**Magistrate Judge Summer L. Speight** was sworn in as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, Richmond Division, on March 30, 2023. Judge Speight received a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Music from James Madison University, and her J.D. magna cum laude (Order of the Coif) from the University of Richmond School of Law. After law school she clerked for then-U.S. Magistrate Judge M. Hannah Lauck of this court from 2010 to 2012. She then joined McGuireWoods LLP in Richmond, where she practiced labor and employment litigation and rose to the rank of partner, earning recognition in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in 2021 and 2022. **Education** - University of Richmond School of Law, J.D. (magna cum laude, Order of the Coif) - James Madison University, B.A. and B.M. **Career** - U.S. Magistrate Judge, Eastern District of Virginia (Richmond Division), March 30, 2023–present - Partner, McGuireWoods LLP (Richmond, Virginia), 2012–2023 - Law clerk, Hon. M. Hannah Lauck (then Magistrate Judge), U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, 2010–2012
**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 requesting oral argument in social security cases must file a separate motion and supporting memorandum specifying issues and explaining why they cannot be addressed in writing, by the date they file a motion for summary judgment or within 5 business days if summary judgment motions were already filed.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. All counsel must address relevant Fourth Circuit case law first in Social Security appeals, and state if none exists before citing other circuits.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The certification for pending cases must include any relevant Fourth Circuit case law not previously included in the Commissioner's submissions.
The rule states that filing is treated as not specified. Government must file the certification within 14 days of the order for all pending Social Security appeals that are ripe for review.
All counsel must address relevant Fourth Circuit case law first in Social Security appeals, and state if none exists before citing other circuits.
Government's substantive briefs in Social Security appeals must include a certification of personal review by the signing AUSA, or the brief will be stricken.
Government must file the certification within 14 days of the order for all pending Social Security appeals that are ripe for review.
The certification for pending cases must include any relevant Fourth Circuit case law not previously included in the Commissioner's submissions.
Counsel must address relevant Fourth Circuit case law first in Social Security appeal briefs, and state if none exists before citing other circuits.
Government briefs in Social Security appeals must include a certification by the AUSA of personal review and endorsement; absent certification, the brief is stricken.
For pending Social Security appeals, the Government must file the certification within 14 days of the order.
Certifications for pending cases must include any relevant Fourth Circuit case law not previously submitted.
Parties requesting oral argument must file a separate motion with a supporting memorandum that specifies the issues and explains why they cannot be addressed sufficiently in a filing.
Motion for oral argument must be filed by the date the party files a motion for summary judgment.
In cases where summary judgment motions were already filed, parties have 5 business days from entry of this order to file a motion for oral argument.
Parties requesting oral argument in social security cases must file a separate motion and supporting memorandum specifying issues and explaining why they cannot be addressed in writing, by the date they file a motion for summary judgment or within 5 business days if summary judgment motions were already filed.
Local Rule 7(E) does not apply; hearings scheduled only if necessary after brief review.
Local Rule 7(E) does not apply; parties need not file a hearing request or waiver, and the Court will determine if a hearing is necessary after reviewing briefs.