Judge Yvonne Y. Ho
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
- 2 copies • Per Section 7 B 4
Proposed Jury Charge, Verdict Form
- Email • With Filing
Adjournments
- Motions for extension of deadlines, including scheduling-order deadlines, are not considered emergencies.
- Party agreements or joint motions for continuances or extensions are not binding; continuances are granted only at the Court's discretion.
- Trial settings are usually firm and continuances are rarely granted due to discovery disputes.
- +6 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Clerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Brief
6,500 words
Reply
2,500 words
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
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.
Structured details unavailable. See the source text.
Document Format Requirements14 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
All briefs must be in 13-point proportionately spaced font for text, with 12-point font for footnotes, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and full-justified.
Summary: Briefs must use 13-point proportionally spaced font (12-point for footnotes), be double-spaced, one-inch margins, and full-justified.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Minimize your use of footnotes. Do not put citations to authorities or exhibits in footnotes. Those must be in the body of the document.
Summary: Briefs should minimize footnotes, and citations to authorities or exhibits must appear in the body of the document, not in footnotes.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
All exhibits must be pre-marked with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
Summary: All trial exhibits must be pre-marked with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Every disputed instruction, definition, or question must be set out in bold type, underlined text, or italics (not in a contrasting font color).
Summary: Disputed jury charge instructions, definitions, and questions must be set out in bold, underlined, or italicized text, not a contrasting font color.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following, printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs
Summary: Trial notebooks and exhibit binders must be printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4 inches or less, and include an index and corresponding tabs.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
The offering party must mark its own exhibits before trial to include the party's name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit.
Summary: The offering party must pre-mark its exhibits before trial with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority
Summary: Each proposed jury instruction and definition must be numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All briefs must be in 13-point proportionately spaced font for text, with 12-point font for footnotes, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and full-justified. Minimize your use of footnotes. Do not put citations to authorities or exhibits in footnotes. Those must be in the body of the document.
Summary: All briefs must use 13-point proportionally spaced text, 12-point footnotes, double spacing, 1-inch margins, full justification; citations to authorities/exhibits must be in document body, not footnotes.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Every requested instruction, definition, and question must be numbered and substantiated (in footnotes) with authority. Identify any modifications to language from pattern jury charges.
Summary: All requested jury instructions must be numbered, substantiated with authority in footnotes, and note pattern jury charge modifications.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Every disputed instruction, definition, or question must be set out in bold type, underlined text, or italics (not in a contrasting font color). For all disputed items, include footnotes that identify (a) which party is requesting them; and (b) the opposing party’s basis for disputing their inclusion.
Summary: Disputed jury instructions must be formatted in bold, underline, or italics (no contrasting color) and include footnotes identifying requesting party and opposition basis.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form, in Microsoft Word. See supra § 1(e).
Summary: Proposed jury charge and verdict form must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
DOCX
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs
Summary: Trial materials must be printed double-sided, in binders of 4 inches or less, with index and corresponding tabs.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All exhibits must be pre-marked with the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number.
Summary: Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
proposed jury instructions, definitions—with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority
Summary: Proposed jury instructions must be numbered, on separate pages, with citations to authority.
Document Filing Requirements74 rules
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Applications for immediate relief will be presented to the Court by the Case Manager only after counsel has either (1) affirmed that the opposing party has been contacted, and that both parties can be available for a conference before the Court, or (2) provided an explanation of why such contact has not been made.
Summary: Emergency applications will be presented to the Court only after counsel affirms the opposing party was contacted and both parties can attend a conference, or explains why contact was not made.
Document Type
Application For Immediate Relief
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions for admission pro hac vice must include an averment that counsel have familiarized themselves with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures.
Summary: Pro hac vice admission motions must include an averment that counsel have familiarized themselves with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures.
Document Type
Pro Hac Vice Motion
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
No separate memorandum of law. All motions must include the arguments and relief sought. Do not file a separate memorandum of law.
Summary: Motions must contain the arguments and relief sought; a separate memorandum of law must not be filed.
Document Type
Motion
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Proposed order. All motions, except those for summary judgment, must be accompanied by a separate proposed order.
Summary: Every motion except summary judgment motions must be accompanied by a separate proposed order.
