Eastern District of Pennsylvania Chambers Communication Rules
427 rules from official source documents
Rules for contacting chambers: permitted methods, hours, and purposes. This page is scoped to Eastern District of Pennsylvania; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
All other communications should be filed as pleadings, motions, or applications.
G. All other written communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to the Court’s calendar should be by the filing of a pleading, motion, application, brief, legal memorandum or other similar filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or our Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. Do not write letters to the Court that are properly the subject of these filings.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Case communications must be filed through ECF whenever possible
Communications regarding cases must be made through filing a pleading, motion, or application through Electronic Case Filing (ECF) whenever possible.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to clerk
Pro se litigants must contact clerks' office, not chambers
All pro se communications must be sent to the clerks' office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Henry or her chambers directly.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Case communications must use ECF; email only permitted for schedule changes and settlement notice.
Communications regarding cases must be made through filing a pleading, motion, or application through Electronic Case Filing (ECF) whenever possible. Email correspondence regarding cases is permitted in the following situations: • To advise the Court of unanticipated schedule changes (less than seven (7) business days in advance of a deadline) or schedule changes due to personal or medical issues that counsel does not wish to file on the docket. • To promptly advise the Court that a case has been settled.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to clerk
Pro se litigants must send communications to clerks' office; direct contact with chambers prohibited.
All pro se communications must be sent to the clerks' office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Henry or her chambers directly.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Guilty plea memorandum must be submitted to chambers via email.
The change of plea memorandum shall be submitted to chambers by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be emailed to chambers.
All Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda shall also be promptly delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word Format by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
- Phone
- (267) 299-7541
Email communications regarding civil and criminal cases are restricted to specific non-substantive matters, must copy Chambers email, and require advance notice to other counsel.
Communications and correspondence regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Kenney’s Deputy Clerk, Shelli L. MacElderry, at telephone number (267) 299-7541 or email address Chambers_of_Judge_Chad_F_Kenney@paed.uscourts.gov. Any contact should only come after notifying other counsel of the intent to reach out to Chambers. Emails with any Chambers personnel should copy the Chambers email address. Parties should not email Chambers on substantive matters. Parties may contact Chambers via email in the following situations: (1) When counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information by letter or email or in response to same by the Court; (2) When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16 Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the summary judgment date and dates thereafter including trial; (3) When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by a personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness, or counsel’s immediate family, such as medical problems, vacation plans, or other similarly personal problems or questions; (4) When the parties seek Court approval of stipulated proposals (which should include a signature and date line so that Judge Kenney can indicate his approval prior to filing on the docket); (5) When the parties have remaining administrative or scheduling questions after
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (267) 299-7541
Phone communications regarding civil and criminal cases must be directed to Chambers Deputy Clerk Shelli L. MacElderry at (267) 299-7541, with advance notice to other counsel required.
Communications and correspondence regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Kenney’s Deputy Clerk, Shelli L. MacElderry, at telephone number (267) 299-7541 or email address Chambers_of_Judge_Chad_F_Kenney@paed.uscourts.gov. Any contact should only come after notifying other counsel of the intent to reach out to Chambers.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters to the Court are prohibited unless authorized; all other case communications must be via proper filings.
All other communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to Judge Kenney’s calendar should be made by the filing of a pleading, motion or other filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. Do not write letters or emails to the Court that are properly the subject of these filings unless given authorization. The Court does not do litigation by letter.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may not rely on chambers staff to copy, scan, print, file, or serve attorney documents.
SHALL NOT rely upon or expect any member of chambers staff to copy, scan, print, file, or serve any attorney documents or submissions, before or after any court proceeding.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Protective order stipulations must be submitted to Chambers via email for approval.
Any stipulation for a protective order should be sent to Chambers via email for Court approval.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Questions or correspondence regarding arbitration hearings must be directed to the arbitration clerk via the provided email address.
direct questions or correspondence regarding the arbitration hearing to the arbitration clerk at PAED_arbitration@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Other to chambers
Counsel must not rely on chambers staff to file, serve, or process attorney documents.
In addition, counsel are required to manage, file, and serve all attorney documents. Counsel SHALL NOT rely upon or expect any member of chambers staff to copy, scan, print, file, or serve any attorney documents or submissions, before or after any court proceeding.
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- Phone to clerk
Counsel must contact the Court’s deputy clerk to schedule a guilty plea hearing.
If a criminal defendant decides to plead guilty to an indictment or an information, counsel shall contact the Court’s deputy clerk to schedule a hearing.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The Settlement Memorandum must be emailed to chambers at least five days before the conference.
At least five days prior to the Settlement Conference. a confidential Settlement Memorandum should be sent via email to chambers at chambers weilheimer@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7530
Telephone calls must go through Courtroom Deputy Clerk; direct contact with law clerks prohibited
Telephone calls regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Pappert's Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Katie Rolon, at 267-299-7530. Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Proposed jury instructions must be emailed to chambers in Word format.
In addition to filing the proposed jury instructions and verdict form on the Court’s docket, the parties must e-mail the documents in Word format to Chambers_of_Judge_Pappert@paed.uscourts.gov.
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- Phone to chambers
Counsel must remain near courthouse and be available within 10 minutes during jury deliberations.
Unless excused by the Court, counsel must remain in the general vicinity of the courthouse and be available on ten minutes’ notice during jury deliberations.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Continuance requests must be submitted in writing via email only
Continuance requests must be put in writing via email only.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Fax communications are not accepted by chambers.
Faxes are not accepted.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All communications with chambers must be via ECF filing unless directed otherwise or in scheduling emergencies.
All requests and written communication with chambers should be made through an appropriate ECF filing. Requests for relief should almost always be made by motion. E-mail (murphy_chambers@paed.uscourts.gov) or other written communication is permitted only when directed or because of a scheduling emergency.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Attorneys must use ECF and register as ECF Filing Users; pro se parties exempt.
Judge Gallagher requires all attorneys to use Electronic Case Filing (ECF). Attorneys appearing before Judge Gallagher are required to register as ECF Filing Users in accordance with Local Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1.2. Pro se parties are not required to use ECF.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Administrative or procedural communications must be directed to a Courtroom Deputy or Chambers; emails for letters are only allowed for routine matters with no anticipated opposition, and responsive letters require Judge Wolson’s request.
Counsel should direct communications concerning administrative or procedural matters to a Courtroom Deputy or Chambers. Parties may submit letters (when appropriate) via email, but they must limit such communications to routine matters for which no opposition is anticipated or required. Responsive letters should only be submitted at Judge Wolson’s request.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails to Judge Wolson must include the case name and docket number in the subject line, plus required verbiage corresponding to the email’s content.
Emails to Judge Wolson must include the case name and docket number in the subject line. Judge Wolson will filter emails based on certain terminology in the subject line. Therefore, to ensure that emails receive prompt attention, where appropriate, emails to Judge Wolson must also use the following verbiage in the subject line: Contents of email Required verbiage Letters seeking extensions “request for extension” Letters seeking continuances “request for continuance” Proposed orders “proposed order” Stipulation “stipulation” Rule 26(f) reports “26(f) report” Letters seeking leave to exceed a “page limits” page limit Letters confirming that the parties “deposition scheduling” have set aside dates for depositions Letters updating Judge Wolson on “settlement status” the status of settlement discussions
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- Email to chambers
Requests to exceed applicable page limits must be received at least seven days before the filing due date, emailed to Chambers with 'page limits' in the subject line, and include opposing counsel's position after conferral.
Judge Wolson must receive any request to exceed an applicable page limit at least seven days before the filing is due. Counsel may make such a request via letter emailed to Chambers with the words “page limits” in the subject line. Counsel making such a request should confer with opposing counsel and set forth opposing counsel’s position in the letter.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must contact Judge Wolson by phone for deposition issues before walking out of a deposition.
Counsel should contact Judge Wolson by phone for any issues that arise during depositions. Counsel should not walk out of a deposition before trying to contact Judge Wolson and obtain guidance.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers communication allowed only for scheduling and non-substantive matters via email, phone, letter, or fax
Communications Policy - General Communication with chambers is permitted by e-mail, telephone, letter, or facsimile regarding scheduling and non-substantive matters only, with the exception of the procedures for raising discovery disputes with the Court.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
No ex parte communication with chambers personnel about substantive matters
Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails to chambers do not constitute official filings
An e-mail does not constitute a filing.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Stipulations should be sent by email or fax to chambers with proposed order
Stipulations should be sent by e-mail or facsimile to chambers with a proposed form of order for Court approval.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Stipulations should not be sent to the Clerk of Court
Stipulations should not be sent to the Clerk of Court.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
In civil cases, moving party counsel initiates telephone conferences through Civil Deputy Clerk
In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting the Judge through the Judge's Civil Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
In criminal cases, USAO initiates telephone conferences through Criminal Deputy Clerk
In a criminal case, the United States Attorney's Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting the Judge through the Judge's Criminal Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Requests for courtroom technology approval should be directed to Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk
Requests for Court approval for the parties to provide and pay for (at the parties' expense) courtroom technology should be directed to the Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Justin F. Wood.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
- Phone
- Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk
Seating requests must be submitted to Deputy Clerk at least one week before trial
Any requests concerning seating (e.g., requests for more than one counsel table or special requests for seating, visual aids, etc.) are to be submitted to the Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Justin F. Wood, at least one week before trial.
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- In person to witness
Counsel must obtain court permission before approaching a witness.
Counsel may not approach a witness without leave of court.
- Contact
- In person to witness
Counsel cannot discuss testimony with a witness after they begin testifying until excused.
Counsel are reminded that they may not discuss a witness’s testimony with him or her once that witness has begun testifying until the witness is excused.
- Contact
- In person to witness
Only one attorney per side may examine a witness or address the jury.
Only one attorney for each side may examine the same witness or address the jury during opening statements or closing arguments.
- Contact
- In person to witness
Witness must be shown prior written statement and asked to acknowledge it before examination.
If counsel wishes to examine a witness on the basis of a prior written statement made by the witness, the witness shall first be shown the statement and asked whether he or she acknowledges having made it.
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- In person to witness
Witness must be given deposition copy to read and adopt/deny before cross-examination.
If counsel wishes to cross-examine a witness on the basis of a deposition, counsel must give a copy of the deposition to the witness, who will be permitted to read the deposition and to adopt or deny the testimony before counsel may proceed with cross-examination.
- Contact
- In person to court
Objections to videotaped testimony must be raised at final pretrial conference; counsel must edit video after court rules.
Counsel are to bring objections to the Court’s attention at the time of the final pretrial conference. After the Court rules on any objections, counsel is required to edit the video recording before offering the videotaped testimony at trial.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Form must be emailed to chambers one day before Rule 16 conference
Email this form to Chambers no later than one day before the Rule 16 Conference
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Joint Rule 16 Conference Information Report must be emailed to chambers at least one day before the Rule 16 conference.
Email this form to Chambers no later than one day before the Rule 16 Conference chambers_of_judge_sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers communication limited to scheduling and non-substantive matters only; no ex parte substantive communications allowed.
Judge Sánchez permits communications with chambers by telephone, letter, email, or facsimile regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters only. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.
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- Email to chambers
Correspondence to chambers must include case name/number in subject line and be copied to all parties.
Correspondence directed to Judge Sánchez may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy, by facsimile, or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, with a copy to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov. Emails must include the Case Name and Case Number in the subject line. Written communications with chambers must be copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties.
- Contact
- Letter
Continuance requests must be made promptly by letter or email with copy to opposing counsel.
If good cause exists, a continuance must be sought as soon as possible. Requests for continuances should be directed to Judge Sánchez by letter and may be emailed to chambers with a copy to opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Correspondence to Judge Sánchez must be copied to Nancy DeLisle.
Correspondence directed to Judge Sánchez may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy, by facsimile, or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, and must be copied to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email scheduling allowed with deputy; continuance requests must be motions with proposed orders.
In criminal cases, counsel may communicate with Judge Sánchez’s Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, by email regarding scheduling matters at Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov; however, requests for a continuance of any court proceeding or an extension of any case management deadline must be directed to Judge Sánchez by motion with proposed order.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All chambers communications must be copied to all counsel.
Communications with chambers should be copied to all counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers communications are limited to scheduling and non-substantive matters; ex parte substantive communications are prohibited.
