Eastern District of Pennsylvania Document Format Requirements

CRITICAL

Each jury instruction point must be numbered and on separate sheet with party name.

Each point for charge shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper identifying the name of the requesting party.

CRITICAL

All proposed exhibits shall be placed in binders accompanied by a table of contents. The table of contents should include the following columns: Exhibit # - Bates #; a brief description of the document; a column entitled “Stipulations” a column entitled “Introduced”; and a column entitled “Admitted”.

All proposed exhibits shall be placed in binders accompanied by a table of contents. The table of contents should include the following columns: Exhibit # - Bates #; a brief description of the document; a column entitled “Stipulations” a column entitled “Introduced”; and a column entitled “Admitted”.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word format via email.

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.

CRITICAL

Letter motions will not be accepted by the Court.

Letter Motions will not be accepted.

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

PDF

All PDF documents must be text searchable.

All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

CRITICALCivil cases

Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binder with tabbed table of contents in 12-point font.

Exhibits shall be placed in a three-ring binder, pre-marked and tabbed with a table of contents. The text table of contents should be in at least 12-point font, in table format with separate columns for the exhibit numbers, exhibit description, indication of identification and admission.

CRITICALCivil cases

Margins

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All documents must use 12-pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, numbered pages.

All documents shall be filed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced with one-inch margins and numbered pages.

CRITICALCivil cases

Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binder with tabbed table of contents in 12-point font.

Exhibits shall be placed in a three-ring binder, pre-marked and tabbed with a table of contents. The text table of contents should be in at least 12-point font, in table format with separate columns for the exhibit numbers, exhibit description, indication of identification and admission.

CRITICALCivil cases

Margins

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All documents must use 12-pt Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins, numbered pages.

All documents shall be filed in 12-point Times New Roman font, double spaced with one-inch margins and numbered pages.

CRITICAL

Every exhibit must be filed as a separately numbered attachment to the main document and clearly titled with an objective description so its nature and relevance are apparent without opening the file.

Each document filed as an exhibit must be filed as a separately numbered attachment to the main document and must be clearly titled with an objective description of the document (e.g., 6/14/19 Deposition of John Doe; 10/14/21 Letter from Smith to Jones; 3/15/20-3/23/20 Email Thread between Doe and Roe) so that the nature of the exhibit and its relevance are clearly discernible without the need to open the file.

CRITICAL

Motions for judgment as a matter of law (jury trials) and motions for involuntary dismissal (non-jury trials) must be in writing.

Motions for judgment as a matter of law in jury trials and motions for an involuntary dismissal in non-jury trials must be in writing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

PDF

Electronic documents must be produced as PDF/TIFF unless parties agree otherwise; native format requires particularized need.

If the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF). When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document’s contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history. After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

All documents must be submitted in Word format.

All documents submitted shall be in Word format.

CRITICAL

Each proposed jury instruction must be on separate sheet, double spaced, with citations.

Each proposed instruction should be on a separate sheet of paper, double spaced, and should include citation to specific authority.

CRITICAL

Each proposed jury instruction must be on a separate sheet, double spaced, with citations to specific authority including accurate quotes and page references.

Each proposed instruction should be on a separate sheet of paper, double spaced, and should include citation to specific authority. The court will not consider proposed instructions without citation to specific legal authority. Cases and model jury instructions that are cited should be accurately quoted and a page reference should be provided.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

All documents must be submitted in Word format.

All documents submitted shall be in Word format.

CRITICAL

All ECF filings must be text-searchable with descriptive filenames.

All ECF filings must be text-searchable, including exhibits. Within the limits of what the ECF system allows, ECF descriptions and filenames must reflect the contents of the filing (e.g., use “Ex. A - Contract” or “Ex. B - Smith Dep. Transcript” instead of “Exhibit A”).

CRITICAL

Margins

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All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins; footnotes same size; briefs over 10 pages need TOC and TOA

All briefs must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least 1-inch margins. Footnotes must be in the same font size as the body of the brief. Any brief longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents and table of authorities.

CRITICAL

Margins

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Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins, use 12-point Times New Roman font, and citations must be in footnotes/comments, not body.

Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins and be prepared in 12-point, Times New Roman font. Citations to authority should be reflected in footnotes or comments appended to the text and should not appear in the body of the proposed instructions.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be numbered consecutively, tabbed, in three-ring binders with table of contents.

The parties may choose whether to label any given exhibit as a “Plaintiff,” “Defense,” or “Joint” exhibit, but no single exhibit may have more than one designation. All exhibits should be numbered consecutively, tabbed and contained in three-ring binders. Each binder must begin with a table of contents that identifies all the trial exhibits, provides a brief description of each trial exhibit, and identifies the binder in which the trial exhibit can be found.

