Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County Chambers Communication Rules
173 rules from official source documents
Rules for contacting chambers: permitted methods, hours, and purposes. This page is scoped to Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
- Contact
- Email to duty judge
Direct email to judicial officers is reserved for a true emergency arising outside regular business hours.
Emails should not be sent to judicial officers directly except in the case of a true emergency that arises outside of regular business hours.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must make a reasonable effort to confer about scheduling before calling Chambers.
Before calling Chambers, counsel must make a reasonable effort to confer regarding scheduling so that the parties’ request can be conveyed fairly to the judicial assistant.
Substantive communications must be docketed, and meaningful substantive or procedural disputes must be presented through a procedurally appropriate filing.
Substantive communications must be docketed. Any meaningful substantive or procedural disputes must be presented in a procedurally appropriate filing.
- Contact
Substantive emails are docketed, must copy all counsel, and must include the civil action number.
Substantive emails are docketed and must copy all counsel and include the civil action number.
- Contact
Email is prohibited in cases involving a self-represented party unless Judge Brennan authorizes its use.
The use of email is not permitted when the case includes a self-represented party, unless previously authorized by Judge Brennan.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel must immediately notify chambers and the civil case manager by email.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Alicia Maxwell at Alicia.Maxwell@delaware.gov and civil case manager Shane DeLoatch at Shane.Deloatch@delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Copies of every email sent to Chambers must be provided to the Administrative Assistant and Judicial Civil Case Manager.
Any email sent to Chambers should be sure to copy President Judge Davis'ss Administrative Assistant and Judicial Civil Case Manager.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails sent to Chambers must be copied to the Administrative Assistant and Judicial Civil Case Manager.
If you are inclined to send an email to Chambers, please make sure to always copy, President Judge Davis's Administrative Assistant and Judicial Civil Case Manager.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (302) 255-0960
An attorney who did not sign the pleading and plans to attend the scheduling conference must notify the Administrative Assistant by phone or email at least one day beforehand.
If counsel other than a signatory of the complaint or the responsive pleading plans to attend, that counsel should notify chambers at least the day before the scheduling conference by phone or email to President Judge Davis's Administrative Assistant.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- (302) 255-0664
Case dispositive motions must be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Jones’ secretary at the listed phone number.
Case dispositive motions will be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Jones’ secretary, Jackie Barry. Jackie can be reached at (302) 255-0664.
Email may not be used when any case participant is self-represented.
The use of email is not permitted when the case includes a self-represented party.
Counsel must promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager when an omitted related case has been assigned to a different judge.
If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement(s) omitted reference to another pending case and a later-filed, related civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the later-filed case.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff's counsel should immediately notify the judge's chambers by email when a pending case is resolved.
If a pending case is resolved, Plaintiff's counsel should notify Chambers immediately via email to Judge Jones' Administrative Specialist, Case Manager and Law Clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email when the case settles.
If the case settles, Plaintiff’s counsel shall notify chambers immediately by email to Angela.James@delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails to the Court must copy all Delaware counsel of record and Judge Vavala's Judicial Assistant.
Email messages must be copied to all Delaware counsel of record and Judge Vavala's Judicial Assistant, Angela James, at Angela.James@delaware.gov.
After a hearing date is established, counsel must contact Courtscribes to arrange the teleconference or videoconference.
Once a hearing date has been established, Counsel must take the lead to set up the conference by contacting Courtscribes at: scheduling.courtscribes.com.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Counsel must contact Judge Vavala's Civil Case Manager to schedule a routine motion hearing.
Please contact Judge Vavala's Civil Case Manager Daviana.Jimenez@delaware.gov to schedule a motion hearing date.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
- Phone
- 302-255-0668
A party seeking argument or a hearing on the motion must contact Angela James at Angela.James@delaware.gov or 302-255-0668 to obtain a date and time.
If either party desires argument or a hearing on the motion, the party must contact Angela James Angela.James@delaware.gov or 302-255-0668 to obtain a date and time for same.
All communications to the Court must identify the case, civil action number, and represented party.
All communications addressed to the Court or its staff, whether by motion, letter, or email, must include the name of the case, the civil action number, and the name of the party whom communicating counsel represents.
Only counsel may write directly to Judge Horton, and correspondence must be signed by an attorney in the attorney of record's law firm.
Only counsel, not legal staff, may write directly to Judge Horton. All correspondence must be signed by an attorney in the law firm of the attorney of record.
A request for Court action by letter must state all parties' positions or explain that the opposing party could not be reached.
Any letter to the Court requesting Court action of some kind (in instances where a motion is otherwise not appropriate) must state the position of all parties or otherwise represent that opposing counsel or the self-represented party could not be reached.
Only Delaware counsel may write directly to Judge Horton; correspondence must be signed by Delaware counsel and copied to opposing counsel.
