Western District of Texas Document Format Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

A paper HSD must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT,” with an outside half sheet containing only the case or matter caption.

If the Clerk's office receives the HSD in paper format, the HSD shall be submitted to the Clerk's office in a sealed envelope marked "HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT." The outside of the envelope shall be affixed with a half sheet containing only the caption of the case or matter.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Applies to

Proposed order

The parties must send the proposed order in editable form and show disputed language in red and blue text.

Parties shall send an editable version of the proposed order to the Court's law clerks with any disputed language in red and blue text.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026CRITICAL

Civil cases

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in

Pleadings, motions, and other submissions must use at least 12-point type, be double-spaced on 8½-by-11-inch paper with one-inch margins, and identify the case style and document name.

A pleading, motion, or other submission shall be typed or printed in 12-point or larger font (including footnotes), double-spaced, on paper sized 8½" x 11" with one-inch margins on all sides and shall be endorsed with the style of the case and the descriptive name of the document.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Technology tutorials are optional; submitted tutorials should be electronic, include voiceovers, and be submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing.

Technology tutorials are optional. If the parties submit one, the tutorial should be in electronic ===== PAGE 8 ===== form, with voiceovers, and submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Format

WORD_PERFECT

Parties may provide electronic versions of proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, which must be in WordPerfect format.

May the parties provide the court with electronic versions of proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law? If so, what format should be used? Yes. Must be in a WordPerfect format.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Exhibits must be placed in three-ring binders.

Exhibits are to be placed in three-ring binders.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Exhibit binders should identify the case style and number and distinguish the plaintiff’s notebook from the defendant’s.

The binders should be labeled with the style of the case, case number, and should distinguish whether it is “Plaintiff’s Exhibit Notebook” or “Defendant’s Exhibit Notebook.”

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and proposed findings and conclusions should be provided in Microsoft Word and emailed to the listed address.

Yes. Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms and/or proposed finds of fact and conclusions of law should be provided in Microsoft Word and emailed to 9 758659.1 ===== PAGE 10 ===== magda_muzza@txwd.uscourts.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

The exhibit binder must include an index and tabs to locate exhibits.

The binder must contain an index and tabs to locate the exhibits.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Format

DOCX

Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and proposed findings and conclusions should be submitted in Microsoft Word by email to the specified Courtroom Deputy address.

Yes. Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms and/or proposed finds of fact and conclusions of law should be provided in Microsoft Word and emailed to magda_muzza@txwd.uscourts.gov.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Format

DOCX

Proposed orders and discovery charts must be provided in Microsoft Word format by email, or parties may request submission through a secure link via the U.S. Court’s Box.com.

Parties are to provide proposed orders and discovery charts in Microsoft Word format via email or if preferred, parties may request for documents to be submitted through a secure link through the US Court’s box.com.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Counsel generally must question witnesses from the podium; the Court will consider well-supported requests to do otherwise if made before trial.

Generally, counsel must question witnesses from the podium, but the Court will entertain well supported requests to do otherwise if made pre-trial.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

There is no automatic overall limit on participating attorneys, but only one attorney may examine a given witness and make cross-examination objections for that witness.

The Court does not automatically impose any limit on the number of attorneys who may make arguments and question witnesses at trial for a single party; however, only one attorney may examine any given witness, including making objections on cross examination.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Only one attorney may handle each argument, though different attorneys may handle the opening and closing statements.

Only one attorney may handle any given argument, although different attorneys may handle the opening and closing statements.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026WARNING

Civil cases

Demonstratives generally may not be used during voir dire, though the Court will consider limited exceptions.

Demonstratives generally may not be used during voir dire, but the Court will entertain limited exceptions to this general practice.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Parties shall send an editable version of the proposed order to the Court’s law clerk with any disputed language in red and blue text.

Summary: Parties must provide an editable proposed order with disputed language shown in red and blue text.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

When filing the Joint Claim Construction Statement, proposed Protective Order, or proposed Scheduling Order, the parties shall also email the Court’s law clerk a Word version of the filed documents.

