Judge Lee H. Rosenthal
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
- 2 copies • Hand Delivery • Before Or During Trial
Filings > 50 pages
- 1 copy
Urgent Motion
- Chambers Drop Off • Upon Filing
Adjournments
- Joint motions for continuances are not binding and are granted at the court's discretion.
- Vacation requests for court settings are respected if presented well in advance.
- Extension motions for discovery deadlines must be filed early enough for opposing counsel to respond before the original deadline.
- +5 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers, Case Manager
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk, Case Manager
Phone
Clerk
Fax
Chambers, Clerk
Letter via ECF
Clerk
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Any brief or memorandum is limited to 25 pages unless counsel obtains leave of court for longer submissions.
Summary: Briefs and memoranda are limited to 25 pages unless the court grants leave for longer submissions.
Brief
25 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Document Format Requirements12 rules
Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Important
Documents containing Designated Material must be marked with the specified confidentiality designation, and nondocumentary material must be designated in a reasonably equivalent way.
Documents shall be designated by stamping or otherwise marking the documents with the words “CONFIDENTIAL” or “CONFIDENTIAL-FOR ATTORNEYS’ EYES ONLY” thus clearly identifying the category of Designated Material for which protection is sought under the terms of this Order. Designated Material not reduced to documentary form shall be designated by the producing party in a reasonably equivalent way.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
The proposed charge must also be submitted on a CD compatible with Corel WordPerfect 11 word processing or Microsoft Word 2003 or later.
Machine summary and details
Summary: The proposed jury charge must also be submitted on a CD compatible with Corel WordPerfect 11 or Microsoft Word 2003 or later.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The forms to be used for the Plan and Order are Attachments 1 and 2 to this document.
Summary: Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must use Attachment 1 form.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
must be numbered and presented on a separate page.
Summary: Jury instructions must be numbered and presented on a separate page.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each disputed instruction, definition, or question is to be set out in bold type, or italics, or underlined, and identified as disputed.
Summary: Disputed jury instructions must be formatted in bold, italics, or underlined and marked as disputed.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All exhibits must be marked and exchanged among counsel before trial.
Summary: All trial exhibits must be marked and exchanged between counsel before trial.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The charge must also be submitted on a CD compatible with Word.
Summary: Proposed jury charge must be submitted on a CD compatible with Microsoft Word.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The offering party will mark his own exhibits with the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit to be offered.
Summary: The offering party must mark their exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
exhibits in a notebook.
Summary: Trial exhibits must be organized in a notebook.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The offering party will mark his own exhibits before trial to include the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit.
Summary: Offering parties must mark exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number before trial.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If there are instructions, definitions, or questions as to which the parties cannot agree, the disputed language is to be set out in bold type, italics, or underlined to identify it as disputed and labeled to indicate which party is requesting the disputed language.
Summary: Disputed language in proposed jury charges must be bold, italicized, or underlined, and labeled with the requesting party.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The proposed charge must also be submitted on a CD compatible with Corel WordPerfect 11 word processing.
Summary: Proposed jury charges must be submitted on a CD compatible with Corel WordPerfect 11.
Word Perfect
Document Filing Requirements73 rules
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
A memorandum of authorities addressing only these issues must accompany the Order.
Machine summary and details
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must be accompanied by a memorandum of authorities addressing only the contested issues of law.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
Include in this section 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.”
Machine summary and details
Summary: The Witnesses section must include the stated language requiring prompt disclosure of other trial witnesses, with an exception for certain rebuttal or impeachment witnesses.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
A memorandum of law.
Machine summary and details
Summary: Jury-trial submissions must include a memorandum of law.
Document Type
Jury Trial Submission
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
For jury trials include: Proposed questions for the voir dire examination.
Machine summary and details
Summary: Jury-trial submissions must include proposed voir dire questions.
Document Type
Jury Trial Submission
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
For nonjury trials include: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. Memorandum of law.
Machine summary and details
Summary: Nonjury-trial submissions must include proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and a memorandum of law.
Document Type
Nonjury Trial Submission
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?
A single, joint proposed jury charge, including all instructions, definitions, and questions, separately numbered and presented on a separate page, with authority. If there are instructions, definitions, or questions as to which the parties cannot agree, the disputed language is to be set out in bold type, italics, or underlined to identify it as disputed and labeled to indicate which party is requesting the disputed language.