Only Delaware counsel, not legal staff or counsel admitted pro hac vice, may write directly to Judge Horton. All correspondence must be signed by a Delaware attorney in the law firm of the attorney of record and must be copied to opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Docketed emails must include the civil action number, and email use is prohibited in cases involving a self-represented party absent the judge's permission.
All substantive and some administrative emails are docketed and always must include the civil action number. The use of email is not permitted when the case includes a self-represented party, unless previously permitted by Judge Horton.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Substantive email to Judge Horton requires advance approval or exigent circumstances and must be copied to all Delaware counsel and chambers personnel.
Subject to the foregoing restriction on emails in cases regarding self-represented litigants, substantive email messages may be directed to Judge Horton either (a) with Judge Horton's advance approval; or (b) where exigent circumstances so require. Under these circumstances, email messages must be copied to all Delaware counsel of record, Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist, and Judge Horton's Law Clerks.
Communications to the Court or its staff must identify the case, civil action number, and represented party.
All communications addressed to the Court or its staff, whether by motion, letter, or email, must include the name of the case, the civil action number, and the name of the party whom communicating counsel represents.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Substantive emails and certain administrative emails must be docketed and include the civil action number.
All substantive and some administrative emails are docketed and always must include the civil action number.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email generally may not be used in cases involving a self-represented party without the judge's prior permission.
The use of email is not permitted when the case includes a self-represented party, unless previously permitted by Judge Winston.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Permitted substantive emails sent with advance approval or due to exigent circumstances must be copied to all Delaware counsel of record, the Administrative Specialist, and the Law Clerks.
Under these circumstances, email messages must be copied to all Delaware counsel of record, Judge Winston's Administrative Specialist, and Judge Winston's Law Clerks.
After all papers are submitted, counsel must obtain possible oral-argument dates and times through the Administrative Specialist.
After all papers have been submitted, Counsel must obtain possible dates and times for oral argument through Judge Winston's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff's counsel should immediately notify the Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk by email when a case resolves.
If a pending case is resolved, plaintiff's counsel should notify Chambers immediately via email to Judge Winston's Administrative Specialist, Case Manager, and Law Clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if the case settles.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Judge Wallace’s Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 255-0660
Case-dispositive motion dates and times must be obtained from Judge Wallace’s chambers by calling 255-0660.
Case dispositive motions will be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Wallace’s Chambers which can be reached at 255-0660.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately email chambers staff when mediation resolves or the case otherwise settles.
If mediation resolves the case or in the event the case settles, Plaintiff's counsel should notify chambers immediately by email to Judge Wallace's Administration Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk.
Counsel must obtain possible dispositive-motion oral-argument dates and times through the Administrative Specialist.
Counsel must obtain possible dates and times for oral argument through Judge Wallace's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If the case settles, Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify the identified chambers personnel by email.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Judge Wallace’s Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk, all of whom are identified at http://courts.delaware.gov/superior/judgespref/judges pref jwallace.aspx.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 255-0660
A date and time for a case-dispositive motion must be obtained from Judge Wallace’s chambers by calling 255-0660.
Case dispositive motions will be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Wallace’s Chambers which can be reached at 255-0660.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must obtain a hearing date and time from Judge Lugg’s chambers by email before noticing a dispositive motion.
Counsel shall notice dispositive motions by obtaining a date and time from Judge Lugg’s Chambers by emailing Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if mediation resolves the case or the case settles.
If mediation resolves a case, or in the event a case settles, Plaintiff's counsel shall notify chambers immediately by email to Judge Lugg's Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, Wendy Wilkinson at Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must obtain possible oral-argument dates and times for dispositive or Daubert-type motions through Judge Lugg’s Administrative Specialist.
Counsel must obtain possible dates and times for oral argument on dispositive or Daubert-type motions through Judge Lugg's Administrative Specialist, Wendy Wilkinson at Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov.
Counsel must obtain available oral-argument dates and times through Judge Rennie's Administrative Specialist.
Counsel must obtain possible dates and times for oral argument through Judge Rennie's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel must immediately notify Judge Rennie’s chambers by email at either of the two listed addresses.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Alisha Ramdoo-Smith at alisha.ramdoo@delaware.gov and Evette Mosley at evette.mosley@delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 255-0048
A date and time for a case-dispositive motion must be obtained from Judge Rennie’s chambers by calling 255-0048.
Case Dispositive Motions. Case dispositive motions will be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Rennie’s Chambers which can be reached at 255-0048.
- Phone
- (302) 255-0626
Counsel must obtain available dispositive-motion oral-argument dates and times through the Administrative Specialist.
Counsel must obtain possible dates and times for oral argument on dispositive motions through Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if the case settles.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must obtain a hearing date and time from Judge Augusthy’s chambers by emailing Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov before noticing a dispositive motion.
Counsel shall notice dispositive motions by obtaining a date and time from Judge Augusthy’s Chambers by emailing Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must obtain a hearing date and time from Judge Augusthy’s chambers by email before noticing a dispositive motion.
