Court Rules
About United States District Judge John K. Sherwood

**United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of New Jersey** | | | --- | | [**ZOOM LINK FOR JUDGE SHERWOOD'S REMOTE HEARINGS**](https://njb-uscourts.zoomgov.com/j/1602369362?pwd=ypFrt6YBez7L5yHaXySwFXdNa382gb.1) | | | | --- | | In Chapter 7 cases, Chapter 13 cases, Chapter 11 cases and adversary proceedings, Judge Sherwood is conducting hearings in person. However, attorneys are welcome to attend _via Zoom_ rather than appearing in person. The only exception is matters which involve a substantial number of exhibits or evidentiary hearings. Then, in person appearances are necessary. If you are unsure whether an appearance _via_ _Zoom_ is permissible, please feel free to contact chambers to check.<br>To attend _via_ _Zoom_, please simply use the _Zoom_ link posted on this page. All parties must adhere to the _Zoom_ appearance guidelines posted in the Trial tab below.  All parties must appear on _Zoom_ by video in a professional setting and identify themselves by first and last name when prompted. Telephonic only appearances require prior approval from Chambers. <br>Fee Orders in Chapter 13 cases – Attorneys who elect hourly billing and do not use the standard fee of $4,750 must use the new template entitled “Order Granting Allowances for Chapter 13 Fees (JKS)” which is available on the Court’s website under “Forms” and “All Local Forms.” The “Order Granting Supplemental Chapter 13 Fees” is inapplicable in such fee situations.<br>**Important: All persons are strictly prohibited from making any recording of court proceedings, whether by video, audio, "screenshot," or otherwise. Violation of this prohibition may result in the imposition of monetary and non-monetary sanctions. The Clerk of the Court maintains an audio recording of all proceedings, which recording constitutes the official record of those proceedings.​** |

