Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is >= 25 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by mail. One courtesy copy required for documents 25+ pages; exhibits must be double-sided, tabbed, bound in 3-ring binder; deliver by mail/delivery service, no email.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION - E. Courtesy Copies

Does Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Counsel may request telephone/video conference for simple discovery disputes; must attempt to resolve with opposing counsel first and submit letter via email.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION - B. Telephone/Video Conferences

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's rule states these limits: 5 pages; 5 pages. Discovery motion support and opposition briefs are limited to 5 pages each.

View ruleSource: page 5, section III.A. Discovery Matters

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 25 pages. Support and opposition briefs in civil cases are limited to 25 pages each.

View ruleSource: page 5, section III.C. Length and Content of Briefs or Legal Memoranda

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's formatting rule includes times new roman font, 12 point type, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, file format PDF, and all pdf documents must be text searchable. All documents must use 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins; PDFs must be text searchable.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION - F. Document formatting

What must be included with rule 26(f) report filings before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Rule 26(f) reports must use the template provided on Judge Hodge’s website.

View ruleSource: page 3, section II. CIVIL CASES – PRETRIAL A. Rule 16 Conference

What must be included with stipulation filings before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Stipulations requiring Court approval must be submitted by email to Chambers and include basis for relief.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION - C. Stipulations

How may parties contact Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone 267-299-7550. Chambers communications permitted by phone for scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications; law clerks cannot grant relief.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION - A. Communication with Chambers

How does Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge handle sealed or redacted filings?

The rule does not state that a motion to seal is required for the covered filing process. Inadvertently produced privileged documents must be immediately returned.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Privilege

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request and adversary position. Extension requests require a letter via email with basis, opposing counsel's position, and a proposed order; unopposed requests need a signed stipulation.

View ruleSource: page 4, section II. CIVIL CASES – PRETRIAL D. Requests for Extension of Time and Continuances

Is electronic filing required before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All counseled parties must use ECF; proposed orders attached to motions; no Chambers submissions except via ECF; court won't act on non-docketed submissions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. GENERAL INFORMATION - D. Electronic Case Filing

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge?

The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Rule 26(f) reports must be filed and emailed to Chambers at least 7 calendar days before the Rule 16 conference.

View ruleSource: page 3, section II. CIVIL CASES – PRETRIAL A. Rule 16 Conference
Complete rules summary for Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge

Rule 26(f) reports must use the template provided on Judge Hodge’s website.

Chambers communications permitted by phone for scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications; law clerks cannot grant relief.

Letters sent via email permitted for scheduling/non-substantive matters; email alone without letter not considered.

Communications to Judge Hodge's personal email are prohibited.

Counsel may request telephone/video conference for simple discovery disputes; must attempt to resolve with opposing counsel first and submit letter via email.

Stipulations requiring Court approval must be submitted by email to Chambers and include basis for relief.

All counseled parties must use ECF; proposed orders attached to motions; no Chambers submissions except via ECF; court won't act on non-docketed submissions.

One courtesy copy required for documents 25+ pages; exhibits must be double-sided, tabbed, bound in 3-ring binder; deliver by mail/delivery service, no email.

All documents must use 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins; PDFs must be text searchable.

Counsel must meet and confer with opposing counsel at least 7 days before filing Rule 12, 56, removal, or transfer motions; verbal communication required, pro se/bankruptcy/Social Security appeals exempt.

Motions under Rule 12, 56, 1441, 1404 must include certification of meet and confer with opposing counsel.

Counsel and unrepresented parties may email Chambers to provide preferred names, pronouns, and honorifics for court proceedings.

Parties must file Rule 26(f) reports on ECF unless leave of court is requested.

Parties must email Rule 26(f) reports to Chambers at least 7 days before the Rule 16 conference.

Rule 26(f) reports must be filed and emailed to Chambers at least 7 calendar days before the Rule 16 conference.

Rule 26(f) meetings must occur no later than 14 calendar days before the Rule 16 scheduling conference.

Counsel must immediately notify Chambers upon reaching a settlement and request dismissal under Local Rule 41.1.

Extension requests require a letter via email with basis, opposing counsel's position, and a proposed order; unopposed requests need a signed stipulation.

All extension requests must include a proposed order.

Extension requests must be sent via email with a letter attachment; emails without a letter will not be considered.

Unopposed extension requests require a stipulation signed by all parties sent via email.

Continuance requests are considered only upon a showing of compelling circumstances and good cause.

Discovery motion support and opposition briefs are limited to 5 pages each.

Discovery motions must include a form of order (proposed order).

All motions must include the certification required by Local Civil Rule 26.1(f).

Opposition to discovery motions must be filed within 7 days of the motion's filing.

All grounds for relief must be set forth in a single comprehensive motion, not separate motions per count.

Support and opposition briefs in civil cases are limited to 25 pages each.

Parties must submit proposed jury instructions and verdict forms to the Court and serve them on opposing counsel.

Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages and must be filed within 7 days of service of the opposition brief.

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