Counsel shall notice dispositive motions by obtaining a date and time from Judge Augusthy’s Chambers by emailing Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.
A lawyer should give all affected parties reasonable notice, whenever possible, before communicating with a court concerning pending or prospective litigation.
A lawyer should not communicate with a Court * concerning pending or prospective litigation without reasonable notice whenever possible to all affected parties.
Ex parte communications with the court on pending matters should be avoided unless permitted by law.
A lawyer should avoid ex parte communications with the Court on pending matters, except when permitted by law.
Counsel intending to use technology should contact the Register in Chancery and the Court of Chancery court reporters approximately one week before the proceedings to arrange equipment setup and testing.
If you intend to use technology, contact the Register in Chancery and the Court of Chancery court reporters approximately one week before to make arrangements to set up and check your equipment.
Counsel must confirm the hearing date and time with chambers and then contact CourtScribes at least three business days before the hearing.
After confirming the hearing date and time with chambers, counsel must contact CourtScribes at least three business days before the hearing by emailing scheduling@courtscribes.com or calling (833) SCRIBES (727-4237).
Unless extraordinary circumstances exist, non-Delaware counsel must not directly file documents or contact the Court and must communicate through Delaware counsel.
Non-Delaware counsel must not directly make filings or initiate contact with the Court, absent extraordinary circumstances. All ===== PAGE 14 ===== contact must be through Delaware counsel, absent extraordinary circumstances.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Except in extraordinary circumstances, counsel scheduling with Chambers should include all parties or have authority to request available dates for all parties.
When calling Chambers, absent extraordinary circumstances, counsel for all parties should be on the call, or counsel should have obtained authority from all parties to seek a list of available dates from the Court.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel calling Chambers without all parties must tell the judicial assistant that other parties are absent and explain why.
If counsel calls without other parties on the line, make clear to the judicial assistant that not all parties are on the line and be clear as to why and who knows what.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Scheduling disputes should be presented to the Court rather than judicial assistants, and a call should be ended diplomatically for offline conferral if a relevant dispute arises.
Disputes between counsel involving scheduling should be presented directly to the Court for resolution, not to judicial assistants. If it becomes apparent during a call that the parties have disputes about issues relevant to the call, counsel should alert the judicial assistant and opponent, diplomatically terminate the call, and meet and confer offline.
A lawyer receiving possible hearing dates must share them with all relevant counsel and must not imply a court preference unless one was expressly stated.
If a judicial assistant gives a lawyer possible dates for a hearing, the lawyer must share all such dates with all relevant counsel and be fair in finding a date acceptable to all concerned. Unless a judicial assistant has expressly indicated that the Court prefers a specific date, do not give other counsel the impression that the ===== PAGE 16 ===== Court has a preference.
Emailing the Court or its staff should generally be avoided.
Avoid emailing the Court or its staff.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email to Court staff should address only routine, non-controversial matters such as hearing-date or courtesy-copy confirmations.
Email to Court staff should be used only to address routine and non-controversial matters, such as confirming a date of a hearing or confirming that a courtesy copy will be provided.
Email should not be used to present a dispute to the Court or request judicial action.
Email should not be used to present disputes to the Court or request action.
Letters may provide updates or address logistical or scheduling issues but ordinarily should not request substantive relief unless the Court asks for a letter.
Parties may use letters to provide updates to the Court or to address logistical or scheduling issues. Unless requested by the Court, letters should not be used to request substantive relief.
Forms of order should be submitted to the Court by letter.
Forms of order should be submitted by letter.
Parties should avoid prolonged exchanges of letters and should schedule a conference after a response and possible reply, or go directly to a conference.
The judicial officers do not want ongoing exchanges of letters. After a letter response and perhaps a letter reply, it is time to schedule a conference. It even may be prudent to forgo the response and reply and go straight to the conference.
Moving counsel should tell Chambers whether a commission motion is opposed, and opposing counsel should respond promptly when asked.
Moving counsel should advise Chambers whether a motion is opposed or unopposed. Opposing counsel should respond promptly when asked by moving counsel if a motion for commission is opposed.
Communications with the Court concerning pending or prospective litigation require reasonable notice to all affected parties whenever possible.
A lawyer should not communicate with a Court[] concerning pending or prospective litigation without reasonable notice whenever possible to all affected parties.
- Contact
Email to the judge generally should not be sent without court approval, except in an exigent circumstance.
Email should not be directed to Resident Judge Butler without prior approval by the Court or in the event of an exigent circumstance.
- Contact
An email sent to the judge should also copy the judge's Administrative Specialist.
If an email is directed to Resident Judge Butler, please copy Resident Judge Butler’s Administrative Specialist as well.
- Contact
Administrative emails are not docketed; to create a record, their content should be docketed in a letter containing the civil action number.
Administrative emails are not docketed. If you wish to make a record of the content of your email, please docket its content in a letter including the civil action number.
