: Trial exhibit lists must use Form 13, exhibits marked with party name/case number/exhibit number, only good faith jury exhibits listed.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Seek agreement on the form of exchange. Absent agreement, exchange well-organized USB drives or provide for similar download.
Summary: Exhibits must be exchanged via agreed form; absent agreement, use well-organized USB drives or similar download.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use Form 14 to prepare a witness list.
Summary: Witness lists must be prepared using Form 14.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use a condensed transcript (four pages to one) when available.
Summary: Condensed transcripts (four pages to one) must be used for deposition designations when available.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Include a cover sheet with concise summary of topics for each witness, the first deposition page, and at least two pages prior to and after any designation.
Summary: Deposition designations must include a cover sheet with specified content for each witness.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use Form 15 to prepare deposition designations.
Summary: Deposition designations must be prepared using Form 15.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Highlight in contrasting colors to indicate all designated testimony, counter-designations, and objections.
Summary: Deposition designations must highlight designated testimony, counter-designations, and objections in contrasting colors.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
For bench trials, also offer the entire deposition marked as an exhibit.
Summary: For bench trials, the entire deposition must be offered marked as an exhibit.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Identify by bold, italicized, or differently colored font any disputed language and which party requests each competing version;
Summary: Disputed language in civil jury instructions must be marked with bold, italicized, or differently colored font, identifying the requesting party for each version.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
c. Court copies. Follow Section 21 regarding submission of the charge. In civil cases, counsel for plaintiff must also jointly submit a Word version by email or USB drive. In criminal cases, counsel for prosecution and defense must each also submit a Word version by email or USB drive.
Summary: For jury instruction (charge) submissions, civil cases require plaintiff to submit a DOCX version via email/USB; criminal cases require prosecution and defense to each submit a DOCX version via email/USB.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use black font for all agreed findings and conclusions. Where the parties disagree, use different color font, with plaintiff submitted in red and defendant submitted in blue.
Summary: Agreed findings/conclusions use black font; plaintiff disagreements use red font, defendant disagreements use blue font.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
f. Court copies. Follow Section 21 regarding submission of these materials. Counsel for plaintiff must also jointly submit a Word version by email or USB drive.
Summary: For bench trial proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, plaintiff counsel must submit a DOCX version via email or USB drive.
DOCX
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?
If a document is more than one page, the unitization of the document and any attachments and/or affixed notes must be maintained as they existed in the original document.
Summary: For multipage documents, preserve the original unitization of the document and its attachments or affixed notes.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
When providing copies of filings over one hundred pages, print double-sided and submit in a binder. Organize exhibits and attachments by tab at the right margin. Use the smallest binders that comfortably hold the material, but not larger than four inches. Divide into multiple binders when necessary. Provide courtesy copies marked with the file-stamped CM/ECF system docket number unless submitted on an urgent basis.
Summary: Courtesy copies of filings exceeding 100 pages must be double-sided, bound in tabbed binders no larger than 4 inches, and marked with the ECF docket number unless urgent.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Footnotes are strongly disfavored. Their use is discouraged by the setting of word limits rather than page limits. Use the same font as text for any footnote believed necessary. Evidence or argument raised only by footnote will be disregarded.
Summary: Footnotes strongly disfavored; must use same font as main text, and evidence/argument in footnotes is disregarded.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Provide pinpoint citation for all legal authority. For evidence, cite to page and line for depositions, to page and paragraph number for affidavits and pleadings, and to page and section number for contracts and similar materials. Use Bates number as the page reference where available.
Summary: Pinpoint citations required for all legal authority; specific citation formats required for depositions, affidavits, pleadings, contracts; Bates numbers preferred.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Don’t use footnotes to argue or explain disagreements.
Summary: Footnotes may not be used to argue or explain disagreements in civil jury instructions.
Document Filing Requirements51 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each party must file a separate list of all exhibits expected to be offered and attach it to the Joint Pretrial Order.
Each party must file as a separate document and attach to this Joint Pretrial Order a list of all exhibits expected to be offered.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each party offering exhibits must mark its own exhibits before trial.
Each offering party must mark its own exhibits before trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each exhibit must include the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number.
Include the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit.
Document Type
Exhibits
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Joint Pretrial Order must include the specified statement about disclosure of additional witnesses and the exception for certain rebuttal or impeachment witnesses.