Summary: When filing specified documents, parties must email the law clerk an editable Word version.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in ?

A pleading, motion, or other submission shall be typed or printed in 12-point or larger font (including footnotes), double-spaced, on paper sized 8½” x 11” with one-inch margins on all sides and shall be endorsed with the style of the case and the descriptive name of the document. Headings, footnotes, and quotations more than two lines long may be single-spaced.

Summary: Pleadings, motions, and submissions must use minimum 12-point font, double spacing, letter-size paper, and one-inch margins, with limited single-spacing exceptions.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Parties shall send an editable version of the proposed instructions to the Court’s law clerk with the disputed language in red and blue text.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions with disputes must be submitted in editable form with disputed text color-coded red and blue.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

If one party disputes the language of the order, then that party shall send an editable version of the proposed order to the Court’s law clerk with the disputed language in red and blue text.

Summary: If proposed order language is disputed, the disputing party must send an editable version to law clerks with red/blue dispute markup.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in ?

A pleading, motion, or other submission shall be typed or printed in 12-point or larger font (including footnotes), double-spaced, on paper sized 8½" x 11" with one-inch margins on all sides and shall be endorsed with the style of the case and the descriptive name of the document. Headings, footnotes, and quotations more than two lines long may be single-spaced.

Summary: Documents must use 12-point font, double-spacing, 8.5"x11" paper, 1-inch margins, and case style endorsement.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

In all patent cases pending before the undersigned or referred magistrate judge, the parties are directed to jointly file the Case Readiness Status Report (“CRSR”) in the format attached as Appendix B: (a) within 7 days after the Defendant (or at least one Defendant among a group of related Defendants sued together) has responded to the initial pleadings in cases where there are no CRSR Related Cases, or (b) when there are CRSR Related Cases, within 7 days after the last Defendant (or last Defendant group when at least one Defendant among the group has responded) among the CRSR Related Cases has responded to the initial pleadings.

Summary: CRSR must be filed in the format attached as Appendix B.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

When filing the Joint Claim Construction Statement, proposed Protective Order, or proposed Scheduling Order, the parties shall also email the Court’s law clerk a Word version of the filed documents.

Summary: Joint Claim Construction Statement, proposed Protective Order, and proposed Scheduling Order must be submitted in Word format via email to the Court’s law clerk.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1 in, right 1 in ?

A pleading, motion, or other submission shall be typed or printed in 12-point or larger font (including footnotes), double-spaced, on paper sized 8½” x 11” with one-inch margins on all sides and shall be endorsed with the style of the case and the descriptive name of the document. Headings, footnotes, and quotations more than two lines long may be single-spaced.

Summary: All pleadings, motions, and submissions must use 12+ point font, double spacing, 8.5x11 paper, 1-inch margins, and include case style and document name; headings/footnotes/long quotes may be single-spaced.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Plaintiff’s exhibits shall be marked using yellow labels as “Plaintiff’s Exhibit 1,” et seq., and Defendant’s exhibits shall be marked using blue labels in a similar manner.

Summary: Plaintiff’s exhibits must use yellow labels; Defendant’s exhibits must use blue labels for identification.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

If joint exhibits are agreed upon, they shall each be identified as such and marked with the case name, case number, and exhibit number as “Joint Exhibit 1,” et seq. If no agreement can be reached, the offering party shall mark his or her own exhibits with the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit to be offered.

Summary: Joint exhibits must be marked with case name, number, and exhibit number; non-agreed exhibits use offering party’s name and case details.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

The pages within each exhibit shall be consecutively paginated.

Summary: All pages within each exhibit must be consecutively paginated.

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Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

The Joint Pretrial Order shall be formatted in accordance with the local rules.

Summary: Joint Pretrial Orders must be formatted in compliance with local court rules.