Machine summary and details
Summary: Jury-trial submissions must include a single joint proposed jury charge with separately numbered instructions, definitions, and questions on separate pages, supported by authority; disputed language must be visually identified and attributed to the requesting party.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Charge
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties must discuss at the Rule 26(f) meeting, and include in the Plan filed with the court, the matters listed in Rule 26(f) that apply to the case.
Summary: Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must include all applicable Rule 26(f) matters discussed at the parties’ meeting.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties are to file with the court only one Plan and proposed Order. Both must be signed by counsel for all parties and by any unrepresented parties.
Summary: Only one Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan may be filed, which must be signed by all party counsel and unrepresented parties.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If the parties cannot agree on matters that must or should be addressed in the Plan or proposed Order, the disagreements must be set out clearly in the joint filing.
Summary: Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must clearly set out any party disagreements on Plan or Order matters.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties must discuss in their Rule 26(f) meeting, and the Plan and proposed Order must include, the pertinent matters listed on the attached forms, including the following: i. dates for joining additional parties or amending pleadings; ii. any agreements on disclosures or discovery of electronically stored information;
Summary: Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must include pertinent matters from Rule 26(f) discussion as listed on attached forms.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
of trial-preparation protection after production; iv. whether discovery can be initially focused on information relevant to the most important issues, available from readily accessible sources; v. whether discovery should be conducted in phases, or initially limited to certain issues; vi. the date or dates when the parties will disclose information and exchange documents under Rule 26(a)(1); vii. whether expert witnesses are needed on issues other than attorney’s fees and, if so, the dates by which each party can disclose its expert witnesses’ identities and reports, dates by which each party’s experts can be deposed, and whether serial or simultaneous disclosure is appropriate; viii. whether the parties agree to submit attorney’s fees issues to the court by affidavit after liability and damages are resolved; ix. whether the Rule 30(a)(2)(A) presumptive limit of 10 depositions per side and the Rule 33(a) limit of 25 interrogatories per party should apply and, if not, the reasons why; x. the depositions that need to be taken, and in what sequence; xi. the dates by which initial focused or targeted discovery will be completed, and by which fact discovery and expert discovery will be completed; xii. whether the case is likely to generate a motion to dismiss, a motion for summary judgment, or other dispositive motion; the best dates for filing and responding to those motions; and how those motions should affect the pretrial schedule and discovery plan; xiii. the most promising approach and timing for settlement efforts; xiv. any other matters pertinent to completing discovery; xv. when the case will be ready for trial; xvi. how long the trial is likely to take; and xvii. any other matters appropriately addressed in the Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan and proposed Scheduling and Docket Control Order.
Summary: Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must address listed pretrial and discovery matters.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All parties are expected to frame their interrogatories, document requests, deposition notices, and requests for admission to meet the relevance and proportionality requirements of Rule 26(b)(1). Parties may not ask for more than what is needed for the case, or object and refuse to produce what is needed for the case, for strategic or tactical reasons. Boilerplate objections in response to discovery requests are prohibited. Parties may not simply raise or list rote or general objections. Parties may not include a “Preamble” or a “General Objections” section stating that the party objects to the discovery request “to the extent that” it is vague, ambiguous, overly broad, or unduly burdensome. Instead, as the 2015 Civil Rule amendments make clear, objections to discovery requests must be specific
Summary: Discovery requests must meet Rule 26(b)(1) relevance/proportionality; objections must be specific, with no boilerplate or general objections permitted.
Document Type
Discovery Response
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All briefs and memoranda must contain items (3), (4), pages of argument must contain all of the following: 1. a table of contents setting forth the page number of each section, including all headings designated in the body of the brief or memorandum; 2. a table of citations of cases, statutes, rules, textbooks, and other authorities, alphabetically arranged; 3. a short statement of the nature and stage of the proceeding; 4. a statement of the issues to be ruled on by the court and a short statement, supported by authority, of the standard of review for each issue; 5. a short summary of the argument; 6. informative headings identifying separate sections of the argument; and 7. a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought.
Summary: Briefs must include a table of contents, table of citations, proceeding stage statement, issues and standard of review, argument summary, informative headings, and conclusion with relief sought.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A party requesting oral argument or a hearing on a motion must do so in writing and explain why it would be helpful.
