Courtesy copies are required for rule 12, rule 50, and rule 56. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by email. Courtesy copies required for dispositive motions/briefs with exhibits via email/PDF with specific formatting.
Judge John F. Murphy's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Initial Rule 26(f) conference must occur no later than 21 days before initial Rule 16 conference.
Judge John F. Murphy's rule states these limits: 10 pages; 2500 words. Page limits: Opening and opposition briefs 25 pages or 6,250 words; Reply brief 10 pages or 2,500 words
Judge John F. Murphy's formatting rule includes file format PDF, text-searchable, and descriptive filenames. All ECF filings must be text-searchable with descriptive filenames.
The rule requires no duplicate exhibits. Do not attach as exhibits documents already on the docket.
The rule requires ecf filing and good cause. Extension requests must be ECF motions/stipulations showing good cause; lack of diligence defeats good cause.
Parties may contact Judge John F. Murphy's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email murphy_chambers@paed.uscourts.gov. All communications with chambers must be via ECF filing unless directed otherwise or in scheduling emergencies.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge John F. Murphy. Protective orders on confidentiality require statutory requirement or good cause.
Judge John F. Murphy's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. Trial dates will not be continued except for criminal docket emergencies or extraordinary justification.
Yes. Judge John F. Murphy's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Oral argument requests more likely granted when junior lawyer will argue.
All communications with chambers must be via ECF filing unless directed otherwise or in scheduling emergencies.
All ECF filings must be text-searchable with descriptive filenames.
Reference docketed documents by docket number, use ECF header page numbers if no page numbers.
Do not attach as exhibits documents already on the docket.
Web pages relied upon must be attached as exhibits.
Proposed orders should be filed on ECF; complex orders should also be emailed to chambers in Word format.
Extension requests must be ECF motions/stipulations showing good cause; lack of diligence defeats good cause.
Trial dates will not be continued except for criminal docket emergencies or extraordinary justification.
Extension requests must be made at least 7 days before deadline or justify last-minute request.
Rule 12 motions to dismiss require meet-and-confer certification and discovery position statement.
Amended pleadings require a redline version showing changes.
Joint Rule 26(f) report due 7 days before initial Rule 16 conference.
Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures due 14 days before initial Rule 16 conference.
Initial Rule 26(f) conference must occur no later than 21 days before initial Rule 16 conference.
Discovery motions must include detailed proposed orders with specific relief.
Local Rule 26.1 certification must be specific and substantive or relief will be barred.
Protective orders on confidentiality require statutory requirement or good cause.
Documents cannot be filed under seal in civil cases without leave, except in emergencies.
Complaints should almost never be filed under seal.
Motion to file under seal must be filed on public docket by ECF with unredacted documents emailed to chambers
Once granted, file complete unredacted sealed documents on ECF docket and highlight non-public portions
Within 30 days of filing under seal, file thoughtfully and narrowly redacted public versions on ECF docket
Sealed documents must be filed on ECF and sent to chambers like courtesy copies; paper copies not accepted
Reply briefs encouraged, may be filed without leave, must be filed within 7 days of opposition brief
All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins; footnotes same size; briefs over 10 pages need TOC and TOA
Page limits: Opening and opposition briefs 25 pages or 6,250 words; Reply brief 10 pages or 2,500 words
Page limits may be exceeded without leave for figures/diagrams if word count certification is included
Only one Rule 56 summary judgment motion allowed per party without leave, within page/word limits
Summary judgment motion must include jointly prepared consolidated statement of facts and joint set of exhibits
Moving party must serve statement of undisputed facts 28 days before motion deadline