District of New Jersey Chambers Communication Rules

Telephonic appearance requires registration via CourtSolutions website; contact 917-746-7476 for assistance.

Source text: To appear telephonically, visit CourtSolutions https://www.Court-Solutions.com/ to register your appearance. If you need assistance, contact CourtSolutions at 917-746-7476.

Letters to chambers must be filed via CM/ECF; no hard copies allowed; pro se parties exempt.

Source text: All communications with Chambers shall be by letter electronically filed via CM/ECF. No hard copies or courtesy copies of letters shall be delivered to the Court. Pro se parties are exempt from this requirement.

All court communications must be via CM/ECF or telephone; fax, mail, and email are prohibited without permission.

Source text: All communications to the Court shall be by CM/ECF or by telephone. Absent permission from Chambers or as otherwise provided herein, the Court will not accept or consider communications by fax, mail, or email.

Communications with law clerks are limited to procedural questions; substantive matters are prohibited.

Source text: Judge Kiel permits communications with his law clerks only as to questions regarding Chambers’ procedures and not as to any substantive matters.

Cannot justify conduct by claiming law clerk or deputy said so

Source text: Communications from litigants purporting to justify litigants’ conduct because 'Your Honor’s law clerk [or Deputy] said . . .' are highly disfavored and are never appropriate as an explanation of litigants’ strategic or tactical choices.

Court will refuse telephone conferences for participants who are discourteous.

Source text: Failure to observe basic telephone courtesy will result in the Court’s refusal to use telephone conferences in matters involving the offending participants.

Communications with the Court must be via CM/ECF, not fax, email, or phone to chambers.

Source text: In general, communications with the Court should be made through the CM/ECF, not by fax, email, or phone call to chambers.

Communications requesting Court input must state efforts to confer with opposing parties.

Source text: Every communication requesting the Court’s input must indicate the requesting party’s efforts to first confer with the other party(ies) to resolve the matter.

Any email to Chambers must copy the specified chambers email address.

Source text: If a party emails Chambers, they must copy chambers_of_judge_evelyn_padin@njd.uscourts.gov on all correspondences.

Routine scheduling matters (e.g., brief extensions) must be submitted via CM/ECF with maximum advance notice.

Source text: To the extent you wish to contact the Court on a routine scheduling matter (e.g., an extension for the submission of a brief), please do so via CM/ECF with as much advance notice as possible.

Written communications requesting Court action must include situation description, opposing party position, and specific relief sought.

Source text: Any written communication requesting action by the Court on any subject should include at a minimum: (1) a very brief description of the situation requiring the Court’s attention; (2) the position of the opposing party(ies) (i.e., consent or opposition); and (3) the specific relief sought.

Non-correspondence communications with the Court must be via formal filing of pleadings, motions, etc.

Source text: All other communications with the Court should be made by the formal filing of pleadings, motions, applications, briefs, or legal memoranda.

Discovery/non-dispositive correspondence goes to Magistrate Judge; dispositive/trial/oral argument correspondence to Judge Padin.

Source text: In general, and unless otherwise directed by the Court, all discovery-related correspondence, as well as any correspondence related to non-dispositive motions, should be addressed to the Magistrate Judge assigned to the case. All correspondence related to dispositive motions, trials, and related oral arguments should be addressed to Judge Padin.

Phone calls to the Court are only permitted for emergencies.

Source text: Calls to the Court should be reserved for emergencies.

Callers must provide name, case details, represented party, and question when calling the Court.

Source text: Callers should let the Court know (1) their name(s); (2) the case name and civil action number on which they are calling; (3) the party(ies) they represent; and (4) their question.

Litigants must review the docket before contacting the Court.

Source text: Please review the docket before contacting the Court, as litigants’ questions can often be answered by reviewing the docket.

Law clerk communications are limited to administrative matters; no substantive/procedural advice except rudimentary.

Source text: Judge Padin permits limited communications with her law clerks solely regarding administrative matters. Unless directed otherwise by the Court, litigants should never contact law clerks for advice on substantive or procedural matters other than of a very rudimentary nature (such as to confirm the Court’s administrative policies and procedures or to alert the Court

Scheduling communications should be directed to Judge Padin’s Courtroom Deputy.

Source text: formal filings). Communications with the Court about scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Padin’s Courtroom Deputy.

Citing law clerk or Deputy statements to justify strategic/tactical choices is prohibited.

Source text: Communications from litigants purporting to justify litigants’ conduct because “Your Honor’s law clerk [or Deputy] said . . .” are highly disfavored and are never appropriate as an explanation of litigants’ strategic or tactical choices.

Max 2 attorneys per party, 1 attorney per side may address the Court during telephone conferences without prior permission.