CRITICAL

A requested courtesy copy must be clearly marked and tabbed, and bound so the exhibit book opens and lies flat.

The Court’s courtesy copy shall be clearly marked, tabbed, and bound in a 3-ring binder or other binding method that allows the exhibit book to open and lay flat on an even surface.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be taped and submitted in binders for the Court’s use.

Exhibits shall be taped and submitted in binders for ease of use by the Court.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Pre-trial submissions must be provided in Microsoft Word format, and PDF format is unacceptable.

Documents must be submitted via e-mail to Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format - .pdf format is not acceptable.

CRITICAL

Counsel must simultaneously send the Deputy a digital Microsoft Word copy of sentencing motions and memoranda, unless the matter is sealed; noncompliance will likely result in sanctions.

In addition to filing any such motions and/or sentencing memoranda with the Clerk of Court – and unless the matter is sealed – counsel shall simultaneously send a digital copy of same in Microsoft Word format directly to Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan. Counsel’s failure to strictly adhere to this protocol will likely result in sanctions.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

The listed pretrial submissions must be in Microsoft Word format; PDF format is not accepted.

The above listed documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format; .pdf format is not acceptable.

CRITICAL

Counsel must simultaneously send the guilty plea memorandum in Microsoft Word format to the judge’s deputy, unless the matter is sealed; failure to follow the protocol will likely result in sanctions.

In addition to filing a guilty plea memorandum with the Clerk of Court – and unless the matter is sealed – counsel shall simultaneously send a digital copy of the same in Microsoft Word format directly to Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan. Counsel’s failure to strictly adhere to this protocol will likely result in sanctions.

CRITICAL

A requested courtesy copy must be clearly marked and tabbed, and bound so the exhibit book opens and lies flat.

The Court’s courtesy copy shall be clearly marked, tabbed, and bound in a 3-ring binder or other binding method that allows the exhibit book to open and lay flat on an even surface.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be taped and submitted in binders for the Court’s use.

Exhibits shall be taped and submitted in binders for ease of use by the Court.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Pre-trial submissions must be provided in Microsoft Word format, and PDF format is unacceptable.

Documents must be submitted via e-mail to Chambers_Younge@paed.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format - .pdf format is not acceptable.

CRITICAL

Counsel must simultaneously send the Deputy a digital Microsoft Word copy of sentencing motions and memoranda, unless the matter is sealed; noncompliance will likely result in sanctions.

In addition to filing any such motions and/or sentencing memoranda with the Clerk of Court – and unless the matter is sealed – counsel shall simultaneously send a digital copy of same in Microsoft Word format directly to Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan. Counsel’s failure to strictly adhere to this protocol will likely result in sanctions.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

The listed pretrial submissions must be in Microsoft Word format; PDF format is not accepted.

The above listed documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format; .pdf format is not acceptable.

CRITICAL

Counsel must simultaneously send the guilty plea memorandum in Microsoft Word format to the judge’s deputy, unless the matter is sealed; failure to follow the protocol will likely result in sanctions.

In addition to filing a guilty plea memorandum with the Clerk of Court – and unless the matter is sealed – counsel shall simultaneously send a digital copy of the same in Microsoft Word format directly to Judge Younge’s Deputy, Ms. Dedra Brannan. Counsel’s failure to strictly adhere to this protocol will likely result in sanctions.

CRITICAL

Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off before entering courtroom

Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate mode) before entering the courtroom. Recording or taking photographs in the courtroom is strictly prohibited. A violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone or device and prosecution. Attorneys are responsible for their own electronic devices and those of their witnesses and clients.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Email attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format

Any attachments to e-mail communications are to be submitted in Microsoft Word format or pdf format, unless otherwise specified.

CRITICAL

Paper filings must be 8.5 x 11 inches and substantially comply with formatting requirements.

Papers or other documents filed in this Court, except original or true copies of exhibits, shall be on paper eight and one-half (8½) inches by eleven (11) inches in size. Any paper or other document filed shall be sufficient as to format and other physical characteristics if it substantially complies with the following requirements:

CRITICAL

Printed material must appear on only one side of each page.

(3) Printed material shall appear on only one (1) side of each page.

CRITICAL

Counsel must arrange approved electronic equipment in courtroom

Counsel shall arrange to have all approved electronic equipment in the courtroom and

CRITICAL

Court proceedings start at 9:00 AM and adjourn at 5:00 PM

Court normally begins at 9:00 a.m. The Court will make every effort to commence proceedings on time. Counsel, parties, and witnesses shall be on time. Court normally adjourns at 5:00 p.m.

CRITICAL

Counsel should instruct witnesses and parties to wear proper attire to court. Shorts, tank tops, etc. are not permitted attire. Witnesses or parties not properly attired may be excluded from the courtroom. In criminal cases, defense counsel must make arrangements to secure civilian clothes for the defendant so that the defendant does not appear in prison clothes in front of the jury.