Judge Sánchez permits communications with chambers by telephone, letter, email, or facsimile regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters only. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Continuance and extension requests must be submitted by letter to Judge Sánchez.
Requests for a continuance of any court proceeding or an extension of any case management deadline must be directed to Judge Sánchez by letter.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails to chambers must include case name and case number in the subject line.
Emails must include the Case Name and Case Number in the subject line.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Written communications to chambers must be copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties.
Written communications with chambers must be copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Discovery disputes require emailing a letter to chambers requesting a phone conference and certifying good faith resolution efforts.
In the event the parties are unable to resolve a discovery dispute on their own, counsel should request a telephone conference with Judge Sánchez by emailing a letter to chambers briefly outlining the nature of the dispute. The letter must certify that counsel have made a good faith effort to resolve the issue themselves.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement requires immediate notification to chambers and dismissal request per Local Rule 41.1.
Upon reaching a settlement, counsel must notify Judge Sánchez's chambers immediately and request dismissal of the action pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 41.1.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Joint requested points for charge and verdict slip must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format in addition to being filed on the docket.
The joint requested points for charge and joint verdict slip shall be filed on the docket, one instruction per page in sequence, and shall be sent by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format. An email to chambers does not constitute filing.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Criminal case scheduling matters may be emailed to Courtroom Deputy, but continuance/extension requests must be by motion with proposed order.
In criminal cases, counsel may communicate with Judge Sánchez's Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, by email regarding scheduling matters at Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov; however, requests for a continuance of any court proceeding or an extension of any case management deadline must be directed to Judge Sánchez by motion with proposed order.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to clerk
Pro se litigants must send all communications to the clerk's office to be docketed and may not contact chambers directly.
All pro se communications must be sent to the clerks’ office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Scott or her chambers directly.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be delivered promptly by email to Susan Flaherty.
Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda shall also be promptly delivered by email to Susan_Flaherty@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to court
Requests for additional jury instructions must be made by email to the Court and all parties.
Counsel may request additional, unanticipated jury instructions when the factual or procedural basis for the requested instruction arises during trial. Such requests shall be made by email to the Court and all parties on the same day or night that the basis for the requested instruction arises.
- Contact
- Other to courtroom deputy
If the basis for an additional jury instruction arises on the charge day, counsel must immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy by note or sidebar.
If the issue arises on the day the Court intends to charge the jury, counsel must immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy by passing a note or requesting a sidebar conference.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
A witness list must be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy within two business days prior to trial.
A list of witnesses must be provided to the Courtroom Deputy, Sue Flaherty, via email within two (2) business day prior to trial.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Communications with law clerks are prohibited; direct administrative/procedural matters to Courtroom Deputies or Chambers.
Counsel and pro se parties should direct communications concerning administrative or procedural matters to Courtroom Deputies or Chambers. Direct communications with law clerks is prohibited.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Copies of correspondence between counsel should not be sent to the Court.
Counsel shall not send copies of correspondence among and between counsel to the Court.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Court must be promptly advised in writing when any case is resolved.
The Court expects to be promptly advised in writing whenever any case has been resolved.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7370
In civil cases, moving party's counsel initiates phone conferences; in criminal cases, USAO initiates. Contact Deputy Clerk at 267-299-7370 after all parties are present.
In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Marston through her Deputy Clerk (via Chambers line 267-299-7370) after all parties are present on the call. In a criminal case, the United States Attorney’s Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting Judge Marston through her Deputy Clerk (via Chambers line 267-299-7370) after all the parties are present on the call.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Recording of conferences or proceedings, including via AI tools, is prohibited.
Counsel and parties are prohibited from recording any conferences or proceedings, including via any artificial intelligence tool.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Ex parte communications with Chambers personnel about substantive matters are prohibited.
Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
All counsel must be registered on ECF and file directly onto the system.
The Court expects all counsel (including pro se Plaintiffs or Defendants) to be registered on the ECF system for the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. All official filings submitted to the Clerk of Court must be filed directly by the filing attorney onto ECF.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be emailed to Chambers in Word format.
In addition to filing the proposed jury instructions and verdict form on the Court’s docket, the parties must e-mail the documents in Word format to Chambers_Judge_Marston@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- In person
No speaking objections; request sidebar for immediate matters; raise evidentiary issues at final pretrial conference or outside jury presence.
The Court does not permit speaking objections. If counsel needs to be heard on a matter immediately, request a sidebar. The Court generally prefers to avoid sidebars. Therefore, the Court encourages counsel to raise evidentiary issues at the final pretrial conference or outside the presence of the jury, whenever possible.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7550
Chambers communications permitted by phone for scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications; law clerks cannot grant relief.
Judge Hodge permits communications with Chambers by telephone, or letter sent via email regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. An email request without a letter will not be considered. All other issues must be addressed by an appropriate motion or other document filed on the docket. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or any other relief. For civil and criminal scheduling, case management and general inquiries contact: Leesa Ciamiachelo, Deputy and Courtroom Services Clerk, Telephone: 267-299-7550 (Chambers) or 267-299-7559 (Direct Dial), Email: Leesa_ciamaichelo@paed.uscourts.gov and Judge Hodge Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov. Judge Hodge prohibits any communications to her personal email.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters sent via email permitted for scheduling/non-substantive matters; email alone without letter not considered.
Judge Hodge permits communications with Chambers by telephone, or letter sent via email regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. An email request without a letter will not be considered. All other issues must be addressed by an appropriate motion or other document filed on the docket. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or any other relief. Judge Hodge prohibits any communications to her personal email.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Communications to Judge Hodge's personal email are prohibited.
Judge Hodge prohibits any communications to her personal email.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must email Rule 26(f) reports to Chambers at least 7 days before the Rule 16 conference.
The parties must file on ECF (unless leave of Court is requested) and email to Chambers a Rule 26(f) report using the template provided on Judge Hodge’s website at least seven (7) days before the Rule 16 conference.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must immediately notify Chambers upon reaching a settlement and request dismissal under Local Rule 41.1.
Upon reaching a settlement, counsel must notify Judge Hodge’s Chambers immediately and request dismissal of the action pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 41.1.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Extension requests must be sent via email with a letter attachment; emails without a letter will not be considered.
Extension requests should be made by letter sent via email and counsel requesting the extension shall include the basis for the request and state the position of opposing counsel. An email request without a letter attached will not be considered.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If no Court response to eVoucher submission within 10 days, counsel must email Chambers.
Should there be no response by the Court to any such voucher within ten (10) days of submission, counsel MUST email Chambers to advise that the eVoucher remains pending.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pro se parties prohibited from telephone communications.
No telephone communications from pro se parties
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Communication with law clerks or interns prohibited.
No communication with law clerks or interns
- Contact
- Letter to chambers
Requests for extensions must be made by motion or stipulation with good cause, not by letter.
We are governed by Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b) and Fed. R. Crim. P. 47(a). Other than as listed below or otherwise directed by Judge Kearney, a request for direction must be made through a pleading, motion, application, or similar filing with service upon all parties. Requests for extension of time to respond to a pleading or motion or a request for the extension of the dates in a scheduling order must be made by motion or stipulation demonstrating good cause which can be reviewed and ruled upon. Judge Kearney will not accept letter requests for extensions of time set by the Federal or Local Rules or our scheduling Orders.
- Contact
- Letter to chambers
Limited correspondence (max 2 pages) allowed for specific circumstances only.
Correspondence, not to exceed two pages, may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Chambers copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties only in the following instances: 1. Counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate information by letter; 2. An uncontested request for an extension of sentencing; 3. A scheduling request based on an unanticipated and irreversible personal matter concerning counsel, a party or counsel's immediate family not warranting public access; or, 4. A case, or portions of a case, settled.
- Contact
- Letter to chambers
Unsolicited communications are prohibited unless pre-approved.
We will not accept unsolicited communications unless pre-approved by Judge Kearney.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pro se parties prohibited from telephone/fax communications unless pre-approved with ESR present.
Telephone and fax communications by a pro se party are prohibited unless approved by Judge Kearney beforehand and an ESR/Court Reporter is present. Pro se parties may not appear for hearings by telephone unless permitted for good cause, such as incarcerated persons in civil cases.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Remote conferences allowed for non-pro se parties; pro se parties must appear in person unless excused.
We may allow telephonic or video conferences for matters not involving pro se parties who are not in custody. We require conferences involving pro se parties not in custody to be held in the Courtroom unless excused based on extraordinary grounds such as a courthouse closure.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Recording and AI summaries prohibited during remote proceedings.
Participants in telephonic or video conferences and their agents may not record or otherwise create an artificial intelligence summary of off-the-record proceedings consistent with our practices in the Courtroom and the Court’s published Protocols for Remote Proceedings (https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/sites/paed/file/documents/Protocols%20for%20Remote%20Pro ceedings.pdf).
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pro se parties must appear in person for scheduling conferences unless excused.
We require all scheduling conferences and hearings with pro se parties not in custody to be held in the Courtroom unless excused by Judge Kearney for extraordinary reasons based on Judge Kearney’s schedule
- Contact
- Private conference
Counsel must first confer privately to resolve evidentiary issues, then notify courtroom deputy during breaks.
Counsel must confer privately to resolve any unanticipated evidentiary issues which may arise during trial. If unsuccessful in resolving the issues, counsel should only bring a matter to the Courtroom Deputy’s attention at the beginning of the day or during an appropriate break when the jury is not present.
- Contact
- Evidentiary conference
All courtroom evidentiary conferences are on the record.
All evidentiary conferences in the courtroom are on the record.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Guilty plea memorandum must be emailed to Judge Kearney's chambers in Word format.
The United States must submit a guilty plea memorandum at least two days prior to the change of plea hearing... The change of plea memorandum shall be provided in Microsoft Word Format by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Kearney@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Expedited sentencing requests require 2-day notice to chambers and probation office.
If an agreement has been reached to request Judge Kearney set an expedited sentencing, the United States must notify Chambers and the probation office at least two days prior to the change of plea hearing.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Character letters must be emailed to Judge Kearney's chambers 3 days before sentencing.
Counsel shall provide all character letters by email at least three days before sentencing to Chambers_of_Judge_Kearney@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
PSI Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be emailed to Judge Kearney's chambers in Word format.
Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda shall also be promptly delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word Format by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Kearney@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All communications must go through Courtroom Deputy Clerk; direct contact with law clerks is prohibited.
Communications regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Costello's Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Michael Coyle, at 267.299.7720 or chambers costello@paed.uscourts.gov. Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers communications limited to scheduling/non-substantive matters via phone/email; substantive matters require motion/filing; no ex parte communications on substantive matters.
Judge Perez permits communications with Chambers by telephone or email regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. All other issues must be addressed by motion or other filing. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to clerk
Pro se litigants must communicate only through Clerks’ Office, not directly with Chambers.
All pro se communications must be directed to the Clerks’ Office to be docketed. Pro se litigants may not contact Judge Perez or her Chambers directly.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Preliminary pretrial conference in Chambers after responsive pleading; Lead Counsel must attend with client or corporate representative; no telephonic/Zoom appearances.
Pursuant to Rule 16, a Preliminary Pretrial Conference shall be held in Chambers as soon as practicable after a responsive pleading to the Complaint is filed. Lead Counsel shall attend the conference, be familiar with all aspects of the case, and be accompanied by his or her client, or, in the case of corporate parties, a representative with full settlement authority. Requests to appear telephonically or via Zoom will not be granted.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Discovery disputes must be emailed to Chambers with disputed request attached as exhibit.
Counsel shall email a brief letter describing the dispute to Chambers (Chambers_of_Judge_Paul_S_Diamond@paed.uscourts.gov) and attach the disputed discovery request as an exhibit. Unless otherwise ordered,
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must call chambers during depositions to resolve disputes immediately.
If a dispute arises during a deposition, I expect Counsel to phone Chambers during the deposition so that I can resolve the dispute immediately.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
All continuance/extension requests must be filed via ECF.
All requests must be filed via ECF.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Law clerks must not be contacted about substantive issues or merits of pending matters.
However, her law clerks should never be contacted regarding substantive matters, including the merits of pending matters.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Contested continuance requests must be in letter (faxed) or formal motion.
