Judge Reggie B. Walton
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 20 pages
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Adjournments
- Hearing rescheduling requires 4-day advance motion with 4 alternative dates.
- Extension motions require good cause showing and focus on diligence and prejudice.
- Initial scheduling conference scheduled 5-6 weeks after initial scheduling order.
- Extension motions must include: previous extensions, grounds, effect on deadlines, and timeline for dispositive motions.
- +1 more
Request must include
- Telephonic appearance allowed with good cause; joint motion required 10 days before hearing.
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits5 rules
Except for especially complex cases, or as otherwise authorized by the Court, opening statements shall be limited to no more than thirty (30) minutes per side.
Page limitations are prescribed in Local Civil Rule 7(e). Only in rare instances, and for good cause shown, will these page limitations be waived by the Court.
Motions for reconsideration limited to 10 pages and only when FRCP 59(e) or 60(b) requirements are met.
- Motion for reconsideration
- Up to 10 pages
- Reconsideration motions
Court's wording
Motions to alter or amend judgments (commonly known as “motions for reconsideration”) are strongly discouraged. Such motions shall be filed only when the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 59(e) and/or Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 60(b) are satisfied. If such a motion is filed, it shall not exceed ten (10) pages in length.
Oppositions are limited to the same page restriction.
The caption, signature blocks, and any required tables, shall not count toward these limits.
Excluded from the limit
- •Caption
- •Signature block
Document Format Requirements6 rules
When not using lectern, counsel must use handheld/lapel mic and keep it in place.
Court's wording
Counsel are not required to question witnesses from the lectern. When counsel do not question witnesses from the lectern, they must use a handheld or lapel microphone. Neither the handheld nor lapel microphone shall ever be removed from the
Counsel must use formal titles for all witnesses, including clients; first names/nicknames prohibited.
Court's wording
During the interrogation of witnesses, counsel shall refer to all witnesses under interrogation, including their clients, as “Mr.,” “Sir,” “Ms.,” “Mrs.,” or “Ma’am.” The use of first names or nicknames is prohibited.
Voir dire questions must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format by email at least 7 days before trial.
- File type
- Word
- Voir dire questions
Court's wording
Proposed voir dire questions must be submitted to the Court at least seven (7) days before the scheduled trial date electronically in Microsoft Word. The parties must send a copy of the proposed voir dire questions by e-mail to the Court.
Filings shall include a page number on the bottom of each page.
The parties are highly discouraged from using uncommon acronyms. If uncommon acronyms cannot be avoided, then they shall be defined upon first usage of the acronyms.
Formatting
- •Define uncommon acronyms on first use
- •Highly discouraged from using uncommon acronyms
The parties are strongly encouraged to reference the parties as “the plaintiffs” and “the defendants,” respectively.
Formatting
- •Use “the plaintiffs” and “the defendants” when referring to parties
Document Filing Requirements52 rules
13. a certification from counsel that they have discussed, in good-faith, every topic listed in Local Civil Rule 16.3(c) and this Order.
- Document
- Joint report
Include
- •Certificate of conference
to notify her that the defendant and/or any witnesses will require interpretive services provided by the Court—this must be done at least ten (10) days in advance of the relevant court proceeding
The Court will not entertain stipulations concerning extensions of time. The parties must file a motion, whether consented to or not, when seeking an extension.
Counsel must submit 6 categories of documents at least 3 days before guilty plea hearings.
Court's wording
At least three (3) days in advance of the hearing, counsel shall submit to the Court the following documents: (a) the written plea agreement; (b) the elements for each offense to which a guilty plea will be entered; (c) the factual proffer regarding the charged conduct the defendant is prepared to acknowledge; (d) a statement of all potential penalty consequences of the guilty plea; (e) written notice as to whether the defendant will be pleading guilty to an "aggravated felony" as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43), which would subject the defendant to mandatory deportation and other potential consequences, if the defendant is not a United States citizen, and (f) any superseding indictment or new information, if applicable.
Absent exceptional circumstances, Giglio Material must be disclosed four weeks prior to the date of the start of trial.
Brady Material discovered after indictment must be disclosed within 2 weeks or 4 weeks before trial/plea.
Court's wording
Brady Material (other than Giglio Material) that becomes known to the Government following filing of the indictment must be disclosed, absent exceptional circumstances, within two weeks of when it becomes known and, in any event, no later than four weeks prior to any trial or guilty plea.
