Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: 4 copies, delivery five days before trial, by hand delivery. Four courtesy copies of exhibits in binders plus three thumb drives required 5 days before trial.
The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Pre-motion conference with opposing counsel required at least 7 days before filing.
Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro's rule states these limits: 10 pages. 5 motions in limine max per side, 10 pages each, no replies unless directed.
Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro's formatting rule includes file format PDF and binding stapled. Exhibits must be attached to documents and filed as separate CM/ECF attachments.
The rule requires certificate of conference. Notice of motion must include statement about pre-motion conference.
The rule requires caption, judge name, case number, exhibit list, and table of authorities. Exhibits must be excerpted, labeled, dated, tabbed, indexed, and cited with docket numbers.
Parties may contact Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Letters, faxes, and emails are prohibited except for specific court-authorized purposes.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro. Process: file redacted on ecf. Documents filed under seal must be accompanied by a motion to seal.
Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request, original date, proposed new dates, and adversary position. Continuance requests must be made promptly to Courtroom Deputy by phone or email.
Bundling is encouraged for covered papers before Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro. Avoid duplicate exhibits; file only once if referenced by multiple motions on same day.
Chambers contact information provided for telephone and email.
Letters, faxes, and emails are prohibited except for specific court-authorized purposes.
Telephone calls to chambers are rarely necessary due to motion scheduling procedures.
Voicemail must include name, contact info, case number, case name, and detailed message.
Only counsel with knowledge of the case may call chambers.
Judicial staff cannot provide legal advice or time estimates for rulings.
Court reporter contact limited to transcript orders and transcript-related questions.
No courtesy copies are required for any filing.
Pre-motion conference with opposing counsel required at least 7 days before filing.
Exceptions to pre-motion conference: pro se plaintiffs, TROs/PIs, summary judgment motions.
Notice of motion must include statement about pre-motion conference.
Hearing dates must be Mondays between 30-60 days after filing.
If hearing Monday is federal holiday, next Tuesday may be selected.
Chambers may not be contacted for hearing dates.
Notice of motion must include hearing date and 'NO ORAL ARGUMENT' statement.
Exhibits must be excerpted, labeled, dated, tabbed, indexed, and cited with docket numbers.
Avoid duplicate exhibits; file only once if referenced by multiple motions on same day.
Exhibits must be attached to documents and filed as separate CM/ECF attachments.
Proposed orders must not contain filer's name, law firm, or the word 'proposed' in caption.
Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address with case details in subject line.
Proposed orders and signature-required documents must not be filed on the docket.
Meet and confer required before filing motions to amend pleadings.
Party seeking amendment must provide proposed amended pleading and explanation to opposing counsel.
Declaration documenting meet and confer efforts required if parties cannot agree on amendment.
Redline exhibit required with motion to amend or motion may be struck.
Joint statement of disputed/undisputed facts required 10 days before hearing, filed with reply brief.
Separate statements of disputed/undisputed facts will not be considered by the Court.
Presumptive right of public access to court records exists under common law and First Amendment.
Motions to file documents under seal are strongly discouraged.
Mutual agreement or stipulated protective order is insufficient cause for sealing documents.