District of New Jersey Document Format Requirements

Exhibits must be filed in PDF format.

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

Exhibits must be clearly identified for easy location during trial.

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

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

Source text: 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.

Hardcopy confidential exhibits must be in sealed envelopes marked confidential.

Source text: 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.

Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copies in binders, and clearly identified via PDF file name or binder tab.

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copy binders, clearly identified by PDF filename or binder tab.

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Exhibits submitted with motions must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

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

Pro se parties must file documents directly with Clerk's Office.

Source text: Parties appearing pro se must file all documents, applications, and motions directly with the Clerk's Office.

All parties except pro se must file documents electronically via CM/ECF.

Source text: All parties, with the exception of pro se parties, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, electronically via CM/ECF.

Electronic submissions must be in text-searchable PDF format.

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

Exhibits must be filed as related attachments to supporting documents.

Source text: Exhibits shall be separately filed as related attachments to the document they support (i.e., a declaration/certification summarizing the exhibits).

Single PDF exhibits allowed only with proper hyperlinks and bookmarks.

Source text: Exhibits shall not be compiled into a single PDF unless that PDF properly hyperlinks and bookmarks the location of each exhibit within that PDF.

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

Source text: 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.

Proposed jury charges require specific format: cover page with case caption, individual charges on separate pages with specific header information.

Source text: All proposed jury charges shall be submitted in the following format: (1) Cover Page, which shall include the full case caption, identical to the caption used on filings in this matter; (2) Individual Charges, which shall comply with the following requirements: a. Each proposed charge shall begin on a new page; b. Each page shall contain only one charge; c. At the top of each page, the charge shall include the charge number (sequentially numbered); the applicable model jury charge number, if any; the title or name of the charge; and the full proposed charge language.

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

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

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

Source text: 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).

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Exhibits must be pre-marked with exhibit stickers

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

Exhibit list must have three columns with specific content requirements

Source text: 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.

USB drives submitted to chambers must be in a labeled folder with organized, clearly named files.

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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).

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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

All filings must be in searchable PDF format; supporting exhibits may be non-searchable.

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

Proposed orders accompanying motions must be in searchable PDF format.

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

Proposed orders submitted via email must be in Word format.

Source text: 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.

Court may strike submissions that fail to comply with exhibit formatting requirements.

Source text: The Court may strike a party’s submission for failure to comply with this rule.

Non-compliant electronic submissions will be stricken.

Source text: The Court will strike electronic submissions that fail to comply with this rule.

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

Settlement memoranda must be double-spaced.

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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

Supporting documents like exhibits may be non-searchable PDF.

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