Courtesy copies are required for joint rule 26f reports. Details: delivery discouraged. Courtesy chambers copies of electronically filed Joint Rule 26(f) Reports are discouraged.
Judge Michelle Williams Court's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Pre-filing conference required before filing motions.
Judge Michelle Williams Court's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Motion memoranda limited to 25 pages.
Judge Michelle Williams Court's rule states these limits: 12 pages. Reply memoranda limited to 12 pages.
Judge Michelle Williams Court's formatting rule includes other font, 14 point type, proportionally spaced font must be 14-point or larger, and monospaced font may not contain more than 10½ characters per inch. Font requirements: proportionally spaced 14-point or larger, or monospaced not exceeding 10½ characters per inch.
The rule requires judge name and case number. Joint Rule 26(f) Report due 7 days after meet-and-confer and 14 days before scheduling conference.
The rule requires proposed order and exhibit list. Joint Rule 26(f) Report must include completed Schedule Worksheet.
Parties may contact Judge Michelle Williams Court's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Scheduling conferences are in-person by default; Zoom requests require 7-day advance filing with good cause declaration and meet-and-confer certification.
Judge Michelle Williams Court's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Trade secret cases require special identification procedures.
Requests should be made at least 14 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Michelle Williams Court. Discovery adequacy motions must be filed early enough to obtain responses before cut-off.
Yes. Judge Michelle Williams Court requires bundling for covered papers. Defense must provide two tabbed three-ring binders for exhibits if more than 20 exhibits expected.
Yes. Judge Michelle Williams Court's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers from under-represented groups conducting argument may increase likelihood of oral argument.
Scheduling conferences are in-person by default; Zoom requests require 7-day advance filing with good cause declaration and meet-and-confer certification.
Joint Rule 26(f) Report due 7 days after meet-and-confer and 14 days before scheduling conference.
Courtesy chambers copies of electronically filed Joint Rule 26(f) Reports are discouraged.
Joint Rule 26(f) Report drafted by Plaintiff or Defendant's counsel; if Plaintiff pro se, Defendant's counsel drafts unless Plaintiff prefers.
Joint Rule 26(f) Report must be a single signed report from all parties.
Joint Rule 26(f) Report must include scheduling conference date on caption page.
Parties must discuss likelihood of additional parties appearing.
All parties must personally attend ADR before trial.
Trial estimates over 4 days require detailed justification.
Parties may consent to magistrate judge for all proceedings including jury trials.
Court defaults to Court Mediation Panel if no ADR method selected.
Joint Rule 26(f) Report must include completed Schedule Worksheet.
Hearings scheduled on Fridays at 1:30 PM.
Discovery cut-off date is last day for depositions, responses, and discovery motions.
Discovery adequacy motions must be filed early enough to obtain responses before cut-off.
Worksheet completion instructions for agreed/disagreed dates.
Trade secret cases require special identification procedures.
Trade secret identification statement must include numbered list, background, and secrecy efforts.
Trade secret identification must be filed and served within 60 days.
Parties may agree to a later deadline for trade secret identification.
Trade secret discovery cannot begin until identification is filed.
Continuance of Scheduling Conference requires good cause.
Court may issue Scheduling Order without conference based on Joint Rule 26(f) Report.
Lead trial counsel must attend Scheduling Conference unless excused for good cause.
Failure to submit Joint Rule 26(f) Report or attend Scheduling Conference may result in dismissal, default, or sanctions.
Counsel must provide Order to parties appearing after its date.
Counsel must deliver copy of Order to their clients.
Lead trial counsel must attend all proceedings including status and settlement conferences.
CM/ECF system available 24/7 for electronic filing; parties may register for PACER access.
Pro se litigants may mail filings to Clerk or use EDSS if unable to e-file.