Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Joseph C. Spero's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Joseph C. Spero?

Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: delivery upon filing, by email. No paper courtesy copies; email courtesy copies and proposed orders to jcspo@cand.uscourts.gov

View ruleSource: page 1, section C. CHAMBERS COPIES

Does Judge Joseph C. Spero require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery motions. Details: 5 pages. Discovery disputes require meet and confer by video conference followed by a joint letter not exceeding 5 pages within 5 business days.

View ruleSource: page 2, section E. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

What must be included with consent form filings before Judge Joseph C. Spero?

The rule requires case number and signature blocks. Consent/Declination form must be filed within 2 weeks of receipt in cases assigned to Judge Spero

View ruleSource: page 1, section B. CONSENT

What must be included with preservation letter filings before Judge Joseph C. Spero?

The rule requires certificate of service. Parties must immediately preserve all evidence including electronic records upon notice of this order

View ruleSource: page 2, section E. DISCOVERY DISPUTES

How may parties contact Judge Joseph C. Spero's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Joseph C. Spero's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email jcspo@cand.uscourts.gov. Proposed stipulations and orders must be sent by email to jcspo@cand.uscourts.gov.

View ruleSource: page 1, section C. CHAMBERS COPIES

How does Judge Joseph C. Spero handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Joseph C. Spero's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. In Social Security cases, parties should use only the plaintiff's initials in pleadings to protect privacy.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Joseph C. Spero?

Requests should be made at least 7 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Joseph C. Spero. Requests to appear telephonically must be filed and served one week before the conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. SCHEDULING HEARINGS AND CONFERENCES
Complete rules summary for Judge Joseph C. Spero

Civil motions heard Wednesdays at 9:30 AM; no advance hearing date reservation needed

Criminal motions heard Wednesdays at 10:30 AM

Case Management Conferences held Wednesdays at 2:00 PM; recording only if pro se party or specific request

Telephonic appearance requests suspended; all appearances by Zoom Webinar (ID: 161 926 0804, Password: 050855)

Consent/Declination form must be filed within 2 weeks of receipt in cases assigned to Judge Spero

No paper courtesy copies; email courtesy copies and proposed orders to jcspo@cand.uscourts.gov

Parties must immediately preserve all evidence including electronic records upon notice of this order

Parties may indicate pronouns and honorifics through confidential letter, docket filing, or pleadings.

Social Security cases must use plaintiff initials only in pleadings to protect privacy.

Requests to appear telephonically must be filed and served one week before the conference.

Scheduling questions should be emailed to JCSCRD@cand.uscourts.gov.

No paper courtesy copies accepted; email courtesy copies to jcspo@cand.uscourts.gov instead.

Proposed stipulations and orders must be sent by email to jcspo@cand.uscourts.gov.

Settlement Conference Statements must be lodged via email to JCSsettlement@cand.uscourts.gov, not electronically filed.

Discovery disputes require meet and confer by video conference followed by a joint letter not exceeding 5 pages within 5 business days.

In Social Security cases, parties should use only the plaintiff's initials in pleadings to protect privacy.

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