Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Jennifer E. Willis's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Jennifer E. Willis. No courtesy copies for letter motions unless exhibits exceed 25 pages

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Communications with Chambers

Does Judge Jennifer E. Willis require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for covered motions. Pre-motion letters required for most motions before Judge Willis except specified exemptions

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Motions

What page or word limits apply before Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

Judge Jennifer E. Willis' rule states these limits: 3 pages. Letter motions (adjournment, extension, pre-motion conference, sealing, settlement) max 3 single-spaced pages, no courtesy copies unless exhibits >25 pages

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Communications with Chambers

What page or word limits apply to letter motion before Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

Judge Jennifer E. Willis' rule states these limits: 6 pages. Discovery dispute letter-motion limited to 6 double-spaced pages.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 3. Conferences - C. Discovery Disputes

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

Judge Jennifer E. Willis' formatting rule includes single spacing, 3 lines per page, and file format PDF. Letters to Court must be filed on ECF (except settlement/in camera), max 3 single-spaced pages, no copying Court on counsel correspondence

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Communications with Chambers

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

The rule requires excel sheet. Excel sheet required for specific motions with email submission to chambers

View ruleSource: page 5, section G. Motions Requiring Submission of an Excel Sheet

What must be included with case management plan filings before Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

The rule requires rule 26 f meeting report. Proposed Case Management Plan required one week before initial conference

View ruleSource: page 5, section III. Pre-Trial Practice A. Initial Case Management Conference

How may parties contact Judge Jennifer E. Willis' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Jennifer E. Willis' chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email WillisNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov. Emergency adjournment/extension requests must be emailed to chambers and filed on docket

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. Communications with Chambers

How does Judge Jennifer E. Willis handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Jennifer E. Willis. Sealed/redacted motions must comply with Rule 9.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jennifer E. Willis?

Requests should be made at least 2 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Jennifer E. Willis. The request must include original date, number of previous requests, reason for request, and adversary position. Adjournment/extension requests must be ECF letter motions filed 2 business days before deadline with specific required elements

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. Communications with Chambers

Does Judge Jennifer E. Willis require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Jennifer E. Willis requires bundling for covered papers. Related cases must include both docket numbers in all filings.

Does Judge Jennifer E. Willis encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Jennifer E. Willis's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior attorneys invited to address court at case management conferences

View ruleSource: page 5, section III. Pre-Trial Practice B. Case Management Conferences
Complete rules summary for Judge Jennifer E. Willis

Letters to Court must be filed on ECF (except settlement/in camera), max 3 single-spaced pages, no copying Court on counsel correspondence

Letter motions (adjournment, extension, pre-motion conference, sealing, settlement) max 3 single-spaced pages, no courtesy copies unless exhibits >25 pages

No courtesy copies for letter motions unless exhibits exceed 25 pages

Courtesy copies of trial exhibits must be emailed and submitted in three-ring binder.

Adjournment/extension requests must be ECF letter motions filed 2 business days before deadline with specific required elements

Emergency adjournment/extension requests must be emailed to chambers and filed on docket

Pre-motion letters required for most motions before Judge Willis except specified exemptions

Discovery disputes require meet-and-confer, then 3-page letter motion, 3-day response window, waiver for late response

Non-discovery pre-motion conferences require letter motion following Individual Practice I.B requirements

Excel sheet required for specific motions with email submission to chambers

Proposed Case Management Plan required one week before initial conference

Pro se parties use different template and submit to Pro Se Intake Unit

Lead counsel expected to attend initial conference; accommodations for disability/incarcerated parties

Junior attorneys invited to address court at case management conferences

Deposition disputes: attempt to proceed, don't unilaterally terminate, jointly contact court

Model protective order available; comparison required for non-model orders

Model ESI Plan available; parties should agree early

Courtesy copy of hearing transcript required for chambers (pro se exempt)

Joint Pretrial Order required within 30 days of discovery completion with specific content requirements

Bankruptcy appeals briefs must follow Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.

Extension/adjournment requests must be made at least 2 business days before deadline.

Extension requests must include original date, previous requests, reasons, adversary consent, and impact on other deadlines.

Revised Scheduling Order in Word format required if extension affects other deadlines.

Late extension requests are ordinarily denied.

Extension requests for magistrate-referred matters go to the magistrate judge.

All communications with chambers must be via ECF letter or letter-motion.

Contact Courtroom Deputy for docketing, scheduling, or calendar matters.

Call chambers directly for emergencies; email to request contact information.

Faxes to chambers are prohibited.

Hand deliveries go to Court Security Officers at Worth Street entrance.

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