Counsel should instruct witnesses and parties to wear proper attire to court. Shorts, tank tops, etc. are not permitted attire. Witnesses or parties not properly attired may be excluded from the courtroom. In criminal cases, defense counsel must make arrangements to secure civilian clothes for the defendant so that the defendant does not appear in prison clothes in front of the jury.

CRITICAL

Civility required; parties must rise when Judge and jury enter/leave

Civility is the foundation of all courtroom procedures and will be expected at all times. Counsel and the parties shall rise when the Judge and the jury enter and leave the courtroom.

CRITICAL

Counsel must dress professionally and conduct trial with dignity and respect

Counsel shall dress in an appropriate professional manner. The parties shall conduct the trial in a dignified and formal manner. Counsel shall not raise their voices any louder than is necessary to be clearly heard by the Court, witnesses, and the jury. All remarks are to be addressed to the Court and not opposing counsel. Counsel should never act or speak disrespectfully to the Court or opposing counsel.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Jury trial materials must be filed with Clerk and submitted to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.

If a jury trial is scheduled, the parties will be directed to file with the Clerk of Court and submit to Chambers electronically in Microsoft Word format all of the following:

CRITICAL

Electronic filing required for counsel, not required for pro se litigants.

Counsel are to use electronic case filing and comply with the Court’s Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”) Procedures pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1.2, unless excused from ECF registration. Pro se litigants are not required to file electronically.

CRITICAL

Counsel must rise when addressing the Court

Counsel must rise to address the Court.

CRITICAL

Only counsel and parties, if desired, may sit at counsel table. Witnesses shall sit in the spectator section only, unless otherwise authorized by the Court. If any party desires sequestration, the party shall move for sequestration at the outset of the trial. If the Court orders sequestration, all witnesses for all parties shall be sequestered. Counsel are responsible for informing their non-party witnesses that they should remain outside the courtroom until called, and that they should not discuss their testimony with other witnesses until the trial is concluded.

Only counsel and parties, if desired, may sit at counsel table. Witnesses shall sit in the spectator section only, unless otherwise authorized by the Court. If any party desires sequestration, the party shall move for sequestration at the outset of the trial. If the Court orders sequestration, all witnesses for all parties shall be sequestered. Counsel are responsible for informing their non-party witnesses that they should remain outside the courtroom until called, and that they should not discuss their testimony with other witnesses until the trial is concluded.

CRITICAL

Margins

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Font must be at least 12 pt Times New Roman, text double-spaced, margins at least 1 inch, all pages numbered.

(2) The lettering shall be clearly legible and shall not be smaller than 12 point word processing font, using Times New Roman typeface. The text must be double spaced, but quotations more than two lines long may be indented and single-spaced. Headings and footnotes may be single-spaced. The font type and size used in footnotes shall be the same as that used in the body of the document. Margins must be at least one inch on all four sides. All pages should be numbered.

CRITICAL

Counsel's demeanor should be one of courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel and are to avoid using first names. During opening statements and closing arguments, no juror is to be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties by body language or facial expression shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

Counsel's demeanor should be one of courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel and are to avoid using first names. During opening statements and closing arguments, no juror is to be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties by body language or facial expression shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Jury trial materials must be filed with Clerk and submitted to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.

If a jury trial is scheduled, the parties will be directed to file with the Clerk of Court and submit to Chambers electronically in Microsoft Word format all of the following:

CRITICAL

Electronic filing required for counsel, not required for pro se litigants.

Counsel are to use electronic case filing and comply with the Court’s Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”) Procedures pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 5.1.2, unless excused from ECF registration. Pro se litigants are not required to file electronically.

CRITICAL

Counsel must rise when addressing the Court

Counsel must rise to address the Court.

CRITICAL

Only counsel and parties, if desired, may sit at counsel table. Witnesses shall sit in the spectator section only, unless otherwise authorized by the Court. If any party desires sequestration, the party shall move for sequestration at the outset of the trial. If the Court orders sequestration, all witnesses for all parties shall be sequestered. Counsel are responsible for informing their non-party witnesses that they should remain outside the courtroom until called, and that they should not discuss their testimony with other witnesses until the trial is concluded.

Only counsel and parties, if desired, may sit at counsel table. Witnesses shall sit in the spectator section only, unless otherwise authorized by the Court. If any party desires sequestration, the party shall move for sequestration at the outset of the trial. If the Court orders sequestration, all witnesses for all parties shall be sequestered. Counsel are responsible for informing their non-party witnesses that they should remain outside the courtroom until called, and that they should not discuss their testimony with other witnesses until the trial is concluded.