Document Type
Motion
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Except for habeas corpus/prisoner petitions and Social Security appeals, all following sections, and in the following order: • table of contents; • table of authorities; • statement of issues; • standard of review; • summary of the argument; • argument, complete with descriptive headings; • a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought; and • certificates, see § 5(a)(v), infra.
Summary: Except in habeas corpus/prisoner petitions and Social Security appeals, briefs must contain, in order, a table of contents, table of authorities, statement of issues, standard of review, summary of the argument, headed argument, a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought, and certificates.
Document Type
Brief
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
All filings must include a certificate of service stating the manner that the filing was served on all other parties.
Summary: Every filing must include a certificate of service stating how the filing was served on all other parties.
Document Type
All Filings
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
A filing that does not include all required certificates will be stricken.
Summary: Any filing missing a required certificate will be stricken.
Document Type
All Filings
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
All briefs must include a certificate of compliance that states the number of words in the filing, including headings and footnotes, but excluding the portions of the filing exempted from the word-count limitation.
Summary: All briefs must include a certificate of compliance stating the word count, which counts headings and footnotes but excludes portions exempted from the word-count limitation.
Document Type
Brief
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Except for summary judgment motions, all motions must contain a certificate of conference stating that counsel and pro se parties have conferred regarding the substance of the relief requested, and stating whether the requested relief is opposed. If the movant was unable to obtain a response, the certificate of conference must reflect that the movant made at least two attempts to ascertain whether the relief is opposed and detail the specific attempts to obtain a response (i.e., number of attempts, method of communication used, and date and time of attempts).
Summary: All motions except summary judgment motions must include a certificate of conference stating that counsel and pro se parties conferred and whether the relief is opposed; if no response was obtained, the certificate must detail at least two documented attempts to confer.
Document Type
Motion
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Use the form available at https://www.txs.uscourts.gov/sites/txs/files/jdcmp.pdf. All parties must sign the plan, which the plaintiff must file. Include a proposed scheduling order that uses Form A attached to these procedures.
Summary: The joint discovery/case management plan must use the court's JDCMP form, be signed by all parties, be filed by the plaintiff, and include a proposed scheduling order using Form A.
Document Type
Joint Discovery Case Management Plan
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
On the same day that the joint pretrial order is filed, each party must file a separate copy of the following documents: exhibit list; objections to another party's proposed exhibits, explaining the basis for the objection; witness list; designations of deposition excerpts; memorandum of law on all contested legal issues; proposed questions for the jury panel; and motions in limine.
Summary: On the same day the joint pretrial order is filed, each party must separately file an exhibit list, exhibit objections, witness list, deposition designations, memorandum of law on contested legal issues, proposed jury panel questions, and motions in limine.
Document Type
Trial Preparation Documents
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Failure to timely file a joint pretrial order will subject counsel and parties to sanctions that could include dismissal for want of prosecution, other relief, or both. This includes parties appearing pro se.
Summary: Failure to timely file a joint pretrial order exposes counsel and parties, including pro se parties, to sanctions that can include dismissal for want of prosecution.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Plaintiff must file the joint pretrial order. If the plaintiff fails to do so, then the defendant must file the defendant's portions of the document in the prescribed format.
Summary: The plaintiff must file the joint pretrial order; if the plaintiff fails, the defendant must file the defendant's portions in the prescribed format.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Jury charge and verdict form. For jury trials, the parties must file a single, joint proposed jury charge and separate
Summary: For jury trials, the parties must file a single, joint proposed jury charge (sentence continues beyond the excerpt; the section also covers the verdict form).
Document Type
Proposed Jury Charge
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Every requested instruction, definition, and question must be numbered and substantiated (in footnotes) with authority. Identify any modifications to language from pattern jury charges.
Summary: Every requested jury instruction, definition, and question must be numbered, substantiated with authority in footnotes, and identify modifications from pattern jury charges.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Charge
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
At least four days before the start of trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following, printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs: the joint pretrial order; the parties' exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition designations, and the joint proposed jury charge and verdict form or proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law, whichever is applicable
Summary: At least four days before trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of trial notebooks and exhibit binders containing the joint pretrial order, exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition designations, and the proposed jury charge/verdict form or findings and conclusions (list continues beyond the excerpt).
Document Type
Trial Notebooks And Exhibit Binders
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Non-jury trials. Each party must file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with the joint pretrial order. This document must, at minimum, address (a) the facts and evidence relevant to each cause of action and asserted defense; and (b) the legal authority, complete with citations, supporting the party's positions.