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Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Counsel shall submit an editable, digital version of exhibit lists, witness lists, and objections in Microsoft Word format and a copy of the exhibits in PDF to the court via email to TXWDml_LawClerks_JudgeAlbright@txwd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Digital copies of exhibit lists, witness lists, and objections must be in Microsoft Word format; exhibits must be PDF, submitted via specified email.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

The court expects the parties to resolve their differences concerning the jury charge. If the parties cannot agree on a particular instruction or issue, however, such disagreement and alternate requests shall be noted on the joint jury charge. The plaintiff’s version of the disputed charge will be in RED text, while the Defendant’s version will be in BLUE text. A dispute concerning the jury charge, if any, will be resolved at the final pretrial conference or at a charge conference.

Summary: Disputed jury charge versions must be in red (plaintiff) and blue (defendant) text; disputes resolved at final pretrial or charge conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Format

DOCX ?

In addition to the versions of the jury charge that shall be attached to the joint pretrial order and filed and the color-coded disputed charge, counsel shall submit an editable, digital version of the jury charge(s) in Microsoft Word to the court via e-mail to TXWDml_LawClerks_JudgeAlbright@txwd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Editable Microsoft Word version of jury charge must be submitted via email to specified address.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Format

DOCX ?

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law shall be in a form suitable for ruling from the bench after closing arguments. Counsel shall separate agreed findings and conclusions from those that are in dispute. Conclusions of law shall cite supporting authority. Each party shall submit proposed final findings of fact and conclusions of law via email, in Microsoft Word format, to TXWDml_LawClerks_JudgeAlbright@txwd.uscourts.gov, at least three days before the final pretrial conference.

Summary: Proposed findings of fact/conclusions of law must be in Microsoft Word, submitted via email three days before final pretrial conference, with agreed/disputed separated and conclusions citing authority.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

All electronic evidence must be provided using the following formats: a. Documents and Photographs: .pdf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .gif b. Video and Audio Recordings: .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .mp4, .wma, .wav, .3gpp

Summary: Electronic evidence must be provided in specific file formats: documents/photos as .pdf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .gif; video/audio as .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .mp4, .wma, .wav, .3gpp.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

JERS has the following file size limits: a. Individual file size of documents (pdf) should not exceed 50 MB. b. Individual files size of audio and video should not exceed 500 MB. Exhibits approaching or exceeding this size limit must be separated into multiple files.

Summary: JERS file size limits: PDF documents ≤50 MB, audio/video files ≤500 MB; exhibits exceeding limits must be split into multiple files.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

All exhibit files must be named using the JERS naming conventions: [ExhibitNumber]_[ExhibitDescription].[FileExtension] Example: 1_PhotoOf789patent.PDF

Summary: All exhibit files must follow JERS naming convention: [ExhibitNumber]_[ExhibitDescription].[FileExtension].

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

The individual file size of documents (pdf) should not exceed 50 MB.

Summary: PDF documents must not exceed 50 MB individual file size.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

The individual file size of audio and video should not exceed 500 MB.

Summary: Audio/video files must not exceed 500 MB individual file size.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

All file names MUST be named using the following naming convention. Not using this exact naming convention will cause problems in our office when uploading your exhibit files. The file name begins with the exhibit number, followed by an underscore to designate that the remaining text of the file name is the description of the exhibit.

Summary: Exhibit files must use specific naming convention with underscore.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Note: An underscore MUST be placed between the exhibit number and exhibit description. DO NOT use an underscore anywhere else in the exhibit file name.

Summary: Underscore required between exhibit number and description only.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Exhibit Number(dash)Sub Letter(Underscore)Exhibit Description(.)File Extension

Summary: Sub exhibits use dash between number and letter, underscore after letter.

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Required

Always ?

The exhibit number needs to be clearly displayed on the first page of each exhibit.

