Court Rules
district Judge
Verified Current2 days ago

Judge Analisa Torres

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Southern District of New York

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Letter
5 pgs
Brief
25 pgs8,750 wds
Brief
20 pgs7,000 wds
Brief
10 pgs3,500 wds
Brief
8,750 wds
Brief
25 pgs
Objections To Magistrate Judge Rulings
7,000 wds
Objections To Magistrate Judge Rulings
20 pgs
Motion For Reconsideration
3,500 wds
Motion For Reconsideration
10 pgs
Pre Motion Letter
4 pgs
Pre Motion Letter
3 pgs
Memorandum Of Law
8,750 wds
Objection To Magistrate Ruling
7,000 wds
Letter
4 pgs
Letter
3 pgs
Document
8,750 wds

Courtesy Copies

Filings (All filings)

Required

Filings (Motion)

Required

Filings (Pretrial Order)

Required

Filings (Jury Instructions, Proposed Order)

Required

Adjournments

Must Include

  • 1
    Original Date
  • 2
    Number Of Previous Requests
  • 3
    Previous Requests Granted Or Denied
  • 4
    Adversary Position
Notice Required
48Hours

Must Include

  • 1
    Original Date
  • 2
    Reason For Request
  • 3
    Number Of Previous Requests
  • 4
    Previous Requests Granted Or Denied
  • 5
    Adversary Position
  • 6
    Proposed New Dates
  • 7
    Affects Other Dates
Notice Required
2Business Days

Must Include

  • 1
    Reason For Request
  • 2
    Original Date
  • 3
    Proposed New Dates
Notice Required
5Calendar Days

Must Include

  • 1
    Reason For Request
  • 2
    Original Date
  • 3
    Proposed New Dates

Communication

Letter Ecf

Intake Unit

ProSe@nysd.uscourts.gov
Advance Notice Required
No Status Inquiries
Email

Chambers

Torres_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov
Technical Issues
No Hours
Letter Ecf

Intake Unit

ProSe@nysd.uscourts.gov
Letter Ecf

Chambers

Technical Issues
Phone

Chambers

SchedulingEmergencies
No Hours
Email

Chambers

EmergenciesScheduling
No Status Inquiries
Phone

Chambers

(212) 805-0292
Emergencies
No Status Inquiries
Letter Fax

Chambers

Advance Notice Required
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingCommunicationMemorandaLettersTRO/InjunctionWord CountsEmail ChambersElectronics

Detailed Drafting Rules

Communication ProtocolMandatory

Pro se parties must send all communications to Pro Se Intake Unit, not directly to chambers.

All communications with the Court by a pro se party must be mailed to the Pro Se Intake Unit, United States Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, Room 200, New York, New York 10007. No documents or court filings should be sent directly to chambers.

Letter via ECF

Direct to: Intake Unit

Approved Topics
SchedulingEmergenciesStatus InquiriesTechnical Issues
Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    none
Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Page 2
|SecI. Communications with Chambers
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Letters to the Court are limited to 5 pages.

Letters to the Court shall not exceed 5 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Computer-generated briefs limited to 8,750 words (support/response) and 3,500 words (reply); handwritten/typewriter briefs limited to 25 pages (support/response) and 10 pages (reply).

Briefs prepared with a computer in support of and in response to a motion may not exceed 8,750 words, and reply briefs may not exceed 3,500 words. Briefs that are handwritten or prepared on a typewriter by a party who is not represented by an attorney in support of and in opposition to a motion may not exceed 25 pages, and reply briefs may not exceed 10 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Objections to magistrate rulings: computer-generated limited to 7,000 words; handwritten/typewriter limited to 20 pages.

Briefs prepared with a computer concerning objections to magistrate judges’ rulings (including responses to such briefs) shall not exceed 7,000 words. Briefs that are handwritten or prepared on a typewriter by a party who is not represented by an attorney concerning objections to magistrate judges’ rulings (including responses to such briefs) shall not exceed 20 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Motions for reconsideration: computer-generated limited to 3,500 words (support/opposition) and 1,750 words (reply); handwritten/typewriter limited to 10 pages (support/opposition) and 5 pages (reply).

