Circuit Court for Baltimore City
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Answer And Report Of Court Appointed Counsel
- 1 copy
Answer Or Response
Brief
Courtesy copies
Adjournments
- If the objection remains uncured after 30 days, plaintiff's counsel and the objecting defendant's counsel must meet and confer to attempt to cure it.
- By consent and without a court order, participants may agree to extend a filing deadline when a technical problem would cause the deadline to be missed.
- The Court may permit Plaintiff additional time to locate or provide an unavailable item upon motion and when that item was not reasonably available when the filing was made.
- +29 more
Request must include
- Parties must notify the mediator at least two business days before rescheduling or canceling a mediation conference.
- Parties must give at least two business days' notice to postpone or cancel mediation, and a party failing to do so must pay the mediator's reserved-time fee.
- Parties must notify the mediator at least two business days before a scheduled mediation if they need to reschedule or cancel it.
- A postponement request based on a previously scheduled vacation must be made within 10 calendar days after notification of the scheduled event.
- A written motion to modify the scheduling order must be filed within 15 days of the order; after that period, modification requires a written motion showing good cause and diligence despite the inability to meet the schedule.
- The scheduling order, including the pretrial and settlement conference and trial dates, may be modified by a written motion filed within 15 days of the order.
- A motion to extend the filing deadline or postpone the initial hearing must be filed with the Clerk at least 20 days before the hearing, explain the circumstances preventing timely filing, and propose a new filing date.
Communication
Phone
Chambers, Duty Judge
Phone
Intake Unit, Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits10 rules
A defendant's written objections to removal from the Inactive Docket must be submitted within 30 days and may not exceed two pages per claim.
Within thirty (30) days of the date a Form B and documentation requesting removal of a case from the Inactive Docket are delivered to Defendants' Liaison Counsel, any defendant objecting to the requested removal shall set forth those objections in a writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Written Objection To Removal
2 pages
A party objecting to the amendment must file and serve a show-cause writing of no more than three pages by the close of business on March 30, 1993, with a courtesy copy to chambers.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 30, 1993.
Show Cause Objection
3 pages
An objection to the amendment must be written, no more than three pages, filed with the court with a courtesy copy to chambers and served on all other counsel by close of business on September 10, 1993.
Any party that objects to this amendment shall show cause why the amendment should not be ordered, in writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on September 10, 1993.
Show Cause Objection
3 pages
A written objection to the amendment may not exceed three pages.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Friday, April 2, 1995.
Show Cause Objection
3 pages
Each claim's written objections to removal from the inactive docket may not exceed two pages.
Within 30 days of the date a Form B and documentation requesting removal of a case from the inactive docket are delivered to Defendants' Liaison counsel, the defendant objecting to requested removal shall set forth those objections in a writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Written Objections
2 pages
Written objections to removal are limited to two pages per claim.
Within 14 days of the date a Form B and documentation requesting removal of a case from the inactive docket are served on defendants, any defendant objecting to the requested removal shall set forth those objections in writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Written Objection
2 pages
The Mediation Conference Statement may not exceed six pages.
The Mediation Conference Statement shall contain the following information and shall be no more than six (6) pages:
Mediation Conference Statement
6 pages
A defendant's written objections to removal are limited to two pages per claim.
Within fourteen (14) days of the submission required by Paragraph 13 above, any defendant objecting to the removal of any claim or claims from the Inactive Docket shall set forth those objections in a writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Written Objections
2 pages
The Mediation Conference Statement may not exceed six pages.
The Mediation Conference Statement shall contain the following information and shall be no more than six (6) pages:
Mediation Conference Statement
6 pages
An electronically converted document is accepted as complying with a page limit if the participant's own electronic copy, when viewed, complies with that limit.
As such, the document will be accepted as conforming to the page limit rules as long as the Participant's own electronic copy of the pleading, paper or document, when viewed, conforms to the page limit restriction.
Pleading
Document Format Requirements5 rules
An electronic filing's typographical signature must include the symbol "/s/" and is treated as a personal signature under the Maryland Rules.
The typographical signature shall be accompanied by the symbol "/s/" and treated as a personal signature for all purposes under the Maryland Rules.
An expedited-case scheduling order must follow the format and dates specified in Exhibit A.
If a case is set in on an expedited basis, the parties are directed to submit a scheduling order in the format and using the dates set forth in Exhibit A.
Proposed scheduling orders should conform to the applicable court template.
Proposed scheduling orders submitted to the court for consideration should conform to the applicable template linked below.
Scanned documents exceeding 50 pages must be filed in separate intervals of no more than 50 pages, with each file labeled by its sequence and total number of files.
Graphical images of documents (scanned documents) that exceed 50 pages shall be filed in intervals of 50 pages or less. For example, a 150 page scanned filing should be filed as 3 separate documents labeled as follows: 1 of 3, 2 of 3 and 3 of 3.
Electronically filed pleadings, papers, and documents are digitally converted by the vendor to PDF.
Pleadings, papers or other documents when eFiled are digitally converted to a portable document format (PDF) by the Vendor.
Document Filing Requirements151 rules
Counsel must file a line identifying agreements that change a date or deadline in the existing scheduling order.
Counsel shall file a line detailing any agreements made between Counsel that affect a change in any date or deadline in the existing Scheduling Order.
Document Type
Scheduling Order
Each dismissal caption must state whether the dismissal is with or without consideration.
The caption of each dismissal shall state that the dismissal is with or without consideration.
Document Type
Dismissal
The petition and related paperwork must be filed with the Clerk of the Court in Room 462 of the Cummings Courthouse.
The petition and all related paperwork must be filed with the Clerk of the Court in Room 462 of the Cummings Courthouse.
Document Type
Guardianship Petition
All filings in non-expedited guardianship matters must be made directly with the Clerk’s office in Room 462 of Courthouse East.
All filings are to be made directly with the Clerk’s office in Room 462 Courthouse East.
Document Type
Guardianship Filing
A proposed guardianship order must be submitted to Magistrate Walsh for approval as to form.
A proposed order for guardianship must also be submitted to Magistrate Walsh for approval as to form.
Document Type
Guardianship Petition
At least five days before the settlement conference, each party must submit a written statement addressing the matters listed in Rule 2-504.2(b).
Each party shall submit no less than five (5) days in advance of that date: a. A written statement addressing each of the pertinent matters listed in Rule 2-504.2(b);
Document Type
Written Statement
Each party must submit a confidential pretrial statement containing specified factual, legal, settlement, valuation, and share information.
d. A confidential pretrial statement containing the following information: brief summaries/description of facts, work histories, factual disputes, legal disputes, case strengths and weaknesses, history of settlement negotiations, reasonable estimated settlement value, and the number of "shares."
Document Type
Confidential Pretrial Statement
Each party must file a written statement addressing the matters listed in Rule 2-504.2(b) no later than five days before the pretrial conference.
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 2-504.2(a), each party shall file not later than five days before the conference a written statement addressing the matters listed in Rule 2-504.2(b).
Document Type
Written Statement
A voir dire must be filed by the D+226 motions hearing deadline.
File voir dire, jury instructions.
Document Type
Voir Dire
The attached material must support the claim that the conditions identified in paragraph 9 are asbestos related and include everything required by the Rule.
The following material is attached in support of the claim that the conditions indicated in paragraph 9 above are asbestos related (include all required by the Rule):
Document Type
Inactive Civil Docket Plaintiff Information Form
Claimant's counsel must make the stated certification regarding counsel status, supporting information, payments, and substantially similar proceedings.
Certification: I do hereby certify in accordance with the provisions of the Maryland Rules of Procedure that I am counsel for the above-named claimant, that the information set forth to support the claim being filed herein is true and correct, that no payment for this claim or one substantially similar to it as to this claimant has been received from any entity listed in paragraph 11 above, and that there is no proceeding pending in this or any other jurisdiction on behalf of the claimant or exposed person listed herein which is substantially similar to the present claim in its factual allegations.
Document Type
Claimant Counsel Certification
The form includes a required Certificate of Service section.
Certificate of Service
Document Type
Inactive Civil Docket Plaintiff Information Form
After distributing a court order, defense liaison counsel must file a Notice of Accomplishment of Service with the clerk and not provide a copy to chambers.