Summary: In non-jury trials, each party must file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with the joint pretrial order, addressing the facts and evidence for each claim and defense and supporting legal authority with citations.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Separately, each party (or side) must file a memorandum of law that addresses these issues in greater depth.
Summary: Each party (or side) must separately file a memorandum of law addressing the contested legal issues in greater depth.
Document Type
Memorandum Of Law
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Each party must attach two copies of a list (see Attachment A for sample form) of all exhibits expected to be offered. Each party must make the exhibits available for examination by the opposing parties.
Summary: Each party must attach two copies of an exhibit list (using the Attachment A sample form) for all expected exhibits and make the exhibits available for examination by opposing parties.
Document Type
Exhibit List
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Jury trials. For jury trials, submit the following: (a) proposed questions for the venire panel; (b) proposed jury instructions, definitions—with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority—and a separate proposed verdict form; and (c) memorandum of law.
Summary: For jury trials, parties must submit proposed venire questions, proposed jury instructions and definitions with a separate proposed verdict form, and a memorandum of law.
Document Type
Jury Trial Attachments
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?
Non-jury trials. For bench trials, submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Summary: For bench trials, parties must submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Do not include the word “proposed” in the title of your proposed order.
Summary: The title of a proposed order must not include the word “proposed.”
Document Type
Proposed Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
A template for the joint pretrial order is attached as Form B. Include all materials and information specified in that form.
Summary: The joint pretrial order must follow the Form B template and include all materials and information specified in that form.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
For all disputed items, include footnotes that identify (a) which party is requesting them; and (b) the opposing party's basis for disputing their inclusion.
Summary: All disputed jury charge items must include footnotes identifying the requesting party and the opposing party's basis for disputing their inclusion.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Charge
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
List the parties and their respective counsel. Include the addresses, email address, and telephone numbers of counsel or any pro se parties.
Summary: The pretrial order's Appearance of Counsel section must list parties and their counsel with addresses, email addresses, and telephone numbers, including any pro se parties.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Briefly explain why the Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the case and the parties. Identify any unresolved jurisdictional questions.
Summary: The pretrial order must briefly explain the Court's jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties and identify any unresolved jurisdictional questions.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
In separate paragraphs, state concisely what each party claims.
Summary: The pretrial order must state each party's claims concisely in separate paragraphs.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
List any pending motions, as well as the responses, replies, or objections.
Summary: The pretrial order must list all pending motions along with any responses, replies, or objections.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Include a brief agreed statement of the case that the Court may read to the jury panel to ascertain whether the panel is acquainted with the facts or parties to the case. Include names, dates, and places.
Summary: The pretrial order must include a brief agreed statement of the case, with names, dates, and places, that the Court can read to the jury panel.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
List all disputed factual issues that are necessary to the final disposition of this case.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must list all disputed factual issues necessary to the final disposition of the case.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
List separately the names and addresses of witnesses who will be called and those who may be called and include a brief description of the subject matter and substance of their testimony to be presented and indicate whether the testimony will be offered in video form.
Summary: The pretrial submission must separately list the names and addresses of witnesses who will and may be called, with a brief description of their testimony and an indication of whether the testimony will be offered in video form.
Document Type
Witness List
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
List all legal propositions that are not in dispute.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must list all legal propositions that are not in dispute.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
List all facts that the parties stipulate and agree are undisputed.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must list all facts that the parties stipulate and agree are undisputed.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Briefly state the disputed legal issues.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must briefly state the disputed legal issues.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Objections to the proposed designations (citing pages and lines) must include supporting authority must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
Summary: Objections to proposed video designations must cite pages and lines and include supporting authority.
Document Type
Objections To Video Designations
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Provide the following information: (a) whether this is a jury or non-jury trial; (b) the probable length of trial; and (c) the availability of witnesses.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must state whether the trial is jury or non-jury, the probable length of trial, and the availability of witnesses.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Include a statement explaining whether all settlement efforts have been exhausted and whether the case can reasonably be expected to settle.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must include a statement on whether all settlement efforts have been exhausted and whether the case can reasonably be expected to settle.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?
Motions in limine. State whether any party is filing a motion in limine.