A contested request for a continuance or extension of a court-ordered deadline should be in a letter (faxed to chambers) or requested via formal motion.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Attorneys must be present or available by telephone unless excused.
present or available by telephone, unless expressly excused by her prior to the conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must be present for first hour of jury deliberations, then available by phone.
Judge Wells requires counsel to spend the first hour of jury deliberations in or near the courthouse. Thereafter, counsel will be permitted to leave, provided they are available by phone or remain in close proximity to the courthouse.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- Deputy Clerk
Cell phone numbers must be provided to Deputy Clerk.
Cell phone numbers should be provided to her Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- In person to duty week proceedings
Counsel must attend all duty week proceedings.
Counsel must be present at all duty week proceedings.
- Contact
- Review to pretrial services
Parties and counsel prohibited from reviewing pretrial service recommendations.
No party or their counsel may review pretrial service's recommendations regarding detention or release.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone participation by settlement authority clients is prohibited unless compelling circumstances with prior approval.
Having a client with settlement authority available by telephone is not an acceptable alternative unless compelling circumstances exist and there is prior approval from Judge Goldner Cinquanto (e.g., client is located in another state at the time of the conference).
- Contact
- Phone to opposing party
Judge will not intervene in discovery disputes without good faith telephone/video conference effort.
Judge Goldner Cinquanto will not entertain a request for judicial intervention if parties or their counsel have exchanged emails or other correspondence but have not made a good faith effort to speak to each other by telephone or video conference regarding a discovery dispute.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email chambers to request telephone conference before filing discovery motion after good faith efforts.
If a party still requires Court intervention in a discovery dispute after making good faith efforts to communicate with an opposing party, the requesting party shall email Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Goldner_Cinquanto@paed.uscourts.gov to request a telephone conference before filing any discovery motion on the docket.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Counsel must notify court one week before settlement conference if settlement is not possible.
If settlement is not a real possibility (e.g., if defendant will not make an offer or will offer only nuisance value), counsel shall notify the Court (jointly or individually) to request a brief video conference regarding their status on or before [one week before the conference].
- Contact
- Conference to court
Final pretrial conference 7 days before trial with settlement authority required
A final pretrial conference will be held on [seven days before date certain] at __ a.m./p.m. in Courtroom 3D. Counsel shall confer in advance and shall be prepared to discuss all aspects of their Pretrial Stipulation, including any disputed issues. A principal with full settlement authority shall be in attendance for each party.
- Contact
- Conference to court
Principal with full settlement authority required at final pretrial conference
A principal with full settlement authority shall be in attendance for each party.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to court
Plaintiff’s counsel must promptly advise Court of any settlement
Plaintiff’s counsel shall promptly advise the Court of any settlement.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
In-person attendance required at settlement conferences; virtual allowed if court determines appropriate.
Judge Straw requires in-person attendance at the conference by the parties or the parties’ representatives, with knowledge of the case and settlement authority. If Judge Straw determines that a virtual conference is appropriate, he will set forth the type of conference on the settlement conference order and the same requirements will apply.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All relevant documents must be emailed to Chambers and Donna Croce before court.
Judge Straw requires that all relevant documents be emailed to Chambers at Mag_Judge_Straw@paed.uscourts.gov and Donna Croce at Donna_M_Croce@paed.uscourts.gov in advance of court. Counsel may contact Donna Croce (267-299-7661) if there are any questions regarding the matters before the Court.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All relevant documents must be emailed to the listed chambers email addresses in advance of court.
Judge Toplin requires that all relevant documents be emailed to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Toplin@paed.uscourts.gov and Tashia_Reynolds@paed.uscourts.gov in advance of court.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement communications must go to specific chambers email
All communications with chambers regarding settlement should be directed to: Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Hey@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
Joint settlement conference requests must be made at least 45 days in advance.
If the parties jointly request a settlement conference, they shall contact chambers and request a settlement conference within their agreed-upon time frame and must do so at least 45 days prior to the requested date absent unusual circumstances.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Unilateral settlement conference requests require ex parte letter to chambers.
If there is no joint request for a settlement conference, the party seeking a settlement conference may submit an ex parte letter to chambers requesting a telephone conference with Judge Hey to discuss settlement.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All discovery dispute communications must be emailed to chambers at the designated address.
All communications with chambers regarding discovery disputes should be directed to: Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Hey@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement memorandum must be emailed to chambers at the provided email address.
submit to Chambers (via email at chambers_of_magistrate_judge_elizabeth_hey@paed.uscourts.gov) a confidential settlement memorandum
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must contact chambers to schedule settlement conferences when a case is referred for settlement.
When a case is referred to Judge Arteaga for settlement purposes, counsel shall contact chambers to schedule a settlement conference in compliance with the district judge’s referral order.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Defendant's settlement offer copy may be submitted to chambers via email.
A copy of the offer shall be submitted to chambers by letter or email.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plaintiff's settlement demand copy may be submitted to chambers via email.
A copy of the demand shall be submitted to chambers by letter or email.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement summary and confidential case summary must be submitted to the provided chambers email address.
Counsel for all parties must submit the attached summary and their confidential case summary to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov on or before (2 weeks prior to the conference).
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Joint settlement position letter may be submitted to chambers via email.
Counsel shall submit a joint letter setting forth the most recent settlement positions of the parties on or before (1 week prior to the conference).
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Routine requests to the Court may be submitted via email (with copies to all parties); all requests must state if made with the other party’s consent. Non-routine requests require a motion per Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b).
All requests for Court action shall be by motion, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b), except for routine requests, which may be by email to the Court with copies to all parties. Any requests shall state whether it is made with the other party’s consent.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must email Word versions of proposed jury instructions and verdict form to chambers email address.
In addition to filing the proposed jury instructions and verdict form on the Court’s docket, the parties must e-mail Word versions of the documents to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must request video equipment reservation at least two weeks before trial via email to chambers.
Parties who intend to use video equipment to present the testimony of a witness should either supply that equipment or request, at least two weeks before trial, that the Court reserve equipment for them by email to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7791
Counsel may communicate with the Judge’s courtroom deputy and law clerks via phone for scheduling and administrative matters only; discussions on the merits of the case are prohibited.
Judge Copeland permits counsel to communicate with her courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
During jury deliberations, counsel need not remain in courthouse but must be available by phone and provide their number to the courtroom deputy.
Judge Copeland will not require counsel to remain in the courthouse during deliberations but will require counsel to be available on short telephone notice. Counsel must provide the courtroom deputy with their phone number.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All relevant documents must be emailed to specified court personnel in advance of court proceedings.
Judge Copeland requires that all relevant documents be emailed to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Katayoun_Copeland@paed.uscourts.gov and Sheila McCurry at Sheila_McCurry@paed.uscourts.gov in advance of court.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
All correspondence to court must be copied to all counsel of record
Judge Sitarski permits correspondence from counsel on all matters, with copies to all counsel of record. Except for settlement conference documents, everything sent to the Court must also be sent to all counsel of record, and be served in the same manner.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement conference form must be emailed to Chambers at the specified email address by the deadline.
Please complete the attached settlement conference form and email it to Chambers at Chambers_sitarski@paed.uscourts.gov on or before XXXXX , 20XX.
- Contact
- In person to chambers
Settlement conferences must be in-person at Allentown courthouse.
Judge Carlos prefers that counsel and the parties come to the U.S. Courthouse in Allentown, Pennsylvania for all settlement conferences.
- Contact
- In person to chambers
Oral arguments and evidentiary hearings must be in-person.
Oral argument and evidentiary hearings will be conducted in person.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement conference memoranda must be emailed to chambers, not filed with clerk.
The memoranda are not to be filed with the Clerk’s office. Instead, they should be sent to chambers via email at: PAED_Carlos_Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
Plaintiff and counsel report at 9:30 AM, defense counsel at 10:30 AM for settlement conference.
PLAINTIFF AND COUNSEL ARE TO REPORT TO CHAMBERS AT 9:30 A.M. ON THE DATE STATED ABOVE. DEFENSE COUNSEL SHALL REPORT AT 10:30 A.M.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must email chambers confirming settlement demand/offer status.
LETTER TO CHAMBERS, VIA EMAIL, INDICATING WHETHER A SETTLEMENT DEMAND AND A SETTLEMENT OFFER HAVE BEEN MADE. THE PARTIES ARE ALSO DIRECTED TO CONFIRM WHETHER BASED UPON THE STATUS OF NEGOTIATIONS THERE IS AN AGREEMENT TO PROCEED WITH A GOOD FAITH SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE.
- Contact
- In person to court
Counsel must be present at all criminal duty week proceedings once appointed/retained.
At all 'criminal duty week' proceedings, counsel once appointed or retained, must be present to permit the proceeding to go forward.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers communications limited to scheduling/non-substantive matters; no ex parte substantive communications allowed.
Judge Rufe permits communications with Chambers by telephone, email, or facsimile regarding scheduling and other non-substantive matters. All other issues must be addressed by an appropriate motion or other document filed on the docket. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any Chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or any other relief.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Joint report on ADR options due by specified date, submitted to chambers by fax or email.
On or before [date], the parties, through counsel, shall jointly report to the Court, in writing, as to whether they wish to have a settlement conference before a magistrate judge, attempt mediation under Local Civil Rule 53.3 (a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A), or pursue some other form of alternative dispute resolution, for assistance in resolving the case and, if so, indicate by what date they will be prepared to commence such proceedings. This joint report should be submitted to Chambers by fax (to (267) 299-5077) or email (to (Chambers_of_Judge_Cynthia_M_Rufe@paed.uscourts.gov) and not filed of record.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must resolve voir dire questions before panel arrives; unresolved issues go to deputy clerk.
Counsel must discuss voir dire questions and resolve any differences before the panel is brought to the courtroom. If they cannot agree, counsel must advise the deputy clerk that the judge must rule upon the disputed issues.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Speaking objections prohibited; must cite rule number or use one-word basis.
Judge Slomsky does not permit speaking objections. Objections shall be made by reciting the appropriate rule number or a one word basis.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Motions in limine must meet Scheduling Order deadline; rulings before or at final pretrial conference.
Motions in limine must be filed by the deadline set in the Scheduling Order. Judge Slomsky will usually rule upon such motions before or at the final pretrial conference.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Only one attorney per party per witness/legal point; multiple attorneys allowed for different witnesses/points.
Only one attorney for a party may examine the same witness or argue the same legal point. More than one attorney for a party may examine different witnesses or argue different legal points.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Evidentiary issues must be privately discussed first; unresolved issues go to deputy clerk when jury absent.
Counsel should discuss privately any evidentiary issue that may have been unanticipated. Only after they have been unable to reach agreement, should counsel bring the matter to the deputy clerk's attention at the beginning of the day or during an appropriate break when the jury is not present.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Videotaped testimony objections must be discussed in advance; unresolved objections due 10 days before final pretrial conference with transcript and objection list.
Counsel must discuss in advance of trial all objections to the presentation of videotaped testimony to resolve all conflicts. If counsel cannot resolve their disagreements, they should present any outstanding disagreements at least ten days prior to the final pretrial conference by providing a transcript of the testimony with the challenged question and answer highlighted, and a list setting forth each objection by page and line numbers and the basis for the objection.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Videotaped testimony must be edited to eliminate pauses and speed-ups before trial.
The videotape must be edited prior to trial to eliminate pauses and speed-ups so there are no interruptions.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
Counsel must be available within 15 minutes during jury deliberations and provide contact information to deputy clerk.
Counsel must be available upon fifteen (15) minutes notice during jury deliberations. As a practical matter, this means that counsel must stay in or near the courthouse. Counsel must leave their office and cell phone numbers with the deputy clerk.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may interview jurors after verdict/discharge, must respect jurors' wishes, cannot disclose excluded facts or undermine verdict confidence.
After a verdict has been recorded and the jury has been discharged, counsel may interview jurors. The jurors are told that they are permitted to talk to counsel and others, if they desire, but they need not do so. Counsel shall respect the jurors' desire not to speak to them. Counsel is not permitted to disclose facts to the jury that were previously excluded by evidentiary rulings or would undermine the jury's confidence in its verdict.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge requires punctuality, courtesy, proper courtroom decorum; counsel must address Court/witnesses only, not jury; opening/closing from lectern with microphone.