Email should not be used to communicate with a self-represented party.
Email is not appropriate when a party is self-represented.
Counsel should promptly notify the appropriate Judicial Case Manager when a later-filed case was assigned to a different judge because a related case was omitted.
If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement omitted reference to another pending case and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.
If the parties cannot agree within the normal scheduling range, they should contact the civil case manager, who may direct them to a court conference call.
If the parties do not agree to dates within the normal range, they should contact the civil case manager, who may direct the parties to schedule a conference call with the Court.
- Contact
- Phone
For good cause, including distance or case circumstances, pro hac vice counsel may be permitted to participate by telephone.
For good cause, such as distance and/or the nature of the case, pro hac vice counsel may be permitted to participate by phone.
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- (302) 255-0888
Counsel needing courtroom technology should call the Bailiffs' Office at (302) 255-0888 several days before trial.
Counsel needing a courtroom with specific technology support should contact the Bailiffs' Office (302) 255-0888 several days before the trial.
Chambers or the Prothonotary must be notified by phone or email before or when a fax transmission is sent.
* Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
- Contact
- Email to duty judge
Substantive email to Judge Brennan requires advance approval unless exigent circumstances make it necessary.
Subject to the foregoing restriction on emails in cases regarding self-represented litigants, substantive email messages may be directed to Judge Brennan either (a) with Judge Brennan's advance approval; or (b) where exigent circumstances so require.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
For good cause, pro hac vice counsel may seek permission to participate by phone by making a sufficiently advance request to the Administrative Specialist.
For good cause, such as distance and/or the nature of the case, counsel admitted pro hac vice may be permitted to participate by phone if a request is sent to Judge Brennan's Administrative Specialist sufficiently in advance of the conference.
The parties should notify the court in writing of the scheduled ADR date.
The parties should notify the Court in writing of the date of the scheduled ADR.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 255-2306
Case dispositive motions must be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Brennan’s Chambers.
Case dispositive motions will be scheduled by obtaining a date and time from Judge Brennan’s Chambers which can be reached at 255-2306.
Requests for relief should be made by motion rather than by letter or email.
The Court strongly discourages requests for relief submitted in the form of letters or emails. Such requests should be made by motion.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email to President Judge Davis is limited to approved or exigent matters, although administrative emails to court staff are permitted.
Email should not be used with President Judge Davis except when (a) President Judge Davis has approved same or (b) exigent circumstances exist. However, this does not preclude administrative-type emails, particularly to Court staff.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Administrative emails are not docketed and should be sent to President Judge Davis only when staff is not the appropriate recipient.
Administrative emails are not docketed. Administrative emails should only be sent to President Judge Davis if not appropriate to send to other staff.
Counsel must promptly notify the appropriate Judicial Case Manager when an omitted related-case reference results in assignment to a different judge.
If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement(s) omitted reference to another pending case and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.
- Phone
- (302) 255-0720
Counsel should contact the Civil Case Manager to inquire about a missing Scheduling Conference Letter.
If any attorney believes that a Scheduling Conference Letter should have been issued, but one has not been issued, counsel should contact President Judge Davis's Civil Case Manager to inquire about the delay.
Chambers must be advised by phone or email whenever a fax has been or is about to be sent to chambers.
* Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
Only Delaware counsel, excluding legal staff and pro hac vice counsel, may write directly to Judge Jones.
Only Delaware counsel, not legal staff or counsel admitted Pro Hac Vice, may write directly to Judge Jones.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
A teleconference may be requested from the Administrative Specialist, and requesting counsel ordinarily must arrange to initiate the call.
A teleconference with the Court may be requested by calling Judge Jones' Administrative Specialist. Counsel requesting the teleconference will arrange to initiate the call otherwise plaintiff's counsel will be responsible.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email to Judge Jones is permitted only with the judge's approval or in exigent circumstances.
Email should not be used with Judge Jones except when (a) Judge Jones has approved same or (b) exigent circumstances exist.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may request a teleconference from the Administrative Specialist and ordinarily must initiate it; the judge will endeavor to participate for deposition disputes and expedited matters.
A teleconference with the Court may be requested by calling Judge Jones' Administrative Specialist. Counsel requesting the teleconference ordinarily will arrange to initiate the call. Judge Jones will make every effort to be available by teleconference to resolve disputes that arise during depositions, or to address other matters requiring expedited consideration.
A party may contact the Civil Case Manager about a missing scheduling order after 45 days have passed from the event that should have triggered it.
Contact should be made with the Civil Case Manager after 45 days have passed from the last event that should have triggered the order.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Plaintiff's counsel should promptly notify the Civil Case Manager and Administrative Specialist of a mediation resolution by email or letter.
If mediation resolves the case, counsel for plaintiff(s) should promptly so notify the Civil Case Manager and the Administrative Specialist by email or letter.
Appellant's counsel should notify the Court in writing of an unusual delay in preparing the administrative appeal record.
