Court Rules
district Judge
Verified Current9 days ago

Judge John Milton Younge

Eastern District of Pennsylvania

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Reply Brief
10 pgs
Discovery Motion
10 pgs
Discovery Response
10 pgs
Pre Trial Motion
21 pgs
Opposition
21 pgs
Trial Memorandum Response
21 pgs
Motion
21 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Filings (Exhibits)

Required • Binding: Three Ring Binder

Filings

Required

Filings (>15 pages)

Required • Binding: Three Ring Binder

Filings (Motion, Response, Reply)

Upon Request

Adjournments

Notice Required
10Calendar Days

Communication

Letter Ecf

Chambers

Scheduling
Advance Notice Required
No Status Inquiries

Chambers

Scheduling
No Status Inquiries
Phone

Chambers

267-299-7361
No Status Inquiries
Phone

Chambers

SchedulingTechnical IssuesEmergencies
Advance Notice Required
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingCommunicationDiscoveryConferencesMemorandaLettersElectronicsTRO/Injunction

Detailed Drafting Rules

Format RequirementMandatory

Correspondence limited to unopposed extensions/scheduling; max 5 pages by fax; no correspondence for opposed matters.

Counsel may write to Judge Younge to request an unopposed extension of time and for unopposed requests pertaining to scheduling. However, Judge Younge does not permit correspondence in lieu of opposed extension requests, contested discovery or substantive motions, or other disputed substantive matters which should be made of record via motion practice. Correspondence may be faxed to Judge Younge at 267-299-7368 (maximum 5 pages by fax, other wise by mail or hand delivery).

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Required Format

Paper

Page 1
|SecA. Correspondence with the Court
Communication ProtocolImportant

Carbon copies of letters to opposing counsel are not accepted.

Judge Younge does not accept carbon copies of letters to opposing counsel.

Letter via ECF

Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Page 1
|SecA. Correspondence with the Court
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Ex parte communication with the Court is prohibited.

Judge Younge does not permit ex parte communication with the Court, written or otherwise.

Contact Method

Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Page 1
|SecA. Correspondence with the Court
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited; contact Civil Deputy Ms. Brannan at 267-299-7361.

Judge Younge generally does not permit counsel to directly communicate with law clerks. If a law clerk contacts counsel, it is at Judge Younge's direction. Usually communication with Chambers shall occur via Judge Younge's Civil Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan, at 267-299-7361.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Page 2
|SecB. Communication with Law Clerks
Communication ProtocolNote

Telephone conferences used for scheduling, discovery, and motions; counsel typically initiates.

Judge Younge uses telephone conferences for scheduling changes and similar matters. He also holds telephone conference calls on discovery and other motions as necessary. Judge Younge usually requests that counsel initiate any such call.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
SchedulingTechnical Issues
Page 2
|SecC. Telephone Conferences
Communication ProtocolNote

No set days for oral arguments; arguments scheduled ad hoc if judge believes they will assist decision.

Judge Younge does not set aside specific days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings. Judge Younge will hear oral argument on a motion if he believes argument will assist him in deciding the motion. A party may request argument in writing. Arguments and hearings are scheduled on an ad hoc basis.

Contact Method

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Page 2
|SecD. Oral Arguments and Evidentiary Hearings
Communication ProtocolNote

Judge evaluates jury exhibit requests case-by-case; counsel contacted.

Judge Younge will evaluate requests from the jury for particular exhibits on a case-by-case basis. Counsel will always be contacted prior to a decision on any such requests.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Emergencies
Page 8
|Sec2. Exhibits in the Jury Room
Communication ProtocolNote

Rule 16 conferences may be held via telephone, in chambers, or in courtroom.

Judge Younge may schedule a Fed. R. Civ. Proc. 16 conference to occur via telephone, in Chambers, or in a courtroom.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    at least five business days prior to the Rule 16 conference
Page 10
|SecA. Pre-trial Procedure
Communication ProtocolNote

Judge Younge typically asks about magistrate judge consent at Rule 16 conference.

In addition, Judge Younge usually inquires whether the parties would be amenable to having their entire matter transferred to the jurisdiction of a U.S. Magistrate Judge pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c) and Fed. R. Civ. Proc. 73. Parties are expected to have conferred with each other about of these items prior to the conference (especially as to settlement and transfer to the jurisdiction of a U.S. Magistrate Judge).

Letter via ECF

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    before Rule 16 conference
Page 10
|SecA. Pre-trial Procedure
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Reply and sur-reply briefs limited to 10 pages.

Reply briefs and sur-reply briefs, addressing only issues raised in the brief in opposition and not repeating arguments in briefs that were previously filed by the movant, may limited to ten pages.

Page or Word LimitMandatory

Discovery dispute briefs limited to 10 pages.

When a discovery dispute arises, counsel are strongly urged to settle it amongst themselves. However, if, after making a good faith effort, counsel are unable to resolve a disputed issue, counsel for the aggrieved party shall file with the Court a motion in conformity with Local Civil Rule 26.1(b), with a proposed order, and a brief not to exceed ten pages.

Page or Word LimitMandatory

Discovery dispute responses limited to 10 pages.

After a response, also limited to ten pages, is filed, the Court will either: (1) issue a ruling; (2) hold a teleconference or hearing; (3) refer the dispute to a U.S. Magistrate Judge for a determination; or (4) order additional briefing.