Judge John Mercer

Applies to

Filing using word limit

A filing using the 6,500-word alternative must include a compliance certification stating its word count and line spacing, plus the specified typeface and point size or monospaced characters per inch.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions other than contested dispositive motions must include a proposed order with a cc: at the bottom listing the full name of each attorney or party to be served.

Applies to

Proposed order

Proposed orders must include copies and self-addressed, stamped envelopes for all parties of record unless other arrangements are made with the Clerk; otherwise, the Clerk must reject the filing.

When the case settles at the master-supervised conference, the settlement master must immediately contact the Judge’s Judicial Assistant so hearings or pending motions can be vacated.

Contact

Email to chambers

Attorneys appearing by Zoom must email exhibits to the Department’s Judicial Assistant two working days before the hearing.

A party who believes a potentially violent situation might arise must notify the assigned Judge and court bailiff sufficiently in advance.

Unopposed motions to continue or vacate a law-and-motion hearing are due by noon the day before the law-and-motion date.

The certification about the lawyers’ resolution conference is due within ten days after the conference.

The settlement master must file the conference report within five days after the conference is completed.

Briefs must follow Montana Uniform District Court Rule 1 except that the font must be at least 11 point; a pleading that does not conform to that rule will be refused and returned by the Clerk.

Proposed orders accompanying motions filed via e-filing must be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format.

Unless the Court orders otherwise, plaintiffs/petitioners must identify exhibits with numbers and defendants/respondents with letters.