Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. Chambers copies of sealed documents must be in sealed envelopes with title page attached.
Judge Margo A. Rocconi's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery disputes. Telephonic and/or in-person conferences required to resolve discovery disputes; email exchanges insufficient.
Judge Margo A. Rocconi's rule states these limits: 15 pages; 25 pages; 25 pages; 5 pages. Page limits: 15 pages for motions to dismiss/opposition, 25 pages for summary judgment/Daubert, 5 pages for reply briefs.
The rule requires caption, judge name, case number, and legal argument. Post-trial motions limited to specific categories: costs, clerical errors, verdict conformity, enforcement, new trial.
The rule requires certificate of service. Meet-and-confer must discuss Rule 26(b)(1) relevance and proportionality factors; relevance limited to claims/defenses.
Judge Margo A. Rocconi's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Redacted documents must include 'REDACTED' in caption and docket text.
Requests should be made at least 14 days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Margo A. Rocconi. The request must include reason for request and number of previous requests. Pretrial conference within 150 days, trial within 180 days; one 14-day extension allowed.
Pretrial conference within 150 days, trial within 180 days; one 14-day extension allowed.
Discovery limited to 120 days with specific numerical limits per side.
Discovery motions due 30 days before discovery ends; informal procedure encouraged.
Page limits: 15 pages for motions to dismiss/opposition, 25 pages for summary judgment/Daubert, 5 pages for reply briefs.
Each party limited to one expert witness unless permitted by Court or agreement.
Post-trial motions limited to specific categories: costs, clerical errors, verdict conformity, enforcement, new trial.
New trial motions due within 10 days; limited to judicial/jury misconduct or corruption/fraud.
Withdrawal from expedited procedure requires leave of Court and showing of good cause.
Non-compliance may result in discovery sanctions and attorney's fees.
Parties must be familiar with December 2015 FRCP revisions and cannot cite pre-2015 cases inconsistent with revisions.
Telephonic and/or in-person conferences required to resolve discovery disputes; email exchanges insufficient.
Meet-and-confer must discuss Rule 26(b)(1) relevance and proportionality factors; relevance limited to claims/defenses.
No boilerplate objections violating Rule 34(b)(2); disproportionality not synonym for other objections; conclusory objections waived.
Discovery plans must substantively discuss Rule 26(f)(3) topics; issues not raised in plan may be waived.
Motions to compel filed near discovery cutoff date are summarily rejected without showing due diligence and good cause.
Failure to obtain non-waiver agreement/order under Rule 502 may be considered in privilege disputes.
Sanctions for ESI preservation must follow amended Rule 37(e); pre-2015 cases should be used cautiously.
Mandatory chambers copies and proposed orders required for sealed documents.
Attorneys must e-file sealed documents in public/non-sealed civil cases using CM/ECF starting December 1, 2015.
E-filing sealed documents only required in public/non-sealed civil cases, not criminal or fully sealed cases.
Pro se parties must file sealed documents in paper even if they have e-filing permission.
Must use Under Seal Filing Events menu to e-file sealed documents; regular motion events will make documents public.
Must obtain court leave before filing any sealed document, even if statute/rule authorizes it.
Application for Leave to File Under Seal must include declaration, proposed order, redacted and unredacted documents.
Application, proposed order, redacted documents and docket entry are public; declaration and sealed documents are not.
Protective order parties must file declaration explaining why documents should be sealed using Sealed Declaration in Support event.
Party must file sealed document after leave granted; Clerk's Office will not file it.
Must file document under seal after obtaining leave or cannot rely on it in the case.
Sealed documents not accessible through NEF; filing party must serve them on opposing counsel by other means.
Certificate of service required with every sealed filing; copy of NEF should be served with sealed documents.