Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Thomas J. Whelan's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Thomas J. Whelan?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 20 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motions

Does Judge Thomas J. Whelan require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Thomas J. Whelan's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Motion hearing dates must be Mondays between 28-45 days after filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions

What page or word limits apply to pretrial letter brief before Judge Thomas J. Whelan?

Judge Thomas J. Whelan's rule states these limits: 2 pages. Informal letter briefs (max 2 single-spaced pages) required for pretrial conference, due Wednesday before at 3:00 PM.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Pre-Trial Conferences and Letter Briefs

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Thomas J. Whelan?

Judge Thomas J. Whelan's formatting rule includes file format word, include '[proposed]' in brackets in document title, remove all extraneous information from headers, footers, and margins, and remove contact information, attorney/firm information, and firm logos. Proposed orders must include '[PROPOSED]' in brackets and remove all extraneous information from headers, footers, and margins.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 7. Proposed Orders

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Thomas J. Whelan?

The rule requires hearing date. Selected hearing date must appear in motion caption.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Thomas J. Whelan?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders must be submitted simultaneously with joint motions or ex parte requests via email in Word format.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 7. Proposed Orders

How may parties contact Judge Thomas J. Whelan's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Thomas J. Whelan's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email efile_whelan@casd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific email address with case number and name in subject line.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 7. Proposed Orders

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Thomas J. Whelan?

Judge Thomas J. Whelan's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include meet and confer prior to contacting court, joint motion if agreement reached, declaration detailing reasons, and proposed order. Meet and confer required before requesting continuances; joint motion with declaration and proposed order if agreement reached.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 6. Continuances
Complete rules summary for Judge Thomas J. Whelan

Motion hearing dates must be Mondays between 28-45 days after filing.

Selected hearing date must appear in motion caption.

Motion caption must include no oral argument header.

Moving party must include no oral argument statement in motion caption.

Court may order oral argument with 3-day notice.

All arguments must be raised in opening brief; new arguments in reply may be disregarded.

Non-opposition statements must be filed 14 days before hearing.

Failure to oppose motion is deemed consent to granting.

Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages.

Courtesy copies must match ECF and be tabbed if over 3 exhibits.

Meet and confer required before requesting continuances; joint motion with declaration and proposed order if agreement reached.

Meet and confer required before motions to amend pleadings, with declaration if no agreement reached.

Parties must meet and confer to create joint statement of disputed/undisputed facts for summary judgment, filed with reply brief.

TROs and preliminary injunctions must be briefed; ex parte hearings only in extraordinary circumstances.

Meet and confer required before ex parte applications, with declaration documenting efforts and service required.

Motions in limine have strict deadlines: file by 4 weeks before trial, opposition by 2 weeks before trial, no reply briefs allowed.

Joint motions for continuance must be filed 3 court days before deadline; ex parte applications require diligence and prejudice analysis.

Proposed orders must be submitted simultaneously with joint motions or ex parte requests via email in Word format.

Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific email address with case number and name in subject line.

Proposed orders must include '[PROPOSED]' in brackets and remove all extraneous information from headers, footers, and margins.

Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine to resolve disputes.

Ex parte communications with the Court are prohibited.

Counsel must personally initiate authorized communications with Court/chambers staff, not through representatives.

Informal letter briefs (max 2 single-spaced pages) required for pretrial conference, due Wednesday before at 3:00 PM.

Letter briefs must be served on opposing counsel and emailed to chambers in Word format.

Letters to chambers are prohibited unless specifically requested by the Court.

Faxes to chambers are prohibited unless specifically requested by the Court.

For criminal matters, call the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at 619-557-2921.

Continuance requests must be made promptly and filed by Wednesday before Monday hearing.

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