**Judge Jamel K. Semper** was appointed to the District of New Jersey by President Joseph R. Biden in 2023. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Judge Semper earned his undergraduate degree from Hampton University and his law degree from Rutgers School of Law–Newark. He began his legal career as a law clerk to a New Jersey Superior Court judge before spending a decade as a county prosecutor in Union and Essex Counties, including directing the Special Prosecutions Unit in Essex County. He then joined the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, where he served as deputy chief of the Criminal Division and oversaw violent crimes and organized crime initiatives. **Education** - Rutgers School of Law–Newark, J.D., 2007 - Hampton University, B.A., 2003 **Career** - Law clerk, Superior Court of New Jersey, Essex County, 2007–2008 - Assistant Prosecutor, Union County Prosecutor's Office, 2008–2013 - Assistant Prosecutor (including Director, Special Prosecutions Unit), Essex County Prosecutor's Office, 2009–2018 - Assistant U.S. Attorney (Deputy Chief, Criminal Division), District of New Jersey, 2018–2023 - U.S. District Judge, District of New Jersey, 2023–present
**Division:** Newark **Courthouse:** Frank R. Lautenberg U.S. Post Office & Courthouse, 2 Federal Square, Newark, NJ 07102 **Chambers:** Courtroom PO 03 **Phone:** (973) 645-3493 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: Shea Smith, (973) 776-7745 - Court Reporter: Laurie Engemann, (973) 776-7714
Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: 2 copies, delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. For jury trials, litigants must send 2 courtesy copies to Chambers, tabbed and spiral bound, and also send a disc in Microsoft Word format, due 45 days before trial.
Judge Jamel K. Semper's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions in limine. Motions in limine must be filed 4 weeks before trial; responsive papers 3 weeks before.
Judge Jamel K. Semper's formatting rule includes binding spiral, tabbed, and not velo-bound. Jury trial submissions must be tabbed and spiral bound, not Velo-bound.
The rule requires exhibit list and exhibit list. Parties must prepare a joint trial exhibit list with three columns and three copies of a bench book with pre-marked exhibits.
The rule requires local rule certificate. Each side must submit a trial brief or memorandum per Local Civil Rule 7.2.
Yes. Judge Jamel K. Semper requires bundling for covered papers. Joint submissions required 3 weeks before trial via USB and docket.
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Pre-trial motions, including Daubert and in limine motions, must be fully briefed and filed at least 45 days before trial unless the Court orders otherwise.
Pre-trial motions, including Daubert and in limine motions, must be fully briefed and filed at least 45 days before trial unless the Court orders otherwise.
Only motions listed in the pretrial order will be considered before trial.
Plaintiff must list contested facts separately for each defendant in the pretrial order; failure results in waiver.
Defendant must list contested facts in the pretrial order; failure results in waiver.
Only witnesses listed in the pretrial order may testify at trial, except impeachment witnesses.
Non-jury trial materials must be submitted at least 45 days before trial.
Expert witnesses must be listed in the pretrial order with qualifications summary and report provided at pretrial conference; objections to qualifications must be stated in the pretrial order.
For jury trials, litigants must send 2 courtesy copies to Chambers, tabbed and spiral bound, and also send a disc in Microsoft Word format, due 45 days before trial.
Jury trial submissions must be tabbed and spiral bound, not Velo-bound.
Jury trial materials must be submitted on a disc in Microsoft Word format.
Jury trial materials must be submitted no later than 45 days before trial, unless the Court orders otherwise.
Parties must prepare a joint trial exhibit list with three columns and three copies of a bench book with pre-marked exhibits.
Each side must submit a trial brief or memorandum per Local Civil Rule 7.2.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted within one week of trial close with evidence references.
Hypothetical questions for expert witnesses must be submitted to the Court and opposing counsel.
Each party must identify trial counsel with contact information.
Requests for bifurcation or phasing must be included with an explanation.
Each party must estimate trial hours for voir dire, openings, evidence, and closings.
Amendments to the pretrial order require good cause; the Court may schedule conferences as needed.
Motions in limine must be filed 4 weeks before trial; responsive papers 3 weeks before.
Joint submissions required 3 weeks before trial via USB and docket.
Exhibit index required 3 weeks before trial with witness identification.
Trial exhibits must be submitted via USB plus two hard copies.
Deposition designations and objections due 2 weeks before trial.
Settlement after jury summons may result in jury cost assessment.