Judge Craig M. Straw
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings (All filings)
Required
Adjournments
Communication
Letter Ecf
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Chambers
Detailed Drafting Rules
Memoranda limited to 25 pages (excluding TOC/appendices), double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman; TOC/TOA required for memos over 15 pages.
Memoranda must not exceed twenty-five (25) pages in length (excluding table of contents and appendices), must be double spaced and must use 12-point Times New Roman font. Memoranda over fifteen (15) pages in length must include a table of contents and table of authorities.
Memoranda over 15 pages require table of contents and table of authorities.
Memoranda over fifteen (15) pages in length must include a table of contents and table of authorities.
Document Type
Memorandum
Correspondence permitted if all counsel receive copies; letter motions sometimes allowed instead of formal motions.
Judge Straw permits correspondence from counsel on any matters as long as all other counsel in the matter are sent copies of such correspondence. Judge Straw sometimes permits letter motions in lieu of formal motions.
Letter via ECF
- Status Inquiries
Counsel may communicate with courtroom deputy/law clerks on scheduling/administrative matters only, not case merits.
Judge Straw permits counsel to communicate with his courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.
Direct to: Chambers
- Status Inquiries
Telephone conferences preferred for scheduling, extensions, and routine discovery disputes; counsel must initiate by contacting courtroom deputy.
Judge Straw prefers telephone conferences to be utilized for matters such as scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes. It will be the responsibility of all counsel seeking relief to initiate any such conference by contacting the Judge’s classroom deputy, Donna Croce.
Phone
Direct to: Chambers
- Status Inquiries
Reply briefs are limited to 15 pages.
Judge Straw will permit reply briefs not to exceed fifteen (15) pages.
Courtesy copies of motions required via email; hard copy if exhibits over 20 pages.
Judge Straw requires a courtesy copy of all motion papers to be sent directly to chambers via email. If exhibits are over 20 pages, a hard copy must be sent to chambers.
Courtesy Copies Required
Logistics
Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; conferences available if needed.
Judge Straw expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Straw permits contact with the Court through his courtroom deputy to set up telephone or chambers conferences to resolve outstanding issues.
Phone
Direct to: Chambers
- Status Inquiries
Settlement conference requires 5-page summary (1 week before) and updated demand/offer (4 days before).
Judge Straw requires counsel to submit a brief written conference summary one week before the scheduled conference. In addition, the parties must provide the Court with an updated demand and offer four (4) days before the scheduled conference. The summary should not exceed five (5) pages, excluding attachments. If attachments are over 20 pages, a hard copy is to be sent to Judge Straw chambers by the date the summaries are due.
Document Type
Settlement Conference Summary
In-person attendance required at settlement conferences; virtual allowed if court determines appropriate.
Judge Straw requires in-person attendance at the conference by the parties or the parties’ representatives, with knowledge of the case and settlement authority. If Judge Straw determines that a virtual conference is appropriate, he will set forth the type of conference on the settlement conference order and the same requirements will apply.
Phone
Direct to: Chambers
- Hoursbusiness hours
- Status Inquiries
Judge Straw may continue settlement discussions after the conference if needed.
Judge Straw will, if appropriate, continue to work with counsel after the settlement conference if the matter is not resolved at the conference.
Direct to: Chambers
All relevant documents must be emailed to Chambers and Donna Croce before court.
Judge Straw requires that all relevant documents be emailed to Chambers at Mag_Judge_Straw@paed.uscourts.gov and Donna Croce at Donna_M_Croce@paed.uscourts.gov in advance of court. Counsel may contact Donna Croce (267-299-7661) if there are any questions regarding the matters before the Court.
Direct to: Chambers
- Advance Notice Requiredbefore_court
- Hours
- Status Inquiries
Settlement conference synopsis limited to 5 pages.
The synopsis will include a candid discussion of the submitting party’s factual and legal strengths and weaknesses in the case as well as an offer/demand settlement proposal and IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN FIVE (5) PAGES.