Defense liaison counsel shall file with the clerk of court (no copy to court chambers) a "Notice of Accomplishment of Service of Court Order" upon completion of distribution of an order.
Document Type
Notice Of Accomplishment Of Service
The answer or response must be filed with the appropriate clerk, with no copy to court chambers.
The answer or response shall be filed with the appropriate Clerk of Court (no copy to court chambers).
Document Type
Answer Or Response
Defendants' liaison counsel must file a notice of accomplishment of service that certifies distribution of the materials.
Defendants' Liaison Counsel is required to (1) acknowledge receipt of the information of plaintiffs' counsel; (2) mail or hand deliver complete copy of each Form B and documentation and a copy of the service list received form to plaintiffs' counsel, to each defendants' counsel named on the plaintiffs' service list; and (3) file a notice of accomplishment of service with the Court which certifies the distribution, with three (3) working days of the receipt of the Form B and documentation from plaintiffs' counsel.
Document Type
Notice Of Accomplishment Of Service
After an objection based on particular grounds is filed, other defendants may not file objections or adoptions based on those same grounds.
Once an objection to a plaintiff's request for removal from the inactive docket is filed, no other defendants shall file objections (or adoptions of the objections) based on the same grounds.
Document Type
Objection
The status report must identify each objected-to case, the grounds for objection, and why the objection remains uncured.
The status report shall list case by case the cases that are objected to and the reasons for the objection, as well as, the reasons the objection has not been able to be cured.
Document Type
Status Report
When settlement is reached before the pretrial conference, the parties must promptly file a notice of settlement and provide the Transaction Identification Numbers to the Asbestos Case Managers.
If a settlement is reached before the Pretrial Conference, the parties shall promptly file notice of settlement with the Court and provide the Transaction Identification Numbers to the Asbestos Case Managers.
Document Type
Notice Of Settlement
Parties must submit the written notice of mediator selection substantially in the form prescribed by MD Rule 17-203(c)(1) to the Civil ADR Program by mail or fax.
Parties must submit a written “Notice of Selection of ADR Provider by Stipulation In Health Care Malpractice Claims” substantially in the form set forth in MD Rule 17-203(c)(1) to the Civil ADR Program by mail or fax (see contact information below).
Document Type
Notice Of Selection Of Adr Provider
Parties must complete and send the Confidential Mediation Conference Statement to the mediator at least five days before mediation, and the statement must not be exchanged or filed with the court.
Parties must complete and send to the mediator the Confidential Mediation Conference Statement (CMCS) form, which is enclosed with the Order for Mediation, at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled mediation session. Only the mediator shall have access to the CMCS. Parties should not exchange CMCSs or file them with the court. The mediator shall not share the CMCS with the court.
Document Type
Confidential Mediation Conference Statement
All counsel and parties must complete the mediator’s survey forms, and the forms must be mailed to the Civil ADR Office within seven days after the last mediation session.
All counsel and parties must complete survey forms provided by the mediator. All forms must be mailed to the Civil ADR Office within seven (7) days of the last mediation session.
Document Type
Mediation Survey Forms
Mediators must complete a Mediator Report for every case, even when mediation does not occur.
Mediators must complete a Mediator Report for each case whether or not mediation occurs.
Document Type
Mediator Report
The Mediation Conference Statement must identify the case by caption and case number.
1. Identification of the case by caption and case number.
Document Type
Mediation Conference Statement
The Mediation Conference Statement must include a brief statement of the facts counsel will rely on in support of a claim.
4. A brief statement of the facts counsel will rely on in support of a claim.
Document Type
Mediation Conference Statement
Counsel for the claiming party must serve the Order on a newly added party and advise that party of its right to participate in eFiling.
If a new party is brought into the Asbestos Litigation after the signing of this Order, then counsel representing the claiming party shall serve a copy of this Order on the newly-added party and advise such party of its right to participate in this project.
Document Type
Newly Added Party Notice
A party generating discovery requests must satisfy Maryland Rule 2-431's certificate requirement before presenting a discovery dispute to the court.
The party generating discovery requests must comply with Maryland Rule 2-431 (Certificate Requirement) before bringing a discovery dispute before the Court.
Document Type
Discovery Request
The filing type Proposed Order must be selected when filing a proposed order.
The filing type "Proposed Order" must be selected for all proposed orders.
Document Type
Proposed Order
Every e-filed pleading, paper, or document must bear an attorney’s facsimile or typographical signature and specified typed contact information.
Every eFiled pleading, paper, and document shall bear a facsimile or typographical signature of at least one of the attorneys of record, along with the typed name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (if available) of that attorney.
Document Type
Efiled Pleading Paper Or Document
A motion seeking an expedited trial date must include records in the plaintiff's possession, custody, or control showing when or how the plaintiff was exposed to asbestos.
(b) any records in Plaintiffs’ possession, custody, or control reflecting when or how Plaintiff was exposed to asbestos, including any records reflecting any of the information called for in paragraphs (a) above;
Document Type
Motion
A motion seeking an expedited trial date must include executed answers to interrogatories when filed.
Any plaintiff seeking an expedited trial date must provide the following at the time of filing of said motion: (a) executed answers to interrogatories;
Document Type
Motion
Parties must submit a scheduling order for a case set on an expedited basis.
If a case is set in on an expedited basis, the parties are directed to submit a scheduling order in the format and using the dates set forth in Exhibit A.
Document Type
Scheduling Order
A settlement order identifying the party responsible for outstanding costs must be filed in the Civil Assignment Office for every case that has settled.
A settlement order with designation of which party will pay any outstanding costs must be filed in the Civil Assignment Office for all cases that have settled.
Document Type
Settlement Order
When a remand order is required, the settlement order must include a proposed remand order.
If a Remand Order is required (e.g., workers’ compensation cases), a proposed Remand Order must be attached to the Settlement Order.
Document Type
Settlement Order
A motion seeking an expedited mesothelioma trial date must include executed interrogatory answers, asbestos-exposure records, a Social Security printout or request documentation, a current HIPAA-compliant medical records authorization, available medical records, a physician’s mesothelioma diagnosis report, the requested trial group, and information about defendants served and settlements reached.
Any plaintiff seeking an expedited trial date must provide the following at the time of filing of said motion: (a) executed answers to interrogatories; (b) any records in Plaintiffs’ possession, custody, or control reflecting when or how Plaintiff was exposed to asbestos, including any records reflecting any of the information called for in paragraphs (a) above; (c) Plaintiffs’ social security printout, or, if not yet available, documentation showing that it has been requested from the Social Security Administration; ===== PAGE 2 ===== (d) a current, executed and HIPAAcompliant medical records authorization; (e) all medical records in Plaintiff’s possession, custody, or control; (f) a report of a physician setting forth a diagnosis of mesothelioma; (g) the trial group to which that plaintiff seeks to be joined; (h) identification of defendants served with process and identification of the parties with whom settlements have been reached.
Document Type
Expedited Trial Motion
At least five days before the settlement conference, each party must submit a Rule 2-504.2(b) written statement, a list of remaining claims and crossclaims, a list of pending filed motions, and a confidential pretrial statement containing the specified case information.
Each party shall submit no less than five (5) days in advance of that date: a. A written statement addressing each of the pertinent matters listed in Rule 2-504.2(b); b. A list of all claims (including crossclaims) to which it remains a party; c. A list of all pending motions which it has filed; and d. A confidential pretrial statement containing the following information: brief summaries/description of facts, work histories, factual disputes, legal disputes, case strengths and weaknesses, history of settlement negotiations, reasonable estimated settlement value, and the number of “shares.”
Document Type
Settlement Conference Submissions
Each party must file a written statement addressing the Rule 2-504.2(b) matters no later than five days before the pretrial conference.
Pursuant to Maryland Rule 2-504.2(a), each party shall file not later than five days before the conference a written statement addressing the matters listed in Rule 2-504.2(b).
Document Type
Pretrial Statement
Counsel bringing a future claim must file both a complaint and Inactive Docket Claimant Information Form (Form A).
Each plaintiff's counsel bringing a future claim shall, regardless of the disease process alleged, file a complaint and an Inactive Docket Claimant Information Form (Form A) with the Court and effect service on each person or entity named as a defendant in accordance with Maryland Rules and law relating to service of complaints.
Document Type
Complaint
A defendant objecting to removal must state the objections in a written submission within fourteen days of the Paragraph 13 submission.