Summary: The Joint Pretrial Order must state whether any party is filing a motion in limine.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Applications for immediate relief will be presented to the Court by the Case Manager only after counsel has either (1) affirmed that the opposing party has been contacted, and that both parties can be available for a conference before the Court, or (2) provided an explanation of why such contact has not been made.
Summary: Immediate relief applications are presented to Court only after counsel affirms opposing party contact/availability or explains lack of contact.
Document Type
Application For Immediate Relief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions to appear pro hac vice must comply with all requirements in Local Rule 83.1(I).
Summary: Pro hac vice motions must comply with all Local Rule 83.1(I) requirements.
Document Type
Pro Hac Vice Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Motions for admission pro hac vice must include an averment that counsel have familiarized themselves with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures.
Summary: Pro hac vice admission motions must include averment that counsel familiarized with local rules and court procedures.
Document Type
Pro Hac Vice Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions must include the arguments and relief sought. Do not file a separate memorandum of law.
Summary: All motions must contain arguments and relief sought; separate memoranda of law are prohibited.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
All motions, except those for summary judgment, must be accompanied by a separate proposed order. Do not include the word “proposed” in the title of your proposed order.
Summary: All motions except summary judgment must include a separate proposed order; title must not include the word “proposed”.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
3. Mandatory contents for briefs. Except for habeas corpus/prisoner petitions and Social Security appeals, all following sections, and in the following order: • table of contents; • table of authorities; • statement of issues; • standard of review; • summary of the argument; • argument, complete with descriptive headings; • a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought; and • certificates, see § 5(a)(v), infra.
Summary: All briefs except habeas corpus/prisoner petitions and Social Security appeals must include, in order, table of contents, table of authorities, statement of issues, standard of review, summary of argument, argument with descriptive headings, conclusion with relief sought, and certificates.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
iv. Failure to include certificates. A filing that does not include all required certificates will be stricken.
Summary: Filings missing any required certificates will be stricken.
Document Type
Filing
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
i. Certificate of conference. Except for summary judgment motions, all motions must contain a certificate of conference stating that counsel and pro se parties have conferred regarding the substance of the relief requested, and stating whether the requested relief is opposed. If the movant was unable to obtain a response, the certificate of conference must reflect that the movant made at least two attempts to ascertain whether the relief is opposed and detail the specific attempts to obtain a response (i.e., number of attempts, method of communication used, and date and time of attempts).
Summary: All motions except summary judgment must include a certificate of conference; if no response obtained, certificate must detail at least two attempts to confer.
Document Type
Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
ii. Certificate of service. All filings must include a certificate of service stating the manner that the filing was served on all other parties.
Summary: All filings must include a certificate of service specifying the manner of service on all parties.
Document Type
Filing
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
iii. Certificate of compliance with word-count limitation. All briefs must include a certificate of compliance that states the number of words in the filing, including headings and footnotes, but excluding the portions of the filing exempted from the word-count limitation. See supra § 5(a)(4)(ii).
Summary: All briefs must include a word-count compliance certificate stating the number of words, including headings and footnotes, excluding exempt portions.
Document Type
Brief
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
motions in limine.
Summary: Each party must file motions in limine on the same day as the joint pretrial order.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
objections to another party’s proposed exhibits, explaining the basis for the objection;
Summary: Each party must file objections to other parties' proposed exhibits with basis for objection, same day as joint pretrial order.
Document Type
Objections To Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
exhibit list;
Summary: Each party must file a separate exhibit list on the same day as the joint pretrial order.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The joint pretrial order must be filed by the deadline specified in the Court’s scheduling order.
Summary: Joint pretrial orders must be filed by the deadline in the court's scheduling order.
Document Type
Joint Pretrial Order
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
designations of deposition excerpts;
Summary: Each party must file deposition designations on the same day as the joint pretrial order.
Document Type
Deposition Designations
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
witness list;
Summary: Each party must file a witness list on the same day as the joint pretrial order.
Document Type
Witness List
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All documents must be filed electronically through CM/ECF, except unrepresented parties without CM/ECF access may file in person at the Clerk's Office.
All documents must be filed through the District Court's Case management/Electronic Case Filing ("CM/ECF") System. See Southern District Local Rule 5.1 and the District's Administrative Procedures for CM/ECF (available at www.txs.uscourts.gov). Parties who do not have counsel and are not granted access to CM/ECF may file their documents in person, at the Clerk's Office.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Applications for immediate relief must be filed electronically through CM/ECF.
