Court Rules
Common questions about Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 20 pages. Details: delivery upon filing, by mail. Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, with specific formatting requirements.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Discovery

Does Judge James E. Simmons, Jr. require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Briefing schedule must follow Civil Local Rule 7.1(e) unless Court orders otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. Briefing & Briefing Schedule

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.?

Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s rule states these limits: 25 pages. Trial briefs are limited to 25 pages.

View ruleSource: page 8, section XIII. Trial Procedures

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.?

Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s formatting rule includes exhibits over 3 must be tabbed and table of exhibits required for more than 3 exhibits. Exhibits over 3 must be tabbed with table of exhibits.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions

What must be included with opposition brief filings before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.?

The rule requires objections to evidence. Objections to evidence must be in opposition or reply brief; separate statements prohibited.

View ruleSource: page 4, section H. Objections

What must be included with motion filings before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders required with all motions and must include "[PROPOSED]" in caption.

View ruleSource: page 4, section I. Proposed Orders

How may parties contact Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s chambers?

Parties may contact Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email efile_simmons@casd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address with case info in subject line.

View ruleSource: page 4, section I. Proposed Orders

How does Judge James E. Simmons, Jr. handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.. Motion to seal required for any sealed filing.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VII. Protective Orders and Requests to File Under Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.?

Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.'s rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include joint motion, declaration, and proposed order. Joint motion and proposed order required for agreed continuances.

View ruleSource: page 5, section VI. Continuances

Does Judge James E. Simmons, Jr. require motion papers to be bundled?

Bundling is encouraged for covered papers before Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.. Multiple parties must coordinate timing and consolidate briefing for similar motions.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. Briefing & Briefing Schedule
Complete rules summary for Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.

Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, with specific formatting requirements.

Briefing schedule must follow Civil Local Rule 7.1(e) unless Court orders otherwise.

Motion hearing dates must be obtained from chambers before filing, with 3-day filing deadline.

Meet and confer required 7 days before filing most motions, with declaration requirement.

Meet and confer not required for pro se cases, TROs, preliminary injunctions, or summary judgment motions.

Letters, faxes, and emails to chambers are generally prohibited unless required by Local Rule.

Phone calls to chambers limited to obtaining hearing dates for civil motions, with specific restrictions.

Multiple parties must coordinate timing and consolidate briefing for similar motions.

Leave of Court required before filing sur-replies or notices of supplemental authority.

Exception to leave requirement for notices of supplemental authority when binding intervening law changes.

Separate Statements of Fact prohibited unless leave granted; joint statement required by reply brief.

Parties must coordinate filings for consolidated briefing on summary judgment motions.

Parties must meet and confer 15 days before dispositive motion deadline about summary judgment intentions.

Objections to evidence must be in opposition or reply brief; separate statements prohibited.

Proposed orders required with all motions and must include "[PROPOSED]" in caption.

Chambers rule requiring "[PROPOSED]" supersedes ECF Manual Section 2(h).

Proposed orders must not include name and law firm information per ECF Manual.

Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address with case info in subject line.

Proposed orders and signature documents must not be filed on the docket.

Technical motions require email to chambers one week before hearing with technical terms/names.

Court prefers in-person hearings but allows telephonic/video appearances when necessary.

Telephonic/video appearances require emailing Courtroom Deputy at least 3 court days before hearing.

Observers must contact Ms. Blase at least 2 calendar days before hearing for dial-in info.

Meet and confer required with opposing party before filing ex parte motion.

Ex parte motions require declaration documenting contact efforts and meet and confer attempts.

Ex parte motions must be served on opposing counsel via email, fax, or overnight mail.

Joint motion and proposed order required for agreed continuances.

Ex parte continuance motions must be filed at least 2 court days before deadline.

Motion to seal required for any sealed filing.

Motion to seal must specify documents/categories and whether sealed in full or part.

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