Summary: Exhibit number must be clearly displayed on first page of each exhibit.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

i.e. “P 1” or “Plaintiff Exhibit 1” appended on the bottom right hand corner, either typed or written on the following label:

Summary: Plaintiff exhibits: “P 1” or “Plaintiff Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

i.e. “D 1” or “Defendant Exhibit 1” appended on the bottom right hand corner, either typed or written on the following label:

Summary: Defendant exhibits: “D 1” or “Defendant Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

i.e. “G 1” or “Government Exhibit 1” appended on the bottom right hand corner, either typed or written on the following label:

Summary: Government exhibits: “G 1” or “Government Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

i.e. “J 1” or “Joint Exhibit 1” appended on the bottom right hand corner, either typed or written on the following label:

Summary: Joint exhibits: “J 1” or “Joint Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Assemble the appendix as a single, self-contained document, separate from the pleading, motion, response, reply, or brief.

Summary: Appendix must be a single, self-contained document separate from the main filing.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Assemble the appendix in the following order: (1) cover page; (2) table of contents; and (3) each item, preceded by a slip sheet.

Summary: Appendix must be assembled in order: cover page, table of contents, then each item with a slip sheet.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Do not number the cover page or the table of contents. Number the first slip sheet "App.1" and number each following page sequentially, legibly, and in the lower right-hand corner, through the last page of the appendix. The numbering must not restart at any item. Place the number so it does not obscure the underlying document's text or existing pagination.

Summary: Appendix pagination: cover and TOC unnumbered; first slip sheet numbered App.1; sequential numbering in lower right corner; no restarting; numbers must not obscure underlying text.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Format

PDF ?

All pages in the appendix must be text-searchable. Apply optical character recognition (OCR) to any scanned material, then review the output to confirm that the recognized text accurately matches the document's actual wording. Do not assume OCR alone is sufficient, as faulty OCR can produce a text layer that appears searchable but returns inaccurate or incomplete results. Where OCR is inaccurate or incomplete, parties must make a good-faith effort to remedy the errors—for example, by re-scanning the document to produce a cleaner copy for OCR—recognizing that perfect results are not always attainable.

Summary: All appendix pages must be text-searchable; scanned material must have OCR applied and reviewed for accuracy; good-faith effort to remedy OCR errors required.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

An appendix must be divided into consecutively numbered volumes if it (1) exceeds the size limit for an electronically filed document, or (2) contains materials filed or sought to be filed under seal.

Summary: Appendix must be divided into multiple volumes if it exceeds e-filing size limit or contains sealed materials.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Assemble each volume like a single appendix—a cover page, then a table of contents, then the volume's items, each preceded by its slip sheet—except that the table of contents in every volume must cover the entire appendix, not only that volume.

Summary: Each volume of a multi-volume appendix must have a cover page, a table of contents covering the entire appendix, and items preceded by slip sheets.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

The App.__ pagination runs continuously across all volumes and does not restart. In each volume, do not number the cover page or table of contents. The first slip sheet of a later volume continues the numbering from the last page of the preceding volume.

Summary: Appendix pagination must be continuous across volumes; cover pages and tables of contents are not numbered.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Place each document, in its entirety, within a single volume. Do not divide a document across volumes.

Summary: Each document must be placed entirely within one volume; documents cannot be split across volumes.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

On the cover page of each volume, identify the range of appendix pages the volume contains, using the App.__ numbering.

Summary: Each volume's cover page must show the range of appendix pages it contains.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

All case citations shall use the appropriate Westlaw citation, not Lexis citation.

Summary: Case citations must use Westlaw format, not Lexis.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

All case citations shall use the appropriate Westlaw citation, not Lexis citation.

Summary: Case citations must use Westlaw format, not Lexis.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

The facts set forth in any motion shall be stated in separately numbered paragraphs with citation to a particular pleading or other part of the record supporting the party’s statement. All positions and statements contained in the body of any motion or any responses must contain specific cites to the record supporting the party’s statement. The Court will not search the record for evidence and may not consider any evidence that is not specifically cited in the parties’ briefs.