If there is an unusual delay in the preparation of the record, counsel for appellant(s) should write to the Court to advise of the delay.
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- (302) 255-0888
Counsel should contact the Bailiff's Office several days before trial or hearing to request needed courtroom technology support.
Counsel desiring a courtroom with specific technology support should contact the Bailiff's Office at (302) 255-0888 several days before the trial or hearing.
A phone or email notice must be given before or promptly after a fax is sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel requesting a Court teleconference is expected to initiate the call.
Counsel requesting a teleconference will be expected to initiate the call.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email should not be sent directly to Judge Miller without prior approval or in exigent circumstances.
Emails should not be directed to Judge Miller except (a) with Judge Miller's prior approval or (b) when exigent circumstances exist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel should seek possible oral-argument dates and times by email to Judge Miller's Administrative Specialist.
Counsel should obtain possible dates and times for oral argument through Judge Miller's Administrative Specialist at Stephanie.Jackson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties should contact Chambers by email to obtain a hearing date for a dispositive or Daubert motion.
The parties should contact Chambers via email to obtain a hearing date.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A party seeking argument or a hearing on a dispositive or Daubert motion must contact Judge Vavala’s Chambers by email to obtain the date and time.
If either party desires argument or a hearing on the motion, the party must contact Angela.James@delaware.gov in Judge Vavala’s Chambers to obtain a date and time for same.
Only Delaware counsel, excluding legal staff and pro hac vice counsel, may communicate directly with Judge Vavala.
Only Delaware counsel, not legal staff or counsel admitted pro hac vice, may write directly to Judge Vavala.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
A self-represented party may not use email to communicate with the Court absent Judge Vavala's prior authorization.
Email is not appropriate when a party is self-represented unless previously authorized by Judge Vavala.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Administrative email may be sent to Court staff when counsel represents all parties and copies them, but direct email to Judge Vavala should be used only when staff communication is inappropriate.
Administrative email messages may be sent to Court staff if all parties are represented by counsel and are copied on the email. Administrative email messages should not be sent to Judge Vavala directly unless they are not appropriate to send to Court staff. Administrative emails may be docketed.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Substantive email may be sent directly to Judge Vavala only with advance approval or when exigent circumstances require it.
Substantive email messages may be directed to Judge Vavala: (a) with her advance approval or (b) where exigent circumstances so require.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email to Judge Vavala or her staff after court hours or over weekends is generally inappropriate.
Emails sent after court hours and over weekends to Judge Vavala or her staff are generally not appropriate.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Trial-related substantive emails should be sent to the Judicial Assistant and appropriate case manager with a copy to Judge Vavala, and all substantive emails are docketed.
But to the extent such emails pertain to a case in trial (or immediately pending trial), such emails should be directed to Judge Vavala's Judicial Assistant at Angela.James@delaware.gov, and the appropriate civil or criminal judicial case manager, with a copy to Judge Vavala. All substantive emails are docketed.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Teleconferences and videoconferences are generally appropriate for routine proceedings, require Court permission for some dispositive matters, and are generally inappropriate for criminal and pro se cases.
Teleconferences or videoconferences are appropriate for most status conferences, pretrial conferences, routine motions, and some miscellaneous matters before the Court. They may also be appropriate for some dispositive motions or hearings, but only with the Court's permission. They are generally not appropriate for cases involving pro se litigants or criminal cases.
- Contact
- Phone
The requesting counsel must initiate a teleconference, and plaintiffs must initiate it when the conference is jointly requested.
Counsel requesting a teleconference will be expected to initiate the call. If the conference is jointly requested, plaintiff(s) are directed to initiate the call.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
A fax to Chambers or the Prothonotary must be announced in advance or promptly afterward by phone or email to the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager.
Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to Chambers or the Prothonotary.
Counsel must promptly notify the appropriate Judicial Case Manager when an omitted related-case reference results in assignment to a different judge.
If counsel belatedly realize that the Case Information Statement omitted reference to another pending case and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.
Appellant's counsel should notify the Court in writing of an unusual delay in preparing the record.
If there is an unusual delay in the preparation of the record, counsel for appellant(s) should write to the Court to advise of the problem.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pro hac vice counsel may be permitted to participate in the pretrial conference by phone for good cause, such as distance or case nature, if the Court gives prior permission.
For good cause, such as distance and/or the nature of the case, pro hac vice counsel may be permitted to participate by phone, with prior permission from the Court.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 302-255-0888
Counsel seeking particular courtroom technology should contact the Court Security Officers' Office at least one week before the trial or hearing.
Counsel desiring a courtroom with specific technology support should contact the Court Security Officers' Office at (302) 255-0888 at least a week before the trial or hearing.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 302-255-0166
Counsel requiring an interpreter must contact the Court Interpreter Coordinator at the listed number.
Counsel requiring use of an interpreter shall contact the Court Interpreter Coordinator at (302) 255-0166.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Administrative email should go to Court staff rather than Judge Horton when appropriate, and may be sent only when all parties are represented and copied.