CRITICAL

Margins

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Font must be at least 12 pt Times New Roman, text double-spaced, margins at least 1 inch, all pages numbered.

(2) The lettering shall be clearly legible and shall not be smaller than 12 point word processing font, using Times New Roman typeface. The text must be double spaced, but quotations more than two lines long may be indented and single-spaced. Headings and footnotes may be single-spaced. The font type and size used in footnotes shall be the same as that used in the body of the document. Margins must be at least one inch on all four sides. All pages should be numbered.

CRITICAL

Counsel's demeanor should be one of courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel and are to avoid using first names. During opening statements and closing arguments, no juror is to be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties by body language or facial expression shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

Counsel's demeanor should be one of courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel and are to avoid using first names. During opening statements and closing arguments, no juror is to be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties by body language or facial expression shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

CRITICAL

Parties should submit deposition testimony and other transcripts to Judge Wolson as full-sized pages, not miniscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue.

Parties should submit deposition testimony and other transcripts to Judge Wolson as full-sized pages, not miniscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue.

CRITICAL

Scanned exhibits must use optical character recognition (OCR) or comparable technology to ensure text searchability.

To the extent that a document is scanned, as opposed to converted from Word or another format, the party submitting the document must use optical character recognition (OCR) or other comparable technology to ensure the exhibit’s searchability.

CRITICAL

All exhibits filed with the court must be text searchable.

All exhibits must be text searchable.

CRITICAL

Margins

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All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font. All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font. All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

CRITICAL

Briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.

Any briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.

CRITICAL

Footnotes must use the same font family and size as the body of the written submission.

All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

CRITICAL

Margins

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All written submissions must be double-spaced, at least 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and use any proportionally spaced font.

All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font.

CRITICAL

Parties should not submit pleadings from the case before Judge Wolson. For example, there is no need to attach a copy of a complaint to a Motion to Dismiss. Judge Wolson can retrieve those documents from the CM/ECF system. Nor should parties submit pleadings from other federal cases. It is enough to cite the pleading by court, case number, and docket number. Judge Wolson will retrieve the pleading from the CM/ECF

Parties should not submit pleadings from the case before Judge Wolson. For example, there is no need to attach a copy of a complaint to a Motion to Dismiss. Judge Wolson can retrieve those documents from the CM/ECF system. Nor should parties submit pleadings from other federal cases. It is enough to cite the pleading by court, case number, and docket number. Judge Wolson will retrieve the pleading from the CM/ECF

CRITICAL

Counsel must file text-searchable versions of all briefs on the CM/ECF system.

Counsel must file text-searchable versions of their briefs on the CM/ECF system.

CRITICAL

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory must be numbered and placed on a separate sheet of paper.

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper.

CRITICAL

Parties should submit deposition testimony and other transcripts to Judge Wolson as full-sized pages, not miniscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue.

Parties should submit deposition testimony and other transcripts to Judge Wolson as full-sized pages, not miniscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue.

CRITICAL

Scanned exhibits must use optical character recognition (OCR) or comparable technology to ensure text searchability.

To the extent that a document is scanned, as opposed to converted from Word or another format, the party submitting the document must use optical character recognition (OCR) or other comparable technology to ensure the exhibit’s searchability.

CRITICAL

All exhibits filed with the court must be text searchable.

All exhibits must be text searchable.

CRITICAL

Margins

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All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font. All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font. All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

CRITICAL

Briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.

Any briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.

CRITICAL

Footnotes must use the same font family and size as the body of the written submission.

All footnotes shall appear in the same font and font size as the body of the submission.

CRITICAL

Margins

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All written submissions must be double-spaced, at least 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and use any proportionally spaced font.

All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, in at least 12-point font with at least one-inch margins. A party may use any proportionally spaced font.

CRITICAL

Parties should not submit pleadings from the case before Judge Wolson. For example, there is no need to attach a copy of a complaint to a Motion to Dismiss. Judge Wolson can retrieve those documents from the CM/ECF system. Nor should parties submit pleadings from other federal cases. It is enough to cite the pleading by court, case number, and docket number. Judge Wolson will retrieve the pleading from the CM/ECF

Parties should not submit pleadings from the case before Judge Wolson. For example, there is no need to attach a copy of a complaint to a Motion to Dismiss. Judge Wolson can retrieve those documents from the CM/ECF system. Nor should parties submit pleadings from other federal cases. It is enough to cite the pleading by court, case number, and docket number. Judge Wolson will retrieve the pleading from the CM/ECF

CRITICAL

Counsel must file text-searchable versions of all briefs on the CM/ECF system.

Counsel must file text-searchable versions of their briefs on the CM/ECF system.