Within fourteen (14) days of the submission required by Paragraph 13 above, any defendant objecting to the removal of any claim or claims from the Inactive Docket shall set forth those objections in a writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Document Type
Written Objections To Removal From The Inactive Docket
Counsel must file a Request for Removal (Form B) when a claim is or becomes eligible for removal from the Inactive Docket.
For each such future claim alleged by the claimant to be immediately eligible for removal from the Inactive Docket, or which the claimant later alleges is eligible for removal because circumstances have changed, claimant's counsel shall also file with the Court a Request for Removal (Form B) and the documentation necessary to show that the claim meets the "minimum criteria for removal" set forth in Paragraph 10 above.
Document Type
Request For Removal (Form B)
Each Petition for Removal must include Form B with current documentation showing the claimant's present medical condition and status under the minimum removal criteria.
b. Each Petition so filed must attach a Request for Removal (Form B) with current documentation to show the claimant's current medical condition and the claimant's status with respect to the "minimum criteria for removal" set forth in Paragraph 10 above.
Document Type
Petition For Removal
The Petition for Removal must state the factual and medical bases for the claimant's allegation of a compensable asbestos-related injury.
a. The Petition shall state the factual and medical bases for claimant's allegation that claimant has a compensable asbestos-related injury.
Document Type
Petition For Removal
Parties must complete and send the Confidential Mediation Conference Statement to the mediator at least five days before the scheduled mediation session.
Parties must complete and send to the mediator the Confidential Mediation Conference Statement (CMCS) form, which is enclosed with the Order for Mediation, at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled mediation session.
Document Type
Confidential Mediation Conference Statement
Parties seeking to replace the court-appointed mediator must submit a written Request to Substitute Mediator in substantially the form prescribed by MD Rule 17-202(g).
Parties must submit a written “Request to Substitute Mediator,” substantially in the form set forth in MD Rule 17-202(g) to the Civil Mediation Program at the address below or by fax.
Document Type
Request To Substitute Mediator
Attorneys must complete an Attorney Evaluation Form immediately after the final mediation conference, and mediators must complete an ADR Data Sheet.
Attorneys must complete an Attorney Evaluation Form immediately following the final mediation conference, and Mediators must complete an ADR Data Sheet.
Document Type
Attorney Evaluation Form
Parties must complete and send the CMCS form to the mediator at least five days before the scheduled mediation session.
Parties must complete and send to the mediator the Confidential Mediation Conference Statement (CMCS) form, which is enclosed with the Order for Mediation, at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled mediation session.
Document Type
Confidential Mediation Conference Statement
Legal documents filed in both the Master File and an individual action file must include both captions and file numbers.
Any legal documents to be filed in both the Master File and the file of an individual action shall be captioned with both the Master File caption and file number and the individual case caption and file number.
Document Type
Legal Document
Each defendant must file a Master Answer to each Master Complaint.
Each Defendant shall file a Master Answer to each Master Complaint.
Document Type
Master Answer
Plaintiffs' counsel must file a Master Complaint in each case category or subcategory in which counsel intends to make filings.
Each Plaintiffs' counsel shall file in each case category or subcategory in which that Plaintiffs' counsel intends to have filings, a Master Complaint alleging common facts and causes of action.
Document Type
Master Complaint
A motion relying on or challenging a discovery response must attach the necessary portions of the response or a sufficient synopsis or listing.
In any motion contesting the sufficiency of any discovery response, or any motion for summary judgment or partial 'summary judgment, or any other motion wherein reference is made to any discovery response, the moving party shall attach such portions of the discovery response or a synopsis or listing of same as shall be necessary for a ruling on the motion.
Document Type
Motion
An amended complaint must be filed as a Short-Form Amended Complaint specifying the causes of action alleged in the Master Complaint.
Any amended complaint, including those filed in cases initiated before January 1, 1987, shall be made by filing a Short-Form Amended Complaint which specifies the causes of action which are being alleged from those in the Master Complaint.
Document Type
Short Form Amended Complaint
Each defendant must file a Short-Form Answer that adopts the defendant's Master Answer by reference and states any case-specific additional responses.
Each Defendant shall file a Short-Form Answer to the Short-Form Complaint which adopts by reference the Defendant's Master Answer and sets forth any additional responses unique to the newly-filed case.
Document Type
Short Form Answer
A copy of the Order must accompany any third-party pleading served on an impleaded party, and the pleading must draw attention to the Order.
When serving any third party pleadings on an impleaded party, a copy of this Order shall be attached and attention drawn to it.
Document Type
Third Party Pleading
Liaison counsel must file with the clerk and serve on all parties a master service list identifying all attorneys of record in each established case category.
Liaison counsel shall file with the Clerk and serve on all parties a master service list of all attorneys of record in each case category established in Part III, Paragraph 1(a) of this Order.
Document Type
Master Service List
In CT-5 cases, plaintiffs' and defendants' Master Sets of Interrogatories must match the Trade Case Master Sets, except for corrections of mistakes.
Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Master Sets of Interrogatories in CT-5 cases shall be identical (except for correction of mistakes) to the Master Sets of Interrogatories employed for "Trade Cases" under Pre-Trial Order No. 1 governing asbestos cases in Baltimore County.
Document Type
Interrogatories
The itemized index must describe each document group generally and identify the series of code numbers included in that group.
The index shall include a generalized description of the groups of documents with code numbering in series included in each group of documents.
Document Type
Itemized Index
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All filings in the asbestos personal injury cases must comply with the court's August 25, 2003 electronic-filing case management order.
All filings shall be made in accordance with the Honorable Ellen M. Heller's First Amended Case Management Order for the Electronic Filing of Pleadings, Papers and Documents in Asbestos Personal Injury Cases dated August 25, 2003.
Page 2 | Civil Differentiated Case Management Plan
Asbestos case filings must be submitted through FSX rather than MDEC.
Asbestos cases are exempt from the requirement to use the Maryland Electronic Courts system (MDEC) for case filings and dockets. Instead, asbestos case filings must be submitted through File&ServeXpress (FSX).
Page 1 | ELECTRONIC FILING
Asbestos case filings are permitted only through FSX and not through Odyssey File and Serve.
Asbestos case filings may only be made through FSX, not through Odyssey File and Serve.
Page 1 | ELECTRONIC FILING
All filings must comply with the court order governing electronic filing in asbestos personal injury cases.
All filings shall be made in accordance with the Honorable Ellen M. Heller's First Amended Case Management Order for the Electronic Filing of Pleadings, Papers and Documents in Asbestos Personal Injury Cases dated August 25, 2003.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER
A non-participant must deliver a 3½-inch diskette containing documents for filing to the Clerk's office for upload into the eFiling system.
If a party elects not to be a Participant (hereinafter, "Non-Participant"), that party must bring a 3½ inch diskette containing the documents to be filed in any pending case to the Clerk's office to be uploaded by the party into the eFiling system.
Page 1 | 1. Application of Case Management Order
A newly added party must elect whether to participate in eFiling within 60 days after service of the Order.
The Court shall provide a newly-added party with a reasonable amount of time to become a participant in eFiling, but in no event shall this election to participate exceed sixty (60) days from the date of service of a copy of this Order on that party.
Page 1 | 1. Application of Case Management Order
Before a newly added party elects to participate in eFiling, it must submit documents to the Clerk on a 3½-inch diskette and serve other parties conventionally under the Maryland Rules.
During the ===== PAGE 2 ===== FROM : EDWARDS FAX NO. : 4102957254 Aug. 25 2003 08:15AM P4 period prior to electing to subscribe to the eFiling system, that party must bring a 3½ inch diskette containing the documents to be filed to the Clerk's office to be uploaded by the party into the eFiling system. Prior to electing to participate, service copies from the newly-added party to other parties in the case shall be made in the conventional manner in accordance with the Maryland Rules.
Page 2 | 1. Application of Case Management Order
A party generating discovery material must electronically file it and serve it on all case parties instead of using the notice procedure in Maryland Rule 2-401(d)(2).
A party generating discovery material shall electronically file with the Court and serve discovery material upon all parties to the case, in lieu of the notice requirement of Md. Rule 2-401(d)(2).
