Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Joshua D. Wolson's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

Courtesy copies are required for chambers copys. Details: delivery upon filing, by email. Courtesy copies required for sealed filings and motions with >5 exhibits.

Does Judge Joshua D. Wolson require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Preliminary pretrial conference scheduled after all defendants appear; lead trial counsel must attend in person; rescheduling requires pre-existing commitment.

View ruleSource: page 10, section Pretrial conferences

What page or word limits apply to motion before Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

Judge Joshua D. Wolson's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 8750 words; 10 pages; 3500 words; 7 pages; 2450 words. Opening briefs limited to 25 pages or 8,750 words; replies to 10 pages or 3,500 words; sur-replies to 7 pages or 2,450 words.

What page or word limits apply to discovery motion before Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

Judge Joshua D. Wolson's rule states these limits: 5 pages; 1750 words. Excludes exhibits. Discovery motions limited to 5 pages or 1,750 words, must include form of order and brief.

View ruleSource: page 17, section Discovery Matters

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

Judge Joshua D. Wolson's formatting rule includes file format PDF, each exhibit must be a separate ecf document, files must have descriptive names identifying the document, and single "exhibits" file will be struck. Exhibits must be submitted as separate ECF documents with descriptive names, not as a single "Exhibits" file.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 1. When submitting exhibits via ECF

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

The rule requires joint exhibits, certificate of service, and consolidated statement of facts. Moving party must file consolidated statement of facts and joint exhibits with summary judgment motion.

What must be included with pro hac vice motion filings before Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

The rule requires caption, judge name, case number, and certificate of service. Pro hac vice motions require fee, form from website, and CM/ECF registration within 7 days.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Pro Hac Vice Motions

How may parties contact Judge Joshua D. Wolson's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Joshua D. Wolson's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email Judge Wolson's chambers. Emails to Judge Wolson must include case name/docket number and specific subject line verbiage for different types of requests.

View ruleSource: page 5, section B. Conventions For Emails

How does Judge Joshua D. Wolson handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Joshua D. Wolson. Process: file unredacted to chambers. Motion to seal required before filing sealed documents, with courtesy copies.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Joshua D. Wolson?

Requests should be made at least 7 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Joshua D. Wolson. The request must include reason for request and adversary position. Continuance/extension requests must be emailed to Chambers with specific subject line, include opposing counsel's position, and be made at least 7 days before deadline unless good cause shown.

View ruleSource: page 19, section E. Protective Orders And Confidentiality Agreements

Does Judge Joshua D. Wolson require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. Each exhibit must be submitted as a separate document; bundling exhibits into a single file is prohibited and will result in the filing being struck.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Exhibit Submission

Does Judge Joshua D. Wolson encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Joshua D. Wolson's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Only one attorney per side may examine witnesses or address jury without leave of court.

View ruleSource: page 27, section F. Courtroom Protocol
Complete rules summary for Judge Joshua D. Wolson

Chambers physical address provided

Chambers phone number provided

Document effective date

Chambers email address provided

Communications to Judge Wolson should be limited to routine matters without opposition; responsive letters only at his request.

Emails to Judge Wolson must include case name/docket number and specific subject line verbiage for different types of requests.

Exhibits must be submitted as separate ECF documents with descriptive names, not as a single "Exhibits" file.

Deposition transcripts must be full-sized pages with cover page and only relevant pages; entire transcript only if relevant.

Motion to seal required before filing sealed documents, with courtesy copies.

Unredacted version with highlighted redactions required for redacted filings.

Parties must collaborate on sealing motions for confidential material.

Courtesy copies required for sealed filings and motions with >5 exhibits.

Electronic courtesy copies via email with specific formatting requirements.

Courtesy copies must be emailed, not via file-sharing services.

Paper courtesy copies are prohibited.

Meeting and conferring requirements apply to statutes, rules, policies, and court orders.

Moving party must file consolidated statement of facts and joint exhibits with summary judgment motion.

Provide Westlaw citations for unpublished decisions; don't submit copies if available on Westlaw/Lexis.

Pro hac vice motions require fee, form from website, and CM/ECF registration within 7 days.

Affirmative defenses must have good faith basis; prophylactic defenses prohibited; entire answer struck if violated.

Preliminary pretrial conference scheduled after all defendants appear; lead trial counsel must attend in person; rescheduling requires pre-existing commitment.

No additional discovery allowed after arbitration.

Pending motions don't stay discovery obligations; parties must begin discovery immediately; judge considers unused time for scheduling.

Rule 26(f) joint status report due 7 days before Rule 16 conference via email.

Must use Judge Wolson's specific Rule 26(f) form.

Lead counsel must attend all conferences and deliver opening/closing statements.

No pretrial conference for arbitration cases; complete discovery before arbitration.

Stipulations and proposed orders must be emailed to Chambers, not Clerk.

Motions must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, footnotes same size, TOC for briefs over 10 pages.

No substantive arguments in footnotes; they will not be considered.

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