Brady Material known at indictment must be disclosed to defense within 2 weeks of indictment filing.
Court's wording
Brady Material known to the Government at the time of indictment—other than purely impeachment materials and information required to be produced pursuant to Giglio v. United States and its progeny (“Giglio Material”)—must be produced to defense counsel no later than two weeks following the date of the filing of the indictment, regardless of whether the parties are engaged in plea discussions.
Government must continuously seek Brady and Giglio Material from all relevant agencies.
Court's wording
To achieve adequate compliance with the foregoing rules, the Government has a continuing obligation to seek Brady Material and Giglio Material from law enforcement and regulatory agencies that are or have been involved in the prosecution of the defendant or in parallel proceedings or investigations involving the defendant.
In accordance with Local Criminal Rule 57.7(b)(1), counsel must refrain from releasing or authorizing the release of information or opinions regarding criminal matters pending before
Giglio material developed less than four weeks before trial (e.g., as a result of further interviews of witnesses) must be disclosed immediately.
If counsel desire that any additional preliminary instructions be given, they should make that request in writing at least five (5) days before the trial is scheduled to commence.
Counsel are expected to object if improper statements are made by opposing counsel during opening statements.
Counsel are reminded that the Court will enforce the traditional rules regarding opening statements and closing arguments, e.g., no personal opinions and no personal attacks on opposing counsel.
All objections or other statements by counsel shall be made while standing.
Motions in limine must follow case orders; decided on papers or after hearing as Court determines.
Court's wording
The parties are expected to file any such motions in accordance with any order that is issued in the case. Such motions will be decided either on the papers, when possible, or after a hearing, if the Court decides that a hearing is necessary.
Counsel for the parties shall file motions in limine regarding any issues that they reasonably expect will be contested at trial.
Objections must state only legal basis without elaboration
Court's wording
Counsel who lodge objections before a jury must state merely the legal basis for their objections, i.e., hearsay, relevancy, etc., without elaboration or argument, and the Court will rule on the objection without additional discussion whenever possible.
Exhibit lists with descriptions due 3 days before trial
Court's wording
Unless otherwise indicated by the Court, all of the parties' exhibits are to be marked numerically in advance of trial, and the written list of the exhibits along with a brief description of each exhibit must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel at least three (3) days before the trial commences.
Exhibit list with descriptions must be submitted at least 3 days before trial.
Court's wording
(l) Exhibit Lists: Unless otherwise indicated by the Court, all of the parties' exhibits are to be marked numerically in advance of trial, and the written list of the exhibits along with a brief description of each exhibit must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel at least three (3) days before the trial commences.
Proposed voir dire questions must be submitted to the Court at least seven (7) days before the scheduled trial date electronically in Microsoft Word.
3 days before guilty plea hearing, submit plea agreement, elements, factual proffer, penalty consequences, aggravated felony notice, and superseding indictment if applicable.
- Document
- Guilty plea hearing
Must include
- •Factual proffer
- •Superseding indictment
- •Written plea agreement
- •Elements for each offense
Court's wording
At least three (3) days in advance of the hearing, counsel shall submit to the Court the following documents: (a) the written plea agreement; (b) the elements for each offense to which a guilty plea will be entered; (c) the factual proffer regarding the charged conduct the defendant is prepared to acknowledge; (d) a statement of all potential penalty consequences of the guilty plea; (e) written notice as to whether the defendant will be pleading guilty to an “aggravated felony” as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43), which would subject the defendant to mandatory deportation and other potential consequences, if the defendant is not a United States citizen, and (f) any superseding indictment or new information, if applicable.
Counsel must furnish current photographs of all trial witnesses prior to final jury instruction, reflecting their appearance at trial.
Court's wording
Prior to the final instruction of the jury, counsel for each party shall furnish to the Court current photographs of all witnesses called during the course of the trial. Government counsel shall be responsible for providing photographs of the witnesses called by the government, and defense counsel shall be responsible for providing photographs of the witnesses called by the defense. These photographs should reflect how the witness looked at the time he or she appeared at trial (e.g., current hairstyle, facial hair, etc.).
Government strikes first in first 6 rounds; defendant gets 2 strikes in rounds 1-4, 1 strike in rounds 5-6.
Court's wording
During the first six (6) rounds of peremptory strikes on the non-alternate jurors, the government on each round will exercise its strikes first, followed by the defendant who on rounds one through four will exercise two strikes, and on the last two rounds one strike.