| In Chapter 7 cases, Chapter 13 cases, Chapter 11 cases and adversary proceedings, Judge Sherwood is conducting hearings in person. However, attorneys are welcome to attend _via Zoom_ rather than appearing in person. The only exception is matters which involve a substantial number of exhibits or evidentiary hearings. Then, in person appearances are necessary. If you are unsure whether an appearance _via_ _Zoom_ is permissible, please feel free to contact chambers to check.<br>To attend _via_ _Zoom_, please simply use the _Zoom_ link posted on this page. All parties must adhere to the _Zoom_ appearance guidelines posted in the Trial tab below.  All parties must appear on _Zoom_ by video in a professional setting and identify themselves by first and last name when prompted. Telephonic only appearances require prior approval from Chambers. <br>Fee Orders in Chapter 13 cases – Attorneys who elect hourly billing and do not use the standard fee of $4,750 must use the new template entitled “Order Granting Allowances for Chapter 13 Fees (JKS)” which is available on the Court’s website under “Forms” and “All Local Forms.” The “Order Granting Supplemental Chapter 13 Fees” is inapplicable in such fee situations.<br>**Important: All persons are strictly prohibited from making any recording of court proceedings, whether by video, audio, "screenshot," or otherwise. Violation of this prohibition may result in the imposition of monetary and non-monetary sanctions. The Clerk of the Court maintains an audio recording of all proceedings, which recording constitutes the official record of those proceedings.​** | ## Staff Information **Angela Pattison** \| Career Law Clerk - 973-645-2631 **Jenna Marshiano** \| Law Clerk - 973-622-4043 **Zelda Haywood** \| Courtroom Deputy - 973-645-4762 **Ibn-Abdul Davis** \| Court Reporter - 973-776-3448 50 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor Newark, N.J. 07102 Courtroom 3D * * * Chambers e-mail: [chambers\_of\_jks@njb.uscourts.gov](mailto:chambers_of_jks@njb.uscourts.gov) ## Judge Tabs - [**Communication**(active tab)](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) - [**Copies of Papers**](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) - [**Motions**](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) - [**Trial**](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) - [**Fee Applications**](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) - [**Reaffirmation Agreements**](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) - [**Transcripts**](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/content/honorable-john-k-sherwood#undefined) Communication Judge Sherwood's staff may be contacted by telephone, email or regular mail. Communication by fax is not permitted except with consent of Judge Sherwood. For emergent applications, parties should notify Chambers via phone call or email. Parties should be guided by _D.N.J. LBR_ _5071-1_ regarding adjournment requests. Proposed orders should be submitted in accordance with _D.N.J. LBR 7058-1, 9013-1, 9013-4,_ and _9021-1._ | | | --- | | ## [Zoom Link for Judge Sherwood's Remote Hearings](https://njb-uscourts.zoomgov.com/j/1602369362?pwd=ypFrt6YBez7L5yHaXySwFXdNa382gb.1)<br>Meeting ID: 160 236 9362 <br>Passcode: 117132 | Copies of Papers In addition to mandatory efiling, Judge Sherwood requires two (2) courtesy copies of all voluminous filings. This requirement is applicable to any submission, inclusive of Notice of Motion, Memorandum, Certifications, Exhibits, etc., that cumulatively exceed fifty (50) pages or any submission that includes five (5) or more exhibits and as otherwise requested by the Court. Motions Motions: Parties should be guided by _D.N.J. LBR 9013-1_ through _9013-5_ regarding the filing of motions, responsive papers, and cross-motions. _**Chapter 7 and 11:**_ Motions in Chapter 7 and Chapter 11 cases are scheduled on Tuesdays.  Appearances are required on contested motions, while uncontested matters are decided on the papers. _**Chapter 13:**_ Motions and confirmation hearings in Chapter 13 cases are scheduled on Chapter 13 days (the second and fourth Thursdays of each month). **_First Day Motions in Complex Chapter 11 Cases:_** The parties should notify Chambers regarding the filing and scheduling of all first day matters. For specific hearing dates and times, see: [/judges-info/hearing-dates/judge-john-k-sherwood-hearing-dates](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/judges-info/hearing-dates/judge-john-k-sherwood-hearing-dates) **\*NOTE:** For emergent applications, parties should notify Chambers via phone call followed by an email with all related documents. Trial Trial: **_Pretrial Procedures:_** Parties should be guided by _D.N.J. LBR 7016-1._ Pursuant to _D.N.J. LBR 9019,_ all adversary proceedings are presumptively referred to mediation. Pursuant to _D.N.J. LBR 7016-1(b),_ if the parties submit  Local Form _Joint Order Scheduling Pretrial Proceedings and Trial_ and Local Form _Mediation Order_ not later than three days before the scheduled pretrial conference, they do not need to appear at the pretrial conference. **_Discovery Disputes:_** Parties should be guided by _D.N.J. LBR 7037-1_. **_Requests to Enter Default and Default Judgment:_** Parties should be guided by _D.N.J. LBR 7055-1._ Judge Sherwood reviews the adversary complaint with respect to which default judgment is requested and will schedule a proof hearing where necessary. [Zoom Proceeding Guidelines](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/sites/njb/files/Zoom_Proceeding_Guidelines_-_FOR_LITIGANTS_for_publication_on_JKS_s_website.pdf) Fee Applications Fee Applications: Counsel should be guided by _D.N.J. LBR 2016-1_ through _2016-5_.  Fee applications are scheduled on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Reaffirmation Agreements Reaffirmation Agreement: Parties should be guided by _11 U.S.C. § 524_ and _Fed. R. Bankr.P. 4008._ **LEASES**: Judge Sherwood does not approve reaffirmation agreements on leases. The parties may enter into a lease assumption agreement without need for Court approval. Transcripts Transcripts: **How to Request a Written Transcript of a Court Hearing:** Contact the appropriate transcription service per below. | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Judge** | **Transcription Service** | **Phone** | **Email** | | Judge Sherwood | J&J Court Transcribers | 609-586-2311 | [jjcourt@jjcourt.com](mailto:tracy@tgribbentranscription.com) | Click [here](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-fees) for the Court’s transcription fees. **How to Request an Audio Reproduction of a Proceeding on Compact Disc:** To request audio of a hearing on compact disc, the requesting party should send an email request to the Court at [copywork@njb.uscourts.gov](mailto:copywork@njb.uscourts.gov?subject=REQUEST%20FOR%20AUDIO%20CD). The email should include the case number, case name, and hearing date. In the subject line, use the title "REQUEST FOR AUDIO CD" and include both the case number and the judge's name. Payment for the [reproduction of proceedings fee](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-fees) must be made at the time of the request via the Court's [Online Fee Payments portal](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/online-fee-payments). If an alternate payment method is necessary, please contact the Court. Please note that the compact discs are data discs and can only be played after downloading the required audio player from our website. Click [here](https://store.fortherecord.com/collections/frontpage/products/ftr-player-7-7-download) to download the Court Recordings Audio Player. **How to Request Audio on the Docket:** To have audio of a hearing put on the docket (known as a tagged hearing), send an email or call the Court Recorder per below.  To expedite the process and ensure the Court is able to complete the request, a request for audio tagging should be made prior to the hearing date. See D.N.J. LBR 5007-1. Listening to recordings on the docket requires a PACER account. There is no fee for audio on the docket. Click [here](https://www.njb.uscourts.gov/sites/njb/files/Audio%20on%20Docket%20Instructions.pdf) for instructions on how to listen to a tagged hearing. | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Judge** | **Court Recorder** | **Phone** | **Email** | | Judge Sherwood | Maria Figueira | 973-776-3413 | [Maria\_Figueira@njb.uscourts.gov](mailto:Maria_Figueira@njb.uscourts.gov) |