Applications for immediate relief must be filed electronically through the CM/ECF system.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
In exceptional circumstances, copies of urgent documents may be hand-delivered to the Clerk's Office during regular business hours or emailed to the Case Manager.
In exceptional circumstances, copies of urgent documents can be hand-delivered to the Clerk's Office during regular business hours (see Emergencies, § 2 infra) or emailed to the Case Manager.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Responses to motions in limine are due no later than seven days after the joint pretrial order is filed.
Responses to motions in limine must be filed no later than seven days after the joint pretrial order is filed.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 11 | Other required documents
The joint pretrial order must be filed by the deadline specified in the Court's scheduling order.
The joint pretrial order must be filed by the deadline specified in the Court's scheduling order.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 11 | Required Pretrial and Trial Materials - Joint pretrial order
Trial notebooks and exhibit binders must be jointly submitted at least four days before the start of trial.
At least four days before the start of trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 12 | Trial notebooks and exhibit binders
Written objections to exhibits, supported by authority, must be filed at least 7 days before trial or listed exhibits may be offered in evidence.
Unless the Court otherwise directs, a party may offer in evidence any exhibits listed in the joint pretrial order unless the opposing party has filed specific written objections supported by authority at least 7 days before trial.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
All dispositive and non-dispositive motions, except motions in limine, must be filed by the motions deadline set in the scheduling order.
All dispositive and non-dispositive motions (except motions in limine) are due by this date
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 16 | 4. Motions Deadline (Proposed Scheduling Order, Form A)
The plaintiff is responsible for filing the joint pretrial order by the court-set deadline.
The plaintiff is responsible for filing the pretrial order on this date.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 17 | JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER
Motions in limine must be filed by the same deadline as the joint pretrial order.
Motions in limine must also be filed by this date.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 17 | JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER
Exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order may be admitted at the Court's discretion unless written objections supported by authority are filed at least 7 days before trial.
At the Court's discretion, exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order may be admitted into evidence unless the opposing party files written objections, supported by authority, at least 7 days before trial.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 19 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
Objections to proposed video designations must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
Objections to the proposed designations (citing pages and lines) must include supporting authority must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 20 | Witnesses
Urgent documents delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business day.
Documents delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business day.
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Each side may briefly examine the jury panel only if its proposed voir dire questions were properly and timely submitted on the same date as the joint pretrial order.
Following the Court's examination, each side usually will be allowed to examine the panel briefly, provided that the proposed voir dire questions were properly and timely submitted on the same date as the joint pretrial order. See supra § 7(b)(i).
The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.
Page 14 | 10. Voir Dire
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Counsel who require authentication of an opposing party's exhibits must give written notice to the opponent by the Local Rules deadline.
Counsel requiring authentication of an opposing party's exhibits must notify the opponent in writing within the time required by the Local Rules.
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Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
Exhibits must be exchanged between the parties/counsel before the joint pretrial order is filed.
Exhibits must be exchanged between the parties/counsel before the joint pretrial order is filed.
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Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
A party requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is listed and made available, or the failure may be deemed an 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. See S.D. Tex. L.R. 44.1.
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Page 19 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
Copies of urgent documents hand-delivered or emailed to the Court must be transmitted to all counsel of record.
Copies of any such documents must be transmitted to all counsel of record.
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Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
A party requesting joinder must furnish a copy of the scheduling order to any newly added parties.
Party requesting joinder will furnish a copy of this scheduling order to new parties.
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Page 16 | 1. Amendments to Pleadings and Addition of New Parties (Proposed Scheduling Order, Form A)
Additional trial witnesses must be reported to opposing counsel with names, addresses, and testimony subject matter as soon as known, except purely rebuttal or impeaching witnesses whose necessity or testimony could not reasonably have been anticipated before trial.
If any other witnesses are to be called at trial, their names, addresses, and the subject matter of their testimony must be reported to opposing counsel as soon as they are known. This restriction does not apply to a purely rebuttal or impeaching witness, but only if that witness's necessity or testimony could not reasonably have been anticipated before trial.
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Page 20 | Witnesses
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Parties must provide the Court with two complete sets of their trial exhibits.
