Eastern District of Pennsylvania Document Format Requirements

Exhibits must be in binders with detailed table of contents.

Source text: 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'.

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

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

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

Source text: 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.

Copies exceeding 30 pages must be bound in a three-ring binder and are prohibited from being stapled.

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

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

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

All PDF documents must be text searchable.

Source text: All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

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

Source text: 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.

ECF exhibits must be separately numbered, clearly titled with objective descriptions, and include an index.

Source text: Each document filed as an exhibit on ECF 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. All filings must also separately include an index providing the above information.

Default format for electronic document production is image files (PDF/TIFF) if parties cannot agree; native format requires showing particularized need.

Source text: 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.

All documents must be submitted in Word format.

Source text: All documents submitted shall be in Word format.

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

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

All documents must be submitted in Word format.

Source text: All documents submitted shall be in Word format.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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”).

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

Source text: 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.

Written submissions must use 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, double-spacing, and include TOC for briefs over 10 pages.

Source text: All written submissions to the Court must be prepared in 12-point, Times New Roman font, with at least one-inch margins. All footnotes shall appear in 12-point font as well. Motion papers and memoranda of law must be double-spaced. Any briefs longer than ten pages must include a table of contents.

Appendices must be bates stamped with page references.

Source text: The parties shall 'bates stamp' their appendices. All references to the appendix made in the motions and responses shall identify the bates number of the referenced page.

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

Source text: 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.

Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins, and use 12-point Times New Roman font.

Source text: Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, have one-inch margins and be prepared in 12-point, Times New Roman font.

Citations to authority must be in footnotes or comments, not in the body of proposed jury instructions.

Source text: 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.

Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted as Microsoft Word files.

Source text: Jury instructions and verdict forms should be submitted to the deputy clerk as Microsoft Word files.

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.

Source text: 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.

Correspondence limited to unopposed extensions/scheduling; max 5 pages by fax; no correspondence for opposed matters.

Source text: Counsel may write to Judge Younge to request an unopposed extension of time and for unopposed requests pertaining to scheduling. However, Judge Younge does not permit correspondence in lieu of opposed extension requests, contested discovery or substantive motions, or other disputed substantive matters which should be made of record via motion practice. Correspondence may be faxed to Judge Younge at 267-299-7368 (maximum 5 pages by fax, other wise by mail or hand delivery).

Exhibits must be taped and submitted in binders.

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

Documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format, not PDF.

Source text: Documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format - .pdf format is not acceptable.

Exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

Source text: Exhibits shall be arranged and tabbed in a binder.

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

Source text: If a proposed point for charge is a model jury instruction, the submission shall state whether the model jury instruction is unchanged or modified. If counsel modifies a model jury instruction, additions shall be underlined and deletions shall be placed in brackets.

Email attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format

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

Counsel must arrange approved electronic equipment in courtroom

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

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

Source text: 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:

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

Source text: (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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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:

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Proper attire required; shorts, tank tops prohibited; criminal defendants must wear civilian clothes

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Counsel must dress professionally and conduct trial with dignity and respect

Source text: 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.

Counsel must maintain courtesy and professionalism; avoid familiarity and first names

Source text: 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 must rise when addressing the Court

Source text: Counsel must rise to address the Court.

Only counsel and parties may sit at counsel table; witnesses must be sequestered if requested

Source text: 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.

Exhibits must be submitted as separate ECF documents with descriptive names, not as a single "Exhibits" file.

Source text: When submitting exhibits via ECF, Parties should submit each exhibit as a separate document on the CM/ECF system, rather than as a single file. If Judge Wolson receives a filing with a single document marked "Exhibits," he will strike the filing. In addition, 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 be "Contract," "Declaration of John Smith," or some other reference that permits Judge Wolson to identify what the exhibit is without having to open the file.

Motions must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, footnotes same size, TOC for briefs over 10 pages.

Source text: Except as set forth herein, motion practice will be conducted in accordance with Local Civil Rule 7.1. 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. Any briefs longer than ten (10) pages must include a table of contents.

No substantive arguments in footnotes; they will not be considered.

Source text: The parties shall not include substantive arguments in footnotes. Judge Wolson will not consider substantive arguments made in footnotes, nor will he deem those arguments preserved.

Cite docket documents by ECF number in all submissions.

Source text: In all written submissions to Judge Wolson, citations to documents on the docket, e.g., “Amended Complaint,” should identify those documents by ECF number.

Written submissions must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins.