Proposed jury instructions must use most recent Criminal Jury Instructions for District of Columbia; alternative versions require Court notification in separate filing.
Court's wording
Proposed instructions submitted by counsel shall include the instructions contained in the most recent addition of the Criminal Jury Instructions for the District of Columbia. If any other version of the proposed instructions are submitted, counsel shall specifically advise the Court of this fact in a separate filing.
Strikes for cause will be entertained immediately after the individual questioning of each potential juror.
Submissions with multiple exhibits require index; exhibits must be edited.
- Document
- Submission with exhibits
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
Each submission that attaches more than one exhibit shall contain an index of exhibits. Exhibits shall be edited properly to exclude irrelevant material and to direct the Court’s attention to the pertinent portions thereof.
Any motion or opposition that does not comply with Local Civil Rule 7, unless otherwise indicated below, will be sua sponte denied.
All motions must be accompanied by a proposed order setting forth the relief or action sought with specificity. See LCvR 7(c).
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Counsel may not file a sur-reply without first requesting leave of the Court.
Memos 10+ pages require Table of Contents and Table of Authorities.
- Document
- Memorandum of points and authorities
Must include
- •Table of contents
- •Table of authorities
Court's wording
Every memorandum of points and authorities that is ten (10) pages or more in length must contain a Table of Contents and Table of Authorities, regardless of whether it is filed in support of or in opposition to a motion.
The Court requires that the parties file motions, whether consented to or not, rather than stipulations.
Counsel with settlement authority must appear at the initial scheduling conference and at the final pre-trial conference.
- Document
- Initial scheduling conference
Must include
- •Settlement authority
counsel shall meet and confer and then submit their joint Report addressing all topics listed in Local Civil Rule 16.3(c) no later than fourteen (14) days following that meeting.
- Document
- Joint report
Must include
- •Meet and confer
Exempt proceedings require joint statement within 14 days of all appearances.
- Document
- Joint statement
Must include
- •Dispositive motions
Court's wording
If the proceeding is exempt under Rule 16.3(b), counsel for both parties shall jointly prepare and submit a statement to the Court, no later than fourteen (14) days after counsel for all parties have entered an appearance in the matter, indicating whether they believe the matter will be resolved solely through the filing of dispositive motions and proposing a scheduling timeline for the filing of such motions, as well as oppositions and replies.
Administrative record required within 30 days of joint statement for dispositive motions.
- Document
- Administrative record
Must include
- •Dispositive motions
Court's wording
To the extent an administrative record is necessary for the resolution of any dispositive motion, the administrative record must be filed with the Court no later than thirty (30) days after the parties’ joint statement has been submitted to the Court.
The parties must furnish precise citations to the portions of the record on which they rely; the Court need not consider materials not specifically identified. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(1)(A), (c)(3).
Responding party must restate movant's facts and provide response after each numbered paragraph.
- Document
- Opposition to summary judgment
Must include
- •Statement of facts
Court's wording
The party responding to a statement of material facts must (1) restate the movant’s statement of undisputed material fact in numbered paragraphs, and (2) immediately following each numbered paragraph state the opponent’s response to the stated fact.
Moving party's statement of material facts must be numbered paragraphs with one factual assertion each.
- Document
- Motion for summary judgment
Must include
- •Statement of facts
Court's wording
The moving party’s statement of material facts shall be a short and concise statement, in numbered paragraphs, of all material facts as to which the moving party claims there is no genuine dispute. The statement must contain only one factual assertion in each numbered paragraph.
Additional facts must be in consecutively numbered paragraphs at end; movant must respond with reply brief.
- Document
- Opposition to summary judgment
Must include
- •Statement of facts
Court's wording
If the responding party has additional facts that are not directly relevant to its response to any specific paragraph, it must identify such facts in consecutively numbered paragraphs at the end of its responsive statement of facts. If such additional factual allegations are made, the movant must file a responsive statement of its own with its reply brief.
Court will not entertain motions that reassert rejected arguments or raise new arguments for first time.
Court's wording
The Court will not entertain: (a) motions that simply reassert arguments previously raised and rejected by the Court; and (b) arguments that should have been previously raised, but are being raised for the first time in the motion for reconsideration.
When case authority is cited in passing or as supplemental authority for a stated principle or rule, parenthetical descriptions of that case’s holding should immediately follow.
