District of New Jersey Document Format Requirements

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be clearly identified for easy location during trial.

The exhibits must be clearly identified so that the exhibits can be easily located during trial.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be marked with page numbers for quick access during screen sharing.

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with trial participants.

CRITICAL

In the hardcopy set of exhibits to be delivered to the Court, the confidential documents should be provided in separate sealed envelopes marked as confidential.

In the hardcopy set of exhibits to be delivered to the Court, the confidential documents should be provided in separate sealed envelopes marked as confidential.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Exhibits must be filed in PDF format.

All documents must be filed electronically in the proceeding as PDFs fourteen (14) days before the hearing

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers for easy reference during Zoom proceedings.

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with Zoom proceeding participants.

CRITICAL

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

CRITICAL

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

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with Zoom proceeding participants.

CRITICAL

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

CRITICAL

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

all exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers that will allow the Court to readily and quickly find the appropriate pages in each exhibit for sharing with Zoom proceeding participants.

CRITICAL

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

Please reach out to Chambers for specific instruction as to the required format for submission of exhibits—whether electronically in the form of PDFs or hard copies in binders submitted to Chambers. In either event, the exhibits must be clearly identified (either via PDF file name, or binder tab) so that the exhibits can be easily located during the proceeding.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Electronic submissions containing exhibits must properly hyperlink and bookmark each exhibit within the PDF or be stricken.

properly hyperlinks and bookmarks the location of each exhibit within that PDF. The Court will strike electronic submissions that fail to comply with this rule.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

All filed papers must be text-searchable PDF format per Local Civil Rule 5.21(h).

All filed papers shall be in a text-searchable PDF format as required by Local Civil Rule 5.21(h).

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibits must be pre-marked with exhibit stickers

The exhibits themselves are to be pre-marked and must include exhibit stickers.

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibit list must have three columns with specific content requirements

The list shall be divided into three columns: the first column will identify the exhibit; the second column will state the opponent’s objection and contain a short statement citing the relevant rule and/or concept that supports the objection; the third column will contain the proponent’s rationale for admissibility.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Submit consolidated joint exhibit list in Word format with three-column chart showing exhibits, objections, and admissibility rationales.

Please submit to the Court—in hard copy and in Word Format—a consolidated/combined joint exhibit list to minimize the duplication of the exhibits. The list should be a chart separated into three columns. Column 1 will list the exhibit. Column 2 will contain the opponent’s objection (a very short statement containing the relevant rule and/or concept). Column 3 will contain the proponent’s rationale for admissibility (e.g., the relevance rationale or on-point hearsay exception).

CRITICAL

Jury instructions must be double-spaced with citations in footnotes; uncited instructions will not be considered.

Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced and include citations to specific authority using footnotes. Proposed instructions without citations to specific legal authority will not be considered. Cases and model jury instructions that are cited should be accurately quoted and a pinpoint page reference should be provided.

CRITICAL

Cell phones, cameras, and electronic devices are prohibited in the courtroom.

Please note that all cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices are prohibited in this Courtroom, so if you have them, please turn them off.

CRITICAL

When submitting a USB drive, litigants may coordinate with the Courtroom Deputy to submit USB exhibits. Litigants should provide the USB in a folder that is labeled with the case name, case number, and the docket entry numbers that correspond to the files saved on the USB drive. All USB files should be clearly organized and labeled as the files are named in the briefs.

When submitting a USB drive, litigants may coordinate with the Courtroom Deputy to submit USB exhibits. Litigants should provide the USB in a folder that is labeled with the case name, case number, and the docket entry numbers that correspond to the files saved on the USB drive. All USB files should be clearly organized and labeled as the files are named in the briefs.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

All PDF filings must be text searchable and at least 400 dpi.

Judge Padin also requires compliance with Local Rule 5.1(h) that all PDF filings be text searchable and at a minimum 400 dpi.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Joint exhibit list must be in hard copy and Word format, as a three-column chart, submitted at least one week prior to trial.