Include the following statement: “If any other witnesses will be called at the trial, their names, addresses, and the subject matter of their testimony will be reported to opposing counsel as soon as they are known. This restriction will not apply to rebuttal or impeachment witnesses, the necessity of whose testimony cannot reasonably be anticipated before trial.”
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Joint Pretrial Order must identify whether the trial is jury or nonjury, its probable length, and foreseeable logistical problems, including witness availability or unusual exhibits.
State whether the trial will be jury or nonjury; the probable length of trial; and any foreseeable logistical problems, including the availability of witnesses or unusual exhibits.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each party must file any intended deposition designations as a separate document, prepare them under Section 24 of the Court’s procedures, and attach them to the Joint Pretrial Order.
Each party must also file as a separate document and attach to this Joint Pretrial Order any intended deposition designations. Prepare the designations as per Section 24 of the Court’s procedures.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For a jury trial, each party must separately file and attach the specified additional attachments to the Joint Pretrial Order.
For any jury trial, each party must file as a separate document and attach to this Joint Pretrial Order the following attachments.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
Each party must file a separate witness list, prepared under Section 23 of the Court’s procedures, and attach it to the Joint Pretrial Order.
Each party must file as a separate document and attach to this Joint Pretrial Order a list of all witnesses. Prepare the list as per Section 23 of the Court’s procedures.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
For a bench trial, each party must separately file and attach proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and a memorandum of law to the Joint Pretrial Order.
For any bench trial, each party must file as a separate document and attach to this Joint Pretrial Order the following attachments. o Proposed findings of facts and conclusions of law as per Section 28 of the Court’s Procedures; and o A memorandum of law.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory
The Joint Pretrial Order must contain the pretrial disclosures required by Rule 26(a)(3).
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
The exhibit list must use a form similar to the one made available with the Court’s Procedures.
Prepare the list in a form similar to that made available with the Court’s Procedures.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Producing parties must provide load files identifying the location and unitization of the TIFF files.
Load files must be provided to indicate the location and unitization of the TIFF files.
Document Type
Electronic Document Production
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Issues regarding attorney fees are to be submitted by affidavit after liability and damages are resolved.
The parties agree to submit issues regarding attorney fees by affidavit after resolution of liability and damages.
Document Type
Attorney Fee Submission
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
A memorandum of law with authorities addressing only these issues must accompany this Order.
Summary: A memorandum of law with authorities addressing only the contested legal issues must accompany the Joint Pretrial Order.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
List in separate paragraphs the names and addresses of witnesses that each party intends in good faith to call in its case-in-chief. Include a brief statement of the subject matter and substance of the testimony of each.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must list each party’s intended case-in-chief witnesses in separate paragraphs, with each witness’s name, address, and a brief description of the testimony.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Include a statement as to the status of any settlement negotiations.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must state the status of settlement negotiations.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
Briefly state the position of each party as to the suitability at trial of: o Trial time limits; o Preliminary substantive jury instructions; o Notetaking by jurors; o Trial binders for jurors to include glossary of terms, cast of characters, chronology, and key exhibits; o Questions by jurors during trial; and o Interim statements or argument to jury by counsel.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must briefly state each party’s position on the listed juror-comprehension initiatives.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Failure to file proof of service may result in dismissal by the Court on its own initiative. See FRCP 4(m).
Summary: Proof of service (certificate of service) must be filed with the complaint or notice of removal, or the Court may dismiss the case.
Document Type
Complaint
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
At least 14 days before the initial pretrial conference, counsel and all parties appearing pro se must complete and file the Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan using the form attached to the Court's procedures. See FRCP 26(f).
Summary: Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan must be completed, use the court's attached form, and be filed at least 14 days before the initial pretrial conference by counsel and pro se parties.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Prior to the conference, the Court will typically enter a scheduling and docket control order. If none is entered, or if the parties will request a schedule different from one that has been entered, counsel must complete and file as an attachment to the Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan a joint proposed scheduling and docket control order using the form referenced in the Court's procedures. The parties must confer in good faith to seek agreement on deadlines for completion of all pretrial matters. Clearly identify any disagreements with reasons in support of the requests made.
Summary: Joint proposed scheduling and docket control order must be filed as an attachment to the Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan using the court's referenced form when no scheduling order is entered or a different schedule is requested, with parties conferring in good faith and identifying disagreements.