Summary: Requests for oral argument or hearing on a motion must be made in writing with an explanation of why it is helpful.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
This ban on boilerplate or general objections is so useful for proportional discovery, it applies to all forms of discovery requests, not only Rule 34 requests for production.
Summary: Boilerplate or general objections are prohibited in all forms of discovery requests.
Document Type
Discovery Response
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A party may not object and state, “Subject to these objections and without waiving them, the response is as follows . . . .” Instead, the response must also specifically identify whether any information is withheld based on the objections and, if so, provide enough information about what is not produced to enable further inquiry if appropriate.
Summary: Discovery responses must identify any information withheld based on objections and provide details about such withheld information.
Document Type
Discovery Response
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Similarly, a party may not merely state that some of the information is produced and more will be provided later. Instead, the party must state whether more information will be produced later, and when—either by the requested date or by another specified reasonable date.
Summary: Discovery responses must state whether additional information will be produced later and provide the production date.
Document Type
Discovery Response
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A party who objects to a discovery request and also responds “subject to the objections” must also indicate whether the response is complete, that is, whether additional information or documents would have been provided but for the objections.
Summary: Parties objecting to discovery requests and responding 'subject to objections' must indicate if the response is complete.
Document Type
Discovery Response
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Copies of any affidavits, deposition testimony, or other discovery referred to must be contained in the appendix.
Summary: Affidavits, deposition testimony, and discovery referred to in briefs must be included in the appendix.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
For Jury Trials: a. The parties must file a single proposed jury charge, including all instructions, definitions, and questions, with disputed items indicated and authority provided.
Summary: For jury trials, parties must file a single proposed jury charge with disputed items indicated and supporting authority.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Charge
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Joint Pretrial Orders must be signed by all counsel and unrepresented parties.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
For All Trials and Evidentiary Hearings: a. exhibit list; b. objections to exhibits; and c. witness list.
Summary: Parties must file an exhibit list, objections to exhibits, and witness list with the Joint Pretrial Order for all trials and evidentiary hearings.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
For Nonjury Trials a. Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Summary: Nonjury trials require submission of proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Even if the parties, in good faith, cannot agree on all instructions, definitions, or questions, the parties will nonetheless submit a single proposed charge.
Summary: Parties must submit a single proposed jury charge even if they disagree on instructions.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each disputed item is to be labeled to show which party is requesting the disputed language and authority relating to the disputed language should be provided.
Summary: Disputed jury instructions must identify the requesting party and provide supporting authority.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The court will not consider ex parte applications for restraining orders unless the requirements of Rule 65(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedures have been satisfied.
Summary: Ex parte TRO applications are only considered if Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b) requirements are met.
Document Type
Emergency Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Certify that all parties have filed the Disclosure of Interested Persons as directed in the Order for Conference and Disclosure of Interested Persons, listing the date of filing for original and any amendments.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must certify all parties filed Disclosure of Interested Persons with filing dates.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If medical experts are needed, whether they are only treating physicians or also designated on other issues.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state if medical experts are treating physicians or designated for other issues.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Any experts needed on issues other than attorneys’ fees.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list experts needed for non-attorney-fee issues.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
When and to whom the defendant anticipates it may send interrogatories and requests for production.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state when and to whom defendant may send interrogatories and requests for production.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
When the plaintiff (or the party with the burden of proof on an issue) will be able to designate experts and provide the reports required by Rule 26(a)(2)(B), and when the opposing party will be able to designate responsive experts and to provide their reports.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state expert designation and report deadlines for all parties.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Any threshold issues—such as limitations, jurisdiction, or immunity—that should be scheduled for early resolution, what discovery targeted to those issues may need to occur early, and how long this targeted discovery will take.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list threshold issues for early resolution and associated targeted discovery.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
In a case involving parties that are unincorporated entities, such as an LLC or LLP, state the citizenship of every member and file an affidavit or declaration setting out the citizenship of every member.
Summary: Joint discovery plans involving unincorporated entities must state every member's citizenship.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Of whom and by when the defendant anticipates taking oral depositions, and whether they can be done by remote means, such as by zoom.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state defendant's anticipated oral depositions, dates, and remote feasibility.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List expert depositions the plaintiff (or the party with the burden of proof on an issue) anticipates taking and their anticipated completion date, and whether they can be done by remote means, such as by zoom. See Rule 26(a)(2)(B) (expert report).
