Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Fred W. Slaughter's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Fred W. Slaughter?

Courtesy copies are required for review motion. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by chambers copy. Must provide courtesy copies of moving papers and responses to Magistrate Judge's chambers.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Discovery

Does Judge Fred W. Slaughter require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Local Rule 7-3 requires meet and confer before filing any motion; must discuss thoroughly, preferably in person; statement of compliance required; sanctions possible for non-compliance; no exceptions for pro se or futility.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Motions – General Requirements

What page or word limits apply to memorandum of points and authorities before Judge Fred W. Slaughter?

Judge Fred W. Slaughter's rule states these limits: 7000 words. Excludes caption, table of contents, table of authorities, signature block, certificates, indices, and exhibits. Memoranda of Points and Authorities limited to 7,000 words (excluding specified items).

View ruleSource: page 5, section Length and Format of Motion Papers

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Fred W. Slaughter?

Judge Fred W. Slaughter's formatting rule includes times new roman font, 14 point type. All briefing must use Times New Roman, 14-point font (including footnotes).

View ruleSource: page 5, section Length and Format of Motion Papers

What must be included with rule 26f meeting filings before Judge Fred W. Slaughter?

The rule requires certificate of conference. Rule 26(f) meeting must occur 21 days before scheduling conference, can be telephonic, written correspondence insufficient.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Scheduling Conference and Rule 26(f) Meeting of Counsel

What must be included with joint rule 26f report filings before Judge Fred W. Slaughter?

The rule requires caption, judge name, and case number. Joint Rule 26(f) Report due 14 days before scheduling conference; late/non-conforming reports may result in sanctions including dismissal.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Joint Rule 26(f) Report

How may parties contact Judge Fred W. Slaughter's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Fred W. Slaughter's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Do not contact chambers for status or legal advice; consult rules first.

How does Judge Fred W. Slaughter handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Fred W. Slaughter's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. File both sealed and redacted versions for confidential documents

View ruleSource: page 12, section Under Seal Filings

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Fred W. Slaughter?

Judge Fred W. Slaughter's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. Continuances require showing of good cause.

View ruleSource: page 14, section XIV. Continuances

Does Judge Fred W. Slaughter encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Fred W. Slaughter's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Lead counsel must attend proceedings; junior counsel encouraged to participate in arguments and witness examination.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Presence of Lead Counsel
Complete rules summary for Judge Fred W. Slaughter

Lead counsel must attend proceedings; junior counsel encouraged to participate in arguments and witness examination.

Rule 26(f) meeting must occur 21 days before scheduling conference, can be telephonic, written correspondence insufficient.

All briefing must use Times New Roman, 14-point font (including footnotes).

Joint Rule 26(f) Report due 14 days before scheduling conference; late/non-conforming reports may result in sanctions including dismissal.

Discovery matters referred to Magistrate Judge; must include "DISCOVERY MATTER" in caption; no courtesy copies to Judge Slaughter.

Must follow Magistrate Judge's scheduling procedures as stated on their webpage.

Motion for review of Magistrate Judge's order must be filed within 14 days, specify clearly erroneous portions, and include supporting memorandum.

Must provide courtesy copies of moving papers and responses to Magistrate Judge's chambers.

All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable text.

Local Rule 7-3 requires meet and confer before filing any motion; must discuss thoroughly, preferably in person; statement of compliance required; sanctions possible for non-compliance; no exceptions for pro se or futility.

Notice of motion must include statement of compliance with Local Rule 7-3.

Court may strike, deny, or sanction motions if counsel fails to meet and confer in good faith.

Motions heard on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.; if Thursday is holiday, heard on next Thursday.

Memoranda of Points and Authorities limited to 7,000 words (excluding specified items).

Memoranda over 10 pages require Table of Authorities and Table of Contents.

All documents must be text-searchable (OCR’d).

Declarations, exhibits, and attachments must be filed as separately-docketed attachments with descriptions.

Court may strike documents with improperly filed attachments.

Case law citations must include page numbers and follow Bluebook style.

Statutory, treatise, and prior filing citations must be specific and follow Bluebook style.

Court may decide matters without oral argument and will notify parties.

AI-generated content requires separate disclosure declaration certifying accuracy and Rule 11 compliance.

Motions to amend must state effect, be serially numbered, and identify proposed changes.

Proposed amended pleading and redlined version must be filed separately with motion.

Redlined version must be delivered to opposing counsel 2 hours before Local Rule 7-3 conference.

Motions in limine must follow Scheduling Order and be heard before Final Pretrial Conference.

Motions for default judgment must be filed within 14 days of default entry or resolution of claims.

Motions for default judgment must show subject-matter and personal jurisdiction.

Attorney's fees request must be included with default judgment motion or subsequent requests will be struck.

Movant must appear at default judgment hearing prepared to argue even without opposition.

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