Judge Slomsky will insist on punctuality and courtesy from counsel to the Court and to each other, both in the presence of the Court and otherwise. The examination of witnesses should be conducted from the lectern or from counsel table. Counsel should rise to address the Court and should seek permission of the Court before approaching witnesses or the bench. In addition, counsel will direct all comments to the Court or to the witness under examination and not to other counsel or to the jury. Counsel are reminded that their own opinions regarding facts or issues in a case are irrelevant and should not be communicated to the jury (e.g., "I think . . ., we believe . . ."). To the extent possible, the parties should notify the Court of any issues that will need to be ruled upon at the start of the day's proceedings, or during a recess out of the jury's presence. Unless leave is otherwise given, counsel shall make opening statements and closing arguments from the lectern and shall speak into the microphone.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Faxing pleadings, motions, filings, or correspondence to chambers is prohibited.
Facsimile transmittal of pleadings, motions, other filings or correspondence to chambers is not permitted.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Written communications with the court must be filed as pleadings, motions, applications, or similar filings under FRCP or Local Rules.
Written communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to Judge Slomsky's calendar should be by the filing of a pleading, motion, application or other similar filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, or Local Rules of Civil Procedure.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Faxing pleadings, motions, filings, or correspondence to chambers is prohibited.
Facsimile transmittal of pleadings, motions, other filings or correspondence to chambers is not permitted.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email jury instructions and verdict forms in Word format to chambers email.
Judge Padova requires that the parties email jury instructions and verdict forms in Microsoft Word format to: chambers_of_judge_john_r_padova@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be emailed to chambers in Word format.
Judge Padova requires that proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in non-jury cases be submitted in accordance with the date set forth in the Rule 16 Scheduling Order. One courtesy should be sent to Chambers, as well as emailed in Microsoft Word format to: chambers_of_judge_john_r_padova@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Filing to clerk
Pro se parties must file with Clerk, not Chambers.
Pro se parties are expected to adhere to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules of Civil Procedure and to file all of their pleadings with the Clerk of the Court, rather than directly with Chambers.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email to Chambers prohibited except for specific limited circumstances.
Electronic Mail to Chambers is not permitted except for the following reasons: 1) in direct response to an e-mail from Chambers as to that circumstance or event only; 2) as specifically directed by the Court for a submission via e-mail; and/or 3) with express permission given by Chambers (in very limited and extenuating circumstances).
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences for discovery/scheduling disputes require letter and opposing counsel discussion
Judge Surrick will handle disputes concerning discovery, scheduling, and requests for extensions of time by telephone conference. Prior to requesting a telephone conference, counsel should discuss the dispute with other counsel and send Judge Surrick a letter setting forth his or her position and the position of opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Offers of proof
Parties must privately discuss offers of proof before seeking court ruling.
Judge Surrick requires that parties inquire of each other privately as to offers of proof regarding any witness or exhibit expected to be offered. If counsel cannot resolve such matters, Judge Surrick will rule on them upon application before a witness testifies or an exhibit is offered into evidence.
- Contact
- Exhibit offering
Exhibits must be offered and admitted before showing to jury; all intended exhibits must be offered by end of case-in-chief.
Judge Surrick permits counsel to choose the timing of their offer of exhibits into evidence so long as each exhibit is offered and admitted into evidence before it is shown to the jury. At the conclusion of a party=s case-in-chief, counsel should make sure that all exhibits intended to be offered into evidence either have been or are offered into evidence.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must be available within 10 minutes during jury deliberations.
Judge Surrick requires that counsel be available on ten (10) minutes notice during the jury deliberations.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Voir dire questions must be resolved with deputy clerk the day before jury selection.
Counsel must discuss voir dire questions and resolve any differences the day before jury selection. If they cannot agree, counsel must advise the deputy clerk that the judge must rule upon the disputed issues.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Evidentiary issues must be resolved privately before involving deputy clerk.
Counsel must confer privately to resolve any unanticipated evidentiary issues that may arise during trial. Only if they are unable to reach agreement should counsel bring the matter to the deputy clerk=s attention at the beginning of the day or during an appropriate break when the jury is not present.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Videotaped testimony must be edited and tested before trial.
The videotape must be edited prior to trial to eliminate pauses and speed-ups so there are no interruptions. Counsel must arrange with the deputy clerk a date and time before the trial date to test and learn to operate the courtroom equipment.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Exhibits published after witness examination or before break, with permission for during testimony.
Exhibits may be published to the jury at the end of the party=s examination of the witness or prior to a break. If the exhibit is necessary to explain the testimony, Judge Savage may permit it to be published during the testimony. Permission must be sought prior to the witness taking the stand.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must be available within 15 minutes during jury deliberations, staying in or near courthouse.
Counsel must be available upon fifteen (15) minutes notice during jury deliberations. As a practical matter, this means that counsel must stay in or near the courthouse.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Conflicts affecting trial schedule must be reported immediately by phone and confirmed in writing.
When counsel become aware of any unavoidable and compelling professional or personal conflicts affecting the trial schedule, they should notify Judge Beetlestone and opposing counsel immediately. Such notice may be given to Judge Beetlestone’s Deputy Clerk by telephone, but it must be confirmed in writing.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Faxes and regular mail strongly discouraged
Faxes and regular mail are strongly discouraged.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Fax and regular mail communications are strongly discouraged.
Faxes and regular mail are strongly discouraged.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Advocacy is prohibited during administrative contacts with Chambers staff.
Counsel should not seek to engage in advocacy during any administrative contact with Chambers staff.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers staff cannot provide legal advice; ex parte advocacy on substantive issues is prohibited.
Judge Weilheimer’s staff cannot give legal advice. Ex parte advocacy on any substantive issue is prohibited.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must respond promptly and courteously to Chambers communications; discourtesy is viewed as disrespect for the Court.
Counsel are expected to respond with reasonable promptness to communication from Chambers and should be courteous in their interaction. Any discourtesy to Chambers staff will be viewed as a disrespect for the Court.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Parties must inform court immediately upon Rule 16 scheduling if preferring settlement before discovery.
If the Parties feel that settlement talks would be most productive before discovery commences, the Parties should inform the Court of that immediately upon the scheduling of the Rule 16 Conference so early settlement talks can be facilitated while still leaving adequate time for discovery if such talks do not resolve the case.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Stipulations for Protective Order must be emailed to the Judge's Chambers at the specified email address.
Any Stipulation for Protective Order is to be emailed to Chambers at: Chambers_of_Judge_Gerald_McHugh@paed.uscourts.gov.
Correspondence with court limited to scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters, and settlement notifications
Counsel and pro se parties may correspond with the Court concerning scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters or to advise the Court that a case has been settled. All other communications with the Court should be made by the filing of pleadings, motions, applications, briefs or similar filing permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Criminal or Civil Procedure.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences for scheduling/discovery; moving party initiates in civil, USAO in criminal; no cell phones allowed
Judge Pappert may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes. The Court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference. In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Pappert through his Civil Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call. In a criminal case, the United States Attorney's Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting Judge Pappert through his Criminal Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call. Counsel may not use cell phones on any telephone conferences with the Court.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing to court's attention.
In general, Judge Pappert expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel. When communicating with the Court, counsel shall be prepared to state the position of opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must be punctual, courteous, professional, and direct comments only to Court or witness.
Counsel shall be punctual, courteous, and professional at all times, both in the presence of the Court and otherwise. Counsel should examine witnesses from the lectern or from counsel table. Counsel will direct all comments to the Court or to the witness under examination and not to other counsel or the jury.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must provide phone numbers and be available to return to courthouse within 10-15 minutes during jury deliberations.
phone numbers with the Civil or Criminal Deputy Clerk and be able to return to the courthouse within ten to fifteen minutes.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Counsel should not communicate with law clerks unless contacted first; law clerks cannot grant continuances or give legal advice.
Law clerks have no authority to grant continuances or to give advice on substantive or procedural matters. Therefore, unless contacted by a law clerk, counsel should not communicate with the law clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Do not contact chambers informally to mark cases as settled unless there is a scheduling emergency.
Absent a scheduling emergency, do not call or send chambers informal correspondence asking us to mark your matter as settled. That accomplishes nothing.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel prohibited from contacting law clerks unless instructed; clerks cannot grant continuances or give advice.
Counsel should not communicate with the law clerks unless directly contacted by a law clerk or instructed by the Court to do so. Law clerks may not render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or to give advice on substantive or procedural matters.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences may be held for scheduling/discovery; moving party provides details; recording prohibited without approval.
Judge Gallagher may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes. The Court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference. Counsel for the moving party will be responsible for providing telephone conferencing details to all parties and to Judge Gallagher through his deputy clerk. Parties are prohibited from recording any conferences or proceedings without prior written approval of the Court.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties must contact Courtroom Deputy by final pretrial conference to arrange technology needs.
The Court holds proceedings in Courtroom 4B, which is equipped for electronic presentation of evidence. Parties expecting to employ courtroom technology are required to contact the Courtroom Deputy no later than the final pretrial conference to discuss their technological needs. The Courtroom Deputy will then schedule a preliminary run to minimize disruptions during the trial itself.
- Contact
- In person to witness
Counsel must stand to examine witnesses unless court permission is granted.
Counsel should stand to examine witnesses unless counsel has obtained the Court’s permission to proceed otherwise.
- Contact
- In person to witness
Re-cross examination only allowed when new evidence is introduced on re-direct.
Re-cross examination is permitted only “[w]here new evidence is opened up on re-direct examination.” See United States v. Riggi, 951 F.2d 1368, 1375 (3d Cir. 1991) (explaining that “the privilege of recross-examination as to matters not covered on redirect examination lies within the trial court’s discretion” (citation omitted)).
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone participation in settlement conferences only allowed in exceptional circumstances with advance notice.
Only in exceptional circumstances will Judge Leeson permit a person to participate in the conference by telephone. This shall be the exception rather than the rule. Counsel seeking this relief must contact chambers as soon as they are aware of a problem with attendance.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Correspondence to Judge Sánchez may be by hard copy, fax, or email; must copy Courtroom Deputy and all counsel.
Correspondence directed to Judge Sánchez may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy, by facsimile, or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, and must be copied to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov. Communications with chambers should be copied to all counsel.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Case communications must be made through ECF filings whenever possible.
Communications regarding cases must be made through filing a pleading, motion, or application through Electronic Case Filing (ECF) whenever possible.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The United States must notify Chambers and the probation office at least 7 business days before the change of plea hearing if expedited sentencing is requested.
If an agreement has been reached to request Judge Scott set an expedited sentencing, the United States must notify Chambers and the probation office at least seven (7) business days prior to the change of plea hearing.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The parties must submit one joint version of each document to Chambers by email to Susan Flaherty.
The parties shall submit one joint version of each proposed document to Chambers in Microsoft Word format by email to the Deputy, Susan Flaherty, at Susan_Flaherty@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Emails to court limited to routine matters with no anticipated opposition; responsive letters only at court's request.
Letters may be submitted to the Court via e-mail, but such communications should be limited to routine matters for which no opposition is anticipated or required. Responsive letters should only be submitted at the Court’s request.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Requests for ECF exemption must be made in writing to Judge Marston.
Requests to be excused from ECF registration must be made in writing directly to Judge Marston.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Correspondence permitted only in limited circumstances.
We permit correspondence in limited circumstances.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone inquiries and conferences permitted as warranted.
Telephone inquiries and conferences as warranted
- Contact
- Letter to chambers
Limited correspondence must include specific situation description and opposing party's position.
This limited correspondence must include a specific and candid description of the situation requiring Judge Kearney's attention and the position of the opposing party. Correspondence may be sent by email, fax, or mail to the Chambers' Philadelphia address above.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Witness examination from lectern/table; no comments to jury/other counsel.
Parties may examine witnesses from the lectern, from counsel table, or within hearing distance of the ESR operator or court reporter but not within ten feet of the witnesses. Counsel shall seek permission before approaching witnesses, as warranted. In addition, counsel will direct all comments to Judge Kearney or to the witness under examination and not to other counsel or to the jury.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Co-counsel/parties must not distract; instruct gallery attendees to remain silent.