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list plaintiff's anticipated expert depositions, completion dates, and remote feasibility.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
State the date the planned discovery can reasonably be completed.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state the anticipated completion date for all planned discovery.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Describe the possibilities for a prompt settlement or resolution of the case that were discussed in your Rule 26(f) meeting or have emerged since then.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must describe settlement possibilities discussed at Rule 26(f) meeting or since.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Of whom and by when the plaintiff anticipates taking oral depositions, and whether they can be done by remote means, such as by zoom.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state plaintiff's anticipated oral depositions, dates, and remote feasibility.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If the parties are not agreed on a part of the discovery plan, describe the separate views and proposals of each party.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must describe parties' separate views if any part is disputed.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List expert depositions the opposing party anticipates taking and their anticipated completion date, and whether they can be done by remote means, such as by zoom. See Rule 26(a)(2)(B) (expert report).
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list opposing party's anticipated expert depositions, completion dates, and remote feasibility.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
When and to whom the plaintiff anticipates sending interrogatories and requests for production.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state when and to whom plaintiff will send interrogatories and requests for production.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Specify the discovery beyond initial disclosures that has been undertaken to date.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list discovery completed to date beyond initial disclosures.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
When and to whom the defendant anticipates sending interrogatories and requests for production.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state when and to whom defendant will send interrogatories and requests for production.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List issues or matters, including discovery, that should be addressed at the conference.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list issues to address at initial pretrial conference.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Specify the number of hours it will likely take to present the evidence.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must estimate hours needed to present evidence at trial.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
State whether a jury demand has been made and if it was made on time.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state whether a jury demand was made and if timely.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List the names, bar numbers, addresses, telephone numbers, and emails of all counsel and unrepresented parties.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list all counsel and unrepresented parties' contact details.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Indicate the parties’ joint position on a trial before Judge Sam Sheldon.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must state parties' joint position on trial before Judge Sam Sheldon.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List pending motions that may be ruled on at the initial pretrial and scheduling conference.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list pending motions for initial pretrial conference.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List other pending motions.
Summary: Joint discovery plan must list all other pending motions not for initial pretrial conference.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Plan
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The Joint Pretrial Order will contain the pretrial disclosures required by Rule 26(a)(3) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Plaintiff is responsible for timely filing the complete Joint Pretrial Order. Failure to file a Joint Pretrial Order timely may lead to dismissal or other sanction in accordance with the applicable rules.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Orders must include Rule 26(a)(3) pretrial disclosures, plaintiff must file timely, and late filing may result in dismissal or sanctions.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
State concisely in separate paragraphs the contentions that are necessary to the relief sought in the case. A lengthy list of every “contention” is not helpful; include only those that are an essential basis for resolving the case.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must concisely list essential parties' contentions in separate paragraphs.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Briefly set out why the court has jurisdiction of the subject matter and the parties. If there is an unresolved jurisdictional question, state the problem.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must include a brief jurisdiction statement noting any unresolved jurisdictional questions.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List only those admitted facts necessary to the disposition and relief sought in the case, which require no proof.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must list only necessary admitted facts requiring no proof.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List only those disputed facts necessary to the disposition and relief sought in the case.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must list only necessary disputed facts.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List the parties, their respective counsel, and the addresses and telephone numbers of counsel (including e-mail addresses) in separate paragraphs.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must list parties, counsel, and counsel contact information including email in separate paragraphs.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
List any pending motions.
Summary: Joint Pretrial Order must list all pending motions.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing is required in most cases, and counsel must register for the CM/ECF system.
Electronic filing is required in most cases. Counsel must register to use the court CM/ECF system.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Exhibits must be filed on the court CM/ECF electronic filing system.
Two copies of exhibits must be provided to the case manager before or during trial, as well as filed on the court CM/ECF system.
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Page 14 | 18. Courtroom Procedures
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Objections to deposition testimony portions must cite the pages and lines and include supporting authority, and must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
Objections to those portions (citing pages and lines) with supporting authority must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Witnesses
Exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order will be admitted unless opposing parties file written objections with authorities at least 7 days before trial.
The court will admit all exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order into evidence unless the opposing parties file written objections with authorities at least 7 days before trial.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must be filed 14 days before the Rule 16 Initial Pretrial Conference.
Before the date for filing the Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan with the court, which is 14 days before the Rule 16 Initial Pretrial Conference is set, counsel and any unrepresented parties must meet to discuss the case and prepare the Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan and Proposed Scheduling and Docket Control Order.
