Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Kenneth M. Karas's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Kenneth M. Karas. No courtesy copies to chambers unless requested

Does Judge Kenneth M. Karas require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Discovery motions must follow Local Civil Rule 37.2.

What page or word limits apply to reply memorandum before Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

Judge Kenneth M. Karas' rule states these limits: attorney: 8750 words; attorney: 3500 words; pro se: 25 pages; pro se: 10 pages. Excludes caption, index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificates, exhibits, appendices, and attachments. Word/page limits for memoranda of law based on attorney representation and preparation method

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

Judge Kenneth M. Karas' rule states these limits: attorney: 8750 words; attorney: 3500 words; pro se: 25 pages; pro se: 10 pages. Attorney memoranda limited to 8,750 words (support/opposition) and 3,500 words (reply); pro se limited to 25 pages (support/opposition) and 10 pages (reply).

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

Judge Kenneth M. Karas' formatting rule includes file format PDF and filed on ecf or emailed to chambers. All documents must be filed on ECF or emailed to specific chambers address

What must be included with order to show cause filings before Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

The rule requires caption, judge name, and case number. Order To Show Cause for Default Judgment must be prepared and made returnable before Judge Karas in Courtroom 521.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 1

What must be included with affidavit of service filings before Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

The rule requires caption, judge name, case number, certificate of service, and statement of facts. Affidavit of service on defendant of conformed Order must be filed electronically on ECF before return date.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 6

How may parties contact Judge Kenneth M. Karas' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Kenneth M. Karas' chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Letters should be filed via ECF unless sealed or containing sensitive/confidential information, which should be mailed.

How does Judge Kenneth M. Karas handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Kenneth M. Karas's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Sealed filings must comply with ECF Rules and Instructions.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kenneth M. Karas?

Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Kenneth M. Karas. Adjournment/extension requests require 5 business days notice and must be filed as letter-motions on ECF.

Does Judge Kenneth M. Karas require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. No paper submissions to Chambers without Court request.

Complete rules summary for Judge Kenneth M. Karas

Order To Show Cause for Default Judgment must be prepared and made returnable before Judge Karas in Courtroom 521.

Order To Show Cause must include proposed default judgment, statement of damages, attorney’s affidavit, copies of pleadings, affidavit of service, and Clerk’s Certificate if applicable.

Order To Show Cause and all attachments must be filed electronically on ECF.

Court will provide conformed copy of signed Order for service on defendant.

Affidavit of service on defendant of conformed Order must be filed electronically on ECF before return date.

Sealed filings must comply with ECF Rules and Instructions.

Parties may choose electronic or traditional filing methods for sealed documents.

Motions for sealed filings must be filed electronically.

Motions to seal must be filed publicly and explain reasons without confidential info.

Redacted documents must be contemporaneously filed publicly in ECF.

Letters should be filed via ECF unless sealed or containing sensitive/confidential information, which should be mailed.

Letter-motions must be filed via ECF and comply with S.D.N.Y. Local Rules.

Adjournment/extension requests require 5 business days notice and must be filed as letter-motions on ECF.

Scheduling matters should be directed to Ms. Dawn Bordes via email.

Non-compliance with Rule 56.1 response may result in deemed admissions

Adjournment/extension letter-motions must include original date, previous requests, and adversary consent status.

Discovery extension requests past Case Management Order deadline go to Judge Karas; others go to magistrate judge with ECF copy.

ECF filing questions should be directed to Clerk's Office or ECF Hotline, not Chambers.

Do not contact Chambers to confirm ECF uploads; email only for urgent matters not covered by rules.

Telephone calls to Chambers are prohibited.

Faxes to Chambers are prohibited.

Discovery motions must follow Local Civil Rule 37.2.

Pre-motion conference required for most motions except specified exceptions.

Motions to dismiss require pre-motion letter with arguments/case law, stay answer deadline, and allow 7-day response.

Pre-motion conference letters limited to 3 pages; responses due within 7 days.

Criminal conferences held in person unless otherwise ordered

Word/page limits for memoranda of law based on attorney representation and preparation method

Word count certification required for attorney-prepared memoranda

Memoranda of 10+ pages require table of contents

No courtesy copies to chambers unless requested

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