Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Cynthia M. Rufe?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe. Paper courtesy copies are not required unless specifically requested; email copies are optional.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Unless specifically requested to do so

Does Judge Cynthia M. Rufe require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Rule 26(f) conference required at least 14 days before Rule 16 scheduling conference; mandatory compliance.

View ruleSource: page 2, section CIVIL MATTERS

What page or word limits apply to opposition before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe?

Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Summary judgment response limited to 25 pages.

View ruleSource: page 11, section JUDGE RUFE'S REQUIRED PROCEDURE ON SUMMARY JUDGMENT FOR THOSE MOVING UNDER RULE 56

What page or word limits apply to motion before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe?

Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's rule states these limits: 5 pages; 25 pages; 25 pages; 10 pages. Excludes caption, index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificates, exhibits, appendices, and attachments. Summary judgment motions under alternative method have special page limits and format requirements.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Motions pursuant to the alternative method outlined in Attachment B to the Sample Scheduling Order

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe?

The rule requires proposed order. ECF required for all counseled parties; proposed orders must be attached to motions; no filings to Chambers.

View ruleSource: page 2, section GENERAL INFORMATION

What must be included with settlement notification filings before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe?

The rule requires certificate of service. Settlement requires prompt notification and dismissal request.

How may parties contact Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Chambers communications limited to scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications allowed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section GENERAL INFORMATION

How does Judge Cynthia M. Rufe handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe. Process: file redacted on ecf. Protective orders must include specific language about filing under seal.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Cynthia M. Rufe?

Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request and no effect on other deadlines. Extension requests must have no effect on other deadlines and be filed appropriately.

Complete rules summary for Judge Cynthia M. Rufe

Summary judgment response limited to 25 pages.

Chambers communications limited to scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications allowed.

ECF required for all counseled parties; proposed orders must be attached to motions; no filings to Chambers.

Rule 26(f) conference required at least 14 days before Rule 16 scheduling conference; mandatory compliance.

Protective orders must include specific language about filing under seal.

Non-emergency documents cannot be filed under seal without leave.

Emergency sealed filings must be delivered by email or fax with explanation.

Sealed filing procedure requires narrow proposal and good cause.

After seal approval, file unredacted documents under seal and highlight non-public portions.

Within 30 days, file redacted public versions of sealed documents.

Settlement requires prompt notification and dismissal request.

Settlement conference continuances over 14 days require Judge Rufe's approval.

Extension requests must have no effect on other deadlines and be filed appropriately.

Summary judgment motions typically use alternative method schedule.

Sentencing motions due 14 days before sentencing; responses due 7 days before.

Summary judgment motions under alternative method have special page limits and format requirements.

Summary judgment motions under traditional method have standard page limits.

All other civil motions follow local rules with 15-page limit for support/response and 10-page limit for reply/sur-reply.

Paper courtesy copies are not required unless specifically requested; email copies are optional.

Sentencing memoranda due 7 days before sentencing; responses due 3 days before.

Pretrial motions must be filed 30 days before trial, heard jointly in multi-defendant cases, and supporting memoranda limited to 25 pages.

Post-trial criminal motions follow federal/local rules with 25-page limit for support/response and 10-page limit for reply/sur-reply (with leave required).

Continuance requests must be filed 14 days before trial as motions with proposed order meeting Speedy Trial Act requirements; letter requests are prohibited.

Continuances exceeding 90 days are generally not considered.

Joint status updates required every 30 days for continuances beyond 90 days.

Joint report on ADR options due by specified date, submitted to chambers by fax or email.

Civil litigants must consider ADR processes, except for social security appeals, pro se prisoner civil rights actions, and habeas corpus petitions.

ADR processes may include mediation, settlement conferences, and other processes designated by the assigned judge.

All ADR processes are confidential unless waived by all participants or ordered by the assigned judge for good cause.

Assigned judge retains authority to conduct settlement conferences, order ADR participation, and approve/disapprove ADR processes.

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