Document Type
Joint Proposed Scheduling Docket Control Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
attorneys of record and all persons or entities that are financially interested in this litigation, including parent, subsidiary, and affiliated corporations. An individual listing is not necessary when a group description is effective disclosure. Underline the names of corporations with publicly traded securities. Promptly amend the list whenever new parties or counsel are added or additional interested persons or entities are identified.
Summary: Disclosure of interested parties must list all financially interested persons/entities, allow effective group descriptions, underline publicly traded corporation names, and be promptly amended when new parties or interested persons are identified.
Document Type
Disclosure Of Interested Parties
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Within ten days of entry of this Order, the removing party or parties must file the certificate of service in removed action and the statement of information in removed action, as indicated in the attached forms. A copy of both must also be served on all other parties.
Summary: Removing parties must file the certificate of service in removed action within 10 days of the order's entry, using the attached form, serve a copy on all parties, and failure to comply may result in summary remand.
Document Type
Certificate Of Service In Removed Action
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE IN REMOVED ACTION I certify compliance with the Order of the Court entered upon filing of the petition for removal of this action. On , I served on all other parties copies of (1) the Order For Conference and Disclosure of Interested Parties, and (2) the Court’s Procedures and Forms. Respectfully submitted, Date [Signature Block]
Summary: Certificate of Service in Removed Action must include case caption, judge name, certification of compliance with the court's removal order, and statement of service of required documents to all parties.
Document Type
Certificate Of Service
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
STATEMENT OF INFORMATION IN REMOVED ACTION Restate each instruction in bold and furnish the requested information. 1. State the date(s) on which defendant(s) or their representative(s) first received a copy of the summons and complaint in the removed state court action. If different, the date on which each defendant was served with a copy of the summons and complaint. 2. In actions removed based on diversity jurisdiction, list the citizenship of all parties, including the citizenship of each member of a partnership or other type of business association such as LLCs and LLPs. Specifically identify whether any defendants who have been served are citizens of Texas. 3. In actions removed based on diversity jurisdiction, state the amount alleged in controversy and the basis for this amount. 4. In actions removed based on diversity jurisdiction pending more than one year in state court, specify why the case should not be summarily remanded. 5. Identify any defendant that did not join in the notice of removal and explain why. Respectfully submitted, Date [Defendant Signature Block]
Summary: Statement of Information in Removed Action must include case caption, judge name, restated bold instructions, the five listed information items, and defendant signature block.
Document Type
Statement Of Information
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
with a title and designation of “SEALED” on the CM/ECF System (for example, “Motion for Summary Judgment (SEALED),” and not simply “SEALED DOCUMENT”).
Summary: Sealed motions filed on CM/ECF must have a title with a “SEALED” designation, such as “Motion for Summary Judgment (SEALED)”, not just “SEALED DOCUMENT”.
Document Type
Motion
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?
If a partial or incomplete answer or production is provided, the responding party must state the reason that the answer or production is partial or incomplete.
Summary: A responding party providing a partial or incomplete answer or production must state the reason.
Document Type
Initial Discovery Response
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The removing party must make certificate of service and provide the additional information within ten days of removal.
Summary: Removing parties must file a certificate of service and required additional information within 10 days of case removal.
Document Type
Notice Of Removal
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use Form 2 to give consent to proceed before the Magistrate Judge. Follow the instructions. Don’t alter the form.
Summary: Consent to proceed before a Magistrate Judge must be submitted using unaltered Form 2 with all instructions followed.
Document Type
Consent To Proceed Magistrate Judge
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Include the applicant’s averment of familiarization with these procedures and the Local Rules with any application for pro hac vice admission.
Summary: Pro hac vice applications must include an averment of familiarization with court procedures and Local Rules.
Document Type
Pro Hac Vice Application
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All counsel who wish to receive CM/ECF notices must file a notice of appearance. Inclusion of names in the signature block of a pleading doesn’t constitute notice of appearance.
Summary: Counsel seeking CM/ECF notices must file a notice of appearance; inclusion in a pleading's signature block does not satisfy this requirement.
Document Type
Notice Of Appearance
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All parties must sign and counsel for plaintiff must file a single, completed joint plan. Follow Rule 26(f) in all respects.
Summary: Plaintiff's counsel must file a single, completed Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan signed by all parties, complying with Rule 26(f).
