**Magistrate Judge Mark R. Colombell** was sworn in as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, on May 10, 2021. Judge Colombell received a B.S. in integrated science and technology from James Madison University in 1999 and a J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2002. He began his legal career clerking for the Hon. Michael C. Allen (Ret.) of the Chesterfield County Circuit Court, then spent the next 18 years as a civil litigator at the Richmond law firm of Thompson McMullan P.C. He was selected for an eight-year term by the federal district judges of the Eastern District of Virginia on the recommendation of a citizen and attorney selection committee. **Education** - University of Richmond School of Law, J.D., 2002 - James Madison University, B.S. (Integrated Science and Technology), 1999 **Career** - U.S. Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), May 10, 2021–present - Civil litigator, Thompson McMullan P.C. (Richmond, Virginia), 2002–2021 - Law clerk, Hon. Michael C. Allen (Ret.), Chesterfield County Circuit Court, Virginia
**Division:** Richmond **Courthouse:** Spottswood W. Robinson III and Robert R. Merhige, Jr., Federal Courthouse, 701 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219
Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for covered motions. Parties must file a separate motion requesting oral argument with a memorandum specifying issues and explaining why they cannot be addressed in writing, no later than the date they file a motion for summary judgment.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties must seek leave of court before filing an HSD; motion must explain HSD basis and include FRCP 11 certification.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties must file a separate motion requesting oral argument with a supporting memorandum that specifies the issues and explains why they cannot be addressed in writing.
Parties may contact Judge Mark R. Colombell's clerk by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone Alexandria (703) 299-2100; Newport News (757) 247-0784; Norfolk (757) 222-7202; Richmond (804) 916-2220. Questions about HSD filing procedures should be directed to the relevant division's phone number.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Mark R. Colombell. Process: file unredacted to clerk. HSD motion filed on CM/ECF with blank placeholder; actual HSD and any sensitive memo delivered to Clerk's office and judge in printed form.
No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. All parties must file HSDs outside the Court's electronic filing system.
A fee is required for covered filings. Copy fees apply for paper copies of sealed documents.
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Motion for oral argument must be filed by the same date as the party's motion for summary judgment.
Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: recipient: all parties. Sealed documents must be served by other means (not CM/ECF); court serves by mail.
All parties must file HSDs outside the Court's electronic filing system.
U.S. Attorney must file a motion explaining reasons to remove HSD status, filed per Section 2.
Parties must seek leave of court before filing an HSD; motion must explain HSD basis and include FRCP 11 certification.
HSD motion filed on CM/ECF with blank placeholder; actual HSD and any sensitive memo delivered to Clerk's office and judge in printed form.
Pro se parties must file two paper copies (unfolded 8½x11) of HSD motion, the HSD, and certificate of service; FRCP 11 applies where applicable.
Pro se parties must submit HSDs to the Clerk's Office in sealed envelopes marked 'HIGHLY SENSITIVE DOCUMENT' with redacted caption page and CM/ECF number; proposed HSD not filed electronically; motion to seal required with explanation.
Proposed HSDs must not be filed electronically; they are submitted physically to the Clerk's Office.
Parties may move to remove existing HSDs or cases from the e-filing system; motion must explain high sensitivity based on Section 2 criteria.
Questions about HSD filing procedures should be directed to the relevant division's phone number.
Parties must file a separate motion requesting oral argument with a supporting memorandum that specifies the issues and explains why they cannot be addressed in writing.
Motion for oral argument must be filed by the same date as the party's motion for summary judgment.
In cases where summary judgment motions were already filed, parties have 5 business days from the order's entry to file a motion for oral argument.
CJA panel attorneys are required to comply with electronic filing and eVoucher requirements.
CJA compensation claims must be submitted within 45 days after final disposition of the case, unless good cause is shown.
CJA compensation claims must be submitted on the appropriate CJA form through the eVoucher system.
In Social Security appeal briefs, counsel must address Fourth Circuit case law on every issue or state that none exists before citing other circuits.
Government briefs in Social Security appeals must include a certification from the AUSA of personal review; without it, the brief is stricken.
For pending Social Security appeals, the Government must file the certification within 14 days, including any relevant Fourth Circuit case law not previously submitted; otherwise prior submissions are stricken.
Probation Office must file the recalculation worksheet under seal.
Worksheet must include original guidelines, reductions, conduct summary, and new guideline range.
Defense counsel must move to be re-appointed or decline within 14 days of worksheet filing.
Clerk and Probation may disclose PSI, sealed judgments, and sealed sentencing documents to counsel upon request without further order; other sealed materials require a motion.
Counsel must address relevant Fourth Circuit case law first in Social Security appeals, and state if none exists before citing other circuits.
Government briefs in Social Security appeals must include a certification by the signing AUSA that they personally reviewed and stand by the brief; otherwise the brief is stricken.
Government must file the certification within 14 days of the Standing Order for pending Social Security appeals.
Certifications for pending Social Security appeals must include any relevant Fourth Circuit case law not previously submitted.
Transportation Orders for prisoner debriefings or interviews may be filed under seal by marking 'UNDER SEAL' on the face sheet, and such orders remain under seal unless the court orders otherwise.
Transportation Orders must have the words 'UNDER SEAL' on the face sheet when filed under seal.
Copies of Transportation Orders must be provided to the US Attorney's Office and counsel of record; copies may also be provided to law enforcement officials involved in the prosecution and to the US Marshals Service as necessary for transportation.
Highly Sensitive Documents remain subject to existing HSD procedures.