As noted supra, § 7(b)(4), the parties must provide the Court with two complete sets of their trial exhibits.
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Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
Electronic copies of proposed jury charge and verdict form must be emailed to Case Manager.
Email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form, in Microsoft Word. See supra § 1(e).
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Page 12 | Required Pretrial and Trial Materials
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A party may provisionally file a document under seal only if it contemporaneously submits a motion for leave to file under seal, with the Court later deciding whether the document remains sealed.
Any party who wishes to file any document under seal may do so provisionally, but the party must also contemporaneously submit a motion requesting leave to file the document under seal. Upon resolving the motion for leave to file under seal, the Court will determine whether the document should remain under seal, either in whole or part.
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Page 7 | 5. Motion Practice — c. Sealed documents
The Court may direct a party to file a public, redacted version of a sealed document where warranted.
Where warranted, the Court may direct a party to file a public, redacted version of the document.
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Page 7 | 5. Motion Practice — c. Sealed documents
Parties may provisionally file documents under seal if contemporaneously submitting a motion for leave to seal; court determines final seal status and may direct filing of public redacted version.
Any party who wishes to file any document under seal may do so provisionally, but the party must also contemporaneously submit a motion requesting leave to file the document under seal. Upon resolving the motion for leave to file under seal, the Court will determine whether the document should remain under seal, either in whole or part. 2. Redacted versions. Where warranted, the Court may direct a party to file a public, redacted version of the document.
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Page 7 | Sealed documents
Filing Bundling Requirements
All motions in limine must be filed along with the Joint Pretrial Order.
(Note that all motions in limine must filed along with the Joint Pretrial Order.)
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Page 20 | Additional Required Attachments
Parties must jointly submit two sets of specified trial materials 4 days before trial, printed double-sided, in 4-inch or less binders with index and tabs.
At least four days before the start of trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following, printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs: • the joint pretrial order; • the parties’ exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition designations, and the joint proposed jury charge and verdict form or proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law, whichever is applicable; and
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Page 12 | Required Pretrial and Trial Materials
All motions in limine must be filed with the Joint Pretrial Order.
Note that all motions in limine must filed along with the Joint Pretrial Order.
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Page 20 | Additional Required Attachments
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Discovery and scheduling disputes require a pre-motion conference sought by a joint letter (max 3 pages) identifying the disputes and the date, time, and place, without case law or argument.
If the parties cannot reach an agreement on discovery or scheduling issues despite conferring in good faith, they may seek a conference with the Court by filing a joint letter—labeled as motion for pre-motion conference—that cannot exceed three pages, identifying the disputes and issues to be addressed. See supra § 1(e). This is not a brief and should not set out case law or argument. The letter also must specify the date, time, and place
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Page 6 | 5. Motion Practice
Parties may not file discovery or scheduling motions without first engaging in the pre-motion conference process, after which the Court decides whether written submissions are needed.
The Court may opt to resolve the issues based on the letter alone or convene a pre-motion conference to address them. Either way, the Court will determine whether written submissions are necessary and, if so, the schedule for filing them. Parties cannot file motions seeking relief on discovery or scheduling issues without engaging in this pre-motion conference process.
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Page 7 | 5. Motion Practice
Responses to motions are due before the motion is submitted on the 21st day after filing, replies are due within 7 days after the response, and further briefing requires leave of court and is disfavored.
Responses to motions, if any, must be filed before the motion is submitted to the Court on the 21st day after the motion is filed. Any reply must be filed no later than seven days after the response was filed. No further briefing is permitted without leave of Court. The Court disfavors requests for further briefing.
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Page 9 | 5. Motion Practice
Telephone appearances prohibited at initial pretrial/scheduling conferences; initial conferences held by videoconference unless parties prefer otherwise.
No counsel can appear by telephone at the initial pretrial and scheduling conference. Unless counsel or the parties prefer otherwise, initial conferences will be conducted by videoconference.
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Page 5 | Appearances and Conferences
Mandatory pre-motion conference required for discovery/scheduling disputes; joint letter (max 3 pages) must be emailed to Case Manager.
