Judge Ural Glanville
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
All Motions
Adjournments
- Conflict letters must be submitted at least two weeks before trial calendar and must follow USCR 17.1.
- Filing a conflict letter does not release a party from trial appearance nor automatically grant a continuance.
- Continuances from trial calendars are granted sparingly and only for clearly articulated exceptional circumstances.
- +7 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits2 rules
No party may file a motion, brief, or response in excess of 20 pages, excluding affidavits (and possibly other excluded items), absent advance permission.
Absent advance permission, no party may file a motion, brief, or response in excess of twenty (20) pages (excluding affidavits,
Motion
20 pages
Documents filed without permission that exceed 20 pages may be stricken from the record.
Documents exceeding twenty (20) pages that are filed without permission may be stricken from the record.
20 pages
Document Format Requirements6 rules
Proposed verdict forms must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
The parties must submit proposed verdict forms to Mr. Kerns, again via email in Microsoft Word format, prior to jury selection, or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
DOCX
Voir dire questions must be submitted via e-mail in Microsoft Word format to Mr. Kerns, with courtesy copy to opposing parties.
Submissions should be made via e-mail in Microsoft Word format to Mr. Kerns, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to all opposing parties.
DOCX
Jury charges must also be e-mailed in Microsoft Word format to Mr. Kerns.
In addition to e-filing proposed charges with the Clerk of Court, the parties must also e-mail a copy, in Microsoft Word format, to Mr. Kerns by this deadline.
DOCX
Documents emailed for the Court's signature (proposed orders) should be sent in Microsoft Word format.
Documents emailed for the Court's signature (proposed orders, etc.) should be sent in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Documents emailed for the Court's review (motions and pleadings) should be sent in PDF format.
Documents e-mailed for the Court's review (motions and other pleadings) should be sent in .PDF format.
All proposed orders should be submitted electronically to Mr. Kerns in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Document Filing Requirements14 rules
Parties must submit a consolidated pre-trial order three weeks before trial calendar or by court deadline.
If any party files a jury demand or otherwise desires a jury trial, the parties must submit, directly to the Court, a consolidated pre-trial order three weeks before the trial calendar begins or on the deadline set by the Court.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Failure to submit a pre-trial order results in a bench trial election.
Failure to submit a pre-trial order will be deemed an election to proceed with a bench trial.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Parties seeking an order to import equipment must provide a proposed order to Mr. Kerns at least two business days before trial.
Any party seeking such an order must provide a proposed order to Mr. Kerns at least two business days before trial.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Parties must jointly prepare a list of disputed deposition page and line numbers and provide it to the Court with their motions in limine.
If the parties cannot agree on what portions of the deposition testimony, if any, should be excluded, the parties must jointly prepare a list of the page and line numbers at issue and provide it to the Court at the time they file their motions in limine, along with the relevant text from the deposition(s).
Document Type
Deposition Dispute List
Parties must provide a witness list to the Court and opposing parties prior to jury selection.
Any party that intends to call witnesses (or present deposition testimony) must provide a witness list to the Court and one copy to each opposing party prior to jury
Document Type
Witness List
All exhibits and demonstrative evidence must be marked, digitized, and exchanged prior to trial.
All exhibits and demonstrative evidence must be marked, digitized (scanned)and exchanged prior to the start of trial.
Document Type
Exhibits
Parties must provide an exhibit list to the Court and opposing parties prior to jury selection, including exhibit numbers and descriptions.
Any party that intends to introduce exhibits during trial must provide an exhibit list to the Court and one copy to each opposing party prior to jury selection. The exhibit list should include for each exhibit both the exhibit number and a brief description of what the exhibit purports to be.
Document Type
Exhibit List
Every ministerial motion must be accompanied by a proposed order submitted electronically to Mr. Kerns in Microsoft Word format.
Every ministerial motion (e.g., motion to file reply brief, to extend discovery, etc.) must be accompanied by a proposed order (with the proposed order submitted electronically to Mr. Kerns in Microsoft Word format).
