Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.. Courtesy copies should not be provided to chambers unless specifically required

View ruleSource: page 4, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Does Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Discovery disputes must be addressed by counsel before requesting court intervention, with certification of good faith efforts.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Discovery Disputes

What page or word limits apply to reply brief before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s rule states these limits: 10 pages. Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages.

What page or word limits apply to sur reply brief before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s rule states these limits: 5 pages. Sur-reply briefs (with permission) are limited to 5 pages.

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s formatting rule includes file format docx and attachments must be in word or pdf format. Email attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format

View ruleSource: page 3, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION

What must be included with motion to seal filings before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

The rule requires certificate of conference. Certificate of concurrence or non-concurrence must be attached to motion to seal.

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

The rule requires proposed order. Each motion must include a proposed order.

How may parties contact Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Chambers communication allowed only for scheduling and non-substantive matters via email, phone, letter, or fax

View ruleSource: page 3, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION

How does Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr. handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.. Confidentiality orders require detailed explanation of injury and specific categories of protected information.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Confidentiality Agreements

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.?

Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.'s rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request, original date, number of previous requests, previous requests granted or denied, and adversary position. Extension requests require conference with opposing counsel; unopposed requests via joint stipulation, opposed as motions.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Deadlines
Complete rules summary for Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr.

Oral argument must be requested by letter or in motion/responsive pleading.

Certificate of concurrence or non-concurrence must be attached to motion to seal.

Each motion must include a proposed order.

All motions must include a Certificate of Concurrence or Non-Concurrence.

Courtesy copy policy mentioned but no specific requirements provided.

Chambers communication allowed only for scheduling and non-substantive matters via email, phone, letter, or fax

Email attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format

Proposed orders must be formatted for Judge's signature without the word 'proposed'.

No ex parte communication with chambers personnel about substantive matters

Telephone inquiries should be directed to civil or criminal deputy

Attorneys may speak to law clerks about scheduling if deputy unavailable, but clerks cannot give advice

Emails to chambers do not constitute official filings

Stipulations and consent decrees may use electronic signatures

Stipulations are not effective until approved by the Court

Stipulations should be sent by email or fax to chambers with proposed order

Stipulations should not be sent to the Clerk of Court

Approved stipulations are forwarded to Clerk for filing and dissemination

Telephone conferences scheduled at Court's discretion for scheduling or discovery disputes

In civil cases, moving party counsel initiates telephone conferences through Civil Deputy Clerk

In criminal cases, USAO initiates telephone conferences through Criminal Deputy Clerk

Courtesy copies should not be provided to chambers unless specifically required

All trials and proceedings held at Allentown courthouse, Courtroom C, Third Floor

Judge's courtroom is not electronic

Requests for courtroom technology approval should be directed to Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk

Counsel must arrange approved electronic equipment in courtroom

Paper filings must be 8.5 x 11 inches and substantially comply with formatting requirements.

Filings must be on white paper of good quality, except for covers and dividers.

Font must be at least 12 pt Times New Roman, text double-spaced, margins at least 1 inch, all pages numbered.

Printed material must appear on only one side of each page.

Exceptions to formatting rules require motion and good cause, except for pro se litigants.

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