Summary: Motions must include numbered paragraphs with specific record citations.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Exhibits are to be placed in three-ring binders. The binders should be labeled with the style of the case, case number, and whether the binder is 'Plaintiff's Exhibit Notebook' or 'Defendant's Exhibit Notebook.'

Summary: Exhibits must be organized in three-ring binders with specific labeling.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1.5 in, right 1 in ?

Exhibits are to be placed in three-ring binders. The binders should be labeled with the style of the case, case number, and whether the binder is 'Plaintiff's Exhibit Notebook' or 'Defendant's Exhibit Notebook.' The first page in the binder should have the style of the case, case number, and 'Plaintiff's/Defendant's Exhibit Notebook.' The next page should be the exhibit index. Each exhibit should be tabbed for ease of locating that exhibit. Special exhibit labels are not necessary; you may use the standard 'Plaintiff/Defendant Exhibit' labels. Provide two sets of exhibits for the judge and one set for use by witnesses on the witness stand.

Summary: Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with specific labeling, indexing, and tabbing requirements.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1.5 in, right 1 in ?

Attorneys are required to wear standard business attire. For men, this includes a coat and tie. For women, it includes tailored suits and tailored dresses. Slacks are acceptable if part of a tailored pantsuit. Slacks or skirts with a blouse or sweater, but without a jacket, are not acceptable. Extremely short skirts are not acceptable. Further, see Local Rules AT-4 and AT-5.

Summary: Attorneys must wear standard business attire including coat and tie for men, tailored suits/dresses for women.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Exhibits are to be placed in three-ring binders. The binders should be labeled with the style of the case, case number, and whether the binder is 'Plaintiff's Exhibit Notebook' or 'Defendant's Exhibit Notebook.' The first page in the binder should have the style of the case, case number, and 'Plaintiff's/Defendant's Exhibit Notebook.' The next page should be the exhibit index. Each exhibit should be tabbed for ease of locating that exhibit. Special exhibit labels are not necessary; you may use the standard 'Plaintiff/Defendant Exhibit' labels. Provide one set of exhibits for the judge and one set for use by witnesses on the witness stand.

Summary: Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with specific labeling and indexing requirements.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

11. Document type when submitting proposed orders and discovery charts. Parties are to provide proposed orders and discovery charts in Microsoft Word format via email or if preferred, parties may request for documents to be submitted through a secure link through the US Court’s box.com. To request a secure link, please the Court’s Law Clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeMacLemore@txwd.uscourts.gov. Parties are to utilize the Proposed Scheduling Order Template and the Discovery Dispute Chart Template located under the “Courtroom Guidance” tab.

Summary: Proposed orders and discovery charts must be in Microsoft Word format and use the Court’s templates.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

Parties are to provide proposed orders and discovery charts in Microsoft Word format via email or if preferred, parties may request for documents to be submitted through a secure link through the US Court’s box.com.

Summary: Proposed orders and discovery charts must be in Microsoft Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Format

PDF

VERY Important: The individual file size of documents (pdf) should not exceed 50 MB.

Summary: PDF documents must not exceed 50 MB individual file size.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

The individual file size of audio and video should not exceed 500 MB.

Summary: Audio/video files must not exceed 500 MB individual file size.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Do not include active links or embedded launches in submitted PDF exhibits.

Summary: PDF exhibits must not contain active links or embedded launches.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

All file names MUST be named using the following naming convention. Not using this exact naming convention will cause problems in our office when uploading your exhibit files. The file name begins with the exhibit number, followed by an underscore to designate that the remaining text of the file name is the description of the exhibit.

Summary: Exhibit files must follow specific naming convention with exhibit number and underscore.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

Note: An underscore MUST be placed between the exhibit number and exhibit description. DO NOT use an underscore anywhere else in the exhibit file name.

Summary: Underscore only allowed between exhibit number and description, not elsewhere.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Required

Always ?

SUB EXHIBIT Exhibit Number(dash)Sub Letter(Underscore)Exhibit Description(.)File Extension Limited to 200 characters

Summary: Sub-exhibit files limited to 200 characters and use dash before sub letter.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

All presentations in the courtroom are from the lectern.

