Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Chad F. Kenney's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Chad F. Kenney?

Courtesy copies are required for exhibit binders and exhibit schedules. Details: 2 copies, delivery on morning of trial, by hand delivery. Counsel must supply two joint exhibit binders and schedules on trial morning, unless digital exception applies.

View ruleSource: page 27, section C. Criminal Jury Trial

Does Judge Chad F. Kenney require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. A motion must be filed before requesting a telephone conference, except for deposition disputes; letter motions are prohibited.

View ruleSource: page 4, section C. Telephone Conferences

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

Judge Chad F. Kenney's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Briefs or memoranda in support of motions are limited to 25 pages; parties needing additional pages must file a motion to exceed with good cause.

View ruleSource: page 11, section CIVIL CASES - Motions for Summary Judgment

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

Judge Chad F. Kenney's formatting rule includes binding three ring binder. Copies exceeding 30 pages must be bound in a three-ring binder and are prohibited from being stapled.

View ruleSource: page 33, section OTHER MATTERS

What must be included with discovery conference filings before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

The rule requires certificate of conference. E-discovery procedures must be discussed at Rule 16 and Rule 26(f) conferences.

View ruleSource: page 3, section IV. Electronic Discovery

What must be included with settlement discussion filings before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

The rule requires certificate of conference. Parties must discuss ADR options and comply with Local Rule 53.3.

View ruleSource: page 4, section VI. Early Settlement or Resolution

How may parties contact Judge Chad F. Kenney's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Chad F. Kenney's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email Chambers_of_Judge_Chad_F_Kenney@paed.uscourts.gov and phone (267) 299-7541. Email communications regarding civil and criminal cases are restricted to specific non-substantive matters, must copy Chambers email, and require advance notice to other counsel.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. Communications

How does Judge Chad F. Kenney handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Chad F. Kenney. Confidentiality or sealing orders are only approved upon a showing of good cause.

View ruleSource: page 15, section 4. Confidentiality Agreements

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

Judge Chad F. Kenney's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. Counsel must notify the Court before making travel plans if an extraordinary occurrence arises after the trial schedule is set.

View ruleSource: page 21, section TRIAL PROCEDURE - Conflicts of Counsel

Does Judge Chad F. Kenney require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Chad F. Kenney requires bundling for covered papers. All grounds for relief must be set forth in a single comprehensive motion; motions (e.g., motion to dismiss) shall not be divided into separate motions per count.

View ruleSource: page 11, section CIVIL CASES - Motions for Summary Judgment

Is electronic filing required before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Attorneys must file public documents via ECF and sealed documents via email to Clerk with motion to impound; all filings via ECF or Clerk’s Office.

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Attorney Filing Procedures & ECF

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Chad F. Kenney?

A fee is required for covered filings. Pro hac vice admission fee must be submitted with the application, else application is denied.

View ruleSource: page 4, section E. Pro Hac Vice Admissions
Complete rules summary for Judge Chad F. Kenney

If pleadings don't permit discussion, parties must agree on exchange date or seek court resolution.

E-discovery procedures must be discussed at Rule 16 and Rule 26(f) conferences.

Parties must discuss ADR options and comply with Local Rule 53.3.

Counsel must certify they have read Judge Kenney's discovery guidelines.

Default e-discovery standards apply if parties cannot agree before Rule 16 conference.

Parties must exchange custodian and system information before Rule 26(f) conference.

Parties must discuss e-discovery parameters at Rule 26(f) conference and be prepared for Rule 16 conference.

Each party must designate an e-discovery liaison familiar with systems and technical aspects.

Court encourages meet-and-confer discussions for ESI discovery in cases with significant cost/burden.

ESI discovery discussions should be tailored to specific claims and matter complexity.

All counsel are presumed aware of any Chambers communications and must be copied on emails or correspondence.

Rule 56 motions must include an index identifying each referenced exhibit and its location in the filing.

Confidentiality or sealing orders are only approved upon a showing of good cause.

Counsel must notify the Court before making travel plans if an extraordinary occurrence arises after the trial schedule is set.

Email communications regarding civil and criminal cases are restricted to specific non-substantive matters, must copy Chambers email, and require advance notice to other counsel.

Phone communications regarding civil and criminal cases must be directed to Chambers Deputy Clerk Shelli L. MacElderry at (267) 299-7541, with advance notice to other counsel required.

Written letters to the Court are allowed to confirm case disposition or inquire about motion disposition timelines.

Letters to the Court are prohibited unless authorized; all other case communications must be via proper filings.

Telephone communications with Chambers are permitted only for last-minute developments that written communication cannot address timely.

Advocacy is prohibited during administrative contacts with Chambers staff.

Attorneys must file public documents via ECF and sealed documents via email to Clerk with motion to impound; all filings via ECF or Clerk’s Office.

Service of documents must be executed at the time of filing.

Counsel may not rely on chambers staff to copy, scan, print, file, or serve attorney documents.

A motion must be filed before requesting a telephone conference, except for deposition disputes; letter motions are prohibited.

Pro hac vice admission requires submission of the specific Attorney Admission Application form.

Pro hac vice admission fee must be submitted with the application, else application is denied.

Rule 26(f) meeting report must be filed at least 3 business days before the pretrial conference.

Rule 26(f) meeting report is required to be filed before the Rule 16 conference.

Continuances/extensions not affecting key deadlines may be granted via all-party stipulation; those affecting deadlines require advance motion with unforeseeable/insurmountable causes, and stipulations must be filed on ECF.

Stipulations requiring Court approval must be filed on the court’s ECF system.

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