Judge Patrick M. Connelly
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Court-wideExhibits
Court-wideMotion
Court-wideOpposition Brief
Court-wide- At Least 7 Days Prior To Argument
Communication
Clerk4 contacts
- aloy@alleghenycourts.us
- civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us
- 412-350-4057
- 412-350-4462
Chambers3 contacts
- connellychambers@alleghenycourts.us
- 412-350-5904
- 412.350.5400
Other Contacts2 contacts
- eliddell@alleghenycourts.us
- mfriday@alleghenycourts.us
Intake Unit1 contacts
- hchelpdesk@alleghenycourts.us
Document Format Requirements5 rules
The motion must be emailed as a PDF and the proposed order must be emailed as a separate Microsoft Word document to the calendar control motions address.
To do this please email your motion as a PDF document and your proposed order as a separate Microsoft WORD document to civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us
A proposed order must be provided in Microsoft Word format as a separate document.
All motions and orders must be emailed, and the proposed order must be provided as a separate Microsoft Word Document.
DOCX
An uncontested motion’s proposed order must be supplied as a separate Microsoft Word document for electronic signature.
Please provide your proposed order as a separate Microsoft WORD Document for electronic signing.
DOCX
The proposed order submitted with a Petition for Settlement Approval must be in Microsoft Word format.
Petitions for Settlement Approval for wrongful death or survival actions shall be submitted to Judge Connelly electronically at civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us along with a Proposed Order in Microsoft Word format.
DOCX
Before trial, each party must prepare a tabbed binder containing all exhibits the party intends to present or introduce into evidence.
Prior to the start of trial, each party must prepare a tabbed exhibit binder containing each exhibit that the party plans to show to any witness, to introduce through any witness, or otherwise to introduce into evidence.
Document Filing Requirements11 rules
A calendar control motion must include an attached Notice of Presentation stating the argument date, time, and location, and a Certificate of Service showing service on opposing parties.
Your motion MUST have a Notice of Presentation attached with the date, time, and location of the argument as well as a Certificate of Service indicating opposing parties have been served.
Document Type
Calendar Control Motion
Motion emails must identify the motion as contested, uncontested, or emergency and include the case name, docket number, current trial or arbitration date, motion name, and presentation date in the subject line or body as specified.
VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS! The subject line of all emails regarding motions should contain “contested, uncontested, or EMERGENCY” with the case name and docket number. You must include in the body of the email the following information: current trial date or arbitration date (if requesting an initial trial date or arbitration date please indicate that in the email), the name of your motion, and the date of presentation of your motion. If you do not include all of this information in your email to the court your email may be rejected!
Document Type
Motion Email
The Notice of Presentation for an uncontested motion must state that it follows Judge Connelly’s Standard Operating Procedures and requires no presentation date.
Please state in the Notice of Presentation that the motion is being submitted in accordance with Judge Connelly’s Standard Operating Procedures and that a presentation date is not necessary.
Document Type
Notice Of Presentation
The Certificate of Service must display notice of electronic service.
Notice of electronic service should be displayed on the Certificate of Service.
Document Type
Certificate Of Service
All motions should include a Notice of Presentation and Certificate of Service.
All motions should have a Notice of Presentation and Certificate of Service attached.
Document Type
Notice Of Presentation
A Motion to Seal must state appropriate sealing grounds and the legal basis for the request.
The Motion to Seal should contain appropriate grounds for sealing and the legal basis upon which the request is based.
Document Type
Motion To Seal
A proposed order must accompany a Petition for Settlement Approval.
Petitions for Settlement Approval for wrongful death or survival actions shall be submitted to Judge Connelly electronically at civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us along with a Proposed Order in Microsoft Word format.
Document Type
Petition
A Petition for Settlement Approval must state whether and how each beneficiary received notice of the petition and settlement.
When submitting a Petition, include whether and how each beneficiary was served notice of the Petition and settlement.
Document Type
Petition
When a decedent had both a surviving spouse and issue, the Petition must identify whether the children were the children of both.
If the decedent had both a surviving spouse and issue, indicate whether the children were those of both the decedent and the surviving spouse.
Document Type
Petition
Plaintiffs must mark their trial exhibits with numbers.
Plaintiffs are to mark their exhibits with numbers.
Document Type
Exhibits
Defendants must mark their trial exhibits with letters.
Defendants are to use letters.
Document Type
Exhibits
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A calendar control motion must be filed with the Department of Court Records before it is emailed to the court.
You are required to file your motion with the Department of Court Records before emailing to the court.
Page 2 | CALENDAR CONTROL MOTIONS
Petitions for Settlement Approval must be submitted electronically to Judge Connelly with a proposed order.
Petitions for Settlement Approval for wrongful death or survival actions shall be submitted to Judge Connelly electronically at civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us along with a Proposed Order in Microsoft Word format.
Page 5 | PETITIONS FOR SETTLEMENT APPROVAL
Pretrial motions, briefs, and responses must be emailed to Judge Connelly's chambers promptly after counsel learns the case has been assigned for trial.