CRITICAL

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory must be numbered and placed on a separate sheet of paper.

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper.

CRITICAL

Counsel must rise and address the Court as “Your Honor.”

Counsel must rise to address the Court. Address the Court as “Your Honor.”

CRITICAL

Margins

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All papers must use Times New Roman 12pt font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced.

All papers submitted to the Court shall be formatted in Times New Roman size 12 font with one-inch margins and double-spaced. Footnotes should also be in size 12 font.

CRITICAL

Cell phones and electronic devices must be turned off before entering courtroom; recording/photographs prohibited.

The possession of cell phones and other electronic devices in the courthouse is governed by the May 16, 2019 Standing Order on this subject, which is available here on the court website. Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate mode) before entering the courtroom, absent the Court’s prior permission. Recording or taking photographs in the courtroom is strictly prohibited. See Local Rule of Civil Procedure 83.3. A violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone or device and prosecution.

CRITICAL

Food, drink, and gum prohibited in courtroom; personal water bottles allowed on floor.

Food, drink, and chewing gum are prohibited in the courtroom, and witnesses should be so instructed. Personal water bottles are permitted if kept on the floor.

CRITICAL

Counsel’s demeanor should reflect courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel, and should avoid using first names. During opening statements or closing arguments, no juror should be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties, by their body language or facial expression, shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

Counsel’s demeanor should reflect courtesy and professionalism. Counsel shall not exhibit familiarity with the parties, jurors, or opposing counsel, and should avoid using first names. During opening statements or closing arguments, no juror should be addressed individually or by name. Neither counsel nor the parties, by their body language or facial expression, shall convey their reaction to the testimony of a witness.

CRITICAL

Counsel must dress professionally, maintain dignified conduct, and address all remarks to the Court.

Counsel shall dress in a professional manner. The trial shall at all times be conducted in a dignified and formal manner. Counsel shall not raise their voices any louder than is necessary to be clearly heard by the Court, witnesses, and the jury. All remarks should be addressed to the Court. Counsel should never act or speak disrespectfully to the Court or opposing counsel in any manner.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

All PDF documents must be text searchable

All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Counsel must submit proposed voir dire questions in Microsoft Word format via email to Chambers and should do so in accordance with the Scheduling Order.

Counsel must submit proposed voir dire questions in Microsoft Word format via email to Chambers and should do so in accordance with the Scheduling Order.

CRITICAL

Margins

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Format

PDF

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

All documents shall be filed in 12-point Times New Roman font with one-inch margins. All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

CRITICALCivil cases

When producing an image file, the producing party must preserve the document’s original formatting, metadata, and, where applicable, revision history.

When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

CRITICALCivil cases

Electronic documents must be produced to the requesting party as image files, such as PDF or TIFF.

Electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF).

CRITICAL

Proposed jury instructions must be separately numbered, include table of contents, double-spaced with citations.

Proposed jury instructions, separately numbered, shall include a table of contents and be submitted on a separate sheet of paper, double-spaced, with accurate quotes from, and pinpoint citations to cases and pattern jury instructions where appropriate.

CRITICALCivil cases

When producing an image file, the producing party must preserve the document’s original formatting, metadata, and, where applicable, revision history.

When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

CRITICALCivil cases

Electronic documents must be produced to the requesting party as image files, such as PDF or TIFF.

Electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF).

CRITICAL

Margins

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All writings to Chambers must use 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins.

All writings submitted to Judge Perez’s Chambers should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch page margins.

CRITICAL

Margins

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All writings to Chambers must use 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins.

All writings submitted to Judge Perez’s Chambers should be written in 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch page margins.

CRITICALCivil cases

In accordance with Local Rule 5.1.2, I require that the Parties file electronically all documents via Electronic Case Filing. The Parties shall file all stipulations and proposed orders on the docket via ECF. Stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to the Clerk of Court.

In accordance with Local Rule 5.1.2, I require that the Parties file electronically all documents via Electronic Case Filing. The Parties shall file all stipulations and proposed orders on the docket via ECF. Stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to the Clerk of Court.

CRITICAL

Counsel are expected to confer about exhibits and provide Joint Exhibits (marked J-1, etc.) and additional exhibits (marked as P-1 or D-1, etc.).

Counsel are expected to confer about exhibits and provide Joint Exhibits (marked J-1, etc.) and additional exhibits (marked as P-1 or D-1, etc.).

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be provided in a jointly prepared, loose leaf Exhibit Book with separate numbering for Joint, Plaintiff's, and Defendant's exhibits.

Exhibits shall be provided to the Court in the form of a jointly prepared, loose leaf Exhibit Book separately numbering Joint Exhibits, Plaintiff's Exhibits, and Defendant's Exhibits.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be provided in a jointly prepared, loose leaf Exhibit Book with separate numbering for Joint, Plaintiff's, and Defendant's exhibits.