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Include a certificate of conference addressing positions of all parties.
Summary: Continuance requests in criminal cases must include a certificate of conference addressing all parties' positions.
Document Type
Continuance Request
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Make serious, timely, good faith efforts to seek agreement on all disputed matters and requests for relief. This includes dispositive motions. Motions that don’t include a certificate of conference may be denied or stricken.
Summary: All motions, including dispositive motions, must include a certificate of conference or be subject to denial or striking.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Include a proposed order granting or denying the requested relief with all nondispositive motions and oppositions.
Summary: All nondispositive motions and oppositions must include a proposed order granting or denying the requested relief.
Document Type
Nondispositive Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Don’t file a separately designated Memorandum of Law. Include necessary factual support, legal argument, and requested relief in the motion itself.
Summary: Separately designated Memoranda of Law are prohibited; all factual support, legal argument, and relief must be included in the motion.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions or similar filings must contain: o A short statement of the nature and stage of the proceeding; o A statement of the facts necessary to resolution of the motion; o A statement of the issues requiring resolution; o A short statement of and authority for the standard of review for each issue; o An argument devoted to relevant, persuasive legal authority; o A short conclusion stating the precise relief sought; and o Succinct headings dividing the motion into the above parts.
Summary: All motions must include specified sections: nature/stage, facts, issues, standard of review, argument, conclusion, and succinct headings.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Provide a certificate of word count following the signature block. Reliance on word-processor register is sufficient in this regard.
Summary: Briefs must include a word count certificate following the signature block.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Submissions with an argument section more than ten pages must also contain: o A separate cover sheet for the case caption and title of the filing; o A table of authorities organizing in categories and arranging alphabetically all cited cases, statutes, rules, textbooks, and other authorities; o A brief introduction of the dispute; o A concise summary of the argument immediately prior to the argument in full; and o Succinct point headings dividing the argument into separate components.
Summary: Briefs with argument section over 10 pages must include cover sheet, table of authorities, introduction, argument summary, and point headings.
Document Type
Brief
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Documents filed within seven days of docket call will not be considered.
Documents filed within seven (or ~ 30 days of docket call will not be considered.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3 | DOCKET CALL
Documents filed within seven days of docket call will not be considered.
Documents filed within seven (7) days of docket call will not be considered.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 7
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The party adding a new party must provide that party with this Order and all previously entered Orders.
The party causing the addition of a new party conference must provide copies of this Order and all previously entered Orders to the new party.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Scheduling and Docket Control Order
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are required promptly for sealed documents, Joint Pretrial Orders, and trial material; all other filings require courtesy copies only upon request.
Promptly submit a courtesy copy of: o Documents filed under seal regardless of length; and o Joint Pretrial Orders and other trial material. Don’t submit a courtesy copy of any other filing except upon request, regardless of length.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 6 | Court copies
Courtesy copies must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Case Manager with a transmittal letter, which must be served on all parties without attachments and not filed with the Court.
Mail or hand-deliver courtesy copies to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content. Don’t file transmittal letters. Mail or email a copy of such letters without attachments to all other parties.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 6 | Court copies
Three copies of joint trial notebook must be delivered by plaintiff/prosecution counsel at least four business days before final pretrial conference or docket call.
Counsel to plaintiff or prosecution must deliver three copies at least four business days prior to the final pretrial conference or docket call in the manner directed in Section 6.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 22 | Required pretrial filings
Parties must submit exhibits on a well-organized USB drive plus three hard copies simultaneously with exhibit lists.
In addition to the lists, each party must simultaneously submit all exhibits on a well-organized USB drive together with three copies in the manner directed in Section 6.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 23 | 22. Exhibits c. Court copies
A copy of the witness list must be furnished to the court reporter before trial.
Also furnish a copy to the court reporter before trial.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 25 | Witness Lists
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Court filings subject to confidential treatment or disclosing Confidential Information must be filed under seal to the extent permitted and remain sealed until further court order; if possible, only confidential portions should be sealed.
Documents or information filed with the court that is subject to confidential treatment under this Order, and any pleadings, motions, or other papers filed with the court disclosing any Confidential Information, must be filed under seal to the extent permitted by the law, rules, or court orders, and must be kept under seal until the court orders otherwise. To the extent the court requires any further act by the parties as a precondition to filing the documents or information under seal, the party filing the document or information is responsible for satisfying the requirements. If possible, only the confidential parts of documents of information filed with the court will be filed under seal.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 15
Confidential information filed with the Court must be filed under seal to the extent permitted by law, and only confidential portions should be sealed where possible.