Administrative email messages should not be sent to Judge Horton unless they are not appropriate to send to Court staff. Administrative emails may be sent to Court staff if all parties are represented by counsel and are copied on the email.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must contact the Administrative Specialist to request a teleconference and is expected to initiate the call.
A teleconference with the Court may be requested by contacting Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist. Counsel requesting the teleconference will be expected to initiate the call.
Counsel should alert Chambers in advance when disputes or expedited matters are anticipated.
Judge Horton makes every effort to be available by teleconference to resolve disputes that arise, or to address other matters requiring expedited consideration. If counsel anticipates that issues are likely to arise, it is helpful to alert chambers in advance.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
A phone or email notice must be given before or when a fax is sent to Chambers or the Prothonotary.
Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel who did not sign the complaint or responsive pleading and plans to attend should notify Judge Horton’s Administrative Specialist by phone or email at least the day before the Scheduling Conference.
If counsel other than a signatory of the complaint or the responsive pleading plans to attend, that counsel should notify chambers at least the day before the Scheduling Conference by phone or email to Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff's counsel should immediately notify chambers personnel by email when mediation resolves or the case settles.
If mediation resolves the case or in the event the case settles, Plaintiff's counsel should notify chambers immediately by email to Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pro hac vice counsel may request telephone participation in the Pretrial Conference by sending advance notice to the Administrative Specialist.
For good cause, such as distance and/or the nature of the case, counsel admitted pro hac vice may be permitted to participate by phone if a request is sent to Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist sufficiently in advance of the pretrial conference.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff's counsel should immediately notify chambers personnel by email when the case is resolved.
If a pending case is resolved, plaintiff's counsel should notify Chambers immediately via email to Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist, Case Manager, and Law Clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel must immediately notify chambers by email at the listed addresses.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Sydney Revell at Sydney.Revell@delaware.gov and Tykey Grimes at Tykey.Grimes@delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must provide phone or email notice before or when sending a fax to chambers or the prothonotary.
* Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Administrative emails may be sent to Court staff only when all parties are represented and copied.
Administrative emails may be sent to Court staff if all parties are represented by counsel and are copied on the email.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Chambers or the prothonotary must be notified by phone before or promptly after a fax transmission.
* Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
An attorney other than the pleading signatory who plans to attend the scheduling conference must call the Administrative Specialist at least one day beforehand.
If counsel other than a signatory of the complaint or the responsive pleading plans to attend, that counsel should notify chambers at least the day before the Scheduling Conference by phone to Judge Wallace's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- (302) 655-0586 or (302) 255-0587
Counsel seeking courtroom technology support should call the Bailiffs’ Office several days before trial.
Counsel desiring a courtroom with specific technology support should contact the Bailiffs' Office (302) 655-0586 or (302) 255-0587 several days before the trial.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if the case settles.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Before or when sending a fax to Chambers or the Prothonotary, notice must be given by phone or email to the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager.
Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to Chambers or the Prothonotary.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Video or telephone conferences may be scheduled through chambers, and represented parties must arrange Courtscribes services and forward the link to any self-represented party.
A video or telephone conference with the Court may be scheduled by contacting Judge Lugg's Administrative Specialist, Wendy Wilkinson at Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov. Represented parties shall arrange the required services (Courtscribes at Courtscribes.com); if a party is self-represented Counsel for any represented party shall make the necessary arrangements and forward the required link to the self-represented party.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email should generally be limited to administrative communications with court or chambers staff, and every email must include the subject case name and civil action number and be addressed to Judge Lugg’s staff.
Email should be limited to administrative-type emails to Court and chambers staff except as set forth later in these preferences. All emails should include the name of the subject case, the civil action number, and should be addressed to Judge Lugg's staff
Counsel must promptly notify the assigned judge’s Judicial Case Manager if a later-filed related civil case was assigned to a different judge because the Case Information Statement omitted the pending case.
If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement(s) omitted reference to another pending case, and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, counsel shall promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel should email chambers to request a Trial Scheduling Order if one should have issued but has not.
If any attorney believes that a TSO should have been issued, but one has not been issued, counsel should contact Judge Lugg's Administrative Specialist, Wendy Wilkinson at Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov, to request a TSO.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel who is not a signatory of the complaint or responsive pleading and plans to attend a conference should notify chambers at least one day before the conference.
If counsel other than a signatory of the complaint or the responsive pleading plans to attend, that counsel should notify chambers at least the day before the Conference by contacting Judge Lugg's Administrative Specialist, Wendy Wilkinson at Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov.
Counsel who does not oppose a routine motion should notify the court by letter.
If counsel does not oppose a routine motion, non-opposing counsel should so notify the Court by letter.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails should identify the case and civil action number and be addressed to Judge Rennie's staff.
All emails should include the name of the subject case, the civil action number, and should be addressed to Judge Rennie's staff.