Source text: 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.

Footnotes must use same font and size as main text.

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

All written submissions must be double-spaced, 12-point font, one-inch margins, with footnotes matching body font/size.

Source text: 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 exhibits must be text searchable; scanned documents must use OCR or comparable technology.

Source text: All exhibits must be text searchable. 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.

Briefs must be text-searchable when filed on CM/ECF.

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

Jury instructions must be numbered on separate sheets with legal authority cited.

Source text: Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory shall be numbered and on a separate sheet of paper. Each proposed instruction must be submitted with corresponding legal authority. If a model jury instruction is used, then the

Modifications to model jury instructions must clearly note additions and deletions.

Source text: If a party modifies a model instruction, then additions and deletions must be noted.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Counsel must maintain professional demeanor, avoid familiarity, and not react to witness testimony.

Source text: 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 must rise and address the Court as “Your Honor.”

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

Exhibit chart must contain functioning hyperlinks to files

Source text: Counsel shall ensure that each exhibit number in the exhibit chart is hyperlinked to the corresponding file in the appropriate subfolder.

Electronic documents must be produced as image files (PDF/TIFF) if parties cannot agree on format.

Source text: 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.

All filings must be submitted electronically via ECF as searchable PDFs, complying with federal and local rules.

Source text: All filings must be filed electronically through ECF in compliance with federal and local rules and must be filed as searchable PDFs.

Writings to chambers must use 12-point font, generally double-spaced, 1-1.5 inch justified margins, with exceptions for Rule 26(f) reports, single-page motions/requests, and proposed orders (may be single-spaced).

Source text: All writings submitted to Judge Scott’s chambers must be in 12-point font and generally must be double-spaced and have 1-to-1.5-inch, justified margins. (The Rule 26(f) report, single-page motions or requests, and proposed orders may be single-spaced.)

Briefing exceeding 25 pages must include a table of contents.

Source text: Any briefing exceeding twenty (25) pages must include a table of contents.

Amended pleadings must indicate additions/corrections via comments or track changes; one amendment allowed per Rule 15, additional amendments require court leave.

Source text: Parties are encouraged to promptly correct any material misstatements of fact or law. Parties may amend pleadings once pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15. Additional amendments require leave of the Court. Amended pleadings must clearly indicate the additions or corrections made through comments, track changes, or both (the party may file both a clean copy and a copy with track changes).

Pretrial memoranda must be submitted 7 business days before final pretrial conference and include required witness, exhibit, and motion lists.

Source text: Pretrial memoranda must be submitted at least (7) business days prior to the final pretrial conference and must include the following: • A list of witnesses and the substance of each witness’s testimony. • All expert witnesses’ reports and CVs, if not previously submitted. • A list and brief description of any motions in limine. • Notice of any depositions (written or video) that the party intends to use at trial. • Any objections to witnesses and exhibits that the parties have been unable to resolve. Wherever applicable, the objecting party must identify the page of an exhibit and page and line number of a deposition that the party objects to and state the basis of the objection. • A list of any joint stipulations that the parties plan to enter at trial. • Proposed joint questions for voir dire. See infra Part V.A. • Proposed joint jury instructions and verdict forms. See infra Part V.F.

Counsel must submit two tabbed binders of consecutively numbered exhibits and one unmarked set prior to voir dire.

Source text: Prior to voir dire, counsel must submit: • Two full sets of exhibits that are organized in a tabbed binder with all exhibits numbered consecutively (not separately numbered by party). • 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.

All PDF documents must be text searchable

Source text: All PDF documents filed must be text searchable.

Documents must be in 12-point Times New Roman with one-inch margins and searchable PDFs.

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

All documents must use 12-point Times New Roman font with 1-inch margins; PDFs must be text searchable.

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

Electronic equipment must be arranged, tested, and approved before trial.

Source text: Judge Kearney holds court in Courtroom 6-B, which is not an electronic courtroom. Parties are responsible for arranging and providing all electronic technology they wish to bring for trial. Any party planning to use such equipment must submit a letter to Chambers, as early as possible and copied to all counsel, but no later than one week before trial, identifying the equipment it will use at trial. Any equipment counsel wishes to have brought in for trial must be set up and tested before jury selection. Parties should contact Courtroom Deputy Ulrike Bower (267-299-7688) before trial to arrange a time to set up and test electronic equipment in Courtroom 6-B and for permission to bring in the equipment through courthouse security.

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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.