All information subject to confidential treatment in accordance with the terms of this Stipulation and Order that is filed with the Court, and any pleadings, motions or other papers filed with the Court disclosing any Confidential Information, shall be filed under seal to the extent permitted by law (including without limitation any applicable rules of court) and kept under seal until further order of the Court. To the extent the Court requires any further act by the parties as a precondition to the filing of documents under seal (beyond the submission of this Stipulation and Order Regarding Confidential Information), it shall be the obligation of the producing party of the documents to be filed with the Court to satisfy any such precondition. Where possible, only confidential portions of filings with the Court shall be filed under seal.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 17 | 8
Parties must obtain court permission to seal filings containing confidential information, requiring a sealed motion, unredacted filing, and redacted public version.
8. Any party seeking to file under seal any pleading, brief, or supporting material containing Confidential Information must obtain permission of the Court. The Court allows such filing only on showing of exceptional circumstances. Any party seeking to seal Confidential Information must: a. File a sealed motion explaining to the Court the justification for preventing public disclosure of the information; b. Attach the filing proposed for permanent seal on the docket; c. Attach a redacted version suitable to and proposed for filing on the public docket or explanation why redaction is not possible; and
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 4 | STANDARD PROTECTIVE ORDER
Confidential information and filings disclosing it must be filed under seal until further court order, with producing parties responsible for any additional preconditions required by the court.
All information subject to confidential treatment in accordance with the terms of this Stipulation and Order that is filed with the Court, and any pleadings, motions or other papers filed with the Court disclosing any Confidential Information, must be filed under seal to the extent permitted by law (including without limitation any applicable rules of court) and kept under seal until further order of the Court. To the extent the Court requires any further act by the parties as a precondition to the filing of documents under seal (beyond the submission of this Stipulation and Order Regarding Confidential Information), it is the obligation of the producing party of the documents to be filed with the Court to satisfy any such precondition. When possible, only confidential portions of filings with the Court are to be filed under seal
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | Stipulation and Order Regarding Confidential Information
Filing documents under seal requires a motion establishing good cause, with redacted versions filed publicly, unredacted versions filed under seal, and proper SEALED designation on CM/ECF.
Motion required to seal. A presumption exists as to public access to judicial records. The filing of any pleading, brief, or supporting material under seal is disfavored. Seek alternate permission by motion establishing good cause as follows. Refer to Le v Exeter Finance Corp, 990 F3d 410, 417–21 (5th Cir 2021). Under seal, file the at-issue pleading, brief, or other material. On the public record, separately file a motion to seal. Prepare and attach to the motion a redacted version public docket. In the alternative, establish cause why redaction isn’t possible. Identify all under-seal filings on the CM/ECF system with an informative title and designation of SEALED. For example, Motion for Summary Judgment (SEALED). Absent alternate permission, don’t simply identify a document as SEALED DOCUMENT without explanation.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 11 | Protective orders and filings under seal
Sealed filings are disfavored; follow Section 12 procedures if sealing is necessary.
Filings under seal are disfavored. Proceed under Section 12 if believed necessary.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.
Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Filing Bundling Requirements
Non-Westlaw/Lexis authorities must be appended as single attachment on CM/ECF; cover sheets and table of contents required.
Supply all cases or other authority not readily available through Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis as an appendix to any filing. Provide a cover sheet to identify and separate each authority. Prepare and submit a table of contents. Separately upload any appendix as a single attachment during filing on the CM/ECF system.
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Page 20 | h. Copies of legal authority
Exhibits must be uploaded as a single attachment on CM/ECF; cover sheets required for each exhibit, table of contents for numerous attachments.
Supply affidavits, deposition testimony excerpts, and supporting documents as exhibits to any filing. Provide a cover sheet to identify and separate each exhibit. Prepare and submit a table of contents when attachments are numerous. Separately upload these exhibits together as a single attachment during filing on the CM/ECF system.
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Page 20 | g. Supporting evidence
When filing Joint Pretrial Order on CM/ECF, attach all pretrial filings listed in Section 21.
b. Same-day filings. When filing the Joint Pretrial Order on the CM/ECF system, attach the pretrial filings set out in Section 21.
