**District Judge Michael J. Truncale** was appointed to the Eastern District of Texas by President Donald Trump in 2019. He was nominated on January 23, 2018, confirmed by the Senate on May 14, 2019, by a vote of 49-46, and received his commission on May 16, 2019. He filled the seat vacated by Judge Ron Clark. Judge Truncale was born in 1957 in Beaumont, Texas. Before his appointment, Judge Truncale was an associate turned partner at Orgain Bell & Tucker in Beaumont, Texas from 1985 to 2019 — a career spanning thirty-four years. He was board certified in both Civil Trial Law (National Board of Trial Advocacy) and Personal Injury Litigation (Texas Board of Legal Specialization), and was a certified mediator having mediated over 2,000 cases. He also served as a Regent of the Texas State University System by appointment of Governor Rick Perry, and as a member of the state Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board by appointment of Governor Greg Abbott. **Education** - Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, J.D., 1985 - University of North Texas, M.B.A., 1980 - Lamar University, B.A., 1978 **Career** - Associate/Partner, Orgain Bell & Tucker, Beaumont, TX (1985–2019) - Past President, Eastern District Bar Association - Past President, Jefferson County Bar Association - Regent, Texas State University System (appointed by Gov. Rick Perry) - Member, Texas Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board (appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott)
**Courthouse:** Jack Brooks Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 300 Willow Street, Beaumont, TX 77701 **Phone:** (409) 654-6210 **Fax:** (409) 654-6219 **Chambers Staff** - Judicial Assistant: Karen McClelland - Courtroom Deputy: Kimberly Race - Court Reporter: April Hargett - Law Clerk: Evan Oscherwitz - Law Clerk: Ann Kreuscher
Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 10 pages. Parties are exempt from providing paper copies for documents over 10 pages.
Judge Michael J. Truncale's formatting rule includes margins top 6 inches, bottom 6 inches, left 6 inches, right 6 inches. Maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
The rule requires related cases and pending motions. Plaintiff must submit a Notice of readiness for initial Case Management Conference after all defendants respond; any defendant may submit if plaintiff delays.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. All attorneys must meet highest professional standards and be adequately prepared.
Parties may contact Judge Michael J. Truncale's chambers by chambers only as allowed by the rule. Parties must contact chambers to request oral argument by a newer attorney.
Yes. Judge Michael J. Truncale's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court will grant oral argument if a newer attorney will argue, even if not ordinarily granted.
Plaintiff must submit a Notice of readiness for initial Case Management Conference after all defendants respond; any defendant may submit if plaintiff delays.
Parties are exempt from providing paper copies for documents over 10 pages.
Courtesy copies only required when specifically requested by the judge.
Parties are exempt from providing paper courtesy copies for documents over 10 pages unless specifically requested by the judge.
Newer attorneys are defined as those practicing for less than 7 years.
Parties must contact chambers to request oral argument by a newer attorney.
Court will grant oral argument if a newer attorney will argue, even if not ordinarily granted.
Court will consider allocating additional time for oral argument by newer attorneys.
More experienced counsel may also speak during oral argument.
Court will notify opposing counsel and request they allow a newer attorney to argue.
All attorneys must meet highest professional standards and be adequately prepared.
Court draws no inference from party's decision not to have newer attorney argue.
Court draws no inference about motion importance or merits from having/not having newer attorney argue.
Newer Attorneys (practicing less than 7 years) are incentivized with increased oral argument opportunities, additional time, and permission for experienced co-counsel to also speak.
Maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
Use hand sanitizer at front door upon entering the Courthouse.
Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days are prohibited from entering the Courthouse.
Courtroom No. 3 limits spectators to 12, sitting 6 feet apart, no one under 18 allowed.
Courtroom No. 4 requires spectators from different households to sit 6 feet apart and wear masks at all times.
Attorneys must contact judge's chambers by phone, then email if needed
Contact Probation/PreTrial Services Office directly for meetings
Contact Deputy Clerk's office at (409) 654-7000 for other courthouse matters
Visitors/guests prohibited from bringing certain items to courthouse without judicial approval
Court employees and building tenants exempt from prohibited items policy
Impaneled jurors may check electronic devices into Clerk's Office and access during breaks