Document Type
Ministerial Motion
A party seeking oral argument on a summary judgment motion must comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.3 and file a pleading to that effect.
A party seeking oral argument on a motion for summary judgment must comply with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.3 and file a pleading to that effect.
Document Type
Rule 6 3 Pleading
Plaintiff/Petitioner is responsible for consolidating the pre-trial order unless parties agree otherwise.
Unless the parties otherwise agree, Plaintiff/Petitioner shall be responsible for consolidatingthe pre-trial order.
Document Type
Pretrial Order
Emails to chambers must include specifics of technology questions or support needed in advance of trial.
Said e-mail should include the specifics of the technology questions/support needed in advance of trial.
Document Type
Pattern jury charges require only listing numbers and titles; non-pattern or modified charges must be submitted in full text with citations.
If a party is seeking any pattern charges, the party need only listthe pattern charge numbers and titles;the Court will supply the relevant pattern language. Non-pattern requests or modified pattern requests should be submitted in full text along with citations to authority.
Document Type
Jury Charges
Movants may not file reply briefs without the Court's permission; unauthorized replies will be stricken from the record.
Absent permission of the Court, movants may not file reply briefs. Replies filed without permission will be stricken from the record.
Document Type
Reply Brief
Proposed orders on summary judgment motions should include detailed findings of facts and conclusions of law.
Proposed orders on motions for summary judgment should include detailed findings of facts and conclusions of law which the Court may adapt as appropriate.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed jury charges must be e-filed with the Clerk of Court and also e-mailed in Word format to Mr. Kerns.
In addition to e-filing proposed charges with the Clerk of Court, the parties must also e-mail a copy, in Microsoft Word format, to Mr. Kerns by this deadline.
Page 4 | Jury charges
Proposed verdict forms must be submitted via email to Mr. Kerns.
The parties must submit proposed verdict forms to Mr. Kerns, again via email in Microsoft Word format, prior to jury selection, or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
Page 5 | Verdict form
E-filing is mandatory for all civil cases; every attorney of record and every pro se litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system at www.efilega.com.
E-filing is mandatory for civil cases filed in Fulton County Superior Court. This means that electronic service of pleadings, other than the initial complaint and summons, is now legally sufficient. Every attorney of record and every pro se litigant must register with the Court's e-filing system. This can be accomplished at www.efilega.com.
Page 1 | II. E-FILING
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Other parties must provide their portions of the pre-trial order to Plaintiff/Petitioner at least two business days before the due date.
All other parties shall provide their portions of the consolidated pretrial order to the Plaintiff/Petitioner no later than two business days prior to the due date.
Page 1 | Consolidated Pre-Trial Order
Motions in limine must be filed at least one week before trial calendar or by court deadline.
Motions in limine must be filed no later than one week before the beginning of the trial calendar, or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
Page 2 | Motions in limine
Proposed voir dire questions must be submitted at least two business days before the trial calendar or by the Court's deadline.
Counsel shall submit to the Court all proposed voir dire questions at least two business days before the beginning of the trial calendar, or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
Page 3 | Voir dire
Proposed jury charges must be submitted prior to jury selection or by the Court's deadline.
Counsel must submit to the Court any proposed jury charges prior to jury selection, or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
Page 4 | Jury charges
Proposed verdict forms must be submitted prior to jury selection or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
The parties must submit proposed verdict forms to Mr. Kerns, again via email in Microsoft Word format, prior to jury selection, or by the specific deadline set by the Court.
Page 5 | Verdict form
Dispositive motions must be filed within 30 days after the mandatory mediation deadline, unless the written Scheduling Order provides otherwise.
Unless otherwise established in the written Scheduling Order, dispositive motions must be filed within 30 days after the deadline for mandatory mediation.
Page 6 | V. MOTIONS — 1. Deadlines
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Electronic service of pleadings (except the initial complaint and summons) is legally sufficient.