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Page 4 | The Parties’ Rule 26(f) Meeting
Parties must file the Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan and proposed Docket Control and Scheduling Order no later than 14 days before the scheduled Rule 16 Conference.
No later than 14 days before the Rule 16 Conference is scheduled, the parties must file the Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan and the proposed Docket Control and Scheduling Order.
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Page 6 | The Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan and Proposed Scheduling and Docket Control Order > a. Timing
Docket call serves as the final pretrial conference unless counsel are notified otherwise.
Unless counsel are notified otherwise, the court will use docket call as a final pretrial conference.
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Page 11 | Trial Settings
Exhibits in Joint Pretrial Order are admitted into evidence unless written objections are filed 7 days before trial.
The court will admit all exhibits listed in the Joint Pretrial Order into evidence unless opposing counsel files written objections supported by authority at least 7 days before trial.
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Page 11 | Exhibits
Cases on the two-week trailing docket are subject to trial call on 48 hours notice.
The court maintains a two-week trailing docket during which a case is subject to call to trial on 48-hours notice.
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Page 11 | Trial Settings
Objections to deposition portions must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
Objections to those portions (citing pages and lines) with supporting authority must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
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Page 15 | 20. Depositions C
Closing papers must be filed within 30 days after settlement announcement.
Announcement of settlement must be followed by the closing papers within 30 days.
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Page 16 | A. Settlements 2
Documents submitted within 7 calendar days of Docket Call will not be considered by the court.
No documents filed within 7 days of the Docket Call will be considered.
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Page 23 | DOCKET CALL
Exhibits in final Joint Pretrial Order are admitted unless written objections with authorities are filed at least 7 days before trial.
The court will admit all exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order into evidence unless the opposing parties file written objections with authorities at least 7 days before trial.
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Page 28 | Exhibits
The court holds docket call on the last Friday of each month.
The court generally holds docket call the last Friday of each month.
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Page 11 | Trial Settings
Pending motions may be ruled on before or during docket call.
All pending motions may be ruled on before or at docket call.
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Page 11 | Trial Settings
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A party requiring exhibit authentication must notify offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is listed and made available, or authenticity may be deemed admitted.
All parties requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify the offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is listed and made available to opposing parties. Failure to do so may be deemed an admission of authenticity.
We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases
Page 2 | Exhibits
Plaintiffs must serve these Procedures and the Rule 16 scheduling order on all defendants and parties with the summons and complaint.
The plaintiff must serve these Procedures and the Order Scheduling Rule 16 Conference on all defendants and other parties, along with the summons and complaint.
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Page 1 | These Procedures Must Be Served With The Summons And Complaint Or Removal Papers
Parties removing a case to this court must comply with the same service requirements as plaintiffs.
A party removing a case to this court has the same obligation as a plaintiff filing an original complaint.
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Page 1 | These Procedures Must Be Served With The Summons And Complaint Or Removal Papers
Proof of service for these Procedures and Rule 16 order must be filed with the court.
Proof of service of these materials must be filed.
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Page 1 | These Procedures Must Be Served With The Summons And Complaint Or Removal Papers
These Procedures must be served alongside the summons and complaint or removal papers.
These Procedures Must Be Served With The Summons And Complaint Or Removal Papers
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Page 1 | These Procedures Must Be Served With The Summons And Complaint Or Removal Papers
Counsel must notify offering counsel in writing within 7 days of exhibit identification to require authentication, or risk admission of authenticity.
Any counsel requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is identified as a trial exhibit and made available for examination. Failure to do so may be deemed an admission of authenticity.
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Page 11 | Exhibits
Emergency motions for immediate relief must be filed and emailed to the case manager, who must be informed of opposing party contact and availability.
Applications for restraining orders or for other immediate relief are to be filed and a copy emailed to the case manager. Counsel must inform the case manager if the opposing party has been contacted and whether and when all parties can be available for a conference before the court.
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Page 12 | Emergencies
Defendants must be served within 120 days after complaint filing to avoid dismissal.
Any defendant who has not been served within 120 days after the complaint is filed may be dismissed, in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 4.
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Page 16 | B. Orders of Dismissal
Parties must make all expected exhibits available for examination by opposing parties.
Each party will make the exhibits available for examination by the opposing parties.
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Page 28 | Exhibits
Parties must notify offering counsel in writing within 7 days of exhibit listing if authentication is required, or risk admission of authenticity.