Source text: Absent prior permission from the Court, parties are each limited to two attorneys each appearing at telephone conferences. Only one attorney per side will be permitted to address the Court during the call.

Parties emailing Chambers for sealed or sentencing materials must copy the chambers email address.

Source text: If a party believes it is necessary to email Chambers instead of filing on the CM/ECF docket (e.g., sentencing material submissions or sealed documents), they must copy Judge Padin’s chambers (chambers_of_judge_evelyn_padin@njd.uscourts.gov) on their email, and a redacted version of the materials must be filed on the docket.

All communications with chambers must be via CM/ECF, not by phone.

Source text: All communications with Chambers shall be in writing via CM/ECF, and not by telephone.

All communications with chambers must be via CM/ECF letter filing; no hard copies allowed; pro se exempt.

Source text: All communications with Chambers shall be by letter electronically filed via CM/ECF. No hard copies or courtesy copies of letters shall be delivered to the Court. Pro se parties are exempt from this requirement.

Pro se parties must file documents directly with Clerk's Office, not chambers.

Source text: Parties appearing pro se must file all documents, applications, and motions directly with the Clerk’s Office, not Judge Neals.

Photography, audio/video recording, and broadcasting strictly prohibited in courtroom and adjacent areas.

Source text: Photography, use of audio or video recording devices, and use of broadcasting, online posting or streaming, or televising devices are strictly prohibited in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent to it.

Violating electronic device rules results in confiscation and possible removal from courtroom/courthouse.

Source text: Any person violating the rules regarding electronic devices will have their devices confiscated and risk being removed from the courtroom or courthouse at the discretion of the court, U.S. Marshals Service, and/or Court Security Officers.

All communications with chambers must be filed via ECF; no hard copies.

Source text: All communications with Chambers shall be by letter electronically filed via ECF. No hard copies of letters shall be delivered to the Court. Pro se parties are exempt from this requirement.

Chambers does not accept faxes except in emergency situations.

Source text: Chambers does not accept faxes or email, unless an emergency.

All communications with Chambers must be via letter filed on ECF; no hard copies allowed. Pro se parties are exempt.

Source text: All communications with Chambers shall be by letter electronically filed via ECF. No hard copies or courtesy copies of letters shall be delivered to the Court. Pro se parties are exempt from this requirement.

Communications to the Court must be made in writing through CM/ECF.

Source text: All communications to the Court shall be in writing via CM/ECF.

Email communications are not accepted unless expressly authorized by the Court.

Source text: Mail, email, and fax communications will not be accepted or considered unless expressly authorized by the Court.

Settlement memoranda must be emailed to chambers at the listed address at least five business days before the conference.

Source text: Each party shall submit, by email to AME_orders@njd.uscourts.gov, a confidential settlement memorandum of no more than five double-spaced pages no later than five business days before the conference.

The joint proposed final pretrial order must be emailed to chambers at least five business days before the conference.

Source text: The parties shall submit, by email and regular mail, a copy of the joint proposed final pretrial order no later than five business days before the conference.

All communications must be via CM/ECF; phone calls only for administrative matters; mail/email/fax not accepted unless authorized.

Source text: All communications to the Court shall be in writing via CM/ECF. Telephone calls to chambers will be permitted as to administrative matters only or as otherwise directed by the Court. Mail, email, and fax communications will not be accepted or considered unless expressly authorized by the Court.

Final Pretrial Conference requires attorney with settlement authority and client availability.

Source text: In the event the Joint Final Pretrial Order is to be delivered to the court at the Final Pretrial Conference, the Order will be reviewed by the Magistrate Judge at the conference and entered upon the record. Another purpose of the Final Pretrial Order is to attempt to settle the action. For that reason, at that conference, each party must be represented by an attorney who is vested with full settlement authority. Clients are to be either present or on call so that any settlement proposals made at the conference can be immediately conveyed.

Bail-related emails to Court must copy USAO and Pretrial/Probation Officer.

Source text: In all email communications with the Court regarding bail, defense counsel shall copy the Assistant U.S. Attorney and the U.S. Pretrial Services Officer or U.S. Probation Officer assigned to the case.

Unopposed continuances must be emailed directly to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler.

Source text: Unopposed continuance orders must be emailed Directly to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler (Alexus_Wheeler@njd.uscourts.gov). The Order will be effective as of the date that the Court receives it.

Parties must immediately notify Court if case is settled or terminated.

Source text: The parties must advise this Court immediately if the action has been settled or terminated so that the Court may cancel the Initial Scheduling Conference.

All communications must be via CM/ECF; phone calls only for administrative matters; email/fax not accepted unless authorized.