Exhibits shall be provided to the Court in the form of a jointly prepared, loose leaf Exhibit Book separately numbering Joint Exhibits, Plaintiff's Exhibits, and Defendant's Exhibits.

CRITICAL

Attachments should be no more than 15 pages and should be separated with labeled divider pages.

Attachments should be no more than 15 pages and should be separated with labeled divider pages.

CRITICAL

Relevant portions of attached excerpts must be highlighted.

Relevant portions must be highlighted.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Only attach excerpts that are most relevant to the claims at issue.

Only attach excerpts which are most relevant to the claims at issue.

CRITICAL

Relevant portions of attached excerpts must be highlighted.

Relevant portions must be highlighted.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

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.

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.

CRITICAL

Only attach excerpts that are most relevant to the claims at issue.

Only attach excerpts which are most relevant to the claims at issue.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be provided in two sets, in a tabbed three-ring binder with a schedule.

Counsel shall provide Judge Sitarski with two sets of exhibits in a tabbed, three-ring binder, together with a schedule of exhibits that briefly describes each exhibit.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted electronically via email in Word format.

The proposed jury instructions and verdict forms shall be submitted electronically, via e-mail to chambers, in Word format.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions required, single-sided, three-hole punched, unstapled.

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions must be provided to chambers. Submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper. Do not staple submissions.

CRITICALCivil cases

All filings should be submitted in 14-point font.

All filings should be submitted in 14-point font.

CRITICALCivil cases

Proposed jury instructions must be one point per page.

Proposed jury instructions (one point per page);

CRITICALCriminal cases

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions required, single-sided, three-hole punched, unstapled.

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions must be provided to chambers. Submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper. Do not staple submissions.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be arranged in a single tabbed three-ring binder and numbered consecutively.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a single three ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

CRITICAL

All documents must be filed electronically through ECF; pro se civil litigants have special provisions.

Judge Padova requires that all documents be filed electronically through Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”). Unrepresented civil litigants may file documents as provided in Local Civil Rule 5.1.2.2(d).

CRITICAL

Jury instructions must be double-spaced on separate sheets with accurate citations.

Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced on a separate sheet of paper. Cited cases and pattern jury instructions should be accurately quoted and specific page references should be given.

CRITICAL

Jury instructions must be double-spaced on separate sheets with accurate citations.

Each proposed instruction should be double-spaced on a separate sheet of paper. Cited cases and pattern jury instructions should be accurately quoted and specific page references should be given.

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorneys must use ECF and register as ECF Filing Users.

Judge Baylson requires all attorneys to use Electronic Case Filing (ECF). ECF provides greater efficiency and timeliness in the filing of pleadings, motions, and automatic e-mail notice of case activity, as well as electronic storage of documents for remote access by the Court, the Bar, and the litigants. Attorneys appearing before Judge Baylson are required to register as ECF Filing Users in accordance with Rule 5.1.2 of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure, referencing the Procedural Order on Electronic Case Filing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Modified model instructions must underline additions and bracket deletions.

If a party modifies a model instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Each jury instruction/interrogatory must be on separate sheet with party name.

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper identifying the name of the requesting party.

CRITICAL

Margins

top 1 in, bottom 1 in, right 1 in

Exhibits must be provided at final pretrial conference and trial in three-ring binders.

At the final pretrial conference, the parties shall provide the Court with one copy of each exhibit and two copies of a schedule of exhibits which shall briefly describe each exhibit. At the trial, the parties must provide the court with an additional copy of each exhibit. Exhibits shall be tabbed in a three-ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

CRITICAL

When using model jury instructions, parties must indicate if unchanged or modified, with additions underlined and deletions in brackets.

If a model jury instruction is used, the party submitting it shall state whether the proposed instruction is unchanged or modified. If a party modifies a model instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Each jury instruction/interrogatory must be on separate sheet with party name.

Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper identifying the name of the requesting party.

WARNING

One additional set of exhibits that are not hole punched or marked with anything besides exhibit numbers, which may be presented to witnesses and jurors.

One additional set of exhibits that are not hole punched or marked with anything besides exhibit numbers, which may be presented to witnesses and jurors.

WARNING

Full set of trial exhibits must be organized in a tabbed binder with consecutive numbering.

One full set of exhibits that is organized in a tabbed binder with all exhibits numbered consecutively (not separately numbered by party).

WARNING

If a party modifies a model jury instruction, the additions should be underlined, and deletions should be placed in brackets.

If a party modifies a model jury instruction, the additions should be underlined, and deletions should be placed in brackets.

WARNING

Exhibits should be pre-marked and exchanged in accordance with the scheduling order or other pretrial order.