Page 3 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
Unless Paragraph 3j provides otherwise, all pleadings, papers, and other documents required for filing in the Asbestos Litigation must be electronically filed and served by all Participants on Participants and Non-Participants.
b. Electronic Filing and Service - Except as provided in Paragraph 3j of this Order, all pleadings, papers, or other documents required to be filed with the Court in connection with the Asbestos Litigation shall be electronically filed and served by all Participants on both Participants and Non-Participants.
Page 3 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
Electronically created attachments to discovery requests and responses must be electronically filed and served on all case parties.
Attachments to discovery requests and responses that were created electronically shall be electronically filed with the Court and served upon all parties to the case.
Page 3 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
All judicial rulings, opinions, orders, and other court communications must be electronically filed and served on every case party and signed with a typographical signature.
All judicial rulings, opinions, orders, and other communications of the court shall be electronically filed and served upon all parties to a case. Such documents shall be signed with a typographical signature.
Page 4 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
A claiming party must use the electronic filing system's "Case Profile" feature to add third-party defendants and other subsequently added defendants to a case.
The claiming party shall add Third Party Defendants and other subsequently added Defendants to a case by using the "Case Profile" feature in the eFiling system.
Page 4 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
Plaintiffs and Third-Party Plaintiffs must electronically file returns of service or notice of service in the electronic filing system.
Plaintiffs and Third-Party Plaintiffs shall electronically file returns of service or notice of same in the eFiling system.
Page 4 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
Effective upon approval of the Order, all Complaints and Third Party Complaints must be electronically filed, and a claiming party initiating a case must use the electronic filing system's "file in a new case" feature.
Effective the date this Order is approved by the Court of Appeals, all Complaints and Third Party Complaints shall be electronically filed with the Court. In order to initiate the case with the Clerk of the Court, the claiming party must use the "file in a new case" feature in the eFiling system to file a Complaint.
Page 4 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
Documents directly related to a previously filed document must be linked to it using the eFiling system’s Linked Documents feature.
All documents, papers or pleadings directly relating to a previously filed document, paper or pleading shall be linked to the previously filed document, paper or pleading utilizing the "Linked Documents" feature in the eFiling system.
Page 5 | g. Filing Related Documents
A proposed order must be submitted as a separate document within the filing transaction.
however, the proposed order shall be submitted as a separate document.
Page 5 | g. Filing Related Documents
Exhibits designated for conventional filing must be provided to the court within five days of the corresponding e-filing with a descriptive cover page.
Any exhibits designated for conventional filing shall be provided to the Court within five (5) days of the corresponding eFiling along with a cover page that describes the related electronically filed documents.
Page 5 | j. Conventional Filing of Documents
After a sealing motion is granted, documents under seal must be electronically filed using the eFile system’s sealed access feature.
Once the motion is granted, the documents to be filed under seal shall be electronically filed utilizing the sealed access feature in the eFile system.
Page 6 | l. Sealed Documents
For trial clusters, a participant must e-file in the group case number and is assessed one LexisNexis CourtLink transactional filing fee per filing.
When individual cases have been grouped for trial, known as "trial clusters", a Participant shall eFile a pleading, paper or document in the group case number and will be assessed one LexisNexis CourtLink transactional filing fee for each filing.
Page 8 | 4. Form of Pleadings, Papers and Documents Electronically Filed
Any instrument requiring a filing fee to obtain valid filing status must be filed electronically through the eFile procedure.
Any instrument requiring payment of a filing fee to the Clerk of the Court in order to achieve valid filing status shall be filed electronically in the same manner as any other eFile document.
Page 9 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
All filings must comply with the court’s First Amended Case Management Order for electronic filing in asbestos personal injury cases.
All filings shall be made in accordance with the Honorable Ellen M. Heller’s First Amended Case Management Order for the Electronic Filing of Pleadings, Papers and Documents in Asbestos Personal Injury Cases dated August 25, 2003.
Page 4 | Exhibit A — TRACK (ASBESTOS) (Expedited Mesothelioma Scheduling Order)
All filings must comply with the court's August 25, 2003 order governing electronic filing in asbestos personal injury cases.
ORDERED that all filings be made in accordance with the Honorable Ellen M. Heller's First Amended Case Management Order for the Electronic Filing of Pleadings, Papers and Documents in Asbestos Personal Injury Cases dated August 25, 2003.
Page 2 | CONSOLIDATION ORDER AND PRETRIAL SCHEDULE
Walk-in motions are not accepted, and all motions must be filed in the Clerk’s office.
Walk-in motions will not be honored by the court. All motions must be filed in the Clerk’s office.
Page 1 | Walk-In Motions
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
An expedited guardianship petition filed by 11:00 a.m. will receive a hearing on the seventh day after filing.
A hearing will be scheduled for the seventh day following the filing of the petition provided that the petition is filed by 11:00 a.m.
Page 1 | Guardianship Petitions — Expedited
When a temporary restraining order is issued with a bond, counsel must post the bond with the Clerk before receiving a copy of the order.
If a temporary restraining order is issued and a bond is imposed, the bond must be posted with the Clerk of the Court before counsel can receive a copy of the order.
Page 1 | EMERGENCY INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
When a bond is required for a pre-judgment attachment, counsel must post it with the Clerk before receiving the order and writs.
If a bond is required, it must be posted with the Clerk of the Court before counsel can receive the order and the writs.
Page 1 | PRE-JUDGMENT ATTACHMENTS
Court-appointed counsel’s answer and report must be filed before the hearing, with a courtesy copy delivered to the hearing judge’s chambers at least one day beforehand.
The answer and report of court-appointed counsel for the allegedly disabled person must be filed with the Clerk of the Court before the hearing and a courtesy copy should be delivered to the hearing judge’s chambers at least one day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Guardianship Petitions — Expedited
Summary-judgment and other dispositive motions must be filed by D+155, even if discovery remains incomplete.
D+155 | Deadline to file motions for summary judgment and other dispositive motions, including motions addressing product identification and/or exposure issues. This deadline shall not be affected by discovery being incomplete.
Page 3 | TRACK 5 (ASBESTOS) (Expedited Mesothelioma Scheduling Order)
Replies to summary-judgment and other dispositive motions are due by D+180.
D+180 Replies to motions for summary judgment or other dispositive motions due.
Page 4 | TRACK 5 (ASBESTOS) (Expedited Mesothelioma Scheduling Order)
Oppositions or responses to summary-judgment and other dispositive motions are due by D+170.
D+170 Oppositions/responses to motions for summary judgment and other dispositive motions due.
Page 4 | TRACK 5 (ASBESTOS) (Expedited Mesothelioma Scheduling Order)
Motions in limine must be filed by D+207, and responses are due ten days afterward.
D+207 Deadline for filing motions in limine. Response to motions in limine due ten (10) days thereafter.
Page 4 | TRACK 5 (ASBESTOS) (Expedited Mesothelioma Scheduling Order)
A show-cause objection must be filed no later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 30, 1993.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 30, 1993.
Page 6 | Show Cause
Written objections to removal from the inactive docket are due within 30 days after delivery of the removal request to defense liaison counsel.
Within thirty (30) days of the date a Form B and documentation requesting removal of a case from the Inactive Docket are delivered to Defendants' Liaison Counsel, any defendant objecting to the requested removal shall set forth those objections in a writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Page 9 | The Amendment
A written objection must be filed no later than the close of business on September 10, 1993.
Any party that objects to this amendment shall show cause why the amendment should not be ordered, in writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on September 10, 1993.
Page 10 | Show Cause
A properly sued and served defendant has 30 days after the notice-of-service date to answer or respond after removal from the inactive docket.
Once a case is removed from the inactive docket, defendants who have been properly sued and served shall have 30 days from the date of "Notice of Accomplishment of Service of Court Order" within which to answer or respond to the complaint.
Page 10 | The Amendment
The notice of accomplishment of service must be filed within three working days after receipt of Form B and supporting documentation.
Defendants' Liaison Counsel is required to (1) acknowledge receipt of the information of plaintiffs' counsel; (2) mail or hand deliver complete copy of each Form B and documentation and a copy of the service list received form to plaintiffs' counsel, to each defendants' counsel named on the plaintiffs' service list; and (3) file a notice of accomplishment of service with the Court which certifies the distribution, with three (3) working days of the receipt of the Form B and documentation from plaintiffs' counsel.