As soon as counsel learns that the case has been assigned to Judge Connelly for trial, counsel must email pretrial motions, briefs, and responses to ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us for the Court’s consideration.
Page 6 | TRIAL PROCEDURES
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
An uncontested motion must be filed with the Department of Court Records before it is emailed to the court.
You are required to file your motion with the Department of Court Records before emailing the court.
Page 3 | UNCONTESTED MOTIONS
The settlement approval order must be placed on the docket within four weeks after submission.
The Order shall be on the docket within 4 weeks of the submission date.
Page 5 | PETITIONS FOR SETTLEMENT APPROVAL
Pretrial motions must be filed on the docket before the Court issues rulings.
These motions must be filed on the docket before the Court issues its rulings.
Page 6 | TRIAL PROCEDURES
The non-moving party may file a response no more than fourteen days after the moving party files its motion and brief.
The non-moving party may file a response no more than fourteen days after the moving party has filed its motion and brief.
Page 8 | POST-TRIAL MOTION PROCEDURES
When the necessary trial transcripts are not needed to prepare the brief, the moving party must file the brief simultaneously with the post-trial motion.
If the trial and/or related transcripts are not necessary in order to prepare a brief, the moving party must file a brief at the time the party files its post-trial motion.
Page 8 | POST-TRIAL MOTION PROCEDURES
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A motion to withdraw as counsel must be served on opposing counsel and the client.
Motions to withdraw as counsel should be filed and served on opposing counsel and the client.
Page 3 | MOTIONS TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL
The client must receive adequate notice and an opportunity to appear and be heard before the court.
The client should have adequate notice and the opportunity to appear before the court and be heard.
Page 3 | MOTIONS TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL
The filing party must serve a copy of its post-trial motion on the opposing party and the Court in accordance with applicable Pennsylvania and Allegheny County rules.
The filing party must serve a copy of its post-trial motion on the opposing party and on the Court consistent with the applicable Pennsylvania and Allegheny County rules.
Page 8 | POST-TRIAL MOTION PROCEDURES
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The petition and proposed order must be sent to Chambers for review at the same time as the Motion to Seal.
When submitting the Motion to Seal to the Court, you must send the Petition and Proposed Order to Chambers via the aforementioned email address for review contemporaneous with the Motion to Seal.
Page 5 | PETITIONS FOR SETTLEMENT APPROVAL
A request to seal a petition and order requires a Motion to Seal presented to Judge Connelly rather than General Motions.
If the parties wish to have the Petition and Order sealed, they must file a Motion to Seal and present the same to Judge Connelly in accordance with these Standard Operating Procedures – these motions should not be presented to General Motions.
Page 5 | PETITIONS FOR SETTLEMENT APPROVAL
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The parties must meet and confer about resolving motions in limine before presenting them to the Court.
The parties shall meet and confer regarding resolution of any Motions in Limine prior to presentation to the Court.
Page 6 | TRIAL PROCEDURES
Chambers Communication Rules
Argument must not be submitted by email, and unprofessional or disparaging communications are prohibited.
The court will not entertain argument via email, nor will it tolerate unprofessional or disparaging communications whether directed towards court staff or the opposition.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Emails about a particular case must include all parties in the To or Cc fields, unless directed otherwise, and may not use Bcc for other parties or opposing counsel.
When communicating with the court via email about a particular case, ALL parties must be included on the email unless directed otherwise. The email addresses of the other parties/opposing counsel must be included either in the “To” or the “Cc” boxes so that they are visible to the court. Please do not “Bcc” the other parties/opposing counsel on your communications.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Request an alternative argument date by email for a time-restricted contested emergency motion, using “EMERGENCY” in the subject and stating the reason and required timeframe in the body.
If you have a contested emergency motion that cannot be scheduled on a calendar control motions date due to the time restrictions involved, please email civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us to request an alternative date for argument. Please indicate in the subject line ‘EMERGENCY’ and include in the body of the email the reason for the emergency and the timeframe in which the motion needs to be heard.
Page 3 | EMERGENCY CONTESTED MOTIONS
Every motion-related email must identify the motion as contested, uncontested, or emergency and include the docket number and case name in the subject line.
The subject line of all emails regarding motions should be titled as contested, uncontested, or EMERGENCY with the docket number and case name.
Page 4 | VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS!
An uncontested-motion email must identify “UNCONTESTED,” the docket number and case name in the subject, and all parties, their contact information, and the motion's uncontested status in the body.
Please put in the subject line of the email UNCONTESTED with the docket number and case name; in the body of the email please list all parties in the case and their email addresses, or other contact information if email is not available, and state that the motion is uncontested, consented to, or unopposed.
Page 4 | UNCONTESTED MOTIONS
Email all motions and orders to the court and provide each proposed order as a separate Microsoft Word document.
All motions and orders must be emailed, and the proposed order must be provided as a separate Microsoft Word Document.
Page 4 | VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS!
After filing an uncontested motion, email it to civil calendar control for signature, copy all parties, and identify any party without an email address.
After your motion has been filed it should be emailed to civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us for signing. All parties should be copied on this email, if a party does not have an email address please state that in your email.