Co-counsel and the parties may not talk to each other or distract the presentation of evidence or argument. Trial counsel shall instruct persons from their offices attending trial in the gallery to not speak in the public courtroom while Judge Kearney or the jury is present as trial counsel should be mindful of waiving privileges or of the effect statements overheard by the public including witnesses, jurors, or members of their families regarding the adversary process may affect the fact-finding process.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Correspondence to chambers is limited to 2 pages and permitted only for court-requested information, uncontested sentencing extensions, personal scheduling matters, or settlement notice.
Correspondence, not to exceed two pages, may be emailed, faxed, or mailed to Chambers copied to all counsel and unrepresented parties only in the following instances: 1. Counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate information by letter; 2. An uncontested request for an extension of sentencing; 3. A scheduling request based on an unanticipated and irreversible personal matter concerning counsel, a party or counsel's immediate family not warranting public access; or, 4. A case, or portions of a case, settled.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Unsolicited communications to chambers are not accepted unless pre-approved by Judge Kearney.
We will not accept unsolicited communications unless pre-approved by Judge Kearney.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pro se parties are prohibited from telephone and fax communications with chambers unless pre-approved with a court reporter present.
Telephone and fax communications by a pro se party are prohibited unless approved by Judge Kearney beforehand and an ESR/Court Reporter is present. Pro se parties may not appear for hearings by telephone unless permitted for good cause, such as incarcerated persons in civil cases.
Correspondence limited to scheduling, routine matters, and settlement notifications; other communications must be filed as pleadings/motions.
Counsel and pro se litigants may correspond with the Court concerning scheduling, routine matters, or to advise the Court that a case has been settled. All other communications with the Court should be made by the filing of pleadings, motions, applications, briefs, or similar filings permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure.
Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing them to the Court's attention.
In general, Judge Costello expects counsel to bring matters to her attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may speak with law clerks only on scheduling and procedural matters.
I permit Counsel to speak with my Law Clerks on scheduling and procedural matters only.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must coordinate conference timing and call chambers only after all parties are already on the line.
It is the responsibility of counsel to arrange mutually agreeable times for such conferences and to call chambers once counsel for all parties are on the line.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
When discovery disputes cannot be resolved, counsel should request a telephone conference, but telephone conferences are discouraged in cases with pro se litigants.
If this is not possible, counsel should request a telephone conference by letter or initiate a joint telephone conference call. It should be noted that a telephone conference is not encouraged if pro se are litigants involved.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
After the first hour of deliberations, counsel may leave only if they remain reachable by phone and provide cell numbers to the Deputy Clerk.
Thereafter, counsel will be permitted to leave, provided they are available by phone or remain in close proximity to the courthouse. Cell phone numbers should be provided to her Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Law clerks may be contacted for procedural matters only, not substantive issues.
Judge Wells permits counsel to speak directly with her law clerks on procedural matters. However, her law clerks should never be contacted regarding substantive matters, including the merits of pending matters.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must attempt to resolve disputes before bringing them to court.
Judge Wells expects opposing counsel to attempt to resolve disputes prior to bringing them to her attention, pursuant to Local Rule 26.1(f).
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Permission required to file supplemental briefs after unsuccessful conference.
If a telephone conference does not resolve an issue, Judge Wells may instruct the parties to file briefs. The parties must seek permission to file supplemental briefs.
- Contact
- Interview to jurors
Jurors may be interviewed after civil verdict with restrictions on questioning.
After a civil verdict is taken, Judge Wells will permit jurors to be interviewed should they elect to participate, and with the admonition that counsel not inquire about specific votes.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Notify court by call/email at least 1 week before conference if settlement unlikely.
If settlement is not a real possibility (e.g., if the defendant will not make an offer or will offer only nuisance value), counsel shall notify the Court (jointly or individually) by a call or email to request a brief video conference regarding the lack of settlement possibility at least one week before the scheduled settlement conference.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Counsel may correspond with the Court on any matter, provided all other counsel are copied on the correspondence.
Judge Toplin permits correspondence from counsel on any matter, providing all other counsel in the matter are provided copies of such correspondence; and unless otherwise specified.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 267-299-7501
Counsel may contact the courtroom deputy and law clerks for scheduling and administrative matters, but never about the merits.
Judge Toplin permits counsel to communicate with her courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 267-299-7501
Telephone conferences are preferred for scheduling, extensions, and routine discovery disputes; counsel seeking relief must initiate the conference through the courtroom deputy.
Judge Toplin prefers telephone conferences to be utilized for matters such as scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes. It will be the responsibility of all counsel seeking relief to initiate any such conference by contacting the Judge’s courtroom deputy, Tashia Reynolds.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel seeking relief from in-person attendance, such as virtual participation, must contact chambers as soon as they become aware of an attendance problem.
In exceptional circumstances, Judge Toplin will permit a person to virtually participate in an in-person conference. Counsel seeking relief must contact chambers as soon as they are aware of a problem with attendance.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must notify Judge Toplin's chambers immediately if an arbitration matter settles before the scheduled date or the arbitration needs to be continued.
If a matter settles before the scheduled arbitration date or the parties need to continue the arbitration, counsel is to notify Judge Toplin’s chambers immediately.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
If a discovery dispute is pending at referral, contact chambers immediately with prior letters or ECF references.
If any discovery dispute is pending at the time of the referral, please contact chambers immediately and provide any letters that had previously been sent to the District Judge regarding the discovery dispute or refer to the pending motion(s)/response(s) by ECF document number.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Chambers communication limited to logistical matters only
Judge Sitarski permits counsel to talk with her Deputy Clerk and law clerks regarding logistical matters, but never on the merits of the case. Counsel should never contact Chambers to inquire on the status of a pending motion.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Status inquiries to Chambers are prohibited.
Counsel should never contact Chambers to inquire on the status of a pending motion.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must remain in the Courthouse during jury deliberations and be available within 10 minutes.
In most cases, Judge Sitarski will expect counsel to remain in the Courthouse during deliberations, and will expect counsel to be available on short telephone notice and be able to be in the courtroom within 10 minutes.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Reply/supplemental briefs require prior court permission.
Judge Carlos will not normally permit reply or supplemental briefs. Counsel desiring to file a such a brief must first seek permission of the Court before such a brief will be accepted.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Counsel must attempt to resolve discovery disputes before contacting court.
Judge Carlos expects counsel to attempt to resolve disputes prior to bringing them to her attention, pursuant to Rule 26.1(f) of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Motion practice discouraged for discovery matters except subpoenas to non-parties.
Except for subpoenas issued to non-parties, the use of motion practice in discovery matters is discouraged.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Contact chambers immediately if attendance issues arise for settlement conference.
Counsel seeking relief must contact chambers as soon as they are aware of a problem with attendance.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Correspondence allowed for extensions and scheduling only, not for substantive matters.
Counsel may write to Judge Bartle to request an extension of time and for all matters pertaining to scheduling. Judge Bartle does not permit correspondence in lieu of formal discovery or contested motions or other substantive matters which should be made of record.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences for scheduling, extensions, and discovery motions; counsel must place the call.
Judge Bartle will use telephone conferences for scheduling changes, extensions of time, and similar matters. He often has conference calls on discovery motions. Judge Bartle requests that counsel or a conference call operator place the call.
- Contact
- Chambers
Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing to Judge's attention.
In general, Judge Bartle expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Cases in trial pool require 48-hour notice to commence trial.
For cases in the trial pool, counsel shall be prepared to commence trial upon 48 hours notice.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Sidebar conferences discouraged; only for unanticipated issues.
Sidebar conferences are discouraged and are rarely permitted. Only unanticipated issues will necessitate a sidebar conference.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must verify courtroom playback equipment availability with deputy clerk.
Counsel should check with the deputy clerk to determine whether the courtroom is equipped for playback or whether counsel must provide playback equipment.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Written correspondence is permitted only for Court requests, uncontested Rule 16 continuances, unanticipated personal matters, or case disposition confirmation.
Correspondence regarding the following is permitted, provided the letter states that counsel agrees or disagrees with the request: (1) When counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter; (2) When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16 Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the dates for filing a summary judgment motion and trial; (3) When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by an unanticipated personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness or counsel's immediate family, such as medical problems, vacation plans or other personal problems; or, (4) To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed or otherwise finally disposed.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Communication with law clerks is strongly discouraged; all inquiries should go through the deputy.
Judge Padova strongly discourages communication with his law clerks. All telephone inquiries should be directed to Judge Padova's deputy.
Counsel must discuss matters with opposing counsel before bringing them to the judge's attention.
Judge Padova expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Correspondence with the court is only permitted for transmittal letters or when specifically requested by the court.
Judge Padova permits correspondence under the following circumstances: (1) When letters of transmittal accompany documents required to be sent to, or filed with, the Court or another official office in the Courthouse; (2) When counsel are specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter;
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone calls to law clerks are discouraged; scheduling matters should go to Deputy Clerk.
Telephone calls to law clerks are discouraged. Law clerks are not permitted to render advice and have no authority to grant continuances or to speak on behalf of the Court. All scheduling matters should be discussed with the Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Correspondence with court requires discussion with opposing counsel first
Judge Surrick permits correspondence with the Court so long as the initiating attorney has discussed his or her request with other counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Law clerk communication limited to administrative matters only
Judge Surrick permits communication with law clerks concerning administrative aspects of the case. Counsel may not communicate with the law clerks on the merits of any case, and law clerks are not permitted to render advice to counsel and have no authority to grant continuances or to speak on behalf of the Court.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Sidebar conferences are discouraged except for unanticipated issues.
Sidebar conferences are discouraged and are rarely permitted. Only unanticipated issues will necessitate a sidebar conference.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Judge Beetlestone permits correspondence with the Court under specific circumstances.
I. Correspondence with the Court: Judge Beetlestone permits correspondence with the Court under the following circumstances:
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters of transmittal are permitted when accompanying required documents.
A. When letters of transmittal accompany documents required to be sent to, or filed with, the Court or in another official office in the courthouse;
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters are permitted when specifically requested by the Court.
B. When counsel is specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter;
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Uncontested continuances of Rule 16 deadlines are permitted by letter.
C. When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16. Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the trial date or pool placement;
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters are permitted to seek Court's assistance with discovery disputes.
D. To seek the Court’s assistance in resolving a discovery dispute;
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters are permitted for personal matters affecting counsel's participation.
E. When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by a personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness or counsel’s immediate family, such as medical problems, or other similarly personal problems or questions;
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letters are permitted to confirm case settlement or dismissal.
F. To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed or otherwise finally disposed;
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Judge Beetlestone may hold telephone conferences for scheduling or discovery disputes.
III. Telephone Conferences A. Judge Beetlestone may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes. The Court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference. In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Beetlestone through her Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call. In a criminal case, the United States Attorney’s Office will be responsible for initiating the call and contacting Judge Beetlestone through her Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Telephone communications are permitted when written communication cannot timely address a problem.
B. When a written communication concerning a case cannot timely address a problem, counsel may initiate necessary telephone communications with chambers. Issues appropriately addressed by telephone contact include:
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Telephone contact is permitted for scheduling conferences or proceedings.
1. Scheduling of conferences or proceedings, including pretrial and trial conferences;
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Telephone contact is permitted for witness attendance issues.
2. Attendance of witnesses;
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Telephone contact is permitted for exhibit handling or video replay arrangements.
3. Exhibit handling or arrangements for video replay;
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Telephone contact is permitted for arranging discovery dispute conferences.
4. Arrangements for telephone conferences regarding discovery disputes;
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Telephone contact is permitted for absolutely necessary time extensions.
5. Requests for absolutely necessary extensions of time to file any response, reply, brief, memorandum of law or the like.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
All inquiries should be directed to the Deputy Clerk.
All such inquiries should be directed to the Deputy Clerk. Counsel should submit current email, telephone numbers and any changes to the Clerk’s Office, and to Judge Beetlestone’s Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7450
Judge Beetlestone does not set aside specific days for oral arguments or hearings.
IV. Oral Arguments and Evidentiary Hearings: Judge Beetlestone does not set aside certain days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings. Hearings and argument are scheduled when requested or warranted.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences are generally held to address discovery disputes.