Exhibits should be pre-marked and exchanged in accordance with the scheduling order or other pretrial order.

WARNING

Copies exceeding 30 pages must not be stapled and should instead be placed in a three-ring binder.

are over 30 pages, the copies cannot be stapled - the copies should be placed in a three-ring binder.

WARNINGCivil cases

If the parties cannot agree on production format during the Rule 26(f) conference, electronic documents must be produced as image files.

If, during the course of the Rule 26(f) conference, the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF).

WARNINGCivil cases

When producing an image file, the producing party must preserve the document's original formatting, metadata, and, where applicable, revision history.

When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

WARNINGCivil cases

A party seeking native-format production after initial image-file production must demonstrate particularized need.

After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

WARNINGCivil cases

Each party shall provide a brief factual summation of the case which should be provided as an attachment, double spaced in 12-point font.

Each party shall provide a brief factual summation of the case which should be provided as an attachment, double spaced in 12-point font.

WARNINGCivil cases

The Joint Statement should be drafted neutrally and factually (without needless adjectives) so as to best facilitate a filing which will be useful to the Court.

The Joint Statement should be drafted neutrally and factually (without needless adjectives) so as to best facilitate a filing which will be useful to the Court.

WARNINGCivil cases

If the parties cannot agree on production format during the Rule 26(f) conference, electronic documents must be produced as image files.

If, during the course of the Rule 26(f) conference, the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF).

WARNINGCivil cases

When producing an image file, the producing party must preserve the document's original formatting, metadata, and, where applicable, revision history.

When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history.

WARNINGCivil cases

A party seeking native-format production after initial image-file production must demonstrate particularized need.

After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

WARNINGCivil cases

Each party shall provide a brief factual summation of the case which should be provided as an attachment, double spaced in 12-point font.

Each party shall provide a brief factual summation of the case which should be provided as an attachment, double spaced in 12-point font.

WARNINGCivil cases

If the parties cannot agree on a production format at the Rule 26(f) conference, electronic documents must be produced as image files (PDF/TIFF) with original formatting, metadata, and revision history preserved; native-format production requires a demonstrated particularized need after initial production is complete.

If, during the course of the Rule 26(f) conference, the parties cannot agree to the format for document production, electronic documents shall be produced to the requesting party as image files (e.g., PDF or TIFF). When the image file is produced, the producing party must preserve the integrity of the electronic document's contents, i.e., the original formatting of the document, its metadata and, where applicable, its revision history. After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

WARNING

Footnotes in briefs and memoranda are discouraged and, if absolutely necessary, must be used sparingly and must not contain citations to textual matter.

The use of footnotes is discouraged. If absolutely necessary, footnotes are to be used sparingly and should not contain citations to textual matter.

WARNING

Deposition testimony and other transcripts shall be submitted to the Court as full-sized pages, not manuscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue before the Court. The Court will request the entire transcript if it deems it necessary.

Deposition testimony and other transcripts shall be submitted to the Court as full-sized pages, not manuscripts. In addition, parties submitting deposition transcripts should provide a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages from the transcripts. Parties should not submit the entire transcript unless the entire transcript is relevant to the issue before the Court. The Court will request the entire transcript if it deems it necessary.

WARNING

Before trial, the videotape must be edited to remove pauses and speed-ups so it plays without interruptions.

The videotape must be edited prior to trial to eliminate pauses and speed-ups so there are no interruptions.

WARNING

Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

WARNING

Each proposed point for charge must be numbered, appear on a separate sheet, and cite applicable authority.

Each proposed point for charge shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper, with citation to the applicable authority.

WARNING

Modified model jury instructions must show additions underlined and deletions in brackets.

If counsel modifies a model jury instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

WARNING

Before trial, the videotape must be edited to remove pauses and speed-ups so it plays without interruptions.

The videotape must be edited prior to trial to eliminate pauses and speed-ups so there are no interruptions.

WARNING

Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

WARNING

Each proposed point for charge must be numbered, appear on a separate sheet, and cite applicable authority.

Each proposed point for charge shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper, with citation to the applicable authority.

WARNING

Modified model jury instructions must show additions underlined and deletions in brackets.

If counsel modifies a model jury instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

WARNING

Filings must be on white paper of good quality, except for covers and dividers.

(1) Prepared on white paper (except for covers, dividers, and similar sheets) of good quality.

WARNING

Proposed jury instructions must be tailored and personalized for the case and should include accurate quotes from, and citations to, cases and pattern jury instructions where appropriate. If pattern instructions are to be given, those instructions should be taken from the Third Circuit Model Jury Instructions wherever possible. United States Supreme Court or Third Circuit Court of Appeals cases should be cited wherever applicable.