The parties must submit, at least one week prior to trial—in hard copy and in Word Format—a consolidated/combined joint exhibit list to minimize the duplication of the exhibits. The list should be a chart separated into three columns: (1) the exhibit; (2) the opponent’s objection (a very short statement containing the relevant rule and/or concept); and (3) the proponent’s rationale for admissibility (e.g., the relevance rationale or on-point hearsay exception).

CRITICAL

Submitting parties must state if model jury instructions are unchanged or modified; modified instructions require bolded/underlined additions and strikethrough deletions.

If a model jury instruction is submitted, for instance, from the Third Circuit Model Instructions at http://www.ca3.usCourts.gov/modeljuryinstructions.htm, Devitt & Blackmar, Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, or Sand, Modern Federal Jury Instructions, the submitting litigant shall state whether the proposed jury instruction is unchanged or modified. If a litigant modifies a model jury instruction, additions should be bolded and underlined and deletions should be noted with strikethrough font.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed findings conclusions

Proposed findings of fact must be submitted jointly in column format with numbered paragraphs, agreed facts indicated, and references to supporting evidence.

The Court will generally require litigants to submit a joint submission of proposed findings of fact in column format as follows: (1) in each column, litigants must provide consecutively numbered paragraphs with headings and subheadings to indicate issues and sub-issues; (2) litigants must indicate which facts are agreed upon; and (3) litigants must include specific reference to testimonial or documentary evidence in support of the proposals.

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, include footnoted citations to specific authority, and accurately quote cited authorities with pinpoint references.

Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced and include citations to specific authority using footnotes. Proposed instructions without citations to specific legal authority will not be considered. Cases and model jury instructions that are cited should be accurately quoted and a pinpoint page reference should be provided.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Pleadings, motions, and letters must be in searchable PDF format.

Pleadings, motions, and letters must be filed in searchable PDF format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format, 14-point Times New Roman, and emailed to chambers simultaneously with filing.

The Joint Claim Construction Chart, in Word format, shall be e-mailed simultaneously with filing to steve_taronji@cit.uscourts.gov. The text for the Joint Claim Construction Chart shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

DOCX

The parties shall submit simultaneously with filing each of the foregoing four documents in Word format to the Chambers of Judge Choe-Groves.

The parties shall submit simultaneously with filing each of the foregoing four documents in Word format to the Chambers of Judge Choe-Groves.

CRITICAL

Summary judgment motions must comply with Local Civil Rule 7.2 page and format requirements.

Judge Neals requires compliance with the page limitations and format requirements for briefs outlined in Local Civil Rule 7.2.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

All parties except pro se must file electronically via CM/ECF in text-searchable PDF format.

All parties, with the exception of pro se litigants, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, electronically via CM/ECF. All papers electronically filed shall be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format to the extent possible.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

All parties, with the exception of pro se parties, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, via ECF. All papers electronically submitted shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

All parties, with the exception of pro se parties, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, via ECF. All papers electronically submitted shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

PDF

Electronically submitted papers must be text-searchable PDF to the extent possible.

All papers electronically submitted, including any supporting exhibits, shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Joint Final Pretrial Order must be on 8.5x11 paper and designate assigned District Judge in caption.

The Joint Final Pretrial Order shall designate the assigned District Judge in the caption and shall be submitted on 8 ½ by 11 paper. Upon completion, it shall be mailed or hand delivered to: [Hon. ] United States Magistrate Judge Mitchell H. Cohen U.S. Courthouse One John F. Gerry Plaza Fourth and Cooper Streets Camden, NJ 08101

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

shall be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable format.

shall be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable format.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Format

PDF

Proposed orders accompanying motions must be in searchable PDF format.