Judge Beetlestone will generally hold a telephone conference to address the dispute.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email is preferred for general inquiries to chambers
Email is the preferred method of communication. All general inquiries, including questions about these policies, may be emailed to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (610) 333-1836
Telephone calls directed to Court Services Clerk Tanya Allender
Telephone calls should be directed as follows: Court Services Clerk: Tanya Allender (610) 333-1836 Tanya_Allender@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email permitted for schedule changes under 7 days and case settlements
Email correspondence regarding cases is permitted in the following situations: • To advise the Court of unanticipated schedule changes (less than seven (7) business days in advance of a deadline) or schedule changes due to personal or medical issues that counsel does not wish to file on the docket. • To promptly advise the Court that a case has been settled.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to intake unit
OSCAR preferred for internship/clerkship applications, email for questions
Judge Henry's highly preferred method for receiving applications is through OSCAR. OSCAR will be consistently updated with deadlines and instructions. Applicants and schools may, however, email Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov with questions that are not resolved in OSCAR.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Judge Arteaga available for settlement discussions at Rule 16 Conference
Judge Henry is paired with Magistrate Judge José Arteaga. Parties may request that Judge Arteaga preside over settlement discussions at the Rule 16 Conference or as soon thereafter as possible. Judge Henry will then issue a referral order.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email is the preferred method for general inquiries to chambers.
Email is the preferred method of communication. All general inquiries, including questions about these policies, may be emailed to Chambers_of_Judge_Catherine_Henry@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may email chambers to request a Rule 16 conference if not scheduled within a reasonable time after the answer is filed.
If a Rule 16 conference has not been scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of the answer, counsel should email Judge Henry's Chambers to request a conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Parties may call chambers to resolve unresolvable discovery disputes.
Parties are encouraged to call chambers when an unresolvable discovery dispute arises; if Judge Henry is available, she may resolve the dispute.
- Contact
- Meet and confer
Court encourages meet-and-confer discussions for ESI discovery in cases with significant cost/burden.
In cases in which the discovery of electronically stored information is likely to be a significant cost or burden, the Court encourages the parties to engage in ongoing meet-and-confer discussions and use the following Checklist to guide those discussions.
- Contact
- Meet and confer
ESI discovery discussions should be tailored to specific claims and matter complexity.
The parties’ discussions should be framed in the context of the specific claims and defenses involved. The usefulness of particular topics on the Checklist, and the timing of discussion about these topics, may depend on the nature and complexity of the matter.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All counsel are presumed aware of any Chambers communications and must be copied on emails or correspondence.
It is presumed that all counsel are aware of any communication made with Chambers and have been copied on any emails or other correspondence.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Written letters to the Court are allowed to confirm case disposition or inquire about motion disposition timelines.
(6) To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed, or otherwise finally disposed; or (7) If counsel has not received a disposition on a motion for class certification, for summary judgment, or a motion requiring a decision regarding qualified immunity within ninety days of the motion being fully briefed (and argued where applicable); or sixty days for all other motions.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone communications with Chambers are permitted only for last-minute developments that written communication cannot address timely.
When a written communication concerning a case cannot timely address a last-minute development, counsel may initiate necessary telephone communications with Chambers.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may email status inquiries for class certification, summary judgment, compel arbitration, or qualified immunity motions after 90 days; all other motions may be inquired about after 60 days.
For decisions on class certification, summary judgment, motions to compel arbitration, and decisions regarding qualified immunity, counsel may send an email inquiry if the Court has not ruled on the motion within ninety days after full briefing (and argument if applicable). In all other instances, counsel may reach out and inquire after sixty days.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences are permitted to resolve disputes during depositions.
Judge Kenney permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions,
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers may be contacted for procedural questions or to facilitate case progress; substantive communications must be docketed.
Counsel are welcome to contact Chambers via phone or email with any procedural questions or where communication will assist in facilitating the progress of a case. All communication regarding substantive issues must be docketed. Counsel may contact Chambers to provide notification of a substantive filing that needs prompt attention from the Court.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers contact information provided for email and phone.
Chambers email: Chambers_Weilheimer@paed.uscourts.gov Chambers phone: 267-299-7760
No reserved days for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings; scheduled as warranted
Judge Pappert does not reserve certain days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings. Judge Pappert will schedule oral arguments and evidentiary hearings when warranted.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Scheduling questions directed to Civil Deputy Clerk.
Questions relating to scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Pappert’s Civil Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone scheduling conference held shortly after arraignment in criminal cases.
Judge Pappert will generally hold a telephone scheduling conference with counsel in criminal cases shortly after arraignment. At the conclusion of the conference, the Court will issue a Scheduling Order governing speedy trial issues, discovery, time for filing motions and the trial date.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences allowed to resolve deposition disputes.
Judge Schmehl permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
TRO and preliminary injunction requests will be promptly listed.
Judge Schmehl will promptly list any request for a temporary restraining order ("TRO") or a preliminary injunction assigned to him.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge generally does not hold telephone scheduling conferences in criminal cases unless requested; scheduling handled by Criminal Deputy Clerk.
Judge Schmehl does not generally hold a telephone scheduling conference with counsel in criminal cases, unless counsel specifically request one. All scheduling of criminal matters is handled by the Judge’s Criminal Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email address for submitting Joint Status Report to Judge Schmehl's Chambers.
Chambers_of_Judge_Jeffrey_L_Schmehl@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Email to chambers
The Joint Status Report form must be submitted to Chambers by email (preferred) or hard copy.
This form should be submitted to Chambers by email (preferred) or hard copy.
- Contact
- Phone to clerk
- Phone
- 610-320-5099
Telephone inquiries for civil and criminal cases must be directed to Deputy Clerk Brian R. Dixon at 610-320-5099.
Telephone inquiries regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Brian R. Dixon, Deputy Clerk, at 610-320-5099.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email is the preferred method for written correspondence with chambers.
Email is preferred for most written correspondence with chambers, and the address is Chambers_of_Judge_Jeffrey_L_Schmehl@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences are permitted to resolve deposition disputes that would otherwise require adjournment.
Judge Schmehl permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Scheduling questions must be directed to the Civil Deputy Clerk via email.
Questions relating to scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Schmehl's Civil Deputy Clerk via email.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted to chambers via email.
Counsel should submit a copy of the proposed jury instructions to chambers via email.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted to chambers via email.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in non-jury cases should be submitted to chambers via email at least seven days before the trial date.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers email address for Judge Gallagher
Chambers_of_Judge_John_Gallagher@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Magistrate Judge Pamela A. Carlos assigned to Judge Gallagher
Magistrate Judge Assignment: Magistrate Judge Pamela A. Carlos
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Correspondence with court allowed by letter, email, or phone for routine matters; must copy opposing parties.
Counsel or pro se parties may correspond with the Court by letter, email or telephone concerning routine scheduling and administrative matters. The Court expects counsel and pro se parties to copy opposing counsel or pro se parties on their written communications with the Court. All communications with the Court should be directed to the deputy clerk or chambers.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel must keep contact information current with clerk and deputy clerk.
Counsel should submit current telephone numbers, fax numbers, e-mail addresses and any changes to the Clerk’s Office and Judge Gallagher’s deputy clerk.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Parties urged to resolve discovery disputes themselves; telephone conferences preferred for simple disputes.
The Court urges the parties to settle discovery disputes among themselves. If Court assistance is required, Judge Gallagher prefers that simple disputes be addressed by telephone conferences.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Trial date set at Rule 16 conference; parties must be ready to start on listed date.
A date for trial will be determined at the initial Rule 16 conference. Once a case is listed for trial, counsel, parties and witnesses should be ready to start trial on the listed date, and counsel should consider themselves formally attached for trial as of that date. Questions relating to scheduling matters should be directed to Judge Gallagher's deputy clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Continuance or extension requests may be submitted as letters emailed to Chambers.
Requests for continuances or extensions may be made by letter, which can be emailed to Chambers.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone inquiries should be directed to civil or criminal deputy
Telephone inquiries are to be directed to the civil or criminal deputy, as appropriate, at the telephone numbers listed below.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Attorneys may speak to law clerks about scheduling if deputy unavailable, but clerks cannot give advice
If the appropriate deputy is unavailable, attorneys may speak to the law clerks regarding scheduling matters; however, law clerks may not render advice.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences scheduled at Court's discretion for scheduling or discovery disputes
Telephone conferences are scheduled at the Court's discretion and may be held to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes.
- Contact
- Microphone to witness
Witnesses must speak into the microphone for recording purposes.
Counsel must ensure that a witness is speaking into the microphone for ease of recording and hearing.
- Contact
- In person to court
Stipulations, pleadings, and discovery materials are not evidence unless counsel moves for admission and court grants it.
The Court has no special practice or policy regarding reading stipulations, pleadings, or discovery material into the record at trial. Admissions, pleadings, requests for admissions, admissions of parties contained in depositions, and answers to interrogatories are not part of the evidence at trial unless counsel moves for their admission and the Court admits them.
- Contact
- In person to opposing counsel
Counsel encouraged to stipulate to undisputed facts, exhibits, jury instructions, and special interrogatories before trial.
Counsel are strongly encouraged to stipulate to as many matters as possible before trial, including undisputed facts, exhibits, jury instructions, and special interrogatories, if any.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Contact Courtroom Deputy Nancy DeLisle for scheduling inquiries; law clerks may assist if unavailable but cannot provide legal advice.
Telephone and email inquiries should be directed to Judge Sánchez's Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, at the contact information listed below. If Ms. DeLisle is unavailable, attorneys may speak to Judge Sánchez's law clerks regarding scheduling matters; however, law clerks may not provide advice to counsel.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may call chambers during week before trial pool for guidance.
Counsel may call chambers during the week before the trial pool for guidance.
- Contact
- Sidebar
Sidebar conferences discouraged; resolve issues at final pretrial conference.
Judge Sánchez discourages sidebar conferences; issues should be resolved at the final pretrial conference.
- Contact
- Chambers
Trial matters must be raised during specified times: 8-9 AM, breaks, lunch, or after jury dismissal.
Any matter arising during trial must be brought to the judge’s attention between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m., during breaks, at lunchtime, or after the jury is dismissed for the day.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email inquiries should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Nancy DeLisle.
Telephone and email inquiries should be directed to Judge Sánchez's Courtroom Deputy, Nancy DeLisle, at the contact information listed below.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Extension requests may be submitted via email, fax, or hard copy letter.
Requests for extensions of case management deadlines may be submitted by letter sent via email, facsimile, or hard copy
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Continuance requests should be by letter (not formal motion), may be emailed to chambers, and must include opposing counsel's position.
Requests for continuances should be directed to Judge Sánchez by letter and may be emailed to chambers with a copy to opposing counsel. A formal motion is not required. The party requesting a continuance must present the position of opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7102
Courtroom technology requests should be directed to the Courtroom Technology department via email or phone.
Requests concerning courtroom technology should be directed to the Courtroom Technology department at PAEDml_Courtroom_Technology@paed.uscourts.gov or 267-299-7102.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may call chambers for guidance during the week before the trial pool.
Counsel may call chambers during the week before the trial pool for guidance.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Plea papers may be emailed to chambers at specified addresses, but must also be filed on the docket.
Plea papers may be transmitted to chambers in hard copy or by email to Chambers_of_Judge_Sanchez@paed.uscourts.gov, with a copy to Nancy_DeLisle@paed.uscourts.gov. Parties must also file plea memoranda on the docket.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email is the preferred method for general inquiries to chambers.
Email is the preferred method of communication. All general inquiries, including questions about these policies, may be emailed to Chambers_of_Judge_Kai_Scott@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (267) 299-7590
Telephone calls should be directed to the Judicial Assistant for civil scheduling, case management, events, and general procedures, and to the Courtroom Deputy for criminal matters, trial setup, and courtroom logistics.
Telephone calls should be directed as follows: Judicial Assistant: Tayai Lester (267) 299-7590 Tayai_Lester@paed.uscourts.gov Contact about civil scheduling, case management, events, and general procedures. Courtroom Deputy: Sue Flaherty (267) 299-7598 Susan_Flaherty@paed.uscourts.gov Contact about all criminal matters, trial setup, courtroom logistics, and courtroom procedures.
- Contact
- Letter fax to chambers
Faxes and regular mail are strongly discouraged for communications with chambers.
Faxes and regular mail are strongly discouraged.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email to chambers is permitted to advise of unanticipated schedule changes (less than 7 business days before a deadline) or personal/medical schedule changes, and to promptly advise of settlement.