Briefs prepared with a computer in support of and in opposition to motions for reconsideration are limited to 3,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 1,750 words. Briefs that are handwritten or prepared on a typewriter by a party who is not represented by an attorney in support of and in opposition to a motion for reconsideration may not exceed 10 pages, and reply briefs may not exceed 5 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Represented parties must email pretrial documents to court in PDF and Word formats.

At the time of filing, a represented party must e-mail these documents to the Court (Torres_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov) in both PDF and Microsoft Word formats.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Technical Issues
Prohibited
  • Hours
    unspecified
Page 4
|SecV. Trial Documents
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Pro se parties must mail all communications to the Pro Se Intake Unit; direct submission to chambers is prohibited.

All communications with the Court by a pro se party must be mailed to the Pro Se Intake Unit, United States Courthouse, 500 Pearl Street, Room 200, New York, New York 10007. No documents or court filings should be sent directly to chambers.

Letter via ECF

Direct to: Intake Unit

Page 1
|SecI. Communications with Chambers
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Letters to the Court are limited to 5 pages.

Letters to the Court shall not exceed 5 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Computer-prepared opening briefs are limited to 8,750 words.

Briefs prepared with a computer in support of and in response to a motion may not exceed 8,750 words, and reply briefs may not exceed 3,500 words.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Handwritten or typewritten pro se opening briefs are limited to 25 pages.

Briefs that are handwritten or prepared on a typewriter by a party who is not represented by an attorney in support of and in opposition to a motion may not exceed 25 pages, and reply briefs may not exceed 10 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Computer-prepared briefs on objections to magistrate judges' rulings are limited to 7,000 words.

Briefs prepared with a computer concerning objections to magistrate judges' rulings (including responses to such briefs) shall not exceed 7,000 words.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Handwritten or typewritten pro se briefs on objections to magistrate judges' rulings are limited to 20 pages.

Briefs that are handwritten or prepared on a typewriter by a party who is not represented by an attorney concerning objections to magistrate judges' rulings (including responses to such briefs) shall not exceed 20 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Computer-prepared briefs on motions for reconsideration are limited to 3,500 words.

Briefs prepared with a computer in support of and in opposition to motions for reconsideration are limited to 3,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 1,750 words.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Handwritten or typewritten pro se briefs on motions for reconsideration are limited to 10 pages.

Briefs that are handwritten or prepared on a typewriter by a party who is not represented by an attorney in support of and in opposition to a motion for reconsideration may not exceed 10 pages, and reply briefs may not exceed 5 pages.

Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Document RequirementMandatory

Computer-prepared briefs must include a certificate stating the word count.

If a brief is prepared with a computer, it must include a certificate by the attorney or the party who is not represented by an attorney that the document complies with the word-count limits set forth above. The person preparing the certificate may rely on the word count of the word-processing program used to prepare the document. The certificate must state the number of words in the document.

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Word Count
Page 3
|SecIV. Motions
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Represented parties must email pretrial documents to chambers in PDF and Word formats.

At the time of filing, a represented party must e-mail these documents to the Court (Torres_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov) in both PDF and Microsoft Word formats.

Page 4
|SecV. Trial Documents
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Parties must email a letter requesting permission to bring computers/printers into the courthouse at least 10 business days before trial/hearing.

Any party seeking to bring such equipment into the Courthouse shall email a letter to the Court at least ten business days in advance of the relevant trial or hearing requesting permission to use such equipment.

Letter via ECF

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Technical Issues
Document RequirementMandatory

Word count certificate must state exact word count

The certificate must state the number of words in the document.

Document Type

Memorandum Of Law

Content & Formatting
Word Count Certificate
Page 6
|SecMemoranda of Law
Communication ProtocolImportant

Mobile phones are allowed in the courtroom but must be turned off.

Mobile phones are permitted inside the Courtroom, but they shall be kept off at all times.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Prohibited
  • Hours
    must be kept off at all times
Page 12
|SecMobile Phones and Personal Electronic Devices
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Pre-motion letters limited to 4 pages; opposition letters due within 5 business days.

The movant shall file a letter with the Court, normally not exceeding four pages, setting forth the basis for the anticipated motion. Opposition letters, normally not exceeding four pages, shall be submitted within five business days after receipt of the movant’s letter.

Page or Word LimitMandatory

First pre-motion letter for motions to dismiss limited to 3 single-spaced pages.