Common questions about Judge John K. Sherwood's rules

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge John K. Sherwood?

Judge John K. Sherwood's formatting rule includes file format PDF, binding three ring binder, electronic exhibits must be in pdf format, hard copy exhibits must be submitted in binders, and exhibits must be clearly identified via pdf file name (electronic) or binder tab (hard copy). Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs (electronic) or binders (hard copy), clearly identified via PDF filename or binder tab.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Generally

What must be included with zoom information sheet filings before Judge John K. Sherwood?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties in proceedings before Judge Sherwood must submit a completed Zoom Information Sheet to Chambers.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Generally

How may parties contact Judge John K. Sherwood's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge John K. Sherwood's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Parties may contact a Court-provided phone or email contact for technical issues during trial.

View ruleSource: page 4, section During the Zoom Proceeding

How does Judge John K. Sherwood handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge John K. Sherwood's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to clerk. Confidential exhibits must have redacted versions filed on the public docket and unredacted versions filed under seal; hardcopy confidential exhibits must be in sealed envelopes marked confidential. Counsel must provide advance notice if witnesses will testify about confidential information.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Confidential exhibits

Is electronic filing required before Judge John K. Sherwood?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Non-exhibit documents used for impeachment or rebuttal must be emailed to Court staff for screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Impeachment/rebuttal documents

What rule applies to service for exhibit before Judge John K. Sherwood?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties. Exhibits must be circulated to all attorneys, witnesses, and the Court in advance of hearing or trial per a Court-provided deadline.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Generally
Complete rules summary for Judge John K. Sherwood

Parties in proceedings before Judge Sherwood must submit a completed Zoom Information Sheet to Chambers.

Exhibits must be circulated to all attorneys, witnesses, and the Court in advance of hearing or trial per a Court-provided deadline.

Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs (electronic) or binders (hard copy), clearly identified via PDF filename or binder tab.

Parties may contact a Court-provided phone or email contact for technical issues during trial.

Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers to facilitate Court screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.

Confidential exhibits must have redacted versions filed on the public docket and unredacted versions filed under seal; hardcopy confidential exhibits must be in sealed envelopes marked confidential. Counsel must provide advance notice if witnesses will testify about confidential information.

Non-exhibit documents used for impeachment or rebuttal must be emailed to Court staff for screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.

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