All citations must be in accordance with the most recent edition of The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation. All citations to case authority should include exact page references.
When case authority is accessible only through online resources, either the Westlaw (preferred) or the LexisNexis citation must be provided.
Failure to comply with this requirement will be deemed a waiver and/or sanctions will be imposed if the Court decides to entertain untimely voir dire requests.
Failure to oppose motion may result in concession; failure to respond to arguments may result in concession of those arguments.
Court's wording
If a party fails to oppose a motion, the Court may treat the motion as conceded. Similarly, if a party fails to respond to arguments in opposition papers, the Court may treat those specific arguments as conceded.
Jurors must leave notebooks in jury box during recesses; Clerk collects and returns them daily.
Court's wording
During recesses, the jurors will be required to leave their notebooks in their seats in the jury box. At the end of each day, the notebooks will be collected by the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, and will be placed back in the jurors’ seats in the jury box at the commencement of the trial on the following day.
In the event there are multiple defendants in a case, when practicable, each defendant will be provided with an equal number of peremptory strikes.
The potential jurors will then be individually returned to the courtroom for individual questioning by the Court and counsel.
if that space is needed to seat the entire venire. Once all of the jurors are seated, they will be placed under oath and the Court will make a statement about jury service and its importance.
Jurors complete voir dire forms indicating affirmative responses.
Court's wording
The Court will then ask the jurors collectively the voir dire questions the Court agreed to ask the venire. The jurors will designate, on a form provided to them by the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, the questions to which they have affirmative responses.
There is a presumption that all cases will be referred for some form of alternative dispute resolution.
If the movant fails to include a responsive statement of facts with its reply brief, the Court may treat as conceded any such facts asserted in the movant’s statement of facts.
- Document
- Reply to summary judgment
Include
- •Statement of facts
Filing & Service rules
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, with tabbed exhibits.
The parties are instructed to provide a courtesy copy of any filing that exceeds twenty (20) pages, including exhibits and, if applicable, the administrative record, to the Court’s chambers upon filing. Exhibits in courtesy copies shall be tabbed for ease of reference.
Civil cases
Page 3 | 5. Motions Generally
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
In addition to Local Criminal Rule 49(f)(6), the parties should not presume that entire documents will be permitted to be filed under seal, but instead should strive to redact only the information that cannot be disclosed on the public docket. Therefore, when filing a motion for leave to file under seal, the moving party must not only submit the unredacted version that it seeks to file under seal, but also submit a proposed redacted version of the document for public docketing, if possible.
In addition to Local Criminal Rule 49(f)(6), the parties should not presume that entire documents will be permitted to be filed under seal, but instead should strive to redact only the information that cannot be disclosed on the public docket. Therefore, when filing a motion for leave to file under seal, the moving party must not only submit the unredacted version that it seeks to file under seal, but also submit a proposed redacted version of the document for public docketing, if possible.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | VI. Motions for Leave to File Under Seal
In addition to Local Criminal Rule 49(f)(6), the parties should not presume that entire documents will be permitted to be filed under seal, but instead should strive to redact only the information that cannot be disclosed on the public docket. Therefore, when filing a motion for leave to file under seal, the moving party must not only submit the unredacted version that it seeks to file under seal, but also submit a proposed redacted version of the document for public docketing, if possible.
In addition to Local Criminal Rule 49(f)(6), the parties should not presume that entire documents will be permitted to be filed under seal, but instead should strive to redact only the information that cannot be disclosed on the public docket. Therefore, when filing a motion for leave to file under seal, the moving party must not only submit the unredacted version that it seeks to file under seal, but also submit a proposed redacted version of the document for public docketing, if possible.
Criminal cases
Motion for leave to file under seal requires both unredacted and proposed redacted versions.
when filing a motion for leave to file under seal, the moving party must not only submit the unredacted version that it seeks to file under seal, but also submit a proposed redacted version of the document for public docketing, if possible.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Motions for Leave to File Under Seal
Should such a case qualify as “widely publicized or sensationalized” under Local Criminal Rule 57.7(c), parties, witnesses, and counsel must refrain from making extrajudicial statements that are likely to interfere with the rights of the defendant to a fair trial by an impartial jury.
Should such a case qualify as “widely publicized or sensationalized” under Local Criminal Rule 57.7(c), parties, witnesses, and counsel must refrain from making extrajudicial statements that are likely to interfere with the rights of the defendant to a fair trial by an impartial jury.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | XI. Trial Procedures
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Discovery disputes must be resolved through meet and confer before filing motions under Local Criminal Rule 16.1.