First: Before the time to file a responsive pleading has expired, the defendant shall send plaintiff a letter not exceeding three single-spaced pages, seeking a more definite statement or setting forth the specific pleading deficiencies in the complaint and other reasons or controlling authorities that defendant contends would warrant dismissal.

Document RequirementMandatory

Memoranda over 10 pages require table of contents and table of authorities

Memoranda of more than ten pages shall contain a table of contents and a table of authorities.

Document Type

Memorandum Of Law

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
Table Of Authorities
Page 5
|SecMemoranda of Law
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Motion memoranda limited to 8,750 words; reply memoranda limited to 3,500 words

The following limits apply unless otherwise stated by the Court. Memoranda of law in support of and in opposition to motions are limited to 8,750 words, and reply memoranda are limited to 3,500 words.

Page 6
|SecMemoranda of Law
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Objections to magistrate rulings limited to 7,000 words

Briefs concerning objections to magistrate judges’ rulings (including responses to such briefs) shall not exceed 7,000 words.

Page 6
|SecMemoranda of Law
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Reconsideration motions limited to 3,500 words; reply briefs limited to 1,750 words

Briefs in support of and in opposition to motions for reconsideration are limited to 3,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 1,750 words.

Page 6
|SecMemoranda of Law
Format RequirementMandatory

Motion papers must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12-point font or larger, with one-inch margins

Motion papers shall be single-sided, double-spaced, shall use 12-point font or larger (including footnotes), and shall have one-inch margins on all sides.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
Page 6
|SecFormat
Format RequirementImportant

Footnotes are discouraged in motion papers

Footnotes are discouraged.

Page 6
|SecFormat
Format RequirementMandatory

All text-containing documents must be text searchable

All pleadings, letters, motion papers, affidavits, or any other document containing text shall be text searchable.

Page 6
|SecText Searchable
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Parties must notify chambers immediately when seeking TRO, stating whether adversary was notified and consented or Rule 65(b) applies.

As soon as a party decides to seek a temporary restraining order, he or she shall call or email chambers and state whether: (1) he or she has notified the adversary and if the adversary consents to temporary injunctive relief or (2) the requirements of Rule 65(b) are satisfied and no notice is necessary.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Emergencies
Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Communication ProtocolMandatory

If adversary notified but doesn't consent to TRO, parties must coordinate with chambers to schedule hearing for both sides to be heard.

If a party’s adversary has been notified but does not consent to temporary injunctive relief, the party seeking a restraining order shall call or email chambers in order to determine a time mutually agreeable to the Court, the party, and its adversary, so that the Court may have the benefit of advocacy from both sides in deciding whether to grant temporary injunctive relief.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Format RequirementImportant

All exhibits must be tabbed and indexed.

All exhibits shall be tabbed and indexed.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Format RequirementMandatory

Motion papers must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12-point font or larger, with one-inch margins; footnotes are discouraged.

Motion papers shall be single-sided, double-spaced, shall use 12-point font or larger (including footnotes), and shall have one-inch margins on all sides. Footnotes are discouraged.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:1"
Left:1"
Right:1"
Bottom:1"
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Telephone calls to chambers are permitted only in emergencies requiring immediate attention.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Emergencies
Prohibited
  • Status Inquiries
Page 1
|SecI. Communications with Chambers
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Faxes to chambers require prior authorization.

Faxes to chambers are permitted only with prior authorization.

Letter Fax

Direct to: Chambers

Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    prior authorization required
Page 1
|SecI. Communications with Chambers
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Pre-motion letters limited to 4 pages; opposition letters due within 5 business days.

The movant shall file a letter with the Court, normally not exceeding four pages, setting forth the basis for the anticipated motion. Opposition letters, normally not exceeding four pages, shall be submitted within five business days after receipt of the movant's letter.

Page 3
|SecIII. Motions - A. Pre-Motion Letters in Civil Cases
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Motion to dismiss first exchange letters limited to 3 single-spaced pages.

Before the time to file a responsive pleading has expired, the defendant shall send plaintiff a letter not exceeding three single-spaced pages, seeking a more definite statement or setting forth the specific pleading deficiencies in the complaint and other reasons or controlling authorities that defendant contends would warrant dismissal.

