Judge Iain D. Johnston
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Each of these letters typically should be five pages or fewer.
Settlement Position Letter
5 pages
Document Format Requirements2 rules
The Final Pretrial Order in Western Division civil cases must use the approved Western Division form.
The Final Pretrial Order to be used, pursuant to Local Rule 16.1, in civil cases pending in the Western Division shall be in the form approved for use in the Western Division, which is available in the District Court Clerk’s Office, Western Division and on this court’s webpage.
The stipulations and statements attached as sections (a)-(m) of the pretrial order shall be tabbed and labeled by section.
Document Filing Requirements3 rules
The defendant’s response letter must identify points of agreement and disagreement with the plaintiff’s letter and state a settlement offer.
The defendant’s counsel’s letter in response to the plaintiff’s initial letter must set forth at least the following information: (a) any points in plaintiff’s letter with which the defendant agrees; (b) any points in plaintiff’s letter with which defendant disagrees; and (c) a settlement offer.
DocumentDefendant Initial Settlement Position Letter
The second set of letters shall include only the following information: a specific dollar figure (or, in the appropriate case, other specific settlement proposal) at which the party is willing to settle. The parties shall not include additional information or argument in their confidential letters.
DocumentConfidential Settlement Letter
The plaintiff’s initial settlement letter must address liability, the basis for damages or other relief, itemized damages and supporting evidence and law, and a settlement demand.
The plaintiff’s counsel’s initial letter must set forth at least the following information: (a) a brief summary of the evidence and legal principles that plaintiff asserts will allow it to establish liability; (b) a brief explanation of why damages or other relief would appropriately be granted at trial; (c) an itemization of the damages plaintiff believes can be proven at trial, and a brief summary of the evidence and legal principles supporting those damages; and (d) a settlement demand.
DocumentPlaintiff Initial Settlement Position Letter
Filing & Service rules
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Sealed documents disposition options per General Rule 10 upon case closure
Any document contained within has been ordered sealed. Pursuant to General Rule 10 upon this case being closed the sealed document is to be:
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Failure to meet the telephonic-hearing requirements results in personal appearances unless the Court grants a motion for leave to appear telephonically.
If the Court determines that any of these requirements has not been met, it will bar counsel from appearing telephonically and thereafter require counsel to personally appear. Barred counsel will only be allowed to appear telephonically after a motion seeking leave to appear telephonically has been filed, presented, heard and granted.
Civil cases
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel must participate in telephonic status hearings from a quiet location free from noise and distractions.
Counsel must be in a quiet location, free from noise and distractions. A prime example of a good location would be counsel's desk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Counsel must provide a correct, direct telephone number for telephonic status hearings.
Counsel must provide the correct, direct telephone number where they can be reached.
Civil cases
Page 1 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception; use of a landline is recommended.
Counsel's telephone must provide clear reception. A landline would help in this regard.
Civil cases
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS
Counsel must answer the Court's call for a telephonic status hearing.
Counsel must answer the Court's telephone call.
Civil cases
Page 2 | STANDING ORDER REGARDING TELEPHONIC STATUS HEARINGS