The Court requires counsel to meet and confer to attempt to resolve all discovery disputes informally. If counsel must file a motion pertaining to a discovery matter, the motion must comply with Local Criminal Rule 16.1.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | VIII. Discovery
Discovery motions require prior telephone conference approval from chambers.
If, in what should be the unusual situation, counsel are unable to resolve their dispute, counsel shall contact chambers to arrange for a telephone conference with the Court. Accordingly, counsel shall not file a discovery motion without prior approval from the Court during a telephone conference.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Discovery
Counsel seeking briefing schedule for dispositive motions must be prepared to argue why such motions are appropriate and would not waste judicial resources.
To the extent that counsel intend to file dispositive motions, and thus seek a briefing schedule for such motions, the Court will require counsel to be prepared to argue their positions as to why dispositive motions are appropriate and would not result in the waste of scarce judicial resources.
Civil cases
Page 3 | ORDER FOR INITIAL SCHEDULING CONFERENCE
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Extension motions must be filed 4 days before deadline and include previous extensions count, grounds, effect on other deadlines, and opposing counsel's position.
Absent a last-minute emergency that necessitates the need for an extension, any motions for an extension of time shall be filed at least four (4) days prior to the deadline the motion is seeking to extend. All motions for an extension, regardless of when they are filed, must include the following (otherwise they will not be considered by the Court): (a) how many, if any, previous extensions of time the Court has granted to each party; (b) the specific grounds for the motion, unless good cause precludes public disclosure of those grounds; (c) a statement about the effect the Court’s granting the motion
Criminal cases
Page 3 | V. Motions for Extension of Time
Trial schedule is 9:30 AM-12:45 PM and 1:45 PM-5:00 PM Mon-Thu; counsel must be available 10 minutes before court.
The jury portion of the trial will be conducted each trial day from approximately 9:30 a.m. to approximately 12:45 p.m. and from 1:45 p.m. to approximately 5:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, unless counsel are notified otherwise. The trial will convene promptly at the designated times on each trial day. Counsel shall be available in the courtroom at least ten (10) minutes before court is scheduled to begin or resume.
Criminal cases
Page 7 | XI. Trial Procedures
Counsel must be available within 20 minutes during jury deliberations and provide phone numbers if not in vicinity.
Throughout jury deliberations, counsel must be available on twenty (20) minutes notice in order for the Court to respond expeditiously to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel who choose not to remain in the immediate vicinity of the courtroom must provide the Courtroom Deputy Clerk with their telephone numbers.
Criminal cases
Page 16 | Deliberations
Stipulations for extensions are not allowed; must file a motion.
The Court will not entertain stipulations concerning extensions of time. The parties must file a motion, whether consented to or not, when seeking an extension.
Criminal cases
Extension motions must include previous extensions, grounds, effect on deadlines, and opposing counsel's position.
All motions for an extension, regardless of when they are filed, must include the following (otherwise they will not be considered by the Court): (a) how many, if any, previous extensions of time the Court has granted to each party; (b) the specific grounds for the motion, unless good cause precludes public disclosure of those grounds; (c) a statement about the effect the Court’s granting the motion
Criminal cases
Motions for extension must be filed at least 4 days before deadline unless emergency.
Absent a last-minute emergency that necessitates the need for an extension, any motions for an extension of time shall be filed at least four (4) days prior to the deadline the motion is seeking to extend.
Criminal cases
Initial scheduling conference scheduled 5-6 weeks after initial scheduling order.
The initial scheduling conference will be scheduled within five (5) to six (6) weeks after the issuance of the initial scheduling order. Strict compliance with the federal and local rules is required.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Initial Scheduling Conference
Must explain inability to comply with 4-day notice requirement.
If counsel cannot comply with this four-day requirement, they must explain why they cannot do so in their motion.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rescheduling Hearings
Hearing rescheduling requires 4-day advance motion with 4 alternative dates.
Requests to reschedule hearings are strongly discouraged because of the inconvenience they cause to the Court. If counsel seek to change a previously-scheduled hearing date, counsel must file a motion, at least four (4) days prior to the scheduled hearing,10 that shows good cause and proposes four alternative dates and times that would be convenient for all parties in the case.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Rescheduling Hearings
Extension motions must include: previous extensions, grounds, effect on deadlines, and timeline for dispositive motions.