Page 4
|SecIII. Motions - B. Special Requirements for Motions to Dismiss
Format RequirementImportant

All text-containing documents must be text searchable.

All pleadings, letters, motion papers, affidavits, or any other document containing text shall be text searchable.

Document RequirementMandatory

Discovery disputes require meet-and-confer first, then joint letter (max 6 pages) with representation of conferral details.

All parties shall follow Local Civil Rule 37.2 with the following modifications: A party wishing to raise a discovery dispute with the Court shall first confer in good faith with the opposing party, in person or by telephone, in an effort to resolve the dispute. If this meet-and-confer process does not succeed, the parties shall describe the dispute in a single joint letter to the Court, normally not exceeding six pages. The joint letter shall include a representation that the meet-and-confer process occurred, identifying the time, place, and duration and naming the counsel involved in the discussion.

Document Type

Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Page 3
|SecII. Conferences and Case Management Plan - D. Discovery Disputes
Document RequirementMandatory

Parties asserting diversity jurisdiction must file 2-page letter with citizenship details before Case Management Plan deadline.

asserting the existence of such jurisdiction shall, prior to the deadline for submitting the proposed Case Management Plan and Scheduling Order, file with the Court a letter no longer than two pages explaining the basis for that party's assertion that diversity of citizenship exists. Where any party is a corporation, the letter shall state both the place of incorporation and the principal place of business. In cases where any party is a partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, or trust, the letter shall state the citizenship of each of the entity's members, shareholders, partners, and/or trustees.

Document Type

Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Page 3
|SecII. Conferences and Case Management Plan - C. Diversity Jurisdiction
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Word limits for motion memoranda: support/opposition 8,750 words, reply 3,500 words; magistrate objections 7,000 words; reconsideration support/opposition 3,500 words, reply 1,750 words; with specific exclusions.

Memoranda of law in support of and in opposition to motions are limited to 8,750 words, and reply memoranda are limited to 3,500 words. Briefs concerning objections to magistrate judges' rulings (including responses to such briefs) shall not exceed 7,000 words. Briefs in support of and in opposition to motions for reconsideration are limited to 3,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 1,750 words. These limits do not include the caption, any index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, or any required certificates, but they do include material contained in footnotes or endnotes.

Document RequirementMandatory

Computer-prepared briefs must include a certificate stating the word count, which may rely on the word-processing program's count.

If a brief is prepared with a computer, it must include a certificate by the attorney or the party who is not represented by an attorney that the document complies with the word-count limits set forth above. The person preparing the certificate may rely on the word count of the word-processing program used to prepare the document. The certificate must state the number of words in the document.

Document Type

Brief

Content & Formatting
Word Count
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Parties seeking a TRO must immediately call or email chambers to report adversary notification status and consent, or Rule 65(b) applicability; if adversary notified but doesn't consent, must contact chambers to schedule a mutually agreeable hearing time.

As soon as a party decides to seek a temporary restraining order, he or she shall call or email chambers and state whether: (1) he or she has notified the adversary and if the adversary consents to temporary injunctive relief or (2) the requirements of Rule 65(b) are satisfied and no notice is necessary. If a party's adversary has been notified but does not consent to temporary injunctive relief, the party seeking a restraining order shall call or email chambers in order to determine a time mutually agreeable to the Court, the party, and its adversary, so that the Court may have the benefit of advocacy from both sides in deciding whether to grant temporary injunctive relief.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
SchedulingEmergenciesStatus InquiriesTechnical Issues
Page 9
|SecMotions
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Parties seeking a TRO must call or email chambers immediately.

As soon as a party decides to seek a temporary restraining order, he or she shall call or email chambers and state whether: (1) he or she has notified the adversary and if the adversary consents to temporary injunctive relief or (2) the requirements of Rule 65(b) are satisfied and no notice is necessary.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
SchedulingEmergenciesStatus InquiriesTechnical Issues
Page 9
|SecMotions

More Judges in Southern District of New York

Judge Alison J. Nathan
visiting
Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein
district
Judge Andrew E. Krause
magistrate
Judge Andrew L Carter Jr
district
Judge Arun Subramanian
district
Judge Barbara Moses
magistrate
Judge Cathy Seibel
district
Judge Colleen McMahon
district