All parties requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify the offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is listed and made available to opposing parties. Failure to do so may be deemed an admission of authenticity.
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Page 28 | Exhibits
A deposition transcript may be designated during the testimony or by written notice to all counsel within ten business days after the designating person receives the transcript; counsel receiving notice must mark their copies as directed.
Deposition transcripts or portions thereof may be designated either (a) when the testimony is recorded, or (b) by written notice to all counsel of record, given within ten business days after the Designating Person’s receipt of the transcript in which case all counsel receiving such notice shall be responsible for marking the copies of the designated transcript or portion thereof in their possession or control as directed by the Designating Person.
Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases
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Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are required for filings exceeding 50 pages.
A courtesy copy of a filing longer than 50 pages should be sent to chambers.
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Page 9 | Courtesy Copies
Urgent motions must be sent to chambers and filed with CM/ECF, with a transmittal letter explaining the urgency.
Copies of urgent motions or matters that require prompt court attention may be sent to chambers, as well as filed with CM/ECF, with a transmittal letter stating why the court’s prompt attention is required.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Two copies of exhibits must be provided to the case manager before or during trial.
Two copies of exhibits must be provided to the case manager before or during trial, as well as filed on the court CM/ECF system.
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Page 14 | 18. Courtroom Procedures
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Designated Material filed with the Court or made part of an official judicial proceeding is public and is not automatically sealed; a party must move to file it under seal, consistent with applicable law.
Any Designated Material which becomes part of an official judicial proceeding or which is filed with the Court is public. Such Designated Material will be sealed by the Court only upon motion and in accordance with applicable law. This Protective Order does not provide for the automatic sealing of such Designated Material. If it becomes necessary to file Designated Material with the Court, a party must move to file the Designated Material under seal.
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
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Confidential information filed with the Court must be filed and kept under seal to the extent permitted by law; the producing party must satisfy any additional court-required preconditions, and only confidential portions should be sealed when 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, must be filed under seal to the extent permitted by law (including without limitation any applicable rules of ===== PAGE 12 ===== 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 underseal (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
Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases
Page 12 | Paragraph 8
Documents subject to confidential treatment or disclosing Confidential Information must be filed under seal, kept sealed until court order, with only confidential parts sealed if possible.
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.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
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Filing Bundling Requirements
Proposed voir dire questions must be bundled with the Joint Pretrial Order.
Proposed voir dire questions must be submitted as part of the Joint Pretrial Order.
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Page 15 | 19. Voir Dire
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties challenging Confidential Information designations must attempt good-faith dispute resolution before seeking court intervention.
If a party challenges another party’s Confidential Information designation, counsel must make a good-faith effort to resolve the dispute. If that is unsuccessful, the challenging party may seek resolution by the court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
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Pre-motion conference with court required before filing motions for disputed discovery or other pretrial matters, with 1-2 page agenda letter required.
Any party wishing to raise disputed discovery or other pretrial matters must arrange for a conference with the court before filing any motion, briefs, or accompanying materials. The party must email or fax the case manager, Glenda Hassan, and opposing counsel to arrange for a pre-motion conference. The email address is Glenda_Hassan@txs.uscourts.gov; the fax number is (713) 250-5213; and the telephone number is (713) 250-5516. The court will promptly schedule the pre-motion conference, generally within a few days after the request is made. The court may order counsel, and counsel may ask, to participate by Zoom or by other virtual link or telephone. The party seeking the conference must submit a one-to-two page letter to the court with copies to all counsel and unrepresented parties, identifying the disputes and setting out the issues to be addressed. This is not a brief and may not set out case law or argument. Instead, the letter is an agenda for the pre-motion conference. Opposing parties must respond in similar fashion before the Conference, with the same limits. The letters must include a written statement that counsel have conferred in a good-faith effort to resolve the issues but are unable to reach an agreement, or state the reason that the parties could not confer. To the extent possible, the disputed issues will be resolved at the pre-motion conference, without the need for a formal motion or response. If the court cannot resolve all or part of the issues raised without a written submission and response, the issues to be addressed and a filing schedule will be set in the conference.
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Page 8 | Pre-Motion Conferences Required for Discovery and Other Pretrial Disputes
Parties must arrange a pre-motion conference with the court before preparing or submitting discovery motions, including motions to compel, quash, or for protection.