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Page 21 | Joint pretrial orders in civil cases
Joint trial notebook required, materials paired in order listed; JPO first item in civil cases.
Confer, prepare, and provide a joint trial notebook. Include each party’s materials paired together in the order listed above. In civil cases, include the Joint Pretrial Order as the first item.
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Page 22 | Required pretrial filings
Joint filing of parties’ exchanges for deposition designations is required 24 hours before intended use.
As to each intended deposition designation, the designator must make a joint filing comprehending the parties’ exchanges twenty-four hours in advance of intended use.
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Page 26 | Deposition designations in civil cases
Joint proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted as a single document with an agreed outline.
Submit the proposed findings and conclusions as a single document according to an agreed outline that the parties believe makes the most sense.
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Page 30 | Bench trials - Joint supplementation
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A Rule 56 motion requires permission at docket call and abatement of trial.
Motions under Rule 56 are allowed only upon permission received at docket call together with abatement of trial.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7
Permission must be obtained before submitting papers for a discovery or scheduling motion.
Any party wishing to make a discovery or scheduling motion must obtain permission before the submission of motion papers.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 7
A party wishing to bring a dispositive motion must first seek permission by motion.
Any party wishing to bring a dispositive motion must seek advance permission by motion.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 11
A party must obtain permission before submitting papers for a discovery or scheduling motion, including motions to compel, quash, for protection, or extension.
Any party wishing to make a discovery or scheduling motion must obtain permission before the submission of motion papers. This includes any motion to compel, to quash, for protection, or for extension. Follow Section 15 of the Court’s procedures.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 11
The parties must confer in good faith before bringing a dispute to the Court’s attention.
The parties must confer in good faith before bringing any dispute to the attention of the Court.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 5 | Disputes
Parties must seek resolution of motions to seal in advance of applicable filing deadlines.
Anticipate and seek resolution of such motion in advance of filing deadlines.
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Page 5 | STANDARD PROTECTIVE ORDER
A party must obtain permission before submitting papers for a discovery or scheduling motion.
Any party wishing to make a discovery or scheduling motion must obtain permission before the submission of motion papers.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3
Motions to compel, quash, for protection, or for extension are subject to the prior-permission requirement.
This includes any motion to compel, to quash, for protection, or for extension.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 3
The prior-permission requirement applies to motions to compel, quash, for protection, and for extension.
This includes any motion to compel, to quash, for protection, or for extension.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
Page 7
Parties must confer in good faith before filing a motion for a protective order differing from the standard Form 9.
If any party believes the matter requires a different form of protective order, jointly confer in good faith regarding appropriate terms and file either a joint or opposed motion for entry.
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Page 11 | Protective orders and filings under seal
Parties must confer on any continuance request in criminal cases before filing.
The parties must confer on any request for continuance.
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Page 11 | Continuances
Parties must jointly confer in good faith before filing a motion for a different ESI order.
If any party believes the matter requires a different form of order, jointly confer in good faith regarding appropriate terms and file either a joint or opposed motion for entry.
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Page 13 | Initial disclosures and start of civil discovery
Lead counsel must personally confer on all discovery and scheduling disputes before involving the Court.
Conference between lead counsel required. Lead counsel must personally confer on all discovery and scheduling disputes as a final attempt at resolution prior to involving the Court.
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Page 14 | 15. Discovery and scheduling disputes
Pre-motion letters (~2 single-spaced pages) required for discovery/scheduling disputes, with responsive opponent letters, no replies allowed.
To obtain permission, the party seeking relief must submit a letter not exceeding approximately two single-spaced pages. Identify the nature of the dispute, outline the issues, and state the contested relief sought. Specify the conference between lead counsel and summarize the results. The opposing party should promptly submit a responsive letter of similar length identifying any disagreement. Don’t submit a reply letter.
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Page 15 | Discovery and scheduling disputes
Lead counsel must confer in good faith to resolve privilege log disputes before submitting in camera inspection request letters, and letter must identify conference and results.
Lead counsel must confer in good faith to resolve the dispute prior to any letter. In the letter, identify the specify the conference between lead counsel, and summarize the results.