Exhibit submissions to the Court must be presented in a loose-leaf binder.

Source text: Counsel shall present to the Court, in a loose-leaf binder, a list and copy of all exhibits before trial.

Joint Exhibits must be marked J-1, etc.; additional exhibits marked P-1/D-1

Source text: 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.).

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

Source text: 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.

All filings must use 14-point font.

Source text: All filings should be submitted in 14-point font.

Proposed jury instructions must be one point per page.

Source text: Proposed jury instructions (one point per page);

All exhibits must be arranged and tabbed in a single three-ring binder, numbered consecutively.

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

Alternative jury instructions must include authority; model instructions must indicate changes (underlined/added, bracketed/deleted); submit on WordPerfect disk.

Source text: If counsel cannot agree, proposed alternative instructions must be submitted with authority for each instruction. 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. Counsel shall also submit proposed jury instructions and verdict forms on a disk in WordPerfect format.

Proposed findings/conclusions due 7 days before trial; submit hard copy and WordPerfect disk; revised versions allowed with trial evidence references.

Source text: Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in a non-jury trial should be submitted at least seven (7) days before the trial or trial pool date. They should be on hard copy and on a disk in WordPerfect format. The parties may submit revised or supplemental findings fact and conclusions of law with specific reference to trial evidence at the conclusion of the case. A schedule for the submission of revised findings/conclusions will be discussed at the conclusion of trial.

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

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

Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted on disk in WordPerfect format.

Source text: Counsel shall also submit proposed jury instructions and verdict forms on a disk in WordPerfect format.

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted on hard copy and disk in WordPerfect format.

Source text: They should be on hard copy and on a disk in WordPerfect format.

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

Source text: 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).

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

Source text: 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.

Attorneys must use ECF and register as ECF Filing Users.

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

Modified model instructions must underline additions and bracket deletions.

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

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

Source text: 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.

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

Source text: 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.

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

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

Additional trial exhibit set for witnesses and jurors must not be hole punched or marked except for exhibit numbers.

Source text: 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.

Joint Statement must be drafted neutrally and factually without needless adjectives.

Source text: 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.

Briefs filed on ECF should be searchable/OCR'd, not just scanned images.

Source text: 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 saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

Transcripts must be full-sized pages with cover page identifying witness and relevant pages; entire transcript only if relevant.

Source text: 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.

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

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

Deposition transcripts must be full-sized pages with cover page and only relevant pages; entire transcript only if relevant.

Source text: 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. Judge Wolson will request the entire transcript if he deems it necessary.

Exhibit files must have descriptive names identifying the content, not generic labels like 'Exhibit A'.

Source text: 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 be 'Contract,' 'Declaration of John Smith,' or some other reference that permits Judge Wolson to identify what the exhibit is without having to open the file.

Deposition transcripts must be submitted as full-sized pages, not miniscripts.

Source text: Parties should submit deposition testimony and other transcripts to Judge Wolson as full-sized pages, not miniscripts.

Parties filing separate appendices must follow restrictions on content and citation practices.

Source text: practical, then the parties may file separate appendices, with the following restrictions: (1) the moving party must submit documents in their full relevant context rather than excerpts of documents, and (2) the responding party must cite to the moving party’s appendix wherever possible and is encouraged to mark exhibits as a continuation of the moving party’s appendix pages or exhibit numbers.

Supplemental briefing must clearly reference misstated point of law and need not repeat entire argument.

Source text: Parties may also advise the Court of their own misunderstandings of the law, if necessary, by filing a supplemental briefing. The supplemental briefing does not need to repeat the entire argument but must clearly reference the misstated point of law.

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

Source text: 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”).

Proposed jury instructions must be case-specific with accurate citations to relevant cases and pattern instructions.

Source text: 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.

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

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

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

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

Searchable briefs encouraged; scanned briefs should use OCR software.

Source text: 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 saved in a digital format using Optical Character Recognition software.

Text searchable format for exhibits is encouraged but not required.

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

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

Source text: 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.

Judge's courtroom is not electronic

Source text: The Judge's courtroom is not an electronic courtroom.

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

Source text: (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.

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

Source text: 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.

Submit only the cover page and relevant pages of deposition transcripts, not the entire transcript unless entirely relevant.

Source text: 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.

Do not submit pleadings from the case or other federal cases; cite them by court, case number, and docket number instead.

Source text: 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.

Pro se parties are exempt from ECF requirement.

Source text: Pro se parties are not required to use ECF.