Source text: All communications to the Court shall be in writing via CM/ECF, unless either directed or permitted by the Court. Telephone calls to chambers will be permitted as to administrative matters only or as otherwise directed by the Court. Email and fax communications will not be accepted or considered unless expressly authorized by the Court.

Settlement memoranda must be emailed to JTQ_Orders@njd.uscourts.gov

Source text: Only settlement memorandum shall be submitted to the Court via email to JTQ_Orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Plaintiff's counsel must initiate the status conference call to the provided phone number.

Source text: Counsel for Plaintiff is directed to initiate the call to (609) 989-2144.

All communications must be via CM/ECF; phone calls only for administrative matters; email/fax not accepted unless authorized.

Source text: All communications to the Court shall be in writing via CM/ECF, unless otherwise directed or permitted by the Court. Telephone calls to chambers will be permitted as to administrative matters only or as otherwise directed by the Court. Email and fax communications will not be accepted or considered unless expressly authorized by the Court.

Parties seeking live court reporter transcripts for videoconferences must contact chambers via email at least two days in advance.

Source text: If the Parties seek a live transcript prepared by a court reporter for videoconferences, the Parties should reach out to the court at least two days in advance via email to Steve Taronji, Case Manager for Judge Choe-Groves, at steve_taronji@cit.uscourts.gov or by phone at (212) 264-1611, and the Court will request a court reporter to be provided by the District Court for the District of New Jersey (subject to availability).

Must consult relevant rules and docket before contacting court

Source text: Before corresponding with the Court, litigants must consult the relevant rules for the Third Circuit, the District of New Jersey, this document, and the docket on the CM/ECF system. Only after doing so is it appropriate to contact the Court.

Phone calls to chambers must provide name, case number, party represented, and question

Source text: When litigants call Chambers, they should let the Court know (1) their name(s); (2) the case name and civil action number on which they are calling; (3) the party(ies) they represent; and (4) their question.

Limited communication with law clerks only for administrative matters or emergencies

Source text: Judge Salas permits limited communications with her law clerks. Unless directed otherwise by the Court, litigants should never contact law clerks for advice on substantive or procedural matters other than of a very rudimentary nature (such as to confirm the Court’s administrative policies and procedures or to alert the Court of some actual emergency that cannot be timely handled by conventional correspondence or formal filings).

Participants must identify themselves and speak clearly during telephone conferences.

Source text: Litigants are reminded to be especially careful to avoid being discourteous during telephone conferences by failing to listen to other speakers, failing to identify themselves prior to each statement, failing to speak loudly or slowly enough to be heard, etc.

Immediate notification required for trial conflicts.

Source text: Litigants should notify the Court and opposing counsel immediately upon learning of any unavoidable and compelling professional or personal conflicts affecting the trial schedule.

Failure to observe telephone courtesy results in exclusion from future telephone conferences.

Source text: Failure to observe basic telephone courtesy will result in the Court’s refusal to use telephone conferences in matters involving the offending participants.

Technology notification required 2 weeks before courtroom appearance.

Source text: If the parties intend to use electronic demonstrative evidence or need to set up/test technology in the courtroom, they must notify Judge Neals's Courtroom Deputy at least two (2) weeks before their scheduled appearance.

Wireless communication devices permitted in courtroom if silenced and not used to transmit/record/broadcast.

Source text: Electronic devices having a primary function of wireless communication, including but not limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets, are permitted in the courtroom but must be silenced and may not be used to transmit, record, or broadcast audio or visual feeds, updates or messages in any form.

Telephone calls to Chambers are only permitted for emergent situations requiring immediate attention.

Source text: Telephone calls to Chambers are permitted only in emergent situations which require immediate attention.

Telephone calls to chambers are limited to administrative matters unless the Court directs otherwise.

Source text: Telephone calls to chambers will be permitted as to administrative matters only or as otherwise directed by the Court.

Faxes to Chambers are prohibited.

Source text: Faxes to Chambers are not permitted.

Court will provide a contact person with phone or email to report technical issues during trial.

Source text: The Court will provide a contact person—with phone number or e-mail—whom you can contact during the trial to immediately report issues.

Contact Chambers with any questions regarding Zoom proceedings.

Source text: Please contact Chambers with any questions.

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

Source text: The Court will provide a contact person—with phone number or e-mail—whom you can contact during the trial to immediately report issues.

Court will provide a contact person with phone/email to report technical issues during trial.

Source text: The Court will provide a contact person—with phone number or e-mail—whom you can contact during the trial to immediately report issues.

Contact Courtroom Deputy Art Roney for docketing/scheduling matters during business hours.