Each motion must include the following (otherwise it will not be considered by the Court): (a) the number of previous extensions requested and granted to each party; (b) the specific grounds for the motion, unless good cause precludes disclosure of those grounds; (c) a statement of the effect that the Court’s granting of the motion will have on all other previously-scheduled deadlines; (d) in cases where the motion seeks to extend the deadline for a dispositive motion, a suggested timeline for the filing of the opposition11 and reply;
Civil cases
Page 8 | Motions for Extensions of Time
Extension motions require good cause showing and focus on diligence and prejudice.
Motions for extension of time are strongly discouraged. The parties should not expect the Court to grant extensions. The Court grants such motions only upon a showing of good cause, focusing on the diligence of the party seeking the extension and any prejudice to the moving party that may result if the Court denies the extension, as well as any prejudice to the non-moving party if the Court grants the extension.
Civil cases
Page 8 | Motions for Extensions of Time
Telephonic appearance allowed with good cause; joint motion required 10 days before hearing.
leave to appear telephonically will be freely granted upon a showing of good cause.6 Counsel are strongly encouraged to appear telephonically whenever possible and must file a joint motion7 for leave to appear telephonically at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing.8
Civil cases
Page 5 | Appearances in Court
Cases will be rescheduled if Court is closed or delayed due to weather or emergency.
In the event the Court is closed or the opening time for the start of the Court's day is delayed due to inclement weather or an unforeseen emergency, cases that were scheduled to be heard during the times when the Court was closed or delayed will be rescheduled.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | II. Rescheduling Cancelled Meetings
Cases scheduled during court closures or delays will be rescheduled.
In the event the Court is closed or the opening time for the start of the Court’s day is delayed due to inclement weather or an unforeseen emergency, cases that were scheduled to be heard during the times when the Court was closed or delayed will be rescheduled.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | II. Rescheduling Cancelled Meetings
Chambers Communication Rules
Ex parte communications with the Court and law clerks are prohibited unless specifically allowed.
Ex parte communications with the Court and its law clerks are inappropriate and will not be tolerated, unless otherwise specified herein.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | I. Communications with the Court
Contact chambers only when Court initiates, for procedural inquiries, emergencies, or urgent unresolved motions.
counsel may contact chambers, at (202) 354-3290, if: (1) the Court first initiates contact with counsel and a response is requested; (2) counsel have an inquiry that is strictly procedural in nature; (3) counsel need to inform the Court of an actual emergency; or (4) counsel are inquiring about an unresolved motion that requires immediate attention.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court
Counsel must immediately notify Court when unrepresented witness has Fifth Amendment conflict.
As soon as counsel become aware that a potential, unrepresented witness has a Fifth Amendment conflict, counsel shall immediately advise the Court of the situation, so that legal counsel can be appointed to the witness.
Criminal cases
Page 6 | IX. Witnesses and Fifth Amendment Issues
Counsel must get Court leave before jury procedures that risk prejudice or require pre-approval.
Counsel are reminded to secure leave from the Court before posing questions or engaging in procedures, in the presence of the jury, that carry a risk of undue prejudice, or that by law or customary procedures require judicial pre-approval.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | General Courtroom Rules
Counsel must address Court, not opposing counsel, unless Court grants permission.
All statements by counsel must be directed to the Court and not to opposing counsel, unless permission is obtained from the Court to address opposing counsel directly.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | General Courtroom Rules
Counsel must get Court permission before approaching witness.
When questioning a witness, counsel shall obtain permission from the Court before approaching the witness if, for example, counsel desire to show the witness a document, or for any other reason.
Criminal cases
Page 10 | General Courtroom Rules
(h) New Issues Needing Court Rulings: ... The opposing party must submit its response, if any, by 8:00 a.m. to the Court and to all parties. Such response must also be submitted by facsimile, e-mail, or hand delivery.
(h) New Issues Needing Court Rulings: ... The opposing party must submit its response, if any, by 8:00 a.m. to the Court and to all parties. Such response must also be submitted by facsimile, e-mail, or hand delivery.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | New Issues Needing Court Rulings
Parties must notify court by 7:00 AM daily of issues to be raised that day
Each party must notify the Court and the other parties in writing by no later than 7:00 a.m. each day of any issues that the party will ask the Court to resolve before or during that day of trial.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | New Issues Needing Court Rulings
New trial issues must be communicated to Court and parties by 7:00 a.m. via fax, email, or hand delivery; responses due by 8:00 a.m. same day.