Summary: All presentations must be made from the lectern, not counsel table.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

No, the Court will conduct voir dire.

Summary: Court conducts voir dire; attorneys cannot conduct their own.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

Proposed jury instructions, verdict forms and/or proposed finds of fact and conclusions of law should be provided in Microsoft Word and emailed to priscilla_springs@txwd.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be emailed in Microsoft Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Attorneys are required to wear standard business attire. For men, this includes a coat and tie. For women, it includes tailored suits and tailored dresses. Slacks are acceptable if part of a tailored pantsuit. Slacks or skirts with a blouse or sweater, but without a jacket, are not acceptable. Extremely short skirts are not acceptable.

Summary: Standard business attire required in courtroom.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Attorneys are required to wear standard business attire. For men, this includes a coat and tie. For women, it includes tailored suits and tailored dresses. Slacks are acceptable if part of a tailored pantsuit. Slacks or skirts with a blouse or sweater, but without a jacket, are not acceptable. Extremely short skirts are not acceptable.

Summary: Attorneys must wear standard business attire; men must wear coat and tie, women must wear tailored suits/dresses or pantsuits.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

Yes, WordPerfect 9.0.

Summary: Electronic versions of proposed jury instructions/VERDICT forms must be in WordPerfect 9.0 format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

Civil cases

Format

WORD_PERFECT ?

Yes, WordPerfect 9.0.

Summary: Electronic versions of proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be in WordPerfect 9.0 format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.CRITICAL?

The Proposed Undisputed Facts shall be prepared in a two-column format. The left column shall set forth the allegedly undisputed fact. The right column shall set forth the evidence that supports the factual statement. The factual statements should be set forth in sequentially numbered paragraphs. Each paragraph should contain a narrowly focused statement of fact. Each numbered paragraph should address a single subject as concisely as possible.

Summary: Proposed Undisputed Facts must be in a two-column format with numbered paragraphs, each addressing a single subject.

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The opposing party's Response to Proposed Undisputed Facts must be prepared in a three-column format, and track the movant's Proposed Undisputed Facts exactly as prepared by that party. The first column must restate the allegedly undisputed fact verbatim. The second column must state whether each numbered fact in the first column is undisputed or disputed. If a proposed undisputed fact is disputed, the third column must cite evidence supporting the assertion that there is a genuine issue for trial regarding the proposed undisputed fact, or provide a specific evidentiary objection to the evidence on which the movant relies in support of the proposed undisputed fact.

Summary: Response to Proposed Undisputed Facts must be in a three-column format: verbatim fact, undisputed/disputed status, and evidence or objection if disputed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.CRITICAL?

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all motions and responses in opposition to motions filed in cases on the undersigned's docket, must be accompanied by a proposed order which shall be completely separate from all other papers.

Summary: A proposed order accompanying a motion or opposition must be completely separate from all other papers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

If the parties submit one, the tutorial should be in electronic form, with voiceovers, and submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing. In general, tutorials should be: (1) directed to the underlying technology (rather than argument related to infringement or validity), and (2) limited to 15 minutes per side.

Summary: Any submitted technology tutorial should be electronic with voiceover, filed at least 10 days before the Markman hearing, focused on underlying technology, and limited to 15 minutes per side.

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Civil cases

The Court no longer requires physical copies of Markman briefs, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions. Instead, the parties shall jointly contact the Court’s law clerk, at least ten days before the hearing, for a Box link to provide an electronic copy of the briefs, 10 exhibits, and the optional technology tutorial.

Summary: Physical copies are no longer required for Markman, summary judgment, and Daubert submissions; parties must coordinate with the law clerk at least ten days before hearing to provide electronic materials via Box.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

ELECTRONIC ?

The Court can no longer receive USB drives due to security concerns, but the technical advisors can.

