Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Cathy Seibel's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Cathy Seibel?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Cathy Seibel. Courtesy copies are prohibited unless the Court orders otherwise.

Does Judge Cathy Seibel require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Details: 3 pages. Discovery disputes require conference before filing letter-motion (max 3 pages)

View ruleSource: page 3, section Discovery

What page or word limits apply to letter before Judge Cathy Seibel?

Judge Cathy Seibel's rule states these limits: 10 pages. Letters to Chambers are limited to 10 pages.

What page or word limits apply to memorandum of law before Judge Cathy Seibel?

Judge Cathy Seibel's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 10 pages. Memoranda of law limited to 25 pages (support/opposition) and 10 pages (reply)

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Cathy Seibel?

Judge Cathy Seibel's formatting rule includes other font, 12 point type, letter paper, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1.5 inches, right 1.5 inches, and binding stapled. Exhibits must be pre-marked with stickers and labeled by party/exhibit number.

What must be included with exhibit list filings before Judge Cathy Seibel?

The rule requires exhibit list and exhibit list. Parties must complete first four columns of exhibit list, leave last two blank for Court.

What must be included with exhibit filings before Judge Cathy Seibel?

The rule requires exhibit list and exhibit list. Electronic copies of exhibits must be provided to Court in advance with filenames matching exhibit numbers.

How may parties contact Judge Cathy Seibel's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Cathy Seibel's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Counsel must request permission before approaching bench/witness box; documents for Court go to Courtroom Deputy.

How does Judge Cathy Seibel handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Cathy Seibel's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Sensitive information (SSN, minor names, DOB, account numbers, addresses) must be redacted from public filings

View ruleSource: page 6, section Redactions and Filing Under Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Cathy Seibel?

Requests should be made at least 2 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Cathy Seibel. The request must include original date, number of previous requests, adversary position, and reason for request. Extensions/adjournments must be filed as letter-motions on ECF

Does Judge Cathy Seibel encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Cathy Seibel's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (6 or fewer years) are invited to participate in conferences and may argue with permission.

Complete rules summary for Judge Cathy Seibel

Parties must obtain approvals and ensure AV equipment is set up properly for hearings/trials

Parties must obtain approvals and ensure AV equipment is set up properly for hearings/trials

Electronic copies of exhibits are encouraged.

Demonstrative aids must be shared with opposing counsel before use

Depositions must be provided to the Court in advance of use

Excel exhibit list must be emailed with Joint Pretrial Statement

Parties must complete first four columns of exhibit list, leave last two blank for Court.

Objections to exhibits (except authenticity/foundation) must be raised before session opens.

Objections must specify Federal Rule of Evidence and authority in exhibit list.

Unraised objections are waived; unobjected exhibits are deemed admissible.

Exhibits must be pre-marked with stickers and labeled by party/exhibit number.

Electronic copies of exhibits must be provided to Court in advance with filenames matching exhibit numbers.

Parties may seek leave to submit hard copies if electronic submission is an undue burden.

Hard copy exhibits require sufficient copies for witnesses, counsel, jurors, court reporter, interpreters, and Court.

Separate hard copy for each juror required if not using Court's AV system.

Exhibits must be shown to opposing counsel when offered unless pre-marked.

Counsel must retrieve their exhibits at end of proceeding; Court not responsible.

Counsel must request permission before approaching bench/witness box; documents for Court go to Courtroom Deputy.

Counsel should have all documents ready when questioning witness about document group.

Provide all documents to witness in binder and examine from podium when practicable.

Speaking objections before jury are prohibited; state only “objection” and provide basis.

Motions (e.g., mistrial) should not be made in jury's presence; raise at next recess.

Stipulation offers/requests should be made privately and reduced to writing.

Jury instructions must be in plain language understandable to non-lawyers.

Court gives preliminary instructions before opening statements.

Court gives supplemental instructions during trial as necessary.

Court gives final instructions after evidence presentation but before closing statements.

Court will instruct jury that final instructions control deliberations.

Each juror receives written copy of final instructions for use during instruction and deliberations.

Attorneys must stand when jury enters or exits courtroom.

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