**Senior Judge Harvey Bartle III** was appointed to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. He served as Chief Judge of the court from 2006 to 2011 and assumed senior status on October 1, 2011. Born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, Judge Bartle received his undergraduate degree from Princeton University and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He clerked for Judge John Morgan Davis of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before entering private practice in Philadelphia. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1966 to 1972, attaining the rank of Captain. He also served as Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner under Governor Dick Thornburgh from 1979 to 1980 and as State Attorney General from 1980 to 1981. **Education** - University of Pennsylvania Law School, LL.B., 1965 - Princeton University, B.A., 1962 **Career** - Law clerk, Hon. John Morgan Davis, U.S. District Court, E.D. Pa. (1965–1967) - Private practice, Philadelphia (1967–1979; 1981–1991) - U.S. Army Reserve, Captain (1966–1972) - Insurance Commissioner, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1979–1980) - Attorney General, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (1980–1981) - U.S. District Judge, E.D. Pa. (1991–present); Chief Judge (2006–2011); Senior Judge (2011–present)
**Courthouse:** James A. Byrne U.S. Courthouse, 601 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106 **Chambers:** Room 16614 **Phone:** (215) 597-2693 **Email:** Chambers_of_Judge_Harvey_Bartle@paed.uscourts.gov **Chambers Staff** - Judicial Assistant: Sue Renz, (215) 597-2693, Susan_Renz@paed.uscourts.gov - Courtroom Deputy: Nicole Spicer, (267) 299-7389, Nicole_Spicer@paed.uscourts.gov
Courtesy copies are required for motions and briefs. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. Chambers copy required for all motions and briefs, including ECF filings.
Judge Harvey Bartle III's rules set a pre-motion procedure for appearances. Status conference required after defense counsel appears in civil cases; covers multiple pretrial matters.
Judge Harvey Bartle III's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 25 pages; 15 pages. Supporting and opposition briefs limited to 25 pages; reply briefs limited to 15 pages.
Judge Harvey Bartle III's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Discovery motions limited to 5 pages with form of order.
The rule requires local rule certificate. Discovery motions must include certification under Local Civil Rule 26.1(f).
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Confidentiality orders must include specific language about court's right to modify.
Parties may contact Judge Harvey Bartle III's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Correspondence allowed for extensions and scheduling only, not for substantive matters.
Yes. Judge Harvey Bartle III's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Oral argument not routinely granted but may be considered upon request or if helpful to decision.
Correspondence allowed for extensions and scheduling only, not for substantive matters.
Law clerks may relay information but cannot give legal advice.
Telephone conferences for scheduling, extensions, and discovery motions; counsel must place the call.
Status conference required after defense counsel appears in civil cases; covers multiple pretrial matters.
Judge Bartle is extremely reluctant to grant continuances, especially if...
Chambers copy required for all motions and briefs, including ECF filings.
Supporting and opposition briefs limited to 25 pages; reply briefs limited to 15 pages.
Reply briefs must be filed within 7 days of opposition brief unless Court sets different schedule.
Oral argument not routinely granted but may be considered upon request or if helpful to decision.
Discovery motions limited to 5 pages with form of order.
Discovery motions must include certification under Local Civil Rule 26.1(f).
Confidentiality orders must include specific language about court's right to modify.
Failure to identify expert witnesses or provide reports will bar testimony at trial.
Settlement negotiations are rarely referred to another district court judge.
Time limits may be placed on opening statements and summations.
Only one attorney per party may examine each witness.
Counsel must review and edit videotaped depositions before offering as evidence.
Provide 2 copies of each exhibit and exhibit schedule before trial.
Submit 2 copies of proposed jury instructions 5 working days before trial.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law required in non-jury cases.
Judge provides proposed jury instructions to counsel before charge conference.
Admitted exhibits (except weapons/drugs) go to jury room.
Juror interviews permitted after verdict, but jurors have no obligation to speak.
Proposed jury instructions and interrogatories due 7 working days before trial.
Government must submit guilty plea memorandum 2 days before plea with offense elements and citations.
Sentencing memoranda encouraged from both government and defendant.
Counsel must be punctual and civil to all parties, witnesses, and court personnel.
Counsel must stand when addressing court but may sit when examining witnesses.
Stipulations must be sent to Judge's chambers for review, not to Clerk.
Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing to Judge's attention.