Summary: Court cannot receive USB drives due to security concerns.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Place a slip sheet before each item that identifies the item by the content of the document using the same description that appears in the table of contents.

Summary: Each appendix item must be preceded by a slip sheet identifying the item using the same description as in the table of contents.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Create bookmarks, one for each item, that together form a navigable index corresponding to the table of contents. Each bookmark must be labeled with the content of the item using the same description as the table of contents and slip sheet, and must link to the page on which that item's slip sheet appears.

Summary: Appendix must include bookmarks for each item, labeled with the same description as the TOC and slip sheet, linking to the slip sheet page.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

If a party intends to include non-documentary materials (e.g., videotapes and other physical materials) or oversized materials (e.g., maps and schematic drawings) in the appendix, it must contact the Court at least 7 days before filing the appendix (absent good cause) to determine the appropriate method to submit those materials. The appendix should include a separate slip sheet for each non-documentary item and identify on the slip sheet that the item was or will be separately filed with the Court.

Summary: Appendices with non-documentary or oversized materials must include a separate slip sheet for each item noting it was or will be separately filed.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, left 1.5 in, right 1 in ?

No chewing gum, no active cell phone use, and no beverages at counsel tables unless approved by the court. Counsel will question the witnesses from the lectern. Request permission to approach a witness or the bench. Do not approach the lectern or walk behind opposing counsel when opposing counsel is conducting direct or cross examination. Dress consistent with court decorum rules. Anyone addressing the court must stand.

Summary: Courtroom decorum rules prohibit gum, active cell phones, and beverages at counsel tables without approval; require standing when addressing court; specify lectern use and permission requirements.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Tardiness. Attorneys talking too fast and upsetting the Court Reporter. Not immediately notifying the Court that a motion is unopposed (or that portions of a motion are uncontested).

Summary: Court dislikes tardiness, attorneys talking too fast, and failure to notify when motions are unopposed.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.WARNING?

Civil cases

If physically able, counsel must stand when addressing the court, making objections, or examining witnesses unless otherwise instructed.

Summary: Counsel who are physically able must stand when addressing the Court, objecting, or examining witnesses, unless instructed otherwise.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Water bottles are allowed at the counsel table, no other beverages are allowed in the courtroom.

Summary: Only water bottles permitted at counsel table; no other beverages allowed in courtroom.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

The Court will provide a time limit on opening statements. If counsel becomes repetitive or excessive the court may ask them to conclude their statements.

Summary: Court sets time limits for opening statements and may cut off repetitive/excessive presentations.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

(2) A statement of the party's claims or defenses to be used by the court in conducting voir dire. The statement shall be no longer than one-half page with type double-spaced.

Summary: Statement of claims or defenses for voir dire must be double-spaced and no longer than half a page.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.WARNING?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Water bottles are allowed at the counsel table, no other beverages are allowed in the courtroom.

Summary: Only water bottles permitted at counsel table; no other beverages allowed.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

The Court encourages the parties to provide their submission in a Word document in the following table format, which clearly identifies the disputed issues and specific relief requested.

Summary: The Court encourages discovery-dispute submissions in Word using a table format that clearly presents issues and requested relief.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

ELECTRONIC

Technology tutorials are optional, especially in cases where a technical advisor has been appointed. If the parties submit one, the tutorial should be in electronic form, with voiceovers, and submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing. In general, tutorials should be: (1) directed to the underlying technology (rather than argument related to infringement or validity), and (2) limited to 15 minutes per side. The tutorial will not be part of the record and the parties may not rely on or cite to the tutorial in other aspects of the litigation.

Summary: Technology tutorials optional, electronic form, 10 days before Markman, 15 minutes per side

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Format

ELECTRONIC ?

The Court no longer requires physical copies of Markman briefs, summary judgment motions, and Daubert motions.

Summary: Physical copies no longer required for Markman, MSJ, and Daubert motions.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

The Court encourages the parties to provide their submission in a Word document in the following table format, which clearly identifies the disputed issues and specific relief requested.

