Courtesy copies are required only when requested by chambers. All relevant documents must be delivered to chambers in advance of hearings and proceedings.
Judge Lynne A. Sitarski's rules set a pre-motion procedure for jury instructions. Conference on proposed jury instructions is usually conducted.
Judge Lynne A. Sitarski's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Settlement conference submissions limited to 5 pages.
Judge Lynne A. Sitarski's rule states these limits: 20 pages. Document submissions for settlement conference limited to 20 pages without Court approval.
Judge Lynne A. Sitarski's formatting rule includes binding tabbed 3-ring. Exhibits must be provided in two sets, in a tabbed three-ring binder with a schedule.
The rule requires statement of facts. Summary judgment motions require a separate Statement of Undisputed Facts in numbered paragraphs
The rule requires statement of facts. Opposition to summary judgment must respond to each numbered paragraph in the Statement of Undisputed Facts
Parties may contact Judge Lynne A. Sitarski's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. All correspondence to court must be copied to all counsel of record
Judge Lynne A. Sitarski's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request. Extension requests do not require a formal motion; contact the Deputy Clerk to arrange a conference.
All correspondence to court must be copied to all counsel of record
Chambers communication limited to logistical matters only
Oral pro hac vice motions permitted on first appearance day
Oral argument scheduled at court's discretion, may be requested
Reply briefs permitted but limited; surreplies require permission
Summary judgment motions require a separate Statement of Undisputed Facts in numbered paragraphs
Opposition to summary judgment must respond to each numbered paragraph in the Statement of Undisputed Facts
All factual statements in motions must include specific record citations with page and line numbers
Standard discovery period is 90-120 days, but may be adjusted based on counsel's input
Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; chambers conferences available if good faith efforts fail
Confidentiality agreements permitted subject to Pansy v. Borough of Stroudsburg requirements
Expert witnesses must be identified and reports provided per Rule 16 scheduling order; failure may bar testimony
Confidential settlement conference memorandum required one week before conference
Attorneys may submit up to five critical documents with settlement conference memorandum
Parties must have representative with settlement authority participate in settlement conference
All discovery must be completed before arbitration; no additional discovery allowed if trial de novo is requested
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law required for all injunction cases.
Trial briefs encouraged when necessary or helpful.
In limine motions must be filed and served before final pretrial conference.
Two tabbed three-ring binder sets of exhibits required before trial.
Witnesses may be examined out of sequence in appropriate circumstances.
Witness examination limited to redirect and recross.
Videotaped depositions must be reviewed and edited to present essential evidence.
Stipulations and pleadings read into record; depositions discouraged.
Only essential portions of lengthy exhibits should be provided to court.
Reasonable latitude for opening/closing statements length.
Normally only one attorney per party for witness examination and argument.
Joint proposed jury instructions with citations must be submitted 2 business days before trial.
Joint verdict form or special interrogatories must be submitted 2 business days before trial.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law required in nonjury cases at final pretrial conference.