Judge John F. Murphy
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings
Required
Adjournments
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Detailed Drafting Rules
All communications with chambers must be via ECF filing unless directed otherwise or in scheduling emergencies.
All requests and written communication with chambers should be made through an appropriate ECF filing. Requests for relief should almost always be made by motion. E-mail (murphy_chambers@paed.uscourts.gov) or other written communication is permitted only when directed or because of a scheduling emergency.
Direct to: Chambers
- Status Inquiries
Web pages relied upon must be attached as exhibits.
You must attach as exhibits copies of any web pages relied upon.
Document Type
Exhibits
All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins; footnotes same size; briefs over 10 pages need TOC and TOA
All briefs must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least 1-inch margins. Footnotes must be in the same font size as the body of the brief. Any brief longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents and table of authorities.
Page limits: Opening and opposition briefs 25 pages or 6,250 words; Reply brief 10 pages or 2,500 words
Page limits, absent leave: • Opening brief: 25 pages or 6,250 words • Response/opposition: 25 pages or 6,250 words • Reply: 10 pages or 2,500 words
Page limits may be exceeded without leave for figures/diagrams if word count certification is included
Counsel may exceed the page limits (e.g., to include figures or diagrams) without leave if an appropriate word count certification is included.
Only one Rule 56 summary judgment motion allowed per party without leave, within page/word limits
Summary judgment motions. Absent leave, a party is entitled to file only one single Rule 56 motion (at the time designated in the scheduling order) that addresses whatever issues the party wishes to raise within the page or word limit.
Pre-Motion Conference
Check specific requirements before filing.
Exemptions
Do not contact chambers informally to mark cases as settled unless there is a scheduling emergency.
Absent a scheduling emergency, do not call or send chambers informal correspondence asking us to mark your matter as settled. That accomplishes nothing.
Direct to: Chambers
- DescriptionInformal correspondence to mark cases as settled is prohibited unless there is a scheduling emergency
- Status Inquiries