Page 14 | The Amendment
A written objection must be filed no later than the close of business on Friday, April 2, 1995.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Friday, April 2, 1995.
Page 15 | Show Cause
A defendant objecting to removal from the inactive docket must provide written objections within 30 days after delivery of the removal materials to Defendants' Liaison counsel.
Within 30 days of the date a Form B and documentation requesting removal of a case from the inactive docket are delivered to Defendants' Liaison counsel, the defendant objecting to requested removal shall set forth those objections in a writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Page 20 | The Amendments
An objection to removal from the Inactive Docket is deemed filed by all defendants once filed.
Once an objection is filed to a plaintiff's request for removal from the Inactive Docket the objection will be deemed filed by all defendants.
Page 21 | Show Cause
Plaintiff has 30 days from filing the objection to attempt to cure it.
The plaintiff shall have 30 days from the date of filing the objection to attempt to cure the objection.
Page 21 | Show Cause
A notice of accomplishment of service must be filed with the court within three working days after receipt of the Form B and documentation, certifying that email service occurred.
Defendants' Liaison Counsel is required to (1) acknowledge receipt of the information to plaintiffs' counsel; (2) serve via email a complete copy of each form B and documentation and a copy of the service list received from the Plaintiffs' counsel to all Defendants' counsel on Plaintiffs' service list; and (3) file a notice of accomplishment of service of with the Court which certifies the service via email occurred within (3) working days of the receipt of the Form B and documentation from Plaintiffs' counsel.
Page 25 | The Amendment
A filed objection to removal is deemed filed by all defendants.
Once an objection is filed to a plaintiff’s request for removal from the Inactive docket the objection will be deemed filed by all defendants.
Page 35 | The Amendment
A defendant must serve written objections to removal within 14 days after service of the Form B and supporting documentation, and each objection may not exceed two pages per claim.
Within 14 days of the date a Form B and documentation requesting removal of a case from the inactive docket are served on defendants, any defendant objecting to the requested removal shall set forth those objections in writing not to exceed two pages per claim.
Page 35 | The Amendment
The plaintiff has 30 days from the filing of an objection to attempt to cure it.
The plaintiff shall have thirty (30) days from the date of the filing the objection to attempt to cure the objection.
Page 35 | The Amendment
If an objection remains uncured seven days after the meet-and-confer, the requesting and objecting counsel must jointly submit one status report covering all disputed removal requests.
If the objection remains uncured seven (7) days after this meeting, the plaintiff’s counsel who is requesting removal, and the defendant’s counsel objecting to removal, shall submit a single status report to the Court for all of the requests for removal that are still in dispute.
Page 36 | The Amendment
If the objection is not cured within 30 days, counsel must meet and confer within the following 15 days to attempt to cure it.
If the objection is not cured within ===== PAGE 36 ===== the 30 day period, the plaintiff’s counsel and the defendant’s counsel who filed the objection to removal shall meet and confer within fifteen (15) days thereafter to attempt to cure the objection.
Page 36 | The Amendment
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Plaintiffs must serve the scheduling order on defendants who have not answered, and defendants must notify plaintiffs within ten days if service is contested.
Plaintiffs serve scheduling order upon all Defendants who have not filed Answers. Defendants shall notify Plaintiffs within ten (10) days of any case in which service is contested. If not contested, an Answer shall be filed if not previously filed.
Page 2 | Civil Differentiated Case Management Plan
Writs of attachment issued by the Clerk’s office must be served by the sheriff or a private process.
The Clerk’s office will issue writs of attachment, which are to be served by the sheriff or private process.
Page 1 | PRE-JUDGMENT ATTACHMENTS
Service in an expedited guardianship case must occur within the period specified in the show cause order.
Service must be effected within the period specified in the show cause order.
Page 1 | Guardianship Petitions — Expedited
Affidavits of service must be filed with the Clerk, and date-stamped copies must be delivered to Magistrate Walsh.
Affidavits of service must be filed with the Clerk’s office and date-stamped copies must be delivered to Magistrate Walsh.
Page 1 | Guardianship Petitions — Expedited
A copy of the temporary restraining order papers should be delivered to the opposing party or opposing counsel to provide notice.
A copy of the papers should be delivered to the opposing party or counsel to effectuate notice.
Page 1 | EMERGENCY INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
All plaintiffs must file and serve their complaints on each defendant in accordance with Maryland law.
Inasmuch as all plaintiffs are required to file and serve their complaints upon each defendant in accordance with Maryland law,
Page 2 | The Amendment
Claimant's counsel must serve one complete copy of each form and its supporting documentation on Defendants' Liaison Counsel.
claimant's counsel shall also serve one complete copy of the each form and supporting documentation on Liaison Counsel for the Defendants
Page 3 | Inactive Docket Amendment #1
Defendants' Liaison Counsel must acknowledge receipt, distribute copies to each listed defendant's counsel, and file a certification of distribution with the court within three working days.
Defendants' Liaison counsel is required to (1) acknowledge receipt of the information to plaintiffs' counsel; (2) mail or hand-deliver a complete copy of each form and documentation and a copy of the service list received from the plaintiffs' counsel, to each defendants' counsel named on the plaintiffs' service list; and (3) file a notice of accomplishment of service with the Court which certifies the distribution, within three (3) working days of the receipt of the forms and documentation from the plaintiffs' counsel.
Page 4 | Inactive Docket Amendment #1
Plaintiffs' counsel must send the appropriate forms, supporting documentation, and a service list to Defendants' Liaison Counsel by registered mail with return receipt requested.
Plaintiffs' counsel shall deliver one complete copy of the appropriate form(s) and supporting documentation, and a list of the names and addresses of the defendants and their counsel to whom the forms and documentation are to be delivered (the "service list"), to Liaison Counsel for the Defendants by registered mail, return receipt requested.
Page 4 | Inactive Docket Amendment #1
A show-cause objection must be served upon all other counsel.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 30, 1993.
Page 6 | Show Cause
Defense liaison counsel must serve copies of court orders on all appropriate plaintiffs and defendants.
the Court orders that defense liaison counsel shall also serve copies of orders of the Court on all appropriate parties--both plaintiffs and defendants.
Page 8 | THE AMENDMENT
Within three business days after receiving an inactive-docket order, defense liaison counsel must serve it on the affected plaintiff's counsel and all listed defense counsel.
Within three business days of receipt of the removal order, or any other court order that relates to the inactive docket, defense liaison counsel shall hand deliver, mail, or otherwise serve copies of the order on the affected plaintiff's counsel and all defense counsel listed on plaintiff's service list in the removed case(s).
Page 9 | The Amendment
Written objections must be filed with the court and served on the other defense counsel listed on the plaintiffs' service list.
These written objections shall be filed with the Court and other defendants' counsel listed on the Plaintiffs' service list.
Page 9 | The Amendment
A written objection to the amendment must be served on all other counsel.
Any party that objects to this amendment shall show cause why the amendment should not be ordered, in writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on September 10, 1993.
Page 10 | Show Cause
Defense liaison counsel must mail the amendment and show-cause order to all counsel of record within three business days after the order's date.
Defense liaison counsel shall cause a copy of this amendment and show cause order to be mailed to all counsel of record (list attached) within three (3) business days of the date of this order.
Page 10 | Show Cause
A plaintiff must accurately list every defendant sued and provide the service list to defense liaison counsel when filing the case.
Plaintiffs are required to accurately list the names of each defendant sued on the service list and provide this list to defense liaison counsel at the time the case is filed.
Page 10 | The Amendment
Plaintiffs must file and serve on each defendant a complaint, Form B, and supporting documentation in accordance with Maryland law.
The plaintiffs are required to file and serve a complaint and form upon each defendant in accordance with Maryland law. Plaintiffs shall file and serve Form B and supporting documentation.
Page 12 | The Amendment
Claimant's counsel must serve a complete copy of Form B and its supporting documentation on defendants' liaison counsel.
claimant's counsel shall also serve to complete copy of Form B and supporting documentation Liaison Counsel for the Defendants
Page 13 | The Amendment
Plaintiff's counsel must serve the complaint on every named defendant in accordance with the Maryland rules governing service of complaints.
Each plaintiff's counsel bringing a future claim shall regardless of the disease process alleged, file complaint and an Inactive Docket Claimant Information Form (Form A) with the Court and effect service of copy of the Complaint and the Inactive Docket Claimant Information Form (Form A) on each person or entity named as a defendant in accordance with Maryland Rules and 1 relating to service of complaints.