Source text: For docketing, scheduling, or calendar matters, please contact Courtroom Deputy Art Roney at (856) 757-5014 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Parties are encouraged to contact Chambers directly

Source text: the parties are encouraged to contact Chambers directly.

Scheduling matters should be directed to Courtroom Deputy

Source text: Communications with the Court about scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Salas’s Courtroom Deputy.

Moving party arranges telephone conferences and contacts chambers after all parties join.

Source text: Litigants will be notified of the date and time for the telephone conference. It will be the responsibility of litigants for the moving or initiating party to arrange the telephone conference and to contact Judge Salas’s Chambers after all litigants are present on the call unless otherwise advised by the Court.

Provide names and spelling when contacting chambers for conference calls.

Source text: When litigants contact Chambers for a conference call, litigants should recognize that the individuals who answer the phone are asking for names and spelling for a reason. The Courtroom Deputy or law clerks are recording the names for purposes of organizing the call and streamlining discussion.

Speak slowly and spell your name during conference calls.

Source text: Therefore, please speak slowly and spell your name so that the Judge knows who is participating during the call.

Identify yourself during calls with multiple parties.

Source text: Again, in cases involving numerous parties, litigants should remember to identify themselves during the call so that Judge Salas knows who is talking.

Hearings and arguments scheduled ad hoc, no specific days set aside.

Source text: Judge Salas does not set aside specific days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings. Hearings and arguments are scheduled on an ad hoc basis as warranted.

Contact Courtroom Deputy at least one week before trial to test equipment.

Source text: Should litigants wish to use equipment provided by the Court or to set up the Courtroom before their appearance to test the technology, please contact Judge Salas’s Courtroom Deputy at least one week prior to the start of trial.

Pretrial housekeeping conference scheduled before Judge Salas.

Source text: a pretrial housekeeping conference is scheduled before Hon. Esther Salas on [date]

Correspondence advising of settlement/dismissal or Court-requested matters is allowed via CM/ECF.

Source text: Direct correspondence to advise the Court that a case has been settled or dismissed is also appropriate, as is correspondence on any matter when specifically requested by the Court.

Telephone conferences are scheduled at the Court’s discretion for scheduling/extensions/disputes; litigants are notified of details.

Source text: Telephone conferences with all litigants may be used at the Court’s discretion to resolve scheduling matters, time extensions, or other disputes. Litigants will be notified of the date and time for the telephone conference.

Oral arguments, motions, and evidentiary hearings are scheduled ad hoc with no set days/times.

Source text: Judge Padin does not set aside specific days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings. Hearings and arguments are scheduled on an ad hoc basis.

Pro hac vice admission requests are handled by the assigned Magistrate Judge per Local Civil Rule 101.1(c).

Source text: Please refer to Local Civil Rule 101.1(c). These requests will generally be handled by the assigned Magistrate Judge.

Jury may have a copy of the redacted indictment; redaction questions during deliberation should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy.

Source text: Generally, Judge Padin does permit the jury to have a copy of the redacted indictment. During deliberation, any question regarding what to redact should be made to the Courtroom Deputy.

Requestors are encouraged to contact chambers to confirm receipt of their Request for Disclosure.

Source text: A Requestor or the Requestor’s attorney is encouraged to contact Judge Padin’s chambers to confirm that their Request for Disclosure has been received by the Court.

Criminal matters: contact courtroom deputy Nicole Ramos at (856) 757-5402, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM.

Source text: For criminal matters, please contact Courtroom Deputy Nicole Ramos at (856) 757-5402 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Confidential settlement and discovery dispute letters may be emailed to chambers at AME_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Source text: Settlement letters and discovery dispute letters containing information subject to a Discovery Confidentiality Order may be submitted to the Court by email to AME_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Call Chambers for urgent requests requiring attention within 48 hours.

Source text: If you have a request that requires attention within 48 hours, please call Chambers.

Email confidential information to specific addresses for civil vs criminal cases.

Source text: In civil cases, confidential information shall be sent via email to Chambers (jra_orders@njd.uscourts.gov). In criminal cases, confidential information shall be sent directly to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler (Alexus_Wheeler@njd.uscourts.gov).

Email criminal case confidential information to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler.

Source text: In criminal cases, confidential information shall be sent directly to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler (Alexus_Wheeler@njd.uscourts.gov).

Settlement letters and discovery dispute letters may be emailed to RLS_orders@njd.uscourts.gov

Source text: Confidential Submissions. Settlement letters and discovery dispute letters containing information subject to a Discovery Confidentiality Order may be submitted to the Court via email to RLS_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

Direct communication with law clerks is allowed only for procedural matters.

Source text: Direct communication with law clerks is permitted as to procedural matters only.