Counsel who discovers an omitted related case should promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the new case.
If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement(s) omitted reference to another pending case and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
An attorney who did not sign the complaint or responsive pleading should telephone chambers at least one day before the scheduling conference if that attorney plans to attend.
If counsel other than a signatory of the complaint or the responsive pleading plans to attend, that counsel should notify chambers at least the day before the Scheduling Conference by phone to Judge Rennie's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff's counsel should immediately email Judge Rennie's case-management staff when mediation resolves or the case otherwise settles.
If mediation resolves the case or in the event the case settles, Plaintiff's counsel should notify chambers immediately by email to Judge Rennie's Administration Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk.
Notice of a fax transmission to chambers or the prothonotary must be provided by phone or email.
Please advise the Administrative Specialist or Civil Case Manager by phone or email that a FAX transmission has been or is about to be sent to chambers or the prothonotary.
Counsel must promptly notify the relevant Judicial Case Manager when an omitted related-case reference results in assignment to a different judge.
If counsel belatedly realizes that the Case Information Statement(s) omitted reference to another pending case and that the subsequent civil case was assigned to a different judge, please promptly notify the Judicial Case Manager for the judge assigned to the subsequently filed case.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel should immediately notify the three specified chambers recipients by email when mediation resolves or the case settles.
If mediation resolves the case, or in the event the case settles, Counsel should notify chambers immediately by email to Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist, Civil Case Manager, and Law Clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately notify chambers by email if the case settles.
In the event the case settles, Plaintiff’s Counsel shall notify chambers immediately by e-mail to Kimberly.Henson@Delaware.gov.
As a recommended practice, parties should contact chambers to indicate whether argument is requested or whether the motion may be submitted for decision without argument.
The Court may decide a motion without holding argument. The parties should contact chambers to advise whether any party requests argument or whether the parties agree to submit the motion for decision without argument.
Requests for real-time transcripts and questions about the real-time setup should be directed to the Court of Chancery court reporters before the proceedings.
Requests for real-time and questions regarding the real-time setup and connection should be addressed to the Court of Chancery court reporters before the day of the proceedings.
Contested scheduling requests may be presented by letter, and a formal motion is generally unnecessary except for a motion to expedite.
Contested scheduling requests are frequently presented by letter. Except for motions to expedite, a formal motion generally is not necessary.
Questions and comments about the judge's preferences should be directed to the Administrative Specialist or Judicial Case Manager.
Comments or questions from lawyers, paralegals and other legal staff about Resident Judge Butler's preferences are welcome and should be directed to Resident Judge Butler’s Administrative Specialist or Judicial Case Manager (see contact information above).
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Administrative emails should be directed to Court staff rather than Judge Brennan unless the matter is inappropriate for staff.
Administrative email messages should not be sent to Judge Brennan unless they are not appropriate to send to Court staff.
Counsel may request a scheduling teleconference or office conference through Judge Brennan's Administrative Specialist.
If counsel believes a teleconference or office conference with Judge Brennan will be helpful in establishing a schedule, they may request a conference by contacting Judge Brennan's Administrative Specialist.
Counsel may contact the Civil Case Manager to inquire about a missing scheduling order.
If any counsel believes a scheduling order should have been issued, and none has been issued, counsel should contact Judge Brennan's Civil Case Manager to inquire about the delay.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (302) 255-0960
Questions about filing a dispositive motion may be directed to Judge Davis's assistant by phone at (302) 255-0960 or by email at Lisa.Iannelli@state.de.us.
If you have any questions about how to file the dispositive motion, Lisa can be reached at (302) 255-0960 or at Lisa.Iannelli@state.de.us.
Parties may request a scheduling conference when necessary.
A scheduling conference may be requested by parties if necessary.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
After responsive pleadings are filed or appropriate default judgments are entered, the Administrative Specialist contacts counsel by email to select a trial date.
After all responsive pleading(s) are filed, or default judgments entered where appropriate, counsel will be contacted by the Judge's Administrative Specialist via email to select a trial date.
- Contact
The email restriction does not preclude administrative emails, particularly those sent to staff.
However, this does not preclude administrative-type emails, particularly to staff.
- Contact
Administrative emails are not docketed and ordinarily should be sent to staff rather than Judge Jones.
Administrative emails are not docketed. Administrative emails should only be sent to Judge Jones if not appropriate to send to staff.
Counsel may request a scheduling teleconference or office conference by contacting the Administrative Specialist.
If counsel believes a teleconference or office conference with Judge Jones will be helpful in establishing a schedule, they may request a conference by contacting Judge Jones' Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 302-255-0669
A Court teleconference may be requested by telephone or email to Judge Miller's Administrative Specialist.
A teleconference with the Court may be requested by contacting Judge Miller's Administrative Specialist, Stephanie Jackson at 302-255-0669 or Stephanie.Jackson@Delaware.gov.