Email correspondence regarding cases is permitted in the following situations: • To advise the Court of unanticipated schedule changes (less than seven (7) business days in advance of a deadline) or schedule changes due to personal or medical issues that counsel does not wish to file on the docket. • To promptly advise the Court that a case has been settled.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel should email Chambers to request a Rule 16 conference if one is not scheduled within a reasonable time after the answer is filed.
If a Rule 16 conference has not been scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of the answer, counsel should email Judge Scott’s Chambers to request a conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Parties are encouraged to call Chambers about unresolvable discovery disputes; the judge may resolve them if available.
Parties are encouraged to call Chambers when an unresolvable discovery dispute arises; if Judge Scott is available, she may resolve the dispute.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
All criminal matter communications should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Sue Flaherty via email.
All communications regarding criminal matters should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy, Sue Flaherty via email Susan_Flaherty@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone contact with Chambers permitted for scheduling, witnesses, exhibits, discovery disputes, and necessary extensions when written communication is insufficient.
When a written communication concerning a case cannot timely address a problem, counsel may initiate necessary telephone communications with Chambers. Issues appropriately addressed by telephone contact include: a. Scheduling conferences; b. Attendance of witnesses; c. Exhibit handling or arrangements for video replay; d. Arrangements for telephone conferences regarding discovery disputes; e. Requests for absolutely necessary extensions of time to file any response, reply, brief, memorandum of law or the like.
- Contact
- In person
Courtroom protocol: address from table/podium during arguments, podium when examining witnesses, seek permission to approach witnesses, direct comments to Court/witness only.
During oral arguments outside the presence of the jury, counsel can address the Court from counsel table or the podium, at counsel’s discretion. When examining a witness, counsel should speak from the podium. Counsel should seek permission to approach a witness. Counsel shall direct all comments and questions to the Court or the witness, not to opposing counsel or the jury.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel and unrepresented parties may email Chambers to provide preferred names, pronouns, and honorifics for court proceedings.
Counsel and unrepresented parties are invited to provide the names, pronouns, and honorifics they would like used by the Court in hearings, conferences, and opinions via an email to Chambers.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences may be held with prior notification.
Judge Kearney may hold telephone conferences. Chambers will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Out-of-town parties/witnesses scheduled same as local cases.
Judge Kearney schedules the trial of cases involving out-of-town counsel, parties, or witnesses in the same manner as all other cases. Counsel is responsible for the timely scheduling of witnesses to maximize the jury’s time.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Judge conducts voir dire, then peremptory strikes (3 each), seats 8 jurors.
After Judge Kearney’s brief introduction to the general nature of the case and standard disqualification questions, Judge Kearney will conduct voir dire, with specific approved follow-up questions from counsel. Judge Kearney will then entertain cause and hardship strikes. Counsel will then exercise peremptory challenges by alternate strikes, plaintiff first, until each side has stricken three potential jurors or opts not to use any or all of their strikes. After consultation with counsel based on length of trial, Judge Kearney will typically seat eight jurors in a civil case.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Witness disclosure may be required one day before testimony.
Judge Kearney may require counsel to disclose upcoming witnesses at least one day before the anticipated testimony when warranted to ensure efficient presentation of evidence.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences generally not held in criminal cases unless requested or deemed appropriate.
Judge Kearney does not generally hold telephone conferences with counsel in criminal cases, unless counsel specifically requests one or Judge Kearney finds a conference is appropriate.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Courtroom Deputy handles scheduling of criminal matters.
The Courtroom Deputy handles scheduling of criminal matters.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Sentencing scheduled on plea acceptance or conviction, typically 110 days later, continued only for good cause.
Sentencing will be scheduled on the day Judge Kearney accepts a defendant's guilty plea or after a defendant is convicted at trial. Sentencing will generally occur approximately one hundred and ten (110) days after a guilty plea or trial. Sentencing will be continued for good cause only.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge Kearney may hold telephone conferences; chambers will notify counsel of the schedule.
Judge Kearney may hold telephone conferences. Chambers will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference.
- Contact
- Daily meeting
Counsel must meet daily to discuss witness order and inform Court.
During trial, counsel shall meet each morning to discuss between themselves the order in which witnesses will be called and evidence will be presented. Counsel must inform the Court of such order.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may correspond with the Court on all matters, but disputes are preferably handled through joint telephone conferences.
Judge Wells permits correspondence from counsel on all matters, but prefers to resolve disputes via joint telephone conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may communicate directly with law clerks on procedural matters.
Judge Wells permits counsel to speak directly with her law clerks on procedural matters.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Joint telephonic conferences are encouraged when counsel cannot appear in person or when urgency exists.
However, when counsel cannot be present, or when time is of the essence, she encourages joint telephonic conferences.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge Wells prefers joint telephone conferences over correspondence for dispute resolution.
Judge Wells permits correspondence from counsel on all matters, but prefers to resolve disputes via joint telephone conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Chambers conferences preferred; telephonic conferences allowed when necessary.
Judge Wells prefers to hold conferences in chambers. However, when counsel cannot be present, or when time is of the essence, she encourages joint telephonic conferences. It is the responsibility of counsel to arrange mutually agreeable times for such conferences and to call chambers once counsel for all parties are on the line.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Oral arguments and hearings scheduled by Deputy Clerk based on counsel availability.
Judge Wells does not set aside any special days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings. These matters are scheduled by her Deputy Clerk who will attempt to accommodate counsel’s schedules.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pretrial/status conferences scheduled promptly upon case referral.
Judge Wells regularly conducts pretrial/status and settlement conferences in cases pending before her. Pretrial/status conferences, where appropriate, are scheduled promptly upon referral of the case to Judge Wells. The standard agenda for such conferences tracks Federal Rules.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Joint continuance requests can be made by letter or conference call.
A joint continuance or extension request of the parties may be made by letter or conference call.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Oral arguments scheduled if helpful; counsel should request if vital.
Judge Wells will schedule oral arguments on a motion if it appears likely to be helpful to the Court. One or all counsel should request oral argument if they consider it vital to a fair disposition of the issues before the Court.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; telephone conferences discouraged if pro se litigants involved.
Judge Wells expects the parties to resolve most discovery disputes without court intervention, per Local Rule 26.1(f). If this is not possible, counsel should request a telephone conference by letter or initiate a joint telephone conference call. It should be noted that a telephone conference is not encouraged if pro se are litigants involved.
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
Settlement conferences conducted upon request, referral, or sua sponte; actively encourages settlement.
Judge Wells conducts settlement conferences upon request of all parties, upon referral from a District Court Judge, or sua sponte. She actively encourages settlement and makes herself available for in-depth settlement discussions in referred cases.
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
In-depth settlement negotiations in non-jury cases referred to another Magistrate Judge.
In non-jury cases where the parties have consented to trial before Judge Wells, she will refer in-depth settlement negotiations to another Magistrate Judge.
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
Trial de novo after arbitration triggers prompt status conference for settlement/trial scheduling.
When a demand for trial de novo is filed after arbitration, Judge Wells promptly schedules a status conference to explore the possibility of settlement and/or schedule a prompt, but mutually convenient trial date.
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
Trial date assigned after consulting counsel; counsel must advise on discovery and expert report completion timing.
Judge Wells assigns a date certain for trial, after consulting with counsel. Counsel should be prepared during any pretrial conference and/or settlement conference to advise the judge as to when discovery and expert reports are expected to be complete.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Correspondence permitted from counsel if copies sent to all other parties.
Judge Goldner Cinquanto permits correspondence from counsel on any matters, so long as all other counsel or unrepresented parties are sent copies of such correspondence.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may communicate with law clerks on procedural matters; pro se parties limited to mail/email.
Judge Goldner Cinquanto permits communications from counsel, both written and oral, with her law clerks on procedural matters only. Parties who are pro se (do not have counsel) may only communicate by mail or email to the chambers address above, unless otherwise directed.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Ex parte Zoom conferences available before settlement conference upon request.
If requested by counsel, with no opposition, Judge Goldner Cinquanto is available for ex parte Zoom conferences before the settlement conference. Please contact chambers to arrange a pre-conference video call.
- Contact
- Conference to opposing counsel
Counsel must confer to narrow disputed issues before trial
Counsel should work together to narrow any areas of dispute before trial.
- Contact
- Letter ecf
Correspondence permitted if all counsel receive copies; letter motions sometimes allowed instead of formal motions.
Judge Straw permits correspondence from counsel on any matters as long as all other counsel in the matter are sent copies of such correspondence. Judge Straw sometimes permits letter motions in lieu of formal motions.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may communicate with courtroom deputy/law clerks on scheduling/administrative matters only, not case merits.
Judge Straw permits counsel to communicate with his courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences preferred for scheduling, extensions, and routine discovery disputes; counsel must initiate by contacting courtroom deputy.
Judge Straw prefers telephone conferences to be utilized for matters such as scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes. It will be the responsibility of all counsel seeking relief to initiate any such conference by contacting the Judge’s classroom deputy, Donna Croce.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; conferences available if needed.
Judge Straw expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Straw permits contact with the Court through his courtroom deputy to set up telephone or chambers conferences to resolve outstanding issues.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Judge Straw may continue settlement discussions after the conference if needed.
Judge Straw will, if appropriate, continue to work with counsel after the settlement conference if the matter is not resolved at the conference.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Letter motions are sometimes permitted in lieu of formal motions.
Judge Toplin sometimes permits letter motions in lieu of formal motions.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7500
Counsel may call Tashia Reynolds at 267-299-7500 with questions about matters before the Court.
Counsel may contact Tashia Reynolds (267-299-7500) if there are any questions regarding the matters before the Court.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may contact Judge Toplin's courtroom deputy with questions about courtroom practices and procedures.
Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Toplin’s courtroom deputy if they have any questions about her courtroom practices and procedures.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Correspondence on scheduling/administrative matters allowed via chambers email
Judge Hey permits correspondence with the Court on scheduling and administrative matters via Chambers email above.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may communicate with law clerks on procedural matters only
Judge Hey permits communications from counsel, both written and oral, with her law clerks on procedural matters only.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Pro se parties limited to mail/email communication with chambers
Parties who are pro se (do not have counsel) may only communicate by mail or email to the chambers address above, unless otherwise directed.
- Contact
- Chambers to chambers
Criminal duty hearings held in Courtroom 5A at 1:30 PM.
When Judge Hey is assigned to criminal duty matters, she holds the hearings in Courtroom 5A in the United States Courthouse at 6th and Market Streets, at 1:30 p.m.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement communications should be directed to Magistrate Judge Hey's chambers email address.
All communications with chambers regarding settlement should be directed to: Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Elizabeth_Hey@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
A party may submit an ex parte letter to request a telephone settlement conference.
If there is no joint request for a settlement conference, a party seeking a settlement conference may submit an ex parte letter to chambers requesting a telephone conference with Judge Hey to discuss settlement.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Judge Arteaga is available for ex-parte video conferences before settlement conferences if jointly requested by counsel; contact chambers to arrange.
If jointly requested by counsel, Judge Arteaga is available for ex-parte video conferences before the settlement conference. Please contact chambers to arrange any pre-conference video call.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
- Phone
- (267) 299-7420
Chambers contact information: phone (267) 299-7420, email Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov; Deputy Clerk Danielle Hauger email danielle_hauger@paed.uscourts.gov.
(267) 299-7420 Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov Courtroom Deputy Danielle Hauger danielle_hauger@paed.uscourts.gov
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Chambers email is Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov for submitting Rule 26(f) reports and requesting discovery conferences.
the parties shall submit a copy of their Rule 26(f) report via email (to Chambers_of_Magistrate_Judge_Arteaga@paed.uscourts.gov) at least five days before the scheduled conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7791
The Court prefers telephone conferences for scheduling, extensions of time, and routine discovery disputes; counsel seeking relief must initiate such conferences by contacting the courtroom deputy.
Judge Copeland prefers telephone conferences to be utilized for matters such as scheduling conferences, scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes. It will be the responsibility of all counsel seeking relief to initiate any such conference by contacting the Judge’s courtroom deputy, Sheila McCurry.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7791
Oral arguments and evidentiary hearings are scheduled through the courtroom deputy, and the Court will make reasonable efforts to accommodate counsel’s schedules.