(h) New Issues Needing Court Rulings: Each party must notify the Court and the other parties in writing by no later than 7:00 a.m. each day of any issues that the party will ask the Court to resolve before or during that day of trial. (The parties are highly encouraged to submit these objections and responses on the evening preceding the next trial day whenever possible.) The parties must send such notice to the Court and other counsel by facsimile, e-mail, or by hand delivery. Chambers' facsimile number is (202) 354-3292. The opposing party must submit its response, if any, by 8:00 a.m. to the Court and to all parties. Such response must also be submitted by facsimile, e-mail, or hand delivery.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | New Issues Needing Court Rulings
Notice must be sent by fax, email, or hand delivery to chambers
The parties must send such notice to the Court and other counsel by facsimile, e-mail, or by hand delivery. Chambers' facsimile number is (202) 354-3292.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | New Issues Needing Court Rulings
Opposing party must respond by 8:00 AM via fax, email, or hand delivery
The opposing party must submit its response, if any, by 8:00 a.m. to the Court and to all parties. Such response must also be submitted by facsimile, e-mail, or hand delivery.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | New Issues Needing Court Rulings
(h) New Issues Needing Court Rulings: Each party must notify the Court and the other parties in writing by no later than 7:00 a.m. each day of any issues that the party will ask the Court to resolve before or during that day of trial. (The parties are highly encouraged to submit these objections and responses on the evening preceding the next trial day whenever possible.) The parties must send such notice to the Court and other counsel by facsimile, e-mail, or by hand delivery.
(h) New Issues Needing Court Rulings: Each party must notify the Court and the other parties in writing by no later than 7:00 a.m. each day of any issues that the party will ask the Court to resolve before or during that day of trial. (The parties are highly encouraged to submit these objections and responses on the evening preceding the next trial day whenever possible.) The parties must send such notice to the Court and other counsel by facsimile, e-mail, or by hand delivery.
Criminal cases
Page 11 | New Issues Needing Court Rulings
Technical equipment tutorial required 5 days before trial
Counsel who intend to use the technical equipment in the courtroom shall schedule a tutorial regarding the use of such equipment with the Courtroom Deputy Clerk no later than five (5) days before trial begins, unless they are already familiar with the equipment.
Criminal cases
Page 12 | Technical Equipment
Defendants are not permitted at bench conferences
The presence of a defendant at the bench during a bench conference will not be permitted.
Criminal cases
Page 12 | Defendant's Presence at Bench Conferences
Counsel must be available on 20 minutes notice during jury deliberations and provide telephone numbers if not remaining near courtroom.
Throughout jury deliberations, counsel must be available on twenty (20) minutes notice in order for the Court to respond expeditiously to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel who choose not to remain in the immediate vicinity of the courtroom must provide the Courtroom Deputy Clerk with their telephone numbers.
Criminal cases
Ex parte communications with the Court and its law clerks are inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Counsel shall not contact the Court or chambers except as follows:
Ex parte communications with the Court and its law clerks are inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Counsel shall not contact the Court or chambers except as follows:
Civil cases
Page 2 | Communications with Chambers
Counsel must refrain from extrajudicial statements likely to have materially prejudicial effect on the case.
Counsel must refrain from releasing or authorizing the release of information or opinions that a reasonable person would expect to be disseminated by means of public communication if such disseminations are “substantially likely to have a materially prejudicial effect” on this case.
Civil cases
Page 11 | General Order for Civil Cases
Should this case be widely publicized or sensationalized, parties, witnesses, and counsel must refrain from making extrajudicial statements that are “substantially likely to have a materially prejudicial effect” on this case.
Should this case be widely publicized or sensationalized, parties, witnesses, and counsel must refrain from making extrajudicial statements that are “substantially likely to have a materially prejudicial effect” on this case.
Civil cases
Page 11 | General Order for Civil Cases
Minimize communications with chambers; ex parte communications prohibited except as specified.
Counsel should endeavor to keep communications with chambers to a minimum. Ex parte communications with the Court and its law clerks are inappropriate and will not be tolerated, unless otherwise specified herein. Counsel shall not contact the Court or chambers,
Criminal cases
Page 1 | I. Communications with the Court
Status inquiries about motions are only for reminders, not discussion of merits.
