Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 50 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing. Courtesy copies of exhibits are required if exhibits exceed 50 pages, to be provided as a single PDF.
Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Details: 3 pages. Counsel must confer by phone/video before requesting court conference on discovery dispute; must file 3-page letter with required content.
Judge Christina A. Bryan's rule states these limits: 3 pages. Letter requesting court conference on discovery dispute must not exceed 3 pages.
Judge Christina A. Bryan's rule states these limits: 25 pages. All motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins, unless leave of court is granted.
Judge Christina A. Bryan's formatting rule includes file format PDF, bookmarks identifying each exhibit, bookmarks set to portions cited or referenced in motion or brief, and highlight referenced portion if motion/brief refers to small portion of exhibit. Exhibits over 50 pages provided as PDF must include bookmarks for each exhibit and cited portions, and highlight small referenced portions.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan must be filed prior to Rule 16 Conference.
The rule requires certificate of conference. Non-dispositive motions must include a Certificate of Conference compliant with Local Rule 7.1(D) to avoid being struck.
Parties may contact Judge Christina A. Bryan's clerk by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone (713) 250-5860 or (713) 250-5123. Questions regarding criminal matters must be directed to Case Manager (713-250-5860) or Criminal Intake Desk Clerk (713-250-5123).
Judge Christina A. Bryan's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Documents subject to confidential treatment or disclosing Confidential Information must be filed under seal, retained until court order, with only confidential parts sealed if possible.
Requests should be made at least 14 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Christina A. Bryan. Motions for continuance must be filed at least two weeks before the trial date set in the Scheduling and Docket Control Order.
Yes. Judge Christina A. Bryan's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (licensed fewer than 7 years) are encouraged to receive speaking roles, especially if they drafted the motion/response or prepared the witness.
Documents subject to confidential treatment or disclosing Confidential Information must be filed under seal, retained until court order, with only confidential parts sealed if possible.
Questions regarding criminal matters must be directed to Case Manager (713-250-5860) or Criminal Intake Desk Clerk (713-250-5123).
Case-related inquiries must be made only to the Case Manager; law clerks may not be contacted for case-related questions.
Substantive issues may not be addressed in phone calls or emails to the Case Manager; letters containing substantive issues must be filed on ECF.
Parties may inquire about status of civil motions ripe for decision over 60 days by contacting the Case Manager.
Case Manager Melissa Morgan can be contacted via telephone, email, or letter at the provided address, phone, and email.
Printed copy of power-point presentation used in oral argument must be provided to court and opposing counsel at the hearing.
Video or audio exhibits must be provided on a thumb drive or disc labeled with the exhibit number.
Letter requesting court conference on discovery dispute must not exceed 3 pages.
Counsel must confer by phone/video before requesting court conference on discovery dