Southern District of Texas Page & Word Limits
60 rules from official source documents
0 of 60 checked against the court's document. Each rule says how far it was checked. A value with a question mark is not in the court's wording on its card.
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge. This page is scoped to Southern District of Texas; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
Page, word and line limits
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Without leave of Court any brief or memorandum shall be limited to 25 pages.
Summary: Without leave of Court, any brief or memorandum is limited to 25 pages.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 30 pages
- Limit
- 15 pages
Absent leave of court, any motion or response shall be limited to 30 pages. Replies are limited to 15 pages.
Summary: Absent leave of court, motions and responses are limited to 30 pages and replies are limited to 15 pages.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 10 pages
Surreplies and sur-surreplies, if allowed, are limited to 10 pages.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Criminal cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief ?
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1" margins.
Summary: Absent leave of court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 6500 words
- Limit
- 2500 words
- Applies to
- Brief
Primary briefs cannot exceed 6,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 2,500 words. The word count limit includes headings and footnotes, but excludes the caption of the case, title of the document, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, and certificates.
Summary: Primary briefs are limited to 6,500 words and reply briefs to 2,500 words, counting headings and footnotes but excluding the caption, document title, tables, signature blocks, and certificates.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 20 pages ?
- Applies to
- Motion
Motions are not to exceed twenty pages.
Summary: Motions are limited to 20 pages.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
All briefs, legal memorandum, motions, and pleadings of any kind shall be limited to 25 pages, unless permitted by the Court to exceed this limit.
Summary: All briefs, legal memoranda, motions, and pleadings are limited to 25 pages unless the Court permits exceeding that limit.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Briefs and memoranda shall not exceed 20 pages, exclusive of a signature page and certificate of service, except upon leave of court for good cause shown.
Summary: Briefs and memoranda are limited to 20 pages, excluding signature pages and certificates of service, unless leave of court is granted for good cause.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Brief ?
Should additional briefing be allowed, such briefing and any response should not exceed ten (10) pages except with leave of Court.
Summary: Additional briefing on discovery disputes limited to 10 pages, except with leave of court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Absent leave of Court for extended briefing, any brief or memorandum shall be limited to twenty (20) pages, including the case style, any table of contents or authorities, and signature block.
Summary: Briefs and memoranda limited to 20 pages including case style, table of contents/authorities, and signature block, absent leave for extended briefing.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 5 pages
- Applies to
- Reply brief
Reply briefs must be submitted within seven (7) days of the filing of non-movant’s response to the motion and must not exceed five (5) pages in length, including the case style, any table of contents or authorities, and signature block.
Summary: Reply briefs must be submitted within 7 days of non-movant’s response and limited to 5 pages including case style, TOC/TOA, and signature block.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Brief ?
Should additional briefing be allowed, such briefing and any response must not exceed ten (10) pages absent leave of Court.
Summary: Additional briefing and responses in discovery disputes are limited to 10 pages unless the Court grants leave.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Motion response ?
Absent leave of Court, motions and responses are limited to twenty (20) pages, including the case style, any table of contents or authorities, and signature block.
Summary: Absent leave of court, motions and responses are limited to 20 pages, including case style, table of contents/authorities, and signature block.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 5 pages
- Applies to
- Reply brief ?
A reply must not exceed five (5) pages in length, including the case style, any table of contents or authorities, and signature block.
Summary: Reply briefs are limited to 5 pages, including case style, table of contents/authorities, and signature block.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 3 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
- Spacing
- Single
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.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 4000 words
- Applies to
- Amicus brief ?
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.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 5000 words
- Limit
- 2000 words
- Applies to
- Brief ?
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.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Each memorandum or brief filed in the Court shall be limited to 20 pages.
Summary: Memoranda and briefs filed in court are limited to 20 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 3 pages
- Applies to
- Summary
Any memorandum that is more than 15 pages must be accompanied by a concise summary, no longer than 3 pages, narrowing the points in the brief.
Summary: Summaries accompanying memoranda over 15 pages are limited to 3 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 0 pages ?
- Applies to
- Reply letter
Do not submit a reply letter.
Summary: Reply letters to pre-motion letters regarding discovery and scheduling disputes are prohibited.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 10 pages ?
- Applies to
- Supplemental brief ?
If the Court asks for supplemental briefing, limit it to ten pages.
Summary: Supplemental briefing requested by the Court is limited to ten pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 3 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
- Spacing
- Single
Bring any request by letter not to exceed approximately three single-spaced pages.
Summary: Letters requesting in camera inspection of privilege logs are limited to approximately three single-spaced pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 2 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
two pages. The opposing party should promptly submit a responsive letter of similar length identifying any disagreement.
Summary: Pre-motion and responsive letters are limited to 2 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 10 pages ?
- Applies to
- Supplemental brief ?
If the Court asks for supplemental briefing, limit it to ten pages.
Summary: Supplemental briefing requested by the Court is limited to ten pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 30 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
A party shall obtain leave of the Court to file a brief and legal memoranda that exceeds 30 pages, excluding exhibits.
Summary: Briefs and legal memoranda are limited to 30 pages excluding exhibits; leave of court required to exceed.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Criminal cases
- Attorney limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Briefs and legal memoranda shall be limited to 20 pages, unless permitted by the Court to exceed this limit.
Summary: Briefs and legal memoranda limited to 20 pages, unless court permits extension.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 2 pages
- Applies to
- Letter
The parties should file a joint letter that does not exceed 2 pages, outlining the issues.
Summary: Joint letters filed for discovery/scheduling dispute conferences must not exceed 2 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
- Font
- 13 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, any motion, brief, or memorandum shall be limited to 25 pages, 13-point type-font, double-spaced, with 1” margins.
Summary: Motions, briefs, and memoranda are limited to 25 pages, 13-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins without leave of court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Criminal cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Memorandum of law ?
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1” margins.
Summary: All memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins unless leave of court is granted.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Memoranda of law
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point type font, double-spaced, with 1" margins.
Summary: All memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point double-spaced font, and 1-inch margins.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Absent leave of Court for extended briefing, any brief or memorandum shall be limited to 25 pages.
Summary: Briefs and memoranda are limited to 25 pages unless the Court grants leave for extended briefing.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Reply brief ?
(B) The Reply must be ten (10) pages or fewer.
Summary: Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Absent leave of Court for extended briefing, any brief or memorandum shall be limited to 25 pages.
Summary: Briefs and memoranda are limited to 25 pages unless the court grants leave for extended briefing.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Reply brief ?
(B) The Reply must be ten (10) pages or fewer.
Summary: Replies to responses must not exceed 10 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 25 pages
- Attorney limit
- 15 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Without leave of Court, all briefs or memoranda are limited to 25 pages. A moving party may file a brief or memorandum of law in reply to a respondent=s brief. Without leave of the court, a reply brief is limited to 15 pages. However, without leave of the Court, no further briefs, including a sur-reply, may be filed.
Summary: Briefs/memoranda limited to 25 pages; reply briefs limited to 15 pages; sur-replies prohibited without leave.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Memorandum of law ?
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point type font, double-spaced, with 1" margins.
Summary: Memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins without court leave.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 40 pages
- Applies to
- Appendix ?
Copies of supporting affidavits, deposition testimony excerpts, and other discovery referred to in the briefs should be separately filed in one or more appendices of no more than 40 pages each.
Summary: Appendices containing supporting affidavits, deposition excerpts, and discovery referred to in briefs are limited to 40 pages each.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Criminal cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief ?
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages
Summary: All memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages without leave of court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Criminal cases
- Attorney limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief ?
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, with 1” margins.
Summary: All memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double spacing, and 1-inch margins without leave of court.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Memorandum of law ?
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of Court, all memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point type font, double-spaced, with 1" margins.
Summary: Memoranda of law are limited to 25 pages, 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins without court leave.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 40 pages
- Applies to
- Appendix ?
Copies of supporting affidavits, deposition testimony excerpts, and other discovery referred to in the briefs should be separately filed in one or more appendices of no more than 40 pages each.
Summary: Appendices containing discovery materials referred to in briefs are limited to 40 pages per appendix.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 5000 words
- Limit
- 2000 words
- Applies to
- Brief ?
c. Page Limits: Limit any motion or response to 5,000 words (approximately twenty-five pages). Limit any reply to 2,000 words (approximately ten pages). Do not file a sur-reply absent permission. Provide a certificate of word count following the signature block. Reliance on word-processor register is sufficient in this regard. Word limits do not include the case caption, table of contents, table of authorities, signature block, or certificates. Word limits are rarely extended. Anticipate and seek resolution of any motion for extension well in advance of the filing deadlines.
Summary: Motions and responses limited to 5000 words; replies limited to 2000 words. Sur-replies prohibited without permission. Word count certificate required. Exclusions: caption, TOC, TOA, signature, certificates. Word limit extensions rarely granted.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 2 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
To obtain permission, the party seeking relief must submit a letter not exceeding two pages.
Summary: Pre-motion letters for discovery/scheduling disputes are limited to 2 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
All briefs and memoranda must be limited to 20 pages unless the Court grants leave to file more than 20 pages.
Summary: Briefs and memoranda are limited to 20 pages unless the Court grants leave to exceed.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
All briefs and memoranda must be limited to 20 pages unless the Court grants leave to file more than 20 pages.
Summary: All briefs and memoranda are limited to 20 pages unless the Court grants leave to exceed.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Without leave of court no motion, memorandum of law, or brief may exceed 25 total pages. This 25-page limitation includes all statements of fact and all factual and legal arguments.
Summary: Motions, memoranda of law, and briefs are limited to 25 pages total without leave of court; limit includes all factual and legal arguments.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 3 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
The requesting party must file a letter of no more than three pages summarizing the dispute, the date, time and method of the parties’ conference and the identity of the attendees, the outcome of the discussions, and the relief sought from the court.
Summary: Letter requesting court conference on discovery dispute must not exceed 3 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 25 pages ?
- Applies to
- Motion
- Font
- 12 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of court, all motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1” margins.
Summary: All motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins, unless leave of court is granted.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 2 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
To obtain permission, the party seeking relief must submit a letter not exceeding two pages. [...] The opposing party should promptly submit a responsive letter of similar length identifying any disagreement.
Summary: Pre-motion initial and responsive letters limited to 2 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 25 pages ?
- Attorney limit
- 2000 words
- Applies to
- Brief ?
(approximately twenty-five pages). Limit any reply to 2,000 words (approximately ten pages). Do not file a sur-reply absent permission. Word limits do not include the case caption, table of contents, table of authorities, signature block, and certificates.
Summary: Support/opposition briefs limited to 25 pages; reply briefs limited to 2000 words; word counts exclude specified items; no sur-replies without permission.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 3 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
The requesting party must file a letter of no more than three pages summarizing the dispute, the date, time and method of the parties’ conference and the identity of the attendees, the outcome of the discussions, and the relief sought from the court.
Summary: Letters requesting a discovery dispute conference must not exceed three pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 25 pages ?
- Applies to
- Motion
- Font
- 13 pt ?
- Spacing
- Double
Without leave of court, all motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages with 13-point font and 1” margins.
Summary: All motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages unless leave of court is granted.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Limit
- 6500 words
- Limit
- 2500 words
- Applies to
- Brief
Primary briefs cannot exceed 6,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 2,500 words. The word count limit includes headings and footnotes, but excludes the caption of the case, title of the document, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, and certificates.
Summary: Primary briefs limited to 6,500 words; reply briefs limited to 2,500 words. Word count includes headings and footnotes; excludes caption, document title, TOC, TOA, signature blocks, and certificates.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Limit
- 20 pages
Motions are not to exceed twenty pages. 1) All briefs and memoranda of law must be concise, pertinent, and well organized. All briefs, legal memorandum, motions, and pleadings of any kind shall be limited to 20 pages, unless permitted by the Court to exceed this limit.
Summary: All motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and pleadings are limited to 20 pages, with court permission required to exceed.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 2 pages ?
- Applies to
- Letter
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.
Summary: Pre-motion letters are limited to 1-2 pages and must outline disputes and issues.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Attorney limit
- 25 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
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.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?
Civil cases
- Attorney limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Brief ?
The Table of Contents and Table of Authorities do not count against the 20-page limit.
Summary: Table of Contents and Table of Authorities are excluded from the 20-page brief limit.
Other limits (time, motions, days)
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Letter
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.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?
- Applies to
- Letter
The opposing party should promptly submit a responsive letter of similar length identifying any disagreement.
Summary: Opposing party must submit responsive pre-motion letter of up to 2 pages.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?
- Applies to
- Brief ?
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.
What page or word limits apply to motion in Southern District of Texas?
Senior Judge Andrew S. Hanen's rule states these limits: 20 pages. Motions are limited to 20 pages. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan's rule states these limits: 25 pages. All motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins, unless leave of court is granted. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett's rule states these limits: 25 pages. All motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages unless leave of court is granted. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
What page or word limits apply to brief in Southern District of Texas?
Senior Judge Andrew S. Hanen's rule states these limits: 25 pages. All briefs, legal memoranda, motions, and pleadings are limited to 25 pages unless the Court permits exceeding that limit. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Judge Alfred H. Bennett's rule states these limits: attorney: 10 pages. Additional briefing on discovery disputes limited to 10 pages, except with leave of court. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Judge David Hittner's rule states these limits: attorney: 20 pages. Memoranda and briefs filed in court are limited to 20 pages. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
23 more rules answer this question in the list above.
What page or word limits apply to reply letter in Southern District of Texas?
Judge Drew B. Tipton: Reply letters to pre-motion letters regarding discovery and scheduling disputes are prohibited. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
What page or word limits apply to letter in Southern District of Texas?
Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan's rule states these limits: attorney: 3 pages. Letter requesting court conference on discovery dispute must not exceed 3 pages. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Senior Judge Andrew S. Hanen's rule states these limits: attorney: 2 pages. Pre-motion letters are limited to 1-2 pages and must outline disputes and issues. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Judge Drew B. Tipton's rule states these limits: attorney: 3 pages. Letters requesting in camera inspection of privilege logs are limited to approximately three single-spaced pages. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
6 more rules answer this question in the list above.
What page or word limits apply in Southern District of Texas?
Senior Judge Andrew S. Hanen's rule states these limits: 20 pages. All motions, briefs, legal memoranda, and pleadings are limited to 20 pages, with court permission required to exceed. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
What page or word limits apply to reply brief in Southern District of Texas?
Judge Alfred H. Bennett's rule states these limits: attorney: 5 pages. Reply briefs must be submitted within 7 days of non-movant’s response and limited to 5 pages including case style, TOC/TOA, and signature block. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
Judge Keith P. Ellison's rule states these limits: attorney: 10 pages. Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages. Machine summary, not yet verified; check the linked order.
2 more rules answer this question in the list above.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtCourtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.
Service and Proof of Service Rules
E-service, mail, personal service, proof of service, certificate, and timing requirements.