Such contact should only serve as a reminder to chambers that a motion requires immediate attention. Chambers will not comment on the merits of the pending motion.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court
(c) counsel may contact chambers, at (202) 354-3290, if: (1) the Court first initiates contact with counsel and a response is requested; (2) counsel have an inquiry that is strictly procedural in nature3; (3) counsel need to inform the Court of an actual emergency; or (4) counsel are inquiring about an unresolved motion that requires immediate attention.4
(c) counsel may contact chambers, at (202) 354-3290, if: (1) the Court first initiates contact with counsel and a response is requested; (2) counsel have an inquiry that is strictly procedural in nature3; (3) counsel need to inform the Court of an actual emergency; or (4) counsel are inquiring about an unresolved motion that requires immediate attention.4
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court
Technical equipment tutorial must be scheduled with Courtroom Deputy Clerk at least 5 days before trial.
(n) Technical Equipment: Counsel who intend to use the technical equipment in the courtroom shall schedule a tutorial regarding the use of such equipment with the Courtroom Deputy Clerk no later than five (5) days before trial begins, unless they are already familiar with the equipment. ... Questions concerning the use of all technical equipment should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.
Criminal cases
Page 12 | Technical Equipment
Any contact by counsel should include counsel for all parties. Failure to comply with this provision will be viewed with extreme disfavor by the Court.
Any contact by counsel should include counsel for all parties. Failure to comply with this provision will be viewed with extreme disfavor by the Court.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Communications with Chambers
(a) counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Ms. Andriea Hill, at (202) 354- 3049: (1) with appropriate scheduling inquiries about the case, or (2) to notify her that the defendant and/or any witnesses will require interpretive services provided by the Court—this must be done at least ten (10) days in advance of the relevant court proceeding;
(a) counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Ms. Andriea Hill, at (202) 354- 3049: (1) with appropriate scheduling inquiries about the case, or (2) to notify her that the defendant and/or any witnesses will require interpretive services provided by the Court—this must be done at least ten (10) days in advance of the relevant court proceeding;
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court
Contact Court Reporter's Office for transcript inquiries.
(b) counsel may contact the Office of the Court Reporter at (202) 354-3044 with inquiries regarding transcripts of in-court, or otherwise transcribed, proceedings;
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court
Contact the Office of the Court Reporter for transcript inquiries.
counsel may contact the Office of the Court Reporter at (202) 354-3044 with inquiries regarding transcripts of in-court, or otherwise transcribed, proceedings
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court
Jencks Act statements should be disclosed in advance of direct examination
Government and defense counsel are encouraged to disclose Jencks Act statements to opposing counsel sufficiently in advance of a witness's direct examination so as to give opposing counsel the opportunity to review it and avoid the necessity of a recess after the completion of the witness's direct testimony.
Criminal cases
Page 12 | Jencks Act
(b) counsel may contact the Office of the Court Reporter at (202) 354-3044 with inquiries regarding transcripts for in-court, or otherwise transcribed, proceedings; and
(b) counsel may contact the Office of the Court Reporter at (202) 354-3044 with inquiries regarding transcripts for in-court, or otherwise transcribed, proceedings; and
Civil cases
Page 2 | Communications with Chambers
(a) counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Ms. Andriea Hill, at (202) 354-3049, with appropriate scheduling inquiries about the case;
(a) counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Ms. Andriea Hill, at (202) 354-3049, with appropriate scheduling inquiries about the case;
Civil cases
Page 2 | Communications with Chambers
Chambers may be contacted for procedural inquiries, emergencies, or motions pending over 9 months.
(c) counsel may contact chambers, at (202) 354-3290, if: (1) the Court first initiates contact with counsel and a response is requested; (2) counsel have an inquiry that is strictly procedural in nature; (3) counsel need to inform the Court of an actual emergency; or (4) counsel are inquiring about an unresolved motion that has been pending for more than nine (9) months.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Communications with Chambers
Contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk for scheduling inquiries or to request interpretive services at least 10 days before proceedings.
counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Ms. Andriea Hill, at (202) 354-3049: (1) with appropriate scheduling inquiries about the case, or (2) to notify her that the defendant and/or any witnesses will require interpretive services provided by the Court—this must be done at least ten (10) days in advance of the relevant court proceeding
Criminal cases
Page 2 | I. Communications with the Court