Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Paul S. Diamond's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Paul S. Diamond?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 50 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. Documentary evidence over 50 pages must be delivered to Chambers in hard copy with specific formatting.

Does Judge Paul S. Diamond require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Paul S. Diamond's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Oral argument is generally not required for motions.

What page or word limits apply to motion before Judge Paul S. Diamond?

Judge Paul S. Diamond's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 12 pages; 20 pages. Excludes table of contents and table of authorities. Motion papers must be double-spaced, 14-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. Supporting memoranda limited to 25 pages, replies to 12 pages, declarations to 20 pages.

View ruleSource: page 6, section VI. MOTIONS PRACTICE

What page or word limits apply to reply brief before Judge Paul S. Diamond?

Judge Paul S. Diamond's rule states these limits: 14 days. Reply briefs must be filed within 14 days of the response brief.

View ruleSource: page 8

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Paul S. Diamond?

Judge Paul S. Diamond's formatting rule includes file format PDF, all documents must be filed electronically via ecf, and stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to clerk of court. All documents must be filed electronically via ECF; stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to Clerk.

View ruleSource: page 1, section ELECTRONIC FILING

What must be included with complaint filings before Judge Paul S. Diamond?

The rule requires certificate of service. Defendants not timely served under Rule 4(m) will be dismissed without prejudice.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SERVICE OF THE COMPLAINT

What must be included with discovery dispute letter filings before Judge Paul S. Diamond?

The rule requires certificate section. Counsel must certify reasonable effort to resolve discovery disputes before bringing to Judge's attention.

View ruleSource: page 2, section DISCOVERY

How may parties contact Judge Paul S. Diamond's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Paul S. Diamond's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. Preliminary pretrial conference in Chambers after responsive pleading; Lead Counsel must attend with client or corporate representative; no telephonic/Zoom appearances.

View ruleSource: page 2, section PRELIMINARY PRETRIAL CONFERENCE

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Paul S. Diamond?

Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Paul S. Diamond. The request must include reason for request and proposed rescheduled date. Requests for continuances/extensions must be filed at least 5 business days before the deadline, except for compelling circumstances.

View ruleSource: page 12, section CONTINUANCES OR EXTENSIONS OF TIME
Complete rules summary for Judge Paul S. Diamond

Defendants not timely served under Rule 4(m) will be dismissed without prejudice.

All documents must be filed electronically via ECF; stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to Clerk.

Magistrate judge consent form available at specified URL.

Preliminary pretrial conference in Chambers after responsive pleading; Lead Counsel must attend with client or corporate representative; no telephonic/Zoom appearances.

Discovery must begin immediately; no extensions will be granted; discovery should be well underway by preliminary pretrial conference.

Counsel must certify reasonable effort to resolve discovery disputes before bringing to Judge's attention.

Discovery disputes must be emailed to Chambers with disputed request attached as exhibit.

Counsel must call chambers during depositions to resolve disputes immediately.

Rule 34 objections must be specific and state grounds; general objections may result in sanctions.

Late production of evidence or witnesses is viewed unfavorably.

Motion papers must be double-spaced, 14-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins. Supporting memoranda limited to 25 pages, replies to 12 pages, declarations to 20 pages.

Reply briefs must be filed within 14 days of the response brief.

Sur-reply briefs must be filed within 7 days of the reply brief.

Reply and sur-reply briefs cannot include declarations or exhibits.

Summary judgment motions require a separate statement of material facts in numbered paragraphs.

Missing statement of material facts may result in denial of summary judgment motion.

Non-moving party must respond to each numbered paragraph in the moving party's statement.

Statements of material facts must include specific record citations.

Material facts in moving party's statement are deemed admitted unless controverted.

Documentary evidence over 50 pages must be delivered to Chambers in hard copy with specific formatting.

Chambers copies must be printed single-sided on high-quality opaque white paper.

Courtesy copies of cases available on Lexis or Westlaw are not required.

Oral argument is generally not required for motions.

Requests for continuances/extensions must be filed at least 5 business days before the deadline, except for compelling circumstances.

Proposed orders must be included with continuance/extension requests.

Continuance/extension motions require detailed declaration showing good cause and history of previous requests.

All continuance/extension requests must be filed via ECF.

Counsel may speak with law clerks only on scheduling and procedural matters.

Courtesy copies required for briefs filed in appeals from this judge's decisions.

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