This means that electronic service of pleadings, other than the initial complaint and summons, is now legally sufficient.
Page 1 | II. E-FILING
Discovery requests must be served early enough for responses to be due by the end of the discovery period.
All discovery requests must be served early enough so that the responses thereto are due on or before the last day of the discovery period.
Page 4 | IV. DISCOVERY
The Court generally will not enforce private agreements to extend discovery beyond the discovery period or compel responses to discovery requests served too late for responses before the period ends.
The Court typically will not enforce private agreements between the parties to conduct discovery beyond the end of the discovery period, nor will the Court ordinarily compel responses to discovery requests that were not served in time for responses to be made before the discovery period runs.
Page 4 | IV. DISCOVERY
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court; electronic copies are preferred and hard copies are not required.
Movants must provide courtesy copies of motions and related filings to the Court. Electronic copies are preferred; hard copies are not required.
Page 6 | V. MOTIONS — 1. Deadlines
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a motion to compel or for a protective order, parties must attempt informal resolution, then notify the Court by a Rule 6.4-compliant letter/e-mail and participate in a meaningful telephone conference; non-compliant motions to compel will be denied.
Direct, informal communication is encouraged between the parties to address potential discovery disputes before they become actual discovery disputes. If that fails, an aggrieved party must notify the Court of the discovery dispute by submitting a letter/e-mail demonstrating compliance with Uniform Superior Court Rule 6.4 and providing sufficient information and/or documentation to permit a meaningful telephone conference between the parties and the Court. No party may file a motion to compel or a motion for a protective order without first having discussed the issue with the Court and opposing parties. This stricture applies to disputes with non-parties as well. Motions to compel that do not comply with Rule 6.4 or that precede an initial conference with the Court will be denied.
Page 5 | IV. DISCOVERY — 4. Disputes
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances from trial calendars are granted sparingly and only for clearly articulated exceptional circumstances.
Continuances from trial calendars will be granted sparingly and only on the basis of clearly articulated exceptional circumstances.
Page 1 | Conflicts/Continuances
Conflict letters must be submitted at least two weeks before trial calendar and must follow USCR 17.1.
All conflict letters must be submitted at least two weeks before the trial calendar begins and must follow Uniform Superior Court Rule 17.1 in proposing a resolution.
Page 1 | Conflicts/Continuances
A leave of absence covering a filing deadline does not excuse the attorney from timely filing.
A Leave of Absence filed that covers the period in which a filing is due does not absolve the attorney from submitting the filing timely.
Page 3 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
Discovery extension requests must include a proposed Amended Scheduling Order listing all deadline extensions and prior extensions granted, plus a description of discovery conducted, the requested extension, a schedule of outstanding discovery, and an explanation of why the original deadline was insufficient.
the discovery deadline(s) established in the Scheduling Order is requested, the moving party shall submit a proposed Amended Scheduling Order, which must include all proposed deadline extensions as well as a statement indicating whether the Court has previously granted extension requests. All requests for discovery extensions shall include a basic Page 3 of 8 ===== PAGE 4 ===== description of discovery conducted thus far, the requested deadline extension, a specific schedule of outstanding discovery to be completed during the requested extension, and an explanation as to why the deadline the parties set in the original Scheduling Order was insufficient.
Page 4 | IV. DISCOVERY
Filing a conflict letter does not release a party from trial appearance nor automatically grant a continuance.
The mere act of filing a conflict letter does not release a party from appearing at trial nor does it automatically result in a continuance.
Page 1 | Conflicts/Continuances
Motions for extension typically will not be granted because parties set their own reasonable, workable deadlines at the status conference.
Because parties will be given an opportunity during their status conference to establish what they deem to be reasonable, workable deadlines, motions for extension typically will not be
Page 2 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
Requests to extend discovery, even by consent, are granted only when exigent circumstances exist.
Requests to extend discovery, even by consent, will only be granted when exigent circumstances exist.