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Page 16 | Privilege logs
Rule 12(b)(6) and 12(c) motions require pre-filing good faith conference with opposing party identifying issues, and certificate of conference must reference this.
Before filing a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim or counterclaim under Rule 12(b)(6), or a motion for judgment on the pleadings on a claim or counterclaim under Rule 12(c), identify such issues to the opposing party and confer in good faith to resolve them. Motions that don’t include this in the certificate of conference may be denied or stricken.
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Page 16 | Motion practice and hearings
Criminal case motion submission and briefing deadlines follow CrLR12 and Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.
Proceed according to CrLR12 and Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Civil case motion responses due 21 calendar days after motion filing, replies due 10 calendar days after response; surreplies prohibited without advance permission.
File any response within twenty-one calendar days of the motion. File any reply within ten calendar days of the response. Don’t file a surreply absent advance permission.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Mediation or settlement conference with Magistrate Judge required within 45 days of Rule 56 summary judgment motion filing; joint report of success/impasse required before motion is considered.
Private mediation or settlement conference before the Magistrate Judge is required within forty-five days of the filing of a summary judgment motion under Rule 56. Proceed as directed under Section 32. Failure to participate in good faith may subject a party to sanctions under Rule 16(f). Immediately submit a joint report verifying either success or declaration of impasse by the mediator or Magistrate Judge. Motions for summary judgment won’t be considered before submission of this joint report.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Motions on discovery or scheduling disputes require alternate permission under Section 15 before filing.
Don’t bring a motion on discovery or scheduling issues absent alternate permission obtained under Section 15.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Amicus briefs require leave by motion with the brief attached as an exhibit; party responses to amicus briefing are freely allowed.
Seek leave to file any such brief by motion with the brief attached as an exhibit. The brief must clearly state which (if any) party it supports and must not exceed 4,000 words without other permission. Limited response by any party to such briefing is freely allowed.
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Page 18 | Motion practice and hearings
Prior permission required to file a surreply.
Seek permission to file a surreply.
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Page 19 | Briefing requirements
Responses to motions in limine must be filed within 7 days of the motion; optional replies within 4 days.
File any response with authority within seven days of motion. Reply is optional within four days.
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Page 27 | 25. Motions in limine
Parties seeking discovery or scheduling motions must follow Section 15 of the Court’s procedures.
Follow Section 15 of the Court’s procedures.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
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Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A continuance will be granted only upon a showing of actual diligence and extraordinary cause, even if jointly requested.
The parties are ADVISED that (i) no continuance will be granted, even upon joint motion, absent a showing of actual diligence and extraordinary cause, and (ii) discovery failures may result, at the appropriate time, in dismissal of claims or the striking of evidence or defenses.
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 2 | Scheduling and Docket Control Order
Continuances of Scheduling and Docket Control Orders require showing of actual diligence and extraordinary circumstances; continuances in Section 10 matters only permitted for health exigencies or emergencies.
The Scheduling and Docket Control Order will be modified only upon a showing of actual diligence and extraordinary circumstances. It’s unlikely that any continuance will be allowed in matters under Section 10, absent genuine health exigencies or other emergency.
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Page 10 | 11. Continuances
Scheduling orders cannot be altered solely by party agreement; court approval is required for continuances.
The scheduling order isn’t altered simply by agreement between the parties on continuance of deadlines.
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Page 10 | 11. Continuances a. Approval required
Agreed extensions of motion submission dates must be notified via letter or email; proposed orders must account for other pending deadlines.
Advise by letter or email of any agreed extension of the submission date. Any proposed order for an agreed extension must also account for other pending deadlines.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Deadlines remain in effect when extension motions are filed; extension motions must be submitted well before impending deadlines.
Deadlines established by order remain in effect even upon the filing of a motion for extension. Submit such motions well in advance of any impending deadline.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Continuances of firm trial dates disfavored absent exigent circumstances; motions must establish good cause, other court trial settings not good cause unless counsel commenced trial there.
c. Continuances. Continuance of firm trial dates is disfavored absent exigent circumstances. Establish good cause in any motion seeking continuance. A trial setting in another court isn’t good cause unless lead or other primary counsel has commenced trial.
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Page 21 | Continuances
Word limit extensions are rarely granted and must be sought well in advance of deadlines.
Word limits are rarely extended. Anticipate and seek resolution of any motion for extension well in advance of filing deadlines.