Questions from lawyers, paralegals, and other legal staff concerning Judge Miller's preferences should be directed to Stephanie Jackson.
Comments or questions from lawyers, paralegals and other legal staff about Judge Miller's preferences are welcome and should be directed to Stephanie Jackson.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may request an office conference by email to Judge Miller's Administrative Specialist.
Counsel may request an office conference through Judge Miller's Administrative Specialist at stephanie.jackson@delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties should contact Chambers by email to obtain a hearing date for dispositive or Daubert motions.
The parties should contact Chambers via email to obtain a hearing date.
- Contact
Judge Vavala’s Civil Case Manager may be contacted by email at Daviana.Jimenez@delaware.gov to schedule routine motions.
Please contact Judge Vavala’s Civil Case Manager to schedule: Daviana.Jimenez@delaware.gov.
- Contact
Counsel must collaborate with Judge Vavala’s Civil Case Manager by email to discuss evidence formatting.
Counsel shall collaborate with Judge Vavala’s Civil Case Manager, Daviana.Jimenez@delaware.gov to discuss formatting of the evidence.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
- Phone
- 302-255-0668
Scheduling and hearing requests should be submitted to Judge Vavala's Judicial Assistant by email or phone.
To set up a case scheduling conference, status conference, pretrial conference, dispositive motion argument, or miscellaneous hearing, please contact Judge Vavala's Judicial Assistant, Angela James at Angela.James@delaware.gov or 302-255-0668.
Questions and comments from lawyers, paralegals, and other legal staff about Judge Vavala's preferences should be directed to her Judicial Assistant.
Comments or questions from lawyers, paralegals, and other legal staff about Judge Vavala's preferences are welcome and should be directed to Judge Vavala's Judicial Assistant.
Questions about the judge's preferences should be directed to the Administrative Specialist and Civil Case Manager.
Comments or questions from lawyers, paralegals, and other legal staff about Judge Horton's preferences are welcome and should be directed to Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist and Civil Case Manager.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The Administrative Specialist will set a trial date by email six to eight weeks after answers are filed or default judgment is entered.
Judge Horton's Administrative Specialist will contact counsel and/or self-represented parties, via email, to set a trial date within 6 to 8 weeks after answers are filed and/or default judgments are entered.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Requests for an in-person or telephone scheduling conference with Judge Horton must be directed to the Administrative Specialist.
If any party requests that the scheduling conference be handled in person or telephonically by Judge Horton, please contact her Administrative Specialist.
A teleconference with the Court may be requested through the Administrative Specialist.
A teleconference with the Court may be requested by contacting Judge Winston's Administrative Specialist.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The Administrative Specialist will email counsel or self-represented parties to set a trial date six to eight weeks after answers or default judgment.
Judge Winston's Administrative Specialist will contact counsel and/or self-represented parties, via email to set a trial date within 6 to 8 weeks after answers are filed and/or default judgments entered.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may contact the Administrative Specialist to schedule an in-person or telephonic scheduling conference before the judge.
If any party requests a Scheduling Conference be handled by Judge Winston, counsel may contact Judge Winston's Administrative Specialist to schedule an in-person or telephonic scheduling conference.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Questions and comments about Judge Lugg’s preferences may be sent to his Administrative Specialist by email.
Comments or questions from lawyers, paralegals, and other legal staff about Judge Lugg's preferences are welcome and should be directed to Judge Lugg's Administrative Specialist, Wendy Wilkinson at Wendy.Wilkinson@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Questions about routine motions, including scheduling, should be emailed to Judge Lugg’s Civil Case Manager.
Questions regarding routine motions, including scheduling, should be addressed to Judge Lugg's Civil Case Manager, Briana Fielder at Briana.Fielder@Delaware.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The Administrative Specialist will email counsel or self-represented parties to set a trial date six to eight weeks after answers are filed or default judgment is entered.
Judge Rennie's Administrative Specialist will contact counsel and/or self-represented parties, via email, to set a trial date within 6 to 8 weeks after answers are filed and/or default judgments are entered.
A party requesting an in-person or telephonic scheduling conference before Judge Rennie should contact his Administrative Specialist.
If any party requests that the scheduling conference be handled in person or telephonically by Judge Rennie, please contact his Administrative Specialist.
- Phone
- (302) 255-0626
An attorney who believes a motion needs more argument time should contact the Administrative Specialist to request another date and time.
Any attorney should contact Judge Augusthy's Administrative Specialist if that attorney believes the complexity or length of the argument on a motion suggests that another date and time would be more feasible.
- Phone
- (302) 255-0739
Questions about routine motions should be directed to Judge Augusthy's Civil Case Manager.
Questions regarding routine motions should be addressed to Judge Augusthy's Civil Case Manager.
How may parties contact Superior Court of Delaware, New Castle County?
The rule addresses email communications. Substantive emails are docketed, must copy all counsel, and must include the civil action number.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.