Summary: Parties are encouraged to submit discovery dispute summaries in Word document format using a specified table layout.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

If the parties submit one, the tutorial should be in electronic form, with voiceovers, and submitted at least 10 days before the Markman hearing. In general, tutorials should be: (1) directed to the underlying technology (rather than argument related to infringement or validity), and (2) limited to 15 minutes per side.

Summary: Technology tutorials should be electronic with voiceovers, submitted 10 days before Markman hearing, focused on underlying technology, and limited to 15 minutes per side.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

Example: 1_Photograph of Gun.PDF

Summary: Example of correct file naming: 1_Photograph of Gun.PDF

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

Example: 1-A_Photograph of Gun Marked Up.pdf

Summary: Example of sub exhibit naming: 1-A_Photograph of Gun Marked Up.pdf

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

Civil cases

Format

DOCX ?

The Court encourages the parties to provide their submission in a Word document in the following table format:

Summary: The Court encourages, but does not require, parties to submit their dispute materials in a Word document using the provided table format.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.INFO?

Civil cases

Headings, footnotes, and quotations more than two lines long may be single-spaced.

Summary: Headings, footnotes, and quotations longer than two lines may be single-spaced.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

No, but parties are encouraged to hyperlink citations in their briefs for Westlaw or Lexis access.

Summary: Hyperlinking citations in briefs is encouraged but not required.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Required

Always ?

Trials normally convene at 8:30 a.m. and adjourn around 5:00 p.m., recessing for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Summary: Trials typically run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with lunch recess from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

From the lectern.

Summary: Counsel should address Court and witnesses from the lectern.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Two 15 min. breaks during the day. One hour for lunch. If the case runs behind schedule, the lunch break may be cut short and we may work past 5:30 p.m.

Summary: Court trial days typically run 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with two 15-minute breaks and one-hour lunch.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

If a motion or response contains numerous exhibits, consider delivering a "hard copy" to Chambers. Briefs or motions on CD with hyperlinks to cases or exhibits are also accepted. To the extent possible, scanned documents should be made searchable through optical character recognition (OCR) before electronic filing.

Summary: Large exhibits should be delivered as hard copy to Chambers; CD with hyperlinks accepted; OCR recommended.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Attorneys are required to wear standard business attire. For men, this includes a coat and tie. Otherwise, see Local Rule AT-5.

Summary: Attorneys must wear standard business attire including coat and tie for men.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Trial will normally convene at 9:00 a.m. and adjourn around 5:00 p.m., recessing for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.

Summary: Trial days typically run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with lunch recess.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

ELECTRONIC

The court has the ability to receive all trial exhibits in electronic format. The jury is then able to review the admitted exhibits during deliberations using the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS). Instructions on how to submit exhibits in the appropriate electronic format may be found here.

Summary: Court accepts electronic trial exhibits for JERS system.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Format

DOCX ?

Yes. Documents may be submitted in Word.

Summary: Electronic versions of jury instructions and verdict forms accepted in Word format.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Yes.

Summary: Parties may leave exhibits and equipment in the courtroom overnight.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

The Judge will conduct the principal voir dire. Attorneys may submit written questions in advance. On completion of the general voir dire, the Judge typically allows attorneys to ask follow-up questions (a time limit of 20 minutes is usually imposed).

Summary: Judge conducts principal voir dire; attorneys may submit written questions and ask 20-minute follow-up questions.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Counsel are normally afforded 20-30 minutes to make an opening statement.

Summary: Opening statements in criminal cases typically allowed 20-30 minutes.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

I prefer when citations and other matters are included in the body of a document’s text, as opposed to a footnote. That said, a string citation is fine in a footnote.

Summary: Citations preferred in body text, string citations acceptable in footnotes.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.INFO?

Civil cases

Required

Always ?

Trial will normally convene at 9:00 a.m. and adjourn around 4:30 p.m. recessing for lunch between 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Summary: Trial days typically run 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with lunch recess 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.