All motions must be accompanied by a proposed order in searchable PDF format, filed via CM/ECF.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Format

DOCX

In addition to filing via CM/ECF, a copy of any proposed orders should be submitted in Word format via email to SDA_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

In addition to filing via CM/ECF, a copy of any proposed orders should be submitted in Word format via email to SDA_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

WARNING

Exhibits supporting a motion must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed; noncompliance may result in striking.

To the extent any party submits exhibits to support a motion, such exhibits shall be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed. The Court may strike a party’s submission for failure to comply with this rule.

WARNING

Format

DOCX

Jury charges must be submitted in hard copy with an electronic Word version on a USB drive.

Counsel for all parties must confer with each other prior to trial and submit joint requests to charge three (3) weeks before trial in hard copy form, accompanied by a USB drive containing an electronic version of the charges, in Word format.

WARNING

Format

DOCX

Verdict sheet must be submitted in hard copy with an electronic Word version on a USB drive.

Counsel for all parties must confer with each other prior to trial and submit a joint verdict sheet three (3) weeks before trial in hard copy form, accompanied by a USB drive containing an electronic version of the verdict sheet, in Word format.

WARNING

Format

PDF

Electronically submitted papers should be in text-searchable PDF format to the extent possible.

All papers electronically submitted shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

WARNINGCivil cases

The final pretrial order must be retyped in full, with material inserted in proper sequence, and no attached riders except as provided.

This form is to be retyped in full (including all instructions) and all material inserted in proper sequence and not by means of attached riders except as provided below.

WARNINGCivil cases

All pages of the final pretrial order must be numbered.

PLEASE NUMBER ALL PAGES

WARNING

Exhibits in courtesy copies must be clearly labeled, tabbed, and bound; paperclips, binder clips, and rubber bands are not accepted.

All exhibits shall be clearly labeled, tabbed and bound. Paperclips, binder clips and rubber bands will not be accepted.

WARNING

Motions for judgment as a matter of law (jury trials) and involuntary dismissal (non-jury trials) should be in writing where possible.

Motions for judgment as a matter of law in jury trials and motions for an involuntary dismissal in non-jury trials should be in writing where possible.

WARNINGCivil cases

Submissions should be tabbed and spiral bound (not Velo-bound).

Submissions should be tabbed and spiral bound (not Velo-bound).

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

The materials should also be sent to the Court on a disc in Microsoft Word format.

The materials should also be sent to the Court on a disc in Microsoft Word format.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

The text for the Joint Claim Construction Chart shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

The text for the Joint Claim Construction Chart shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

WARNINGCivil cases

The text for each brief shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

The text for each brief shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

WARNINGCivil cases

Claim construction briefs must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.

The text for each brief shall be 14-point and in Times New Roman or a similar typeface.

WARNING

Exhibits must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

To the extent any party submits exhibits to support a motion, such exhibits shall be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

WARNINGCivil cases

Settlement memoranda must be double-spaced.

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.

WARNING

Format

PDF

Pleadings, motions, letters, and proposed orders filed on CM/ECF must be in searchable, editable PDF format; exhibits may be non-searchable.

Pleadings, motions, letters, and proposed orders filed on CM/ECF shall be filed in searchable, editable PDF format. See, e.g., L.Civ.R. 5.2. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable format.

WARNING

Format

PDF

In addition to filing via CM/ECF as an editable PDF, a copy of any proposed order should be submitted in Word format via email to CF_Orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

In addition to filing via CM/ECF as an editable PDF, a copy of any proposed order should be submitted in Word format via email to CF_Orders@njd.uscourts.gov.

INFO

Trial day scheduled 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM for jury matters.

The trial day typically will be from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., so that the early morning and late afternoon periods can be used for addressing matters outside the presence of the jury.

INFO

Letters attached to a sentencing memorandum should be grouped as a single document.

When letters are attached to a sentencing memorandum, those letters should be grouped together as attachments to a single document.

INFO

Format

PDF

Supporting documents like exhibits may be non-searchable PDF.

Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable PDF format.