Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Nina R. Morrison's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Nina R. Morrison?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Nina R. Morrison. Courtesy copies are prohibited unless specifically directed otherwise; electronic ECF filings suffice.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Electronic submissions

Does Judge Nina R. Morrison require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for rule 12, rule 56, venue change, and rule 15 leave. Pre-motion conferences required for Rule 12, Rule 56, venue change, and Rule 15 motions, except in bankruptcy/social security/habeas appeals or pro se cases.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Pre-motion conferences

What page or word limits apply to letter before Judge Nina R. Morrison?

Judge Nina R. Morrison's rule states these limits: 2 pages. Diversity jurisdiction letters are limited to 2 pages maximum.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Cases involving diversity jurisdiction

What page or word limits apply before Judge Nina R. Morrison?

Judge Nina R. Morrison's rule states these limits: 30 pages. Excludes table of contents, table of authorities, exhibits, appendices, and attachments. Motion briefs limited to 30 pages (opening/opposition) and 15 pages (reply), with specified exclusions.

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Nina R. Morrison?

Judge Nina R. Morrison's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, file format PDF, footnotes in 11-point font, and date of service printed on front cover. Memoranda must use 12-point font (11-point footnotes), 1-inch margins, text-searchable format, and front cover service date.

What must be included with notice of appearance filings before Judge Nina R. Morrison?

The rule requires notice of electronic filing. Attorneys must file a notice of appearance on ECF.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Notices of appearance

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Nina R. Morrison?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders and jury instructions must be filed on ECF and emailed in both PDF and word-processing format.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Word-processing files of proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar filings

How may parties contact Judge Nina R. Morrison's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Nina R. Morrison's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. All chambers communications must be in writing and filed on ECF.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 2.1. Written communications

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Nina R. Morrison?

Judge Nina R. Morrison's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request, original date, number of previous requests, previous requests granted or denied, adversary position, and proposed new dates. Written adjournment/extension requests must include reason, original date, previous request history, adversary position, and proposed new dates.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Requests for adjournments or extensions of time

Does Judge Nina R. Morrison require motion papers to be bundled?

Bundling is encouraged for covered papers before Judge Nina R. Morrison. Parties are encouraged to refrain from filing motion papers until the motion has been fully briefed by all parties.

View ruleSource: page 11, section 5.2.3

Does Judge Nina R. Morrison encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Nina R. Morrison's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (6 or fewer years experience) may have multiple attorneys argue and divide argument time.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Participation of lawyers
Complete rules summary for Judge Nina R. Morrison

Attorneys must file a notice of appearance on ECF.

Sur-replies require prior authorization from the Court.

Courtesy copies are prohibited unless specifically directed otherwise; electronic ECF filings suffice.

Proposed orders and jury instructions must be filed on ECF and emailed in both PDF and word-processing format.

All submissions must be text-searchable except pro se filings.

Letters must identify addressee and subject matter in ECF header.

Written adjournment/extension requests must include reason, original date, previous request history, adversary position, and proposed new dates.

Adjournment/extension requests must be made at least 2 working days before the deadline unless emergency.

Adjournment requests within 24 hours of appearance require ECF filing and phone call to chambers.

If adjournment/extension affects other dates, propose revisions after conferring with opposing counsel.

All filings must include docket number followed by District Judge initials (NRM) and Magistrate Judge initials.

In diversity jurisdiction cases, a letter (max 2 pages) explaining jurisdictional basis must be filed within 14 days.

Diversity jurisdiction letters are limited to 2 pages maximum.

All chambers communications must be in writing and filed on ECF.

Fax communication with the Court is prohibited without prior authorization.

Phone and email contact permitted for docketing, scheduling, or calendar matters.

Calls to chambers permitted for questions about these rules.

Ex parte communications about case substance are prohibited.

For urgent matters, file on ECF first then contact Courtroom Deputy.

Requests for adjournments or extensions in arbitration/mediation are referred to Magistrate Judge.

Junior lawyers (6 or fewer years experience) may have multiple attorneys argue and divide argument time.

Pre-motion conferences required for Rule 12, Rule 56, venue change, and Rule 15 motions, except in bankruptcy/social security/habeas appeals or pro se cases.

Pre-motion conference letters limited to 4 pages (6 pages for Rule 56 motions).

Rule 56.1 Statement not required with pre-motion conference letter (effective November 13, 2025).

Non-Rule 56 pre-motion conference letters require a response within 5 business days, limited to 4 pages.

Rule 56 pre-motion conference letters require a response within 14 business days, limited to 6 pages.

Responding party need not file Rule 56.1 Statement when responding to pre-motion conference request.

Parties may bypass pre-motion conference if delay would deprive substantive right, by filing within FRCP time with explanation.

When pre-motion conference is waived, parties must submit joint letter with proposed briefing schedule within 3 days.

For motions exempt from bundling and pre-motion conference, moving party must confer and submit proposed briefing schedule before filing.

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