Proposed jury instructions must be tailored and personalized for the case and should include accurate quotes from, and citations to, cases and pattern jury instructions where appropriate. If pattern instructions are to be given, those instructions should be taken from the Third Circuit Model Jury Instructions wherever possible. United States Supreme Court or Third Circuit Court of Appeals cases should be cited wherever applicable.

WARNING

ECF exhibits must be named descriptively, not just “Exhibit A.”

when parties submit exhibits via ECF, they must give each document a name identifying the document. Thus, it is not sufficient to label a file “Exhibit A.” Instead, the name should identify the document (i.e., “Exhibit A_Contract” or “Exhibit A_Declaration of John Smith”).

WARNINGCivil cases

After initial production in image format, a party must demonstrate particularized need to obtain electronic documents in native format.

After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

WARNINGCivil cases

After initial production in image format, a party must demonstrate particularized need to obtain electronic documents in native format.

After initial production in image file format is complete, a party must demonstrate particularized need for production of electronic documents in their native format.

WARNINGCivil cases

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

Chambers copies shall be printed single sided on opaque white paper of high quality.

WARNING

Attachments to the case synopsis should be separated with labeled divider pages.

should be separated with labeled divider pages

WARNING

Attachments to the case synopsis should be separated with labeled divider pages.

should be separated with labeled divider pages

WARNINGCivil cases

Pretrial submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper and not stapled.

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions must be provided to chambers. Submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper. Do not staple submissions.

WARNINGCivil cases

Pretrial submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper and not stapled.

Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions must be provided to chambers. Submissions must be printed single-sided on three-hole punched paper. Do not staple submissions.

WARNINGCivil cases

Exhibits must be arranged in a single three-ring binder with consecutive numbering and tabs.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a single three ring binder containing all exhibits numbered consecutively.

WARNINGCivil cases

Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a three-ring binder.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a three-ring binder.

WARNINGCivil cases

Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a three-ring binder.

Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a three-ring binder.

INFOCivil cases

Scanned physical briefs posted to ECF should, if possible, be saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

If counsel posts a scanned copy of a physical brief, that brief should, if possible, be saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

INFOCivil cases

Scanned physical briefs posted to ECF should, if possible, be saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

If counsel posts a scanned copy of a physical brief, that brief should, if possible, be saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

INFO

Filing exhibits in text searchable format is encouraged but not required.

The filing of exhibits in text searchable format is encouraged, but not required.

INFO

Counsel seeking admission pro hac vice should use the form available on the Courts website at https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/forms/forms-miscellaneous.

Counsel seeking admission pro hac vice should use the form available on the Courts website at https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/forms/forms-miscellaneous.

INFO

Counsel are encouraged to post searchable briefs to ECF and, when possible, use OCR for scanned briefs.

Counsel are encouraged to post searchable versions of their briefs to ECF. If counsel posts a scanned copy of a physical brief, that brief should, if possible, be save in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

INFO

Counsel are encouraged to post searchable briefs to ECF and, when possible, use OCR for scanned briefs.

Counsel are encouraged to post searchable versions of their briefs to ECF. If counsel posts a scanned copy of a physical brief, that brief should, if possible, be save in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

INFO

All trials and proceedings held at Allentown courthouse, Courtroom C, Third Floor

All trials and other proceedings will be held at the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, Courtroom C, Third Floor, 504 West Hamilton Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18101.

INFO

Exceptions to formatting rules require motion and good cause, except for pro se litigants.

(4) Exceptions to the provisions of this rule may be made only upon motion and for good cause, or in the case of papers filed by a pro se litigant.

INFO

Judge's courtroom is not electronic

The Judge's courtroom is not an electronic courtroom.

INFO

Party with burden of proof sits at table closest to jury box

Under local practice, the party with the burden of proof (generally the plaintiff in civil cases, the government in criminal cases) is seated at the table closest to the jury box.

INFO

Judge's courtroom is not electronic

The Judge's courtroom is not an electronic courtroom.

INFO

Party with burden of proof sits at table closest to jury box

Under local practice, the party with the burden of proof (generally the plaintiff in civil cases, the government in criminal cases) is seated at the table closest to the jury box.

INFO

Format

DOCX

Parties are encouraged to submit stipulations and proposed orders in Word document format.

Parties should submit stipulations and proposed Orders as Word documents.

INFO

Format

DOCX

Parties are encouraged to submit stipulations and proposed orders in Word document format.

Parties should submit stipulations and proposed Orders as Word documents.

INFOCivil cases

Non-urgent requests must be filed as motions, but formal motion formatting is not required; a letter format is acceptable for motions and responses.

All other non-urgent requests must be filed as motions. Formal motion formatting is not necessary; a letter filed as a motion and a letter filed as a response are fine.