Page 13 | The Amendment
Plaintiff's counsel must send one complete copy of Form B, supporting documentation, and the service list to defendants' liaison counsel by registered mail with return receipt requested.
Plaintiffs' counsel shall deliver one complete copy of Form B and supporting documentation, and list of the names and addresses of the defendants and their counsel to whom the Form B and documentation are to be delivered (the "service list"), to Liaison Counsel for the Defendants' registered mail, return receipt requested.
Page 14 | The Amendment
Defendants' liaison counsel must distribute Form B, supporting documentation, and the service list to each listed defendant's counsel and provide a copy to plaintiff's counsel.
Defendants' Liaison Counsel is required to (1) acknowledge receipt of the information of plaintiffs' counsel; (2) mail or hand deliver complete copy of each Form B and documentation and a copy of the service list received form to plaintiffs' counsel, to each defendants' counsel named on the plaintiffs' service list; and (3) file a notice of accomplishment of service with the Court which certifies the distribution, with three (3) working days of the receipt of the Form B and documentation from plaintiffs' counsel.
Page 14 | The Amendment
Liaison counsel must mail the Amendment and Show Cause Order to all counsel of record within three working days after the order's date.
Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Liaison Counsel shall cause copy of this Amendment and Show Cause Order to be mailed to all counsel of records within three (3) working days of the date of this order.
Page 15 | Show Cause
A written objection must be served on all other counsel when filed with the court.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Friday, April 2, 1995.
Page 15 | Show Cause
Filing Fees and Waivers
All outstanding court costs must be paid.
all outstanding court costs are paid
Page 1 | SETTLED AND DISMISSED CASES
A filing fee is payable for the lawsuit but not for filing Form A.
Filing fees will be paid only with respect to the filing of the lawsuit, and not with respect to filing the Inactive Docket Information Form (Form A).
Page 13 | The Amendment
Outstanding court costs must be paid to the Clerk’s office when a settlement order or stipulation of dismissal is filed.
Outstanding court costs must be paid to the Clerk’s office when a Settlement Order or Stipulation of Dismissal is filed.
Page 1 | Settled and Dismissed Cases
A filing fee applies to the lawsuit but not to the Inactive Docket Claimant Information Form (Form A).
Filing fees will paid only with respect to the filing of the lawsuit, and not with respect to filing the Inactive Docket Claimant Information Form (Form A).
Page 7 | Placement On, and Removal From, The Inactive Docket
Mediation fees are due before or at the initial session; the court-designated mediator may charge no more than $200 per hour, bills at least two hours, and may not increase the rate for an agreed extension.
Payment for mediation services is due prior to or at the initial mediation session. The fee for the mediator designated by the court shall be no more than $200.00 per hour. A minimum of two (2) hours of mediation will be billed for each case. The parties, by agreement, may extend the mediation beyond the two hours. During any extension of the mediation, the mediator may not increase his or her hourly rate for providing services relating to this action.
Page 1 | Mediation Fees
A party that fails to provide required notice of a postponement or cancellation must pay the mediator for two hours of mediation time.
Upon failing to give the required notice of postponement or cancellation of a mediation session, parties shall pay the mediator for two (2) hours of mediation time.
Page 1 | Establishing a Mediation Conference Date and Completing Mediation
The Clerk charges a fee for each writ requested by a moving party in a pre-judgment attachment matter.
The Clerk charges a fee for each writ requested by the moving party.
Page 1 | PRE-JUDGMENT ATTACHMENTS
Recipients must promptly reimburse Defendants' Liaison Counsel for reasonable copying costs capped at 20 cents per page and the actual mailing or delivery costs.
Defendants' Liaison Counsel is authorized to request, and recipients are ordered to pay promptly to Defendants' Liaison Counsel, reimbursement for the reasonable costs of copying (not to exceed 20 cents per page) and mailing (actual postage costs) or delivery (actual costs) of the materials required to be distributed by this Order.
Page 4 | Inactive Docket Amendment #1
Each trial-cluster e-filing in the group case number is assessed one LexisNexis CourtLink transactional filing fee.
When individual cases have been grouped for trial, known as "trial clusters", a Participant shall eFile a pleading, paper or document in the group case number and will be assessed one LexisNexis CourtLink transactional filing fee for each filing.
Page 8 | 4. Form of Pleadings, Papers and Documents Electronically Filed
Vendor eFile transaction fees are set by Appendix A, may be amended, and cannot be increased without at least 60 days' prior notice and Court approval.
The transactional fees for the use of the Vendor's eFile system are set forth in the Schedule of Fees attached as Appendix A, as may be amended from time to time. No fees will be increased by the Vendor without giving at least sixty (60) days prior notice to all Participants and approval by the Court.
Page 9 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
The moving party must pay the Clerk’s fee for each requested writ of attachment.
The Clerk charges a fee for each writ requested by the moving party.
Page 1 | Pre-Judgment Attachments
Official service to non-subscribers by U.S. mail costs 10 cents per page plus postage, subject to a $2 minimum.
10¢ a page plus postage via U.S. mail ($2 minimum)
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
A multiple-case filing costs $6 per filing plus a $2 posting fee for each additional case.
$6.00 per filing plus $2.00 posting fee for each additional case
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
Accessing non-Baltimore asbestos documents filed or served by other firms costs $5 per document.
All other documents: | $5.00 per non-Baltimore asbestos document
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
Official service to non-subscribers by fax costs 20 cents per page, subject to a $2 minimum.
To non-subscribers: | 20¢ a page via fax ($2 minimum)
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
Official service to other eFile subscribers costs $10 per filing for an unlimited number of pages and parties.
To other subscribers: | To non-subscribers: | | $10.00 per filing an unlimited number of pages on an unlimited number of parties
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
The listed eFile court-filing charge is $6 per filing for an unlimited number of pages, with additional court filing fees potentially applicable.
$6.00 per filing an unlimited number of pages Additional court filing fees may apply
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
CourtLink fax filing or service on behalf of the faxing party costs $10 plus the applicable standard filing and service fees.
$10 plus standard filing and/or service fees. | *Faxed documents filed and/or served by CourtLink on behalf of faxing party*
Page 10 | Appendix A: eFile Pricing
A mediator selected by the parties is not subject to the Court's mediation fee schedule.
Mediators selected by the parties are not bound by the Court’s fee schedule described below.
Page 1 | Selection and Requests to Change Mediators
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A party objecting to the amendment must provide a courtesy copy of the objection to chambers.
Any party that objects to this amendment shall show cause why the amendment should not be ordered, in writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on September 10, 1993.
Page 10 | Show Cause
A copy of each response to a pre-trial motion must be provided to the judge's chambers on the response date.
Respond to pretrial motions. Responses served on adversaries by hand, fax, or efiling. Copy provided to Judge's chambers on this date.
Page 7 | Exhibit A
A copy of each mandatory pre-trial motion must be provided to the judge's chambers on the filing date.
File mandatory pretrial motions, if any. Any such motion serve on adversaries by hand, fax or efiling. Copy provided to Judge's chambers on this date.
Page 7 | Exhibit A
A courtesy copy of court-appointed counsel’s answer and report should be delivered to the hearing judge’s chambers at least one day before the hearing.
a courtesy copy should be delivered to the hearing judge’s chambers at least one day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | Guardianship Petitions — Expedited
For a temporary restraining order motion, two copies of the papers should be given to the Clerk for date-stamping and, in a new action, assignment of a case number.
Two copies of these papers should be given to the Clerk to be date-stamped and to receive a case number (if it is a new action).
The two copies of temporary restraining order papers should be delivered to General Magistrate Sara Walsh in Room 232 of the Cummings Courthouse.
The copies should be delivered to General Magistrate Sara Walsh, 232 Cummings Courthouse.
For a pre-judgment attachment request, two copies of the papers should be submitted to the Clerk for date-stamping and, for a new action, assignment of a case number, and then delivered to General Magistrate Sara Walsh in Room 232.
Two copies of these papers should be given to the Clerk to be date-stamped and to receive a case number (if it is a new action). The copies should be delivered to General Magistrate Sara Walsh, Room 232 Cummings Courthouse.