Any party wishing to make any discovery motions should arrange for a pre-motion conference with the court before the preparation and submission of any motion papers. That includes a motion to compel, to quash, or for protection.
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Page 23 | Additional orders relating to disclosures, discovery, or pretrial motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Extension motions for discovery deadlines must be filed early enough for opposing counsel to respond before the original deadline.
Motions for extension of a discovery deadline must be filed far enough in advance of the deadline to enable opposing counsel to respond before the deadline.
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Page 8 | Pre-Motion Conferences Required for Discovery and Other Pretrial Disputes
Parties must advise the court in writing with reasons if a motion requires expedited decision or decision by a certain date.
If a motion is pending and requires decision on an expedited basis or by a certain date, please advise the court in writing, setting out the reasons the motion requires prompt attention, such as an approaching docket call.
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Page 9 | Agreements to Extend Submission Dates for Motions
Parties may extend motion submission dates without court leave unless violating a court order deadline, and must immediately notify the case manager in writing.
Parties may agree to extend a motion-submission date without the court’s leave except when the extension violates a deadline imposed by a court order in the case (as opposed to the submission-date deadline set by applying the Local Rules). Counsel should immediately notify the case manager, in writing, of an agreement.
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Page 9 | Agreements to Extend Submission Dates for Motions
Continuances are not granted after trial is set unless the attorney has begun trial in another court.
Unless an attorney has actually begun trial in another court, prior trial settings will not cause a case to be continued or passed after the court has set it for trial.
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Page 11 | Trial Settings
Trials are not generally continued for unavailable witnesses; counsel must use depositions or stipulations for testimony.
A trial will generally not be continued because a witness is unavailable. Counsel are expected to anticipate such possibilities and should be prepared to present testimony by written deposition, videotaped deposition, or by stipulation.
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Page 13 | Continuances
Joint motions for continuances are not binding and are granted at the court's discretion.
Joint motions for continuances are not binding and will be granted at the court’s discretion.
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Page 13 | Continuances
Cases not reached on their trial date will be reset as soon as practicable.
If a case is not reached for trial when set, it will be reset as soon as practicable.
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Page 11 | Trial Settings
Motions to extend deadlines are not typically considered emergencies.
Motions to extend deadlines are generally not emergencies.
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Page 12 | Emergencies
Vacation requests for court settings are respected if presented well in advance.
Vacation requests will be respected if presented well in advance of a court setting.
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Page 13 | Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel must email Judge Rosenthal’s case manager at least two business days before Rule 16 Conference to arrange virtual attendance; in-person may be required for substantive issues.
If counsel wants to attend the Rule 16 Conference by telephone, Zoom, or other virtual link, they must notify Judge Rosenthal’s case manager by email at Glenda_Hassan@txs.uscourts.gov. at least two business days before the Conference date to arrange. An in-person Rule 16 Conference may be required if substantive issues will be addressed.
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Page 4 | The Court’s Requirements for Initial Pretrial Work
Counsel may not pass exhibits to the jury during trial without prior court permission.
Counsel will not pass exhibits to the jury during trial without obtaining permission in advance from the court.
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Page 11 | Exhibits
Case-management correspondence must be addressed to case manager Glenda Hassan at the provided address or email.
Case-management correspondence or inquiries should be addressed to: Glenda Hassan, Case Manager to Judge Lee H. Rosenthal, United States District Clerk, Post Office Box 61010, Houston, Texas 77208, E-mail: Glenda_Hassan@txs.uscourts.gov.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Case-related telephone inquiries must be directed to case manager Glenda Hassan, not the judge's secretary or law clerks.
Case-related telephone or e-mail inquiries should be made to the case manager, Glenda_Hassan. The telephone number is 713-250-5516; the e-mail address is Glenda_Hassan@txs.uscourts.gov. Inquiries should not be made to Judge Rosenthal’s secretary or law clerks.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Inquiries about motions or case status must be in writing unless time does not permit.
Inquiries about motions and the case status should be in writing unless time does not permit.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Substantive issues may not be argued in letters to the court; such letters may be docketed.
Do not argue substantive issues in letters sent to the court. However, letters may be docketed and included in the record.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Out-of-town counsel must submit written request to case manager well in advance to participate in conferences by phone.