Page 4 | UNCONTESTED MOTIONS
For an emergency uncontested motion, place “EMERGENCY” in the email subject and state in the body the required signature date and reason.
If you have a time sensitive or emergency uncontested motion please indicate EMERGENCY in the subject line of the email and in the body of the email indicate the date the order must be signed by and the reason why.
Page 4 | EMERGENCY UNCONTESTED MOTIONS
A motion-related email must state the current or requested trial or arbitration date, the motion name, and the motion’s presentation date.
The body of the email should include the current trial date or arbitration date (if requesting an initial trial date or arbitration date please state that in your email), the name of the motion and the date of presentation of your motion.
Page 4 | VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS!
All proposed final instructions must be emailed to Chambers in Microsoft Word format at the specified address.
The parties shall email Microsoft Word versions of all proposed final instructions to Chambers at ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us .
Page 7 | Charge/Verdict Slip
Notify the court by replying to the original email chain, copying all parties, when a contested motion becomes uncontested before argument.
If a motion was initially filed as contested but is later determined to be uncontested prior to the scheduled argument date, please notify the court by replying to the original email chain making sure all parties are copied on this email.
Page 3 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
An attorney may request an exigent-circumstance Microsoft TEAMS hearing by emailing civil calendar control and explaining the exigency; a remote hearing is not guaranteed.
If you have an exigent circumstance a remote hearing request can be submitted. Please email civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us to request a hearing by Advanced Communication Technology (Microsoft TEAMS) and indicate what the exigent circumstance is.
Page 3 | REMOTE HEARING REQUESTS
Notify the court by replying to the original email chain when a motion's presentation date changes or the motion becomes resolved or withdrawn.
If your presentation date changes or if the motion becomes resolved or withdrawn, please notify the court by replying to the original email chain so that your motion can be moved appropriately.
Page 3 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Send calendar-control motion matters or questions by email, or call 412-350-5904 if email is unavailable.
All matters or questions regarding calendar control motions should be emailed to civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us if you are unable to email please call 412-350-5904.
Page 4 | VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS!
Copy all parties with email addresses on motion-related court emails and state in the email when any party lacks an email address.
All parties who have email addresses should be copied on the email to the court; if email addresses are not available please state that in the email.
Page 4 | VERY IMPORTANT! READ THIS!
A request to change the Pretrial Conciliation time must be submitted in writing to Judge Connelly's chambers and is considered only if the court can accommodate it and all parties agree.
Any request for a change in time of the Conciliation must be made in writing to ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us and will only be considered if the Court is able to accommodate the change, and all parties agree to the change.
Page 6 | TRIAL PROCEDURES
Judge Connelly’s staff may not provide legal advice; persons needing legal advice must contact an attorney.
Judge Connelly’s staff cannot provide legal advice. If you require legal advice, please contact an attorney.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Email is the preferred method of communicating with the court, and chambers may be called at 412-350-5904 if email is unavailable.
The preferred and most efficient method of communication to the court is to email as instructed below. If you are unable to email you may call chambers at 412-350-5904.
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Questions concerning petitions for settlement approval should be emailed to Alicia Loy at aloy@alleghenycourts.us after reviewing the applicable section.
For Petitions for Settlement Approval please review the section titled Petitions for Settlement Approval below before emailing your question to: • Alicia Loy, Esquire - Judicial Law Clerk: aloy@alleghenycourts.us
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Questions about calendar control motions should be emailed to civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us after reviewing the calendar control motions section.
For Calendar Control Questions please review the section titled Calendar Control Motions below before emailing your question to: • civilcalcontrolmotions@alleghenycourts.us
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Communications concerning housing cases assigned to Judge Connelly should be directed to Mallory Friday at mfriday@alleghenycourts.us.
For Housing cases assigned to Judge Connelly contact: • Mallory Friday, Esquire - Judicial Law Clerk: mfriday@alleghenycourts.us
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
General or administrative inquiries should be emailed to Erin Liddell at eliddell@alleghenycourts.us.
For general inquiries or administrative questions contact: • Erin Liddell, Judicial Administrative Assistant: eliddell@alleghenycourts.us
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Questions concerning trial matters should be emailed to ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us after reviewing the trial procedures section.
For Trial related matters please review the section titled Trial Procedures below before emailing your question to: • ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us
Page 1 | COMMUNICATION TO THE COURT
Questions about Petitions for Settlement Approval may be emailed to Judge Connelly's law clerk at aloy@alleghenycourts.us.
Questions regarding Petitions for Settlement Approval should be directed to Judge Connelly’s Law Clerk, Alicia Loy, Esq., by emailing aloy@alleghenycourts.us or calling 412-350-4057.
Page 5 | PETITIONS FOR SETTLEMENT APPROVAL
Litigants may schedule advance courtroom-technology testing with Chambers by emailing ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us.
Litigants may arrange time with Chambers to test the Courtroom technology in advance of the trial by emailing ConnellyChambers@alleghenycourts.us .
Page 6 | TRIAL PROCEDURES