Mandatory pre-motion conference for discovery and scheduling disputes. Most discovery and scheduling disputes can—and should—be resolved by counsel without court intervention. Compromise is encouraged. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on discovery or scheduling issues despite conferring in good faith, they may seek a conference with the Court by emailing the Case Manager a joint letter that cannot exceed three pages, identifying the disputes and issues to be addressed. See supra § 1(e). This is not a brief and should not set out case law or argument. The letter also must specify the date, time, and place of the parties’ discussions, the
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Page 6 | Motion Practice
Pre-motion conference required before filing discovery or scheduling motions; court resolves disputed issues, determines need for written submissions, and sets filing schedule.
To the extent possible, the disputed issues will be resolved at the pre-motion conference. At the conference, the Court will determine whether written submissions are necessary and, if so, the schedule for filing the submissions. Parties cannot file motions seeking relief on discovery or scheduling issueswithout engaging in this pre-motion conference process.
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Page 7 | Motion Practice
Motion responses due 21 days after motion filing; replies due 7 days after response; no sur-replies permitted without court leave.
e. Deadlines for responses and replies. Responses to motions, if any, must be filed before the motion is submitted to the Court on the 21st day after the motion is filed. Any reply must be filed no later than seven days after the response was filed. No further briefing is permitted without leave of Court. The Court disfavors requests for further briefing.
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Page 9 | Motion Practice
The Court may rule on a motion before the response filing deadline expires.
rule on a motion before the deadline for a response has expired.
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Page 10 | Motion Practice
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial will not be continued due to witness unavailability; counsel must anticipate witness availability issues.
Trial will not be continued because a witness is unavailable. Counsel must anticipate such possibilities.
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Page 5 | 3. Continuances
The Court will not continue a previously scheduled trial setting unless counsel has commenced trial in another court.
Unless counsel has commenced trial in another court, the Court will not continue a previously scheduled trial setting.
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Page 13 | 8. Trial Settings
Motions for extension of deadlines, including scheduling-order deadlines, are not considered emergencies.
Motions for extension of deadlines, including those specified in the scheduling order, are not emergencies.
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Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
Trial settings are usually firm and continuances are rarely granted due to discovery disputes.
The Court's trial settings are usually firm. Continuances will rarely be granted because of discovery disputes.
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Page 4 | 3. Continuances
Party agreements or joint motions for continuances or extensions are not binding; continuances are granted only at the Court's discretion.
Agreements or joint motions among counsel or the parties for continuance or extensions of deadlines are not binding on the Court. Motions for continuance will be granted only at the Court's discretion.
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Page 4 | 3. Continuances
Parties may extend discovery beyond the scheduling order deadline by agreement without court permission.
The parties may, by agreement, continue discovery beyond the deadline.
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Page 16 | 3. Discovery (Proposed Scheduling Order, Form A)
Joint continuance/extension motions are not binding; continuances granted only at Court’s discretion.
Agreements or joint motions among counsel or the parties for continuance or extensions of deadlines are not binding on the Court. Motions for continuance will be granted only at the Court’s discretion.
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Page 4 | Continuances
Motions for extension of deadlines are not considered emergencies.
Motions for extension of deadlines, including those specified in the scheduling order, are not emergencies.
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Page 4 | Emergencies
Trial settings are firm; continuances rarely granted for discovery disputes.
The Court’s trial settings are usually firm. Continuances will rarely be granted because of discovery disputes.
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Page 4 | Continuances
Chambers Communication Rules
Case-related telephone inquiries must be directed to the Case Manager, and parties must not contact the law clerks or the Judge.
All case-related telephone and email inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager. Do not contact the Court's law clerks or the Judge.
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Parties may never request relief by email to the Case Manager; such emails will be disregarded without notice.
Parties cannot, at any time, request relief by email to the Case Manager. Any such emails will be disregarded without notice.
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence sent to the Case Manager must copy all counsel or pro se parties on the case to avoid ex parte communications.
All correspondence sent to the Case Manager must cc all counsel or pro se parties on the case. This is necessary to avoid ex parte communications.
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
After filing an application for immediate relief, the party must contact the Case Manager to alert the Court.
Upon filing such an application, contact the Case Manager to alert the Court. See supra § 1(e).
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Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
Emergency communications alerting the Case Manager must copy opposing parties or their counsel.
Any such communication must cc opposing parties or their counsel.
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Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
Parties must email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form in Microsoft Word format.
Email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form, in Microsoft Word.