Page 2 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
Extension requests must specify the unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and set forth a timetable for completing the task.
Parties seeking an extension should explain with specificity the unanticipated or unforeseen circumstances necessitating the extension and should set forth a timetable for the completion of the task(s) for which the extension is sought.
Page 3 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
ADR participation will not justify extending established deadlines absent prior court approval.
Absent prior approval of the Court, participation in ADR will not justify the extension of any deadline previously established in a case.
Page 3 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
Party consent to extend discovery without court approval is unenforceable.
Consent to extend discovery by the parties, without the Court's approval, is unenforceable.
Page 3 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties filing motions in limine must alert the Court if the hearing will last more than an hour.
If a party filing a motion in limine believes that the motion(s) will require a hearing lasting more than an hour, the party must alert the Court so that the prospective jurors' schedule can be properly managed.
Page 2 | Motions in limine
The Court must be notified immediately of any problem or dispute that could delay the case or cause a missed deadline.
The Court shall be notified immediately of any problem or dispute (e.g., discovery issues, witness unavailability, illness, or the late addition of parties or claims) that could delay the case or cause a party to miss a deadline.
Page 3 | III. CASE MANAGEMENT
Counsel unfamiliar with evidence presentation technology should consult the Court to learn what technology will be used.
In the event any party intends to utilize exhibits during any hearing, trial or other proceedingand the counsel is unfamiliar with the evidence presentation technology used by the Court, then that attorney should consultthe Court to find out what technology will be used.
Page 2 | Courtroom Technology
Counsel should contact Court Support by phone or email for further assistance.
If further assistance is needed, counsel should contact Court Support at (404) 612-2770 or e-mail CourtSupport@fultoncountyga.gov.
Page 2 | Courtroom Technology
Counsel unfamiliar with Zoom should contact Court Support by phone or email.
event any party intends to utilize exhibits during any hearing, trial or other proceeding and the counsel is unfamiliar with Zoom, then that attorney should contact Court Support at (404) 612-2770 or e-mail CourtSupport@fultoncountyga.gov.
Page 2 | Courtroom Technology
If Court Support cannot help, counsel should contact Judicial Assistant Ms. Violeta Umana via email.
If counsel is unable to get the needed assistance from contacting Court Support, he or she should contact Ms. Violeta Umana, Judicial Assistant, at Violeta.Umana@fultoncountyga.gov.
Page 2 | Courtroom Technology
The Rule 6.3 pleading must be e-mailed to Mr. Kerns along with a proposed rule nisi in Microsoft Word format.
That Rule 6.3 pleading must also be e-mailed to Mr. Kerns, along with a proposed rule nisi in Microsoft Word format.
Page 7 | 3. Hearings
To ensure a filing is brought to the Court's attention, a party should email a copy of it to Staff Attorney Mr. Kerns.
If there is a filing that you want to be sure will be brought to the attention of the Court, you should email a copy of same to Mr. Kerns.
Page 1 | II. E-FILING
Parties should contact Staff Attorney Wesley Kerns by phone or email (electronic communication encouraged); mailed or hand-delivered communications go to a specified Atlanta address.
Wesley Kerns, Staff Attorney, is your principal contact. Whenever possible, communication with Mr. Kerns should be by telephone (404-612-8995) or e-mail (Wesley.Kerns@fultoncountyga.gov). Mr. Kerns is very busy; he will return your message as soon as he is able. Mailed and hand-delivered communications should be addressed as follows: Wesley Kerns 185 Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard SW Suite J1-8955 Atlanta, GA 30303 Electronic communication is encouraged.
Page 1 | I. CONTACTING THE COURT
Parties are encouraged to contact the Court for on-the-spot resolution of serious deposition disputes so the deposition may continue.
If a serious, legitimate dispute arises during a deposition, the parties are encouraged to contact the Court to seek an on-the-spot resolution so that the deposition may continue.
Page 6 | IV. DISCOVERY — 5. Depositions