A show-cause objection must include a courtesy copy to chambers.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceeding three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Tuesday, March 30, 1993.
Page 6 | Show Cause
A party objecting to the amendment must provide a courtesy copy to chambers when filing the objection.
Any party wishing to object to this amendment shall show cause, in a writing not to exceed three (3) pages, filed with the Court, courtesy copy to chambers, and served upon all other counsel, not later than the close of business on Friday, April 2, 1995.
Page 15 | Show Cause
For specially assigned cases, courtesy copies of all pleadings and documents should be simultaneously provided to the assigned judge’s chambers.
Once cases have been specially assigned to a specific judge, a courtesy copy of all pleadings and documents should be simultaneously provided to the judge’s chambers.
Page 1 | Specially Assigned Cases
A written request to substitute the mediator must be submitted with one courtesy stamped copy to the Civil ADR Program or sent by email or fax.
Parties must file a written “Request to Substitute Mediator,” substantially in the form set forth in MD Rule 17-202(g) with the Clerk’s Office, with a courtesy stamped copy sent to the Civil ADR Program at the address below, or by email or fax (see contact information below).
Page 1 | 2. Selection of and Requests to Change Mediators
A courtesy copy of memoranda filed after the chambers judge receives the file should be delivered to the motions judge.
A courtesy copy of any memoranda filed after that date should be delivered to the Motions judge.
Page 1 | Courtesy Copies
Two copies of temporary restraining order papers should be delivered to General Magistrate Susan M. Marzetta.
Two copies of these papers should be given to the Clerk to be date-stamped and to receive a case number (if it is a new action). The copies should be delivered to General Magistrate Susan M. Marzetta, 232 Courthouse East.
Page 1 | Emergency Injunctive Relief
No copy of the Notice of Accomplishment of Service is to be sent to court chambers.
Defense liaison counsel shall file with the clerk of court (no copy to court chambers) a "Notice of Accomplishment of Service of Court Order" upon completion of distribution of an order.
Page 9 | The Amendment
No copy of the answer or response is to be sent to court chambers.
The answer or response shall be filed with the appropriate Clerk of Court (no copy to court chambers).
Page 10 | The Amendment
Date-stamped courtesy copies of a telephonic-appearance motion may be faxed to the Civil ADR office.
Date-stamped courtesy copies may be submitted to Civil ADR (Room 248, Courthouse East, fax number (410) 396-7378).
Page 1 | REQUEST FOR TELEPHONIC APPEARANCE AT PRE-TRIAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE
A date-stamped courtesy copy of the pre-trial settlement conference statement may be sent by fax or email to the Civil ADR Program Office, and an extra copy must be brought to the conference.
Please provide date-stamped courtesy copies by fax ((410) 396-7378) or email (Luke.Little@mdcourts.gov) to the Civil ADR Program Office and bring an extra copy to the conference.
Page 1 | BEST PRACTICES FOR PRE-TRIAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
For specially assigned cases, counsel are generally required to send the assigned judge courtesy copies of all papers filed with the court.
If a case is specially assigned, counsel are generally required to send the assigned judge courtesy copies of all papers filed with the Court.
Page 4 | TRACK DESIGNATIONS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A motion to seal documents must be electronically filed and served on all parties.
Motions to file documents under seal shall be electronically filed and served on all parties in the case.
Page 6 | l. Sealed Documents
Filing Bundling Requirements
If the objection remains uncured seven days after the meet-and-confer, the requesting and objecting counsel must submit one status report covering all disputed removal requests.
If seven days after this meeting the objection remains uncured, the plaintiff's counsel who is requesting removal, and the defendant's counsel objecting to removal, shall submit a single status report to the Court for all of the requests for removal that are still in dispute.
Page 21 | Show Cause
Documents relating to a single pleading or paper may be filed together in one electronic transaction.
All documents relating to a single pleading or paper may be electronically filed together in a single filing transaction.
Page 5 | g. Filing Related Documents
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
After reviewing pre-judgment attachment papers, Magistrate Walsh will conduct a screening conference and, if no agreement is reached, recommend a disposition to the Civil Motions Judge.
Magistrate Walsh will conduct a screening conference after her review of the papers. If no agreement results from the screening conference, Magistrate Walsh will recommend a disposition to the Civil Motions Judge.
Page 1 | PRE-JUDGMENT ATTACHMENTS
A motion to dismiss based on jurisdiction or forum non conveniens will be heard before the court grants expedited trial status.
The Court will hear any motion(s) to dismiss on jurisdictional or forum non conveniens grounds before granting any case expedite trial status under this Order.
Page 3 | ORDER
The court will not rule on ex parte motions.
The court will not rule on ex parte motions.
Page 1 | Discovery
A temporary restraining order hearing involves a screening conference and oral argument before the Magistrate, followed by a hearing before the Civil Motions Judge if necessary.
The hearing will consist of a screening conference with oral argument in front of the Magistrate followed by a hearing before the Civil Motions Judge, if necessary.
Page 1 | How do I obtain emergency relief?
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
If the objection remains uncured after 30 days, plaintiff's counsel and the objecting defendant's counsel must meet and confer to attempt to cure it.
If the objection is not cured within the 30 day period the plaintiff's counsel and the defendant's counsel who filed the objection to removal shall meet and confer to attempt to cure the objection.
Page 21 | Show Cause
Parties must notify the mediator at least two business days before rescheduling or canceling a mediation conference.
If the parties must reschedule or cancel the mediation conference, they must promptly notify the mediator of this change no later than two (2) business days prior to the scheduled date.
Page 1 | Establishing a Mediation Conference Date and Completing Mediation
After a case is presented for trial, the Trial Judge may deny but may not grant a postponement request.
After a case has been presented to a Trial Judge for trial, the Trial Judge shall have power to deny a request for postponement, but shall not have the power to grant a postponement.
Page 30 | XIV. Postponements
Before trial, postponement requests must be submitted only to the Judge/Special Master, who has sole authority to grant or deny them.
Prior to trial, requests for postponement shall be addressed solely to the Judge/Special Master who shall have sole authority to grant or deny same.
Page 30 | XIV. Postponements
A Trial Judge who considers a postponement appropriate must refer the request to the Judge/Special Master for decision.
If the Trial Judge feels that a postponement is appropriate he shall nevertheless refer the request to the Judge/Special Master for decision.
Page 30 | XIV. Postponements
Parties must give at least two business days' notice to postpone or cancel mediation, and a party failing to do so must pay the mediator's reserved-time fee.
Parties are required to provide the mediator with at least two (2) business days’ notice to postpone or cancel mediation. If a party fails to provide the mediator with the required notice, the responsible party is required to pay the mediator his/her fee for the time reserved for mediation.
Page 1 | 1. Scheduling a Mediation Conference and Completing Mediation, subsection b
Parties must notify the mediator at least two business days before a scheduled mediation if they need to reschedule or cancel it.
If the parties must reschedule or cancel the mediation conference, they must promptly notify the mediator of this change no later than two (2) business days prior to the scheduled date.
Page 1 | Establishing a Mediation Conference Date and Completing Mediation
A request to change the scheduling of a motion hearing must be made at 1:45 p.m. in Room 231 Courthouse East.
Any request for changes to the scheduling of a hearing on a motion must be made at 1:45 p.m. in Room 231 Courthouse East.
Page 1 | Postponements
A request to reschedule a pretrial settlement conference or trial date must be made by written motion for modification filed within 15 days of the initial scheduling order setting those dates.
All requests to reschedule a Pre-Trial Settlement Conference or trial date shall be made by written motion for modification filed within fifteen (15) days of the initial scheduling order setting those dates.
Page 11 | Postponement Policy
Except in exigent circumstances, a party seeking to modify the schedule must file a written motion with the Clerk showing good cause and diligence; the JICC decides the motion.
Thereafter, except for exigent circumstances, the schedule may be modified only upon filing with the Clerk a written motion for modification setting forth a showing of good cause that the schedule cannot reasonably be met despite the diligence of the party seeking modification. Motions for modification are decided by the JICC.
Page 11 | Postponement Policy
Modification requests based on exigent circumstances are heard at the daily postponement court session without an appointment, and exigent circumstances are limited to unforeseen developments occurring within 30 days of the pre-trial settlement conference or trial date that prevent compliance with the schedule.