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Page 19 | Briefing requirements
Continuances of trial settings unlikely in civil cases for witness unavailability; use stipulations or depositions for testimony.
Continuance of a trial setting is unlikely in civil cases due to witness unavailability. Anticipate testimony by stipulation or by oral or written deposition under Rules 27, 30, and 31.
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Page 21 | Continuances
Motions for extension of deadlines and discovery disputes are not considered emergencies.
Motions for extension of deadlines aren’t emergencies. Neither are discovery disputes. See Section 15.
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Page 5 | Emergencies
Plaintiff may request a reasonable continuance if service has not been perfected.
Plaintiff may also request reasonable continuance if it hasn’t perfected service.
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Page 9 | 9. e. Initial pretrial conference
Parties may agree to extend discovery deadlines without court approval if the extension does not affect the scheduling order or other ordered deadlines.
Parties may agree to extension of discovery deadlines without seeking approval when the extension doesn’t affect the scheduling order or other ordered deadline.
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Page 11 | Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
All inquiries regarding cases assigned to Judge Eskridge must be directed to Case Manager Jennelle Gonzalez via the provided contact information.
Direct inquiries regarding any case assigned to Judge Eskridge to: Jennelle Gonzalez Case Manager to Hon. Charles Eskridge 515 Rusk Street, Room 9015 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250–5257 Email: Jennelle_Gonzalez@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 1 | Court Procedures
All emergency-related communications must be made through the Case Manager via telephone or email.
Make all related communications through the Case Manager via telephone or email.
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Page 4 | Emergencies
Informal case-related communication is disfavored, substantive issues must be raised via written filings or in-person hearings, and court personnel may not provide legal advice.
Except as stated in these procedures, informal communication about cases is disfavored. Don’t address substantive issues in informal communication. Address such issues only through written filings and in-person conferences and hearings. Court personnel will not provide legal advice or predict what may happen either procedurally or substantively on any given matter.
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Page 5 | Informal communication with the Court
All case-related informal communications must go through the Case Manager, with specific approved methods for different inquiry types.
Direct all case-related, informal communications through the Case Manager. Unless stated otherwise below, use the following: o Letters to initiate discovery and scheduling disputes under Section 15; o Letters or email for other minor procedural questions; o Email or telephone for matters requiring prompt attention; and o Fax only with prior permission.
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Page 5 | Informal communication with the Court
Pro se and attorney contact with Law Clerks is prohibited unless returning a message, and must be limited to the stated subject.
Don’t initiate contact with the Law Clerks unless returning a message. Don’t discuss matters beyond the indicated subject.
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Page 5 | Informal communication with the Court
Letters and emails to the Court must be served on all parties via the same method prior to delivery, and are not to be filed on CM/ECF unless the Court determines otherwise.
Prior to or with delivery of any letter or email, use the same means to provide a copy to all other parties. Don’t file copies of letters or email on the CM/ECF system. They will be docketed as determined advisable.
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Page 6 | Informal communication with the Court
Immediately email chambers upon resolution of a pending motion; the motion will be denied as moot.
Immediately advise by email of resolution of a pending motion. The motion will then be denied as moot.
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Page 18 | Motion practice and hearings
Prior to contacting the Court for status updates, check the court website and CM/ECF system; filing questions must be directed to the Office of the Clerk.
Obtain answers where possible from the website of the Southern District of Texas or the personnel listed on its directory. See Attachment 1. Review information on status of documents, entry of orders, and docket entries on the CM/ECF system prior to contacting the Court. Direct filing questions to the Office of the Clerk.
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Page 6 | Informal communication with the Court
Parties may request reinstatement of the initial pretrial conference via email, providing an explanation of necessity.
Any party may by joint or individual email request reinstatement with explanation why the conference remains necessary.
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Page 9 | 9. e. Initial pretrial conference
Opposed civil motions are considered after briefing closes; email chambers to request expedited decision with justification.
Opposed motions are considered upon the close of briefing. Promptly advise by email of need for decision on an expedited basis or date certain. Provide reasons justifying prompt attention.
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Page 17 | Motion practice and hearings
Oral argument is set at the court's discretion; requests for oral argument may be sent via email with justification.
Counsel may jointly or individually advise by email of any request for oral argument together with circumstances to justify it. Oral argument will be set when determined advisable.
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Page 18 | Motion practice and hearings