To the extent deemed necessary by Judge Copeland, oral arguments and evidentiary hearings will be scheduled through the courtroom deputy. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the schedules of counsel.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Discovery disputes should be resolved without court intervention; chambers conferences available if good faith efforts fail
Judge Sitarski expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Sitarski permits contact with the Court so that telephone or chambers conferences may be set up to resolve outstanding issues.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may contact Deputy Clerk or law clerks with questions about courtroom practices.
Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Sitarski’s Deputy Clerk or law clerks if they have any questions about her courtroom practices or procedures.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel may contact chambers to schedule telephone or chambers conferences to resolve discovery disputes.
Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Sitarski permits contact with the Court so that telephone or chambers conferences may be set up to resolve outstanding issues.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences for scheduling changes and extensions must be initiated by contacting the Deputy Clerk.
Generally, telephone conferences will be used to deal with routine matters such as scheduling changes, extensions of time, and routine discovery disputes. Counsel seeking any such relief are responsible for initiating the conference by contacting Judge Sitarski's Deputy Clerk.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Motion papers to chambers should be submitted by email.
Judge Sitarski expects that in most cases, these papers will be submitted by email.
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Counsel may contact Deputy Clerk or law clerks with questions about courtroom practices.
Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Sitarski's Deputy Clerk or law clerks if they have any questions about her courtroom practices or procedures.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Correspondence allowed if copies sent to all parties.
Judge Carlos permits correspondence from counsel on any matters so long as all other counsel or unrepresented parties are sent copies of such correspondence.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may contact law clerks for scheduling/administrative matters only.
Judge Carlos permits counsel to communicate with her law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Status conferences and discovery disputes by phone; Rule 16 conferences by Zoom.
Telephone conferences are utilized for status conferences and routine discovery disputes. Rule 16 conferences are generally conducted by Zoom.
- Contact
- In person to chambers
Oral argument scheduled only if helpful to case resolution.
Judge Carlos will schedule oral argument on motions only if it appears likely to be helpful to the Court's resolution of the matter.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Contact deputy clerk to schedule discovery dispute conferences.
Judge Carlos permits contact with the Court through her deputy clerk to set up telephone or chambers conferences to resolve outstanding issues.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Discovery disputes should be submitted via letter memoranda.
Generally, Judge Carlos prefers letter memoranda outlining the discovery dispute.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel must provide phone number and be available by phone during jury deliberations.
Judge Carlos will not require counsel to remain in the courthouse during deliberations but will require counsel to be available on short telephone notice. Counsel must provide the deputy clerk with their phone number.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may contact deputy clerk or law clerks with questions about courtroom practices.
Counsel should feel free to contact Judge Carlos' deputy clerk or law clerks if they have any questions about her courtroom practices or procedures.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Settlement conference communications should be sent to PAED_Carlos_Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov.
The Email address is PAED_Carlos_Chambers@paed.uscourts.gov.
- Contact
- Letter ecf
Correspondence allowed if all counsel receive copies.
Judge Reid permits correspondence from counsel on any matters as long as all other counsel in the matter are sent copies of such correspondence.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Communication with clerks allowed for scheduling/administrative matters only.
Judge Reid permits counsel to communicate with his courtroom deputy and law clerks on scheduling and administrative matters, but never on the merits of a case.
- Contact
- Phone
In-person conferences preferred; phone allowed for scheduling, extensions, discovery.
Judge Reid prefers that counsel come to chambers for all conferences. Telephone conferences may be utilized, however, for matters such as scheduling changes, extensions of time and routine discovery disputes, it will be the responsibility of all counsel
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Oral arguments/hearings scheduled through courtroom deputy.
Oral arguments and evidentiary hearings may be scheduled through Judge Reid’s courtroom deputy. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the schedules of counsel.
- Contact
- Phone
Status/settlement/final pretrial conferences scheduled as needed; counsel must attempt resolution first.
Judge Reid will schedule status conferences, settlement conferences and final pretrial conferences as required by the circumstance of each particular case. Judge Reid will work with counsel in the scheduling of either telephone conferences or conferences in chambers to resolve any issues that may arise during the progress of the case. Judge Reid does expect, however, that counsel will make all good faith efforts to resolve any disputed matter between themselves before seeking involvement of the Court.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Counsel not required to stay but must be available by phone during deliberations.
Judge Reid will not require counsel to remain in the courthouse during deliberations but will require counsel to be available on short telephone notice.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Email permitted for urgent administrative matters; other matters must be motions or ECF-designated letters.
Judge Brody permits correspondence by email from counsel concerning urgent administrative matters. Counsel must address all other matters by motion. If Counsel wishes to address any other matter by letter, that is fine, but the letter must be designated as a motion on ECF. This will trigger the need for a response from opposing counsel and signify to the court that action is required.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Counsel may email or speak with law clerks about urgent administrative/scheduling matters.
Judge Brody permits counsel to email and speak with her law clerks about urgent administrative or scheduling matters. Communication is also permissible when designated by Judge Brody.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Agreed scheduling issues can be handled by ECF letter or email to chambers.
If counsel agree on a scheduling issue, a letter docketed on ECF requesting Judge Brody’s approval is often sufficient. If time does not permit a letter, an attorney may email the request to chambers.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Scheduling requests may be made by letter, fax, or email to the law clerk, stating reasons and agreement/disagreement.
Requests to schedule or reschedule a conference or hearing before Judge Brody may be made by letter, fax, or email to the law clerk assigned to the case, stating the reasons and noting the agreement or disagreement of all counsel.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Law clerks may relay information but cannot give legal advice.
Judge Bartle has no objection if law clerks are used as vehicles for relaying information to the Court. He does not permit law clerks to give advice to counsel.
- Contact
- Chambers copy to chambers
Judge provides proposed jury instructions to counsel before charge conference.
Judge Bartle provides counsel with a copy of proposed jury instructions for review in advance of a charge conference.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Juror interviews permitted after verdict, but jurors have no obligation to speak.
Judge Bartle permits counsel to interview the jurors after the verdict has been recorded and the jury has been discharged. However, jurors are told they are under no obligation to speak with counsel.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Judge conducts voir dire in criminal cases.
Judge Slomsky conducts voir dire in criminal cases.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Witness examination out of sequence permitted for witness convenience.
The Court will permit counsel to examine his/her own witnesses out of turn for the convenience of a witness.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
No standard time limits for opening statements/summations; may suggest limits based on case.
Judge Slomsky usually does not place a time limit on opening statements and summations. However, depending upon the issues in the case and the length of the trial, he may suggest time limits.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Limited re-cross examination allowed for new matters or special circumstances.
The Court will permit limited re-cross examination on matters not previously covered by cross examination or in special circumstances.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge will advise jury testimony is usually not in transcript form; may read portions if transcript available and allow replay of tapes/videos.
Judge Slomsky will advise the jury that testimony is usually not in transcript form to give them. However, if a transcript is available, he will consider having appropriate portions read if requested by the jury. He may allow tapes and videotapes to be replayed to the extent necessary.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge generally allows jury polling if requested, no standard practice.
Judge Slomsky has no standard practice for polling the jury. He generally allows it if requested.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge usually submits interrogatories to jury in civil cases, no general practice for verdicts.
Judge Slomsky has no general practice for taking a special or general verdict. He usually submits interrogatories to the jury in civil cases.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge does not typically give jury copies of written instructions, but may in appropriate cases.
Judge Slomsky does not give the jury a copy of the written jury instructions. However, he may do so in an appropriate case.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Discovery disputes encouraged via telephone conference; motions may be decided before response with or without conference.
The court encourages the submission of discovery disputes by telephone conference. If a discovery motion is filed, it may be acted upon before a response is filed either with or without a telephone conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- 267-299-7341
Telephone inquiries for civil scheduling, case management and general procedures should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy at 267-299-7341.
Telephone inquiries should be directed as appropriate to either one of the following: Courtroom Deputy: Kelly Haggerty - 267-299-7341
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Discovery disputes should be submitted by telephone conference; motions may be acted upon before response.
The court encourages the submission of discovery disputes by telephone conference. If a discovery motion is filed, it may be acted upon before a response is filed either with or without a telephone conference.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Telephone conferences for non-complex matters must be arranged through the deputy.
Judge Padova sometimes conducts telephone conferences for non-complex pretrial matters, scheduling, discovery disputes, settlement conferences, and other similar matters. Telephone conferences should be arranged through his deputy.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Discovery conferences discouraged; telephone conferences encouraged for dispute resolution.
Judge Padova normally does not hold discovery conferences, but encourages the use of telephone conferences in lieu of motion practice to resolve discovery disputes.
- Contact
- Unspecified to jury
Judge will advise jury testimony not in transcript form; may read portions if transcript available; allows audio/video replay.
Judge Padova will advise the jury that testimony is usually not in transcript form to give them. However, if a transcript is available, he will consider reading appropriate portions requested by the jury. He will usually allow audio and video recordings to be replayed.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Preliminary pretrial conference is 10 minutes; call Chambers to reschedule if needed.
The Preliminary Pretrial Conference will take approximately 10 minutes. If it is truly impossible for trial or associate counsel to attend the Preliminary Pretrial Conference, please call Chambers to reschedule.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Oral argument/evidentiary hearing requests must be made by letter
Judge Surrick will determine whether to schedule oral argument or an evidentiary hearing on a case by case basis. If counsel prefer either oral argument or an evidentiary hearing, they should request it by letter. Judge Surrick does not set aside any certain days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings.
- Contact
- Chambers drop off to chambers
Pretrial conferences held in chambers, initiated by civil deputy
Judge Surrick regularly conducts pretrial conferences. Judge Surrick=s Civil Deputy will initiate the scheduling of an initial pretrial conference. All pretrial conferences are held in Chambers. Judge Surrick uses a standard pretrial order to notify counsel of the conference.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to chambers
Oral argument scheduled when requested and helpful for decision-making
Judge Surrick may schedule oral argument on motions when it is requested by counsel. Oral argument will be scheduled when Judge Surrick believes oral argument will be helpful in the decision-making process.
- Contact
- Side bar
Side-bar conferences permitted but limited if disruptive.
Judge Surrick permits side-bar conferences, but limits them if they become a distraction or interrupt the flow of the trial.
- Contact
- Witness examination
Witness testimony out of sequence permitted with opposing counsel's objection opportunity.
Judge Surrick will generally grant a request by counsel to take the testimony of a witness out of turn for the convenience of the witness subject to objection by opposing counsel.
- Contact
- Opening statements summations
No time limits on opening statements/summations, but 30-45 minutes recommended.
No time limits are placed on opening statements or summations by counsel. However, Judge Surrick believes that thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes is usually adequate for an opening and thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes is usually adequate for a summation in routine cases.
- Contact
- Multiple attorneys
Multiple attorneys may examine different witnesses or argue different points, but not the same witness or point.
More than one attorney for a party may examine different witnesses or argue different legal points before Judge Surrick. Ordinarily, more than one attorney for a party may not examine a single witness or argue the same legal point.
- Contact
- Judgment motions
Motions for judgment as a matter of law and partial findings may be oral or written with oral argument upon request.
Motions for judgment as a matter of law and motions for judgment on partial findings may be either oral or written. Oral argument will be permitted if counsel request it.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Polling allowed in all criminal cases when requested.
Judge Surrick will permit polling the jury when requested. Polling of the jury is allowed in all criminal cases.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Oral argument on motions allowed in criminal cases upon request.
Judge Surrick will allow oral argument on motions in a criminal case upon the request of counsel.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Pretrial conferences held only in complex criminal cases.
Judge Surrick will hold pretrial conferences only in complex criminal cases.
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Judge Surrick conducts voir dire in criminal cases.
Judge Surrick conducts voir dire in criminal cases.
- Contact
- Letter ecf to clerk
After verdict and jury discharge, counsel may request to interview jurors, but must respect jurors' choice not to speak.
After a verdict has been recorded and the jury has been discharged, counsel may request to interview jurors. The jurors are told that they are permitted to talk to counsel if they desire, but they need not do so. Counsel shall respect the jurors’ desire not to speak to them.
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Pretrial conferences held only in complex cases or with multiple attorneys.
Pretrial conferences in criminal cases are held only in complex cases or those involving several attorneys.
How may parties contact Eastern District of Pennsylvania?
Parties may contact the court by phone only as allowed by the rule. Law clerks must not be contacted about substantive issues or merits of pending matters.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.