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Page 12 | Jury charge and verdict form
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone or email inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone or email inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Out-of-town counsel must email the Case Manager a written request as far in advance as reasonably possible to appear by telephone at conferences or hearings, and accommodation is discretionary.
Out-of-town counsel wishing to appear by telephone at other conferences or hearings must submit a written request by email to the Case Manager as far in advance of the conference as reasonably possible. See supra § 1(e). The Court will accommodate such requests, if feasible. The Court prefers, however, to set dispositive or contested motions for in-person or video hearings.
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Page 5 | 4. Appearances and Conferences
Inquiries about cases pending before Judge Ho must be directed to case manager Rachel Willborg via email at Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov.
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 1 | Court Procedures
Case-related inquiries may be made by telephone to the case manager at (713) 250-5725.
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725
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Page 1 | Court Procedures
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court's discretion.
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court's discretion.
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence with the Court must be sent to Case Manager Rachel Willborg at 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525, Houston, TX 77002, or by email to Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov.
Correspondence with the Court must be sent to the Case Manager as follows: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, TX 77002 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Questions about filing must be directed to the Clerk's Office.
Filing questions should be directed to the Clerk's Office.
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Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
The Case Manager cannot provide legal advice or predict what the Court will do on a given matter.
provide legal advice or predict what the Court will do on a given matter.
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Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Inquiries about cases pending before Judge Ho must be directed to Case Manager Rachel Willborg via telephone at (713) 250-5725.
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 1 | Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence to the Case Manager must cc all counsel or pro se parties to avoid ex parte communications.
All correspondence sent to the Case Manager must cc all counsel or pro se parties on the case. This is necessary to avoid ex parte communications.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence with the Court must be sent to Case Manager Rachel Willborg via specified contact details.
Correspondence with the Court must be sent to the Case Manager as follows: Rachel Willborg, Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho, 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525, Houston, TX 77002, Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Filing questions must be directed to the Clerk’s Office.
Filing questions should be directed to the Clerk’s Office.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Parties may not request relief by email to the Case Manager; such emails are disregarded without notice.
Parties cannot, at any time, request relief by email to the Case Manager. Any such emails will be disregarded without notice.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Case-related telephone inquiries must be directed to the Case Manager, not law clerks or the Judge.
All case-related telephone and email inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager. Do not contact the Court’s law clerks or the Judge.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone status inquiries about motions or cases.
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone or email inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Urgent documents may be emailed to the Case Manager in exceptional circumstances; copies must be sent to all counsel of record.
In exceptional circumstances, copies of urgent documents can be hand-delivered to the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours (see Emergencies, § 2 infra) or emailed to the Case Manager. Documents delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business day. Copies of any such documents must be transmitted to all counsel of record.
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Page 4 | Contact with Court Personnel
The Case Manager is prohibited from providing legal advice or predicting Court decisions.
The Case Manager cannot provide legal advice or predict what the Court will do on a given matter.
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Page 4 | Contact with Court Personnel
Applications for immediate relief must be filed via CM/ECF, then contact Case Manager with cc to opposing parties/counsel.
Applications for immediate relief must be filed electronically through the CM/ECF system. Upon filing such an application, contact the Case Manager to alert the Court. See supra § 1(e). Any such communication must cc opposing parties or their counsel.
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Page 4 | Emergencies
Out-of-town counsel must email Case Manager in advance to request telephone appearance at conferences or hearings.
Out-of-town counsel wishing to appear by telephone at other conferences or hearings must submit a written request by email to the Case Manager as far in advance of the conference as reasonably possible. See supra § 1(e). The Court will accommodate such requests, if feasible. The Court prefers, however, to set dispositive or contested motions for in-person or video hearings.
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Page 5 | Appearances and Conferences
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court’s discretion.
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court’s discretion.
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Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
The Court invites requests for oral hearings on motions and will consider whether a hearing would give a less experienced attorney an opportunity to argue, encouraging senior counsel to give junior attorneys speaking roles.
The Court invites all counsel to request oral hearings on motions. The Court also encourages more experienced counsel and their clients to allow less experienced attorneys to have speaking roles in court, particularly if those attorneys drafted or contributed significantly to the underlying motion or response. When deciding whether to grant a request for an oral hearing on a motion that typically would be resolved on the briefs alone, the Court will take into consideration whether convening a hearing would provide an opportunity for a less experienced attorney to present argument.
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Page 10 | 5. Motion Practice