Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Gerald J. Pappert's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

Courtesy copies are required for joint exhibit books. Details: 2 copies, delivery at final pretrial conference, by hand delivery. Two copies of joint exhibit book must be provided to Court at final pretrial conference.

Does Judge Gerald J. Pappert require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for covered motions. Details: response due in 3 days. Preliminary pretrial conference scheduled after answer; joint Rule 26(f) report due 3 business days prior

What page or word limits apply to motion to compel before Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

Judge Gerald J. Pappert's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Motions to compel and responses limited to 5 pages each, double-spaced 12-point font.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Discovery Disputes

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

Judge Gerald J. Pappert's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Excludes table of contents, table of authorities, attachments, and exhibits. Briefs/memoranda limited to 25 pages (excluding TOC, TOA, attachments), double-spaced 12-point font.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Briefs / Legal Memoranda

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

Judge Gerald J. Pappert's formatting rule includes file format PDF and text searchable format encouraged. Text searchable format for exhibits is encouraged but not required.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Exhibits to Filings

What must be included with jury instructions filings before Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

The rule requires proposed verdict form and unified proposed instructions. Unified proposed jury instructions and verdict form required.

What must be included with pro hac vice motion filings before Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

The rule requires fee and cm ecf registration. Pro hac vice motions require fee and CM/ECF registration within 7 days of admission

How may parties contact Judge Gerald J. Pappert's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Gerald J. Pappert's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone 267-299-7530. Telephone calls must go through Courtroom Deputy Clerk; direct contact with law clerks prohibited

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Gerald J. Pappert?

Judge Gerald J. Pappert's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request, adversary position, and proposed new dates. Extensions/continuances require compelling reasons; settlement negotiations and summer scheduling not compelling

Does Judge Gerald J. Pappert encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Gerald J. Pappert's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Multiple attorneys may examine different witnesses or argue different points, but only one attorney per side may examine same witness or address jury.

Complete rules summary for Judge Gerald J. Pappert

Settlement conferences referred to Magistrate Judge.

Court does not participate in settlement negotiations for non-jury cases.

Competing jury instruction versions required if parties disagree.

Unified proposed jury instructions and verdict form required.

Correspondence with court limited to scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters, and settlement notifications

Telephone calls must go through Courtroom Deputy Clerk; direct contact with law clerks prohibited

Telephone conferences for scheduling/discovery; moving party initiates in civil, USAO in criminal; no cell phones allowed

No reserved days for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings; scheduled as warranted

Text searchable format for exhibits is encouraged but not required.

Pro hac vice motions require fee and CM/ECF registration within 7 days of admission

Pro hac vice admission does not relieve local counsel of responsibility

Preliminary pretrial conference scheduled after answer; joint Rule 26(f) report due 3 business days prior

Lead counsel must attend Rule 16 conference with authority to settle and discuss all claims/defenses

Extensions/continuances require compelling reasons; settlement negotiations and summer scheduling not compelling

Standard discovery period is 90-120 days from Rule 16 conference

Motions to compel and responses limited to 5 pages each, double-spaced 12-point font.

Briefs/memoranda limited to 25 pages (excluding TOC, TOA, attachments), double-spaced 12-point font.

Reply briefs (max 10 pages) due within 7 days, limited to new issues, not allowed for motions in limine.

Briefs over 10 pages must include TOC and TOA.

Exhibits must be separately numbered attachments with clear objective titles.

Motion to exceed page limit must be filed before principal filing deadline with reasons.

Pending motion to exceed page limits does not extend principal filing deadline.

Non-compliance with requirements may result in brief being stricken.

Motions and responses must include an exhibit index.

Summary judgment motions must cite specific record references.

Summary judgment rarely granted in non-jury cases.

Pre-hearing conference may be held for injunctions.

Proposed findings and conclusions may be required for injunctions.

Arbitration certification evaluated for non-arbitration track cases.

No Rule 16 conference or scheduling order in arbitration track cases.

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