Courtesy copies are required for attorney filers. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by mail. Represented parties must mail paper copies to pro se litigants who haven't consented to email service.
Judge José R. Almonte's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Discovery motions require leave of court.
The rule requires proposed order. Proposed order with findings and conclusions required for motions to seal.
The rule requires filing deadline. Joint Discovery Plan must be filed on CM/ECF 5 business days before Rule 16 conference.
Parties may contact Judge José R. Almonte's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Bail-related emails to Court must copy USAO and Pretrial/Probation Officer.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge José R. Almonte. Consent of all parties required for sealing motions.
Call Chambers for urgent requests requiring attention within 48 hours.
Email confidential information to specific addresses for civil vs criminal cases.
Email criminal case confidential information to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler.
Faxes to Chambers are prohibited.
Physical courtesy copies are not required unless ordered.
Discovery motions require leave of court.
Meet and confer required before discovery disputes.
Joint letter (max 10 pages) required after meet and confer.
Proposed order with findings and conclusions required for motions to seal.
Consent of all parties required for sealing motions.
Discovery confidentiality orders must include clean and redline versions if differing from Appendix S.
Represented parties must mail paper copies to pro se litigants who haven't consented to email service.
Joint Discovery Plan must be filed on CM/ECF 5 business days before Rule 16 conference.
Bail requests require consultation with USAO and assessment by Pretrial/Probation Officer.
Bail-related emails to Court must copy USAO and Pretrial/Probation Officer.
Unopposed continuances must be emailed directly to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler.
Opposed continuances require filing a motion on CM/ECF.
Discovery plan must be submitted 5 business days before Initial Scheduling Conference.
No formal discovery demands before Initial Scheduling Conference.
Counsel must have full authority to bind clients at Initial Scheduling Conference.
Plaintiff's counsel must notify new parties about this Order.
Parties must immediately notify Court if case is settled or terminated.
Pro hac vice applications require adverse party consent and disclosure.
Pro hac vice applications must comply with Local Civil Rule 101.1(c).
Joint Discovery Plan must use specific form from court website.
Mediation is governed by Local Civil Rule 301.1.
Judges may refer civil cases to mediation without party consent.
Parties are encouraged to consent to mediation.
ADR eligibility must be discussed during Rule 26(f) conference.
Parties encouraged to consent to mediation before Rule 26(a)(1) disclosures.