Modification requests made for exigent circumstances are heard at the daily postponement court session without appointment. An “exigent circumstance” means an unforeseen development occurring within thirty (30) days of the pre-trial settlement conference or trial date which prevents compliance with the schedule.
Page 13 | CASE MANAGEMENT
All counsel and unrepresented parties must attend hearings concerning rescheduling of a trial date, pre-trial conference, other hearing date, or modification of dates in a Pre-Trial Scheduling Order.
Counsel for all parties and any unrepresented parties must attend a hearing on the rescheduling of a trial date, pre-trial conference, or other hearing date or on modification of dates in a Pre-Trial Scheduling Order.
Page 13 | CASE MANAGEMENT
Postponing a trial does not alter other deadlines, including discovery and summary-judgment deadlines; those deadlines change only when the JICC grants a motion to modify the Pre-Trial Scheduling Order.
A postponement of the trial date does not change any other deadlines, including the deadlines for discovery and for motions for summary judgment. Those deadlines are altered only by the JICC granting a motion to modify the Pre-Trial Scheduling Order.
Page 13 | CASE MANAGEMENT
The scheduling order may be modified, including the dates of the pre-trial settlement conference and trial, by a written motion filed within 15 days after the order.
This order is subject to modification, including the scheduling of the pre-trial settlement conference and trial, upon a written motion for modification filed within 15 days of the date of this order.
Page 16 | Pre-Trial Scheduling Order, Paragraph 11
If exigent circumstances prevent a written modification motion, an oral motion must be made at the daily 1:45 p.m. remote electronic hearing.
If exigent circumstances prevent a motion in writing, an oral motion shall be made at a remote electronic hearing daily at 1:45 p.m. Access to that hearing can be arranged by contacting the Civil Assignment office at 410-333-3755.
Page 16 | Pre-Trial Scheduling Order, Paragraph 11
After the initial 15-day period, schedule modification requires a written motion showing good cause and that the schedule cannot reasonably be met despite the moving parties’ diligence.
Thereafter, this order may be modified only upon a written motion for modification setting forth a showing of good cause that the schedule cannot reasonably be met despite the diligence of the parties seeking modification.
Page 16 | Pre-Trial Scheduling Order, Paragraph 11
A written motion to modify the scheduling order must be filed within 15 days of the order; after that period, modification requires a written motion showing good cause and diligence despite the inability to meet the schedule.
This order is subject to modification, including the scheduling of the pre-trial and settlement conference and trial, upon a written motion for modification filed within 15 days of the date of this order. Thereafter, this order may be modified only upon a written motion for modification setting forth a showing of good cause that the schedule cannot reasonably be met despite the diligence of the parties seeking modification.
Page 17 | PRE-TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER
A motion to extend time must explain the circumstances preventing timely filing and propose a date for filing the Affidavit of Compliance/Request for Judgment.
If Plaintiff anticipates that the Affidavit of Compliance/Request for Judgment will not be filed timely, Plaintiff must file a Motion to Extend the Time with an explanation of the circumstances that will prevent timely filing and a proposed date for filing the Affidavit of Compliance/Request for Judgment.
Page 25 | PRE-TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER
An extension request made within 90 days of the Affidavit of Compliance/Request for Judgment deadline will be granted only for exigent circumstances.
Any request to extend the deadline to file the Affidavit of Compliance/ Request for Judgment made within 90 days of its due date will be granted only for exigent circumstances.
Page 25 | PRE-TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER
The status conference may be postponed only by court order, and any postponement request must be submitted in writing by the stated deadline.
The conference may be postponed only upon order of the court. Any request to postpone the conference must be made in writing not later than .
Page 26 | STATUS CONFERENCE SCHEDULING ORDER
A motion to extend the filing deadline or postpone the initial hearing must be filed with the Clerk at least 20 days before the hearing, explain the circumstances preventing timely filing, and propose a new filing date.
Any request to extend the time to file the Affidavit of Compliance/Request for Judgment and/or to postpone the initial hearing must be made by motion filed with the Clerk of the Court no later than 20 days before the initial hearing. Plaintiff must explain the circumstances that will prevent timely filing and propose a new date for filing the Affidavit of Compliance/Request for Judgment.
Page 43 | PRE-TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER
A motion seeking to shorten the response time for a discovery motion must comply with Maryland Rule 1-204.
All motions to shorten the time a party should respond to a discovery motion must be in compliance with Md. Rule 1-204.
Page 1 | Discovery
By consent and without a court order, participants may agree to extend a filing deadline when a technical problem would cause the deadline to be missed.
In such an event, Participants may, by consent and without the necessity of an order of court, agree to an extension of a filing deadline.
Page 7 | 3. Operation of Electronic Filing and Service Procedure
Chambers Communication Rules
If the case is dismissed or fully settled before mediation, the parties must immediately notify the mediator in writing.
If the case is dismissed or a settlement is reached with all parties as to all issues prior to the scheduled mediation, parties must notify the mediator, immediately, in writing.
Page 2 | Settlement of a Case Prior to Mediation Session
Counsel must telephone Magistrate Walsh's office before filing the temporary restraining order papers.
Prior to filing, counsel should call Magistrate Walsh (410) 396-5006 to advise her office of the filing.
Page 1 | How do I obtain emergency relief?
Before filing temporary restraining order papers, counsel should call Magistrate Walsh at (410) 396-5006 to provide advance notice of the filing.
Prior to filing, counsel should call Magistrate Walsh (410) 396-5006 to advise her office of the filing.
Page 1 | EMERGENCY INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
Call the Civil Assignment Office well before 1:45 p.m. to provide the information needed for a postponement request.
Please call the Civil Assignment Office (410-333-3755) well in advance of 1:45 p.m. to provide the information for the postponement request.
Page 1 | Postponements
Counsel should call Magistrate Marzetta at (410) 396-5006 before filing to advise her office of the filing.
Prior to filing, counsel should call Magistrate Marzetta (410) 396-5006 to advise her office of the filing.
Page 1 | Emergency Injunctive Relief
The Civil Assignment Office handles postponement requests by telephone and provides instructions on when and how the matter will be heard.
Please call the Civil Assignment Office (410-333-3755) well in advance of 1:45 p.m. to provide the information for the postponement request.
Page 1 | How do I obtain a postponement or a modification of the Scheduling Order?
To attend the daily 1:45 p.m. postponement session, a party must make all parties available and contact the Civil Assignment office at 410-333-3755 by 1:00 p.m. with case information to obtain call-in information.
To attend the daily 1:45 p.m. postponement court session, a party must arrange for all parties to be available and must contact the Civil Assignment office (410-333-3755) no later than 1:00 p.m. to provide case information and to receive the necessary call-in information.
Page 12 | Postponement Policy
Questions about a filed motion for exemption from mandatory mediation should be directed to the Office of Mediation at 410-396-7374.
Any questions about a filed motion for exemption should be directed to the Office of Mediation at 410-396-7374.
Page 2 | Exemption from Court Ordered Mediation
Questions about a filed mediation-exemption motion should be directed to the Office of Mediation at 410-396-7374.
Any questions about a filed motion for exemption should be directed to the Office of Mediation at 410-396-7374.
Page 2 | Exemption from Court Ordered Mediation
The Mitchell Courthouse clerk can be reached at (410) 396-5188 during stated business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MITCHELL COURTHOUSE 100 North Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 396-5188 Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Page 1 | MITCHELL COURTHOUSE
The Juvenile Justice Center clerk can be reached at (443) 263-8706 during stated business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER 300 North Gay Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (443) 263-8706 Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Page 1 | JUVENILE JUSTICE CENTER
The Cummings Courthouse clerk can be reached at (410) 396-5188 during stated business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
CUMMINGS COURTHOUSE 111 N. Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202 Phone: (410) 396-5188 Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Page 1 | CUMMINGS COURTHOUSE
Access to the remote modification hearing can be arranged by calling the Civil Assignment office at 410-333-3755.
Access to that hearing can be arranged by contacting the Civil Assignment office at 410-333-3755.
Page 19 | PRE-TRIAL SCHEDULING ORDER
To identify the discovery judges assigned for a term, contact the Civil Assignment Office at 410-333-3755.
Contact the Civil Assignment Office (410-333-3755) to determine the names of the judges assigned to handle discovery disputes in a particular term.
Page 1 | Discovery