If out-of-town counsel want to participate in a conference by telephone, a written request should be made to the case manager well in advance of the hearing or conference date, with notice to other counsel of record and any unrepresented parties. The court will attempt to accommodate these requests. Telephone conferences are generally fine for scheduling conferences but often inadequate if substantive or complex issues must be addressed.
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Page 13 | 16. Appearances
Judge's staff will not take telephone messages; cell phones must be silenced in court.
Telephone messages will not be taken by the judge’s staff. Cell phones must be silenced in the courtroom.
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Page 14 | 18. Courtroom Procedures
Attorney conference rooms are available via request to case manager; counsel must return keys and clear materials post-trial.
Attorney conference rooms are available on request to the judge’s case manager. A key will be given to counsel by the court’s case manager for use throughout the trial, and counsel will be responsible for clearing the room of all materials and returning the key at the end of the trial.
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Page 14 | 18. Courtroom Procedures
Counsel must arrange with case manager and security in advance to bring additional equipment.
Counsel must make advance arrangements with the case manager and the courthouse security to bring in additional equipment.
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Page 14 | 17. Equipment
Email Mrs. Hassan at the provided address to schedule pre-motion conferences.
Email Mrs. Hassan at Glenda_Hassan@txs.uscourts.gov. to arrange for a pre-motion conference.
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Page 23 | Additional orders relating to disclosures, discovery, or pretrial motions
Fax Mrs. Hassan at the provided number to schedule pre-motion conferences.
fax her at 713-250-5213 to arrange for a pre-motion conference.
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Page 23 | Additional orders relating to disclosures, discovery, or pretrial motions
Glenda Hassan, Case Manager to Judge Rosenthal, can be contacted at (713) 250-5516 (phone) or (713) 250-5213 (fax).
Glenda Hassan Case Manager United States District Clerk Post Office Box 61010 Houston, Texas 77208 (713) 250-5516 (Telephone) (713) 250-5213 (Fax)
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Page 2 | COURT PROCEDURES
Judge Lee H. Rosenthal can be contacted at (713) 250-5980 (phone) or (713) 250-5213 (fax) at the Houston courthouse.
United States District Judge United States Courthouse 515 Rusk Street, Room 11535 Houston, Texas 77002 (713) 250-5980 (Telephone) (713) 250-5213 (Fax)
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Page 2 | COURT PROCEDURES
Email case manager Glenda Hassan to schedule pre-motion conference.
The party must email or fax the case manager, Glenda Hassan, and opposing counsel to arrange for a pre-motion conference. The email address is Glenda_Hassan@txs.uscourts.gov; the fax number is (713) 250-5213; and the telephone number is (713) 250-5516.
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Page 8 | Pre-Motion Conferences Required for Discovery and Other Pretrial Disputes
All admitted exhibits are provided to the jury during deliberations.
All admitted exhibits will go to the jury during its deliberations.
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Page 11 | Exhibits
Filed documents and docket entries can be obtained via PACER or the District Clerk's Office at (713) 250-5500.
Information about filed documents, orders, or docket entries should be obtained online through PACER or from the United States District Clerk's Office at telephone number (713) 250-5500.
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Page 12 | Contact with Court Personnel
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
Junior lawyers (less than 5-7 years experience) are encouraged to have primary speaking roles, increasing likelihood of oral argument.
Today there are fewer opportunities for lawyers to speak in court. This is particularly true for lawyers with less than five to seven years of experience. The court strongly encourages every more experienced senior or supervisory lawyer and their clients to allow less experienced lawyers to have the primary or only speaking roles in pretrial conferences, arguments on motions or in pre-motion conferences, and in trials and other proceedings when evidence and arguments are presented. This opportunity is particularly important and appropriate when the less experienced lawyer has drafted or contributed significantly to the underlying motion or response or to the trial or hearing preparation. The court understands that in some circumstances, it is not appropriate to allow a less experienced lawyer such a prominent role. If the only lawyer who drafted or substantially prepared the motion, brief, or evidentiary presentation is the senior lawyer, or if the motion is dispositive in a “bet-the-company” case, litigants may justifiably want the senior lawyer to do all or most of the in-court talking. But in all but these cases, it is crucial to provide substantive speaking opportunities to less experienced lawyers. The court strongly encourages all lawyers and their clients to do so. The court will take this into consideration in deciding whether to grant requests for oral argument on motions or issues that the court would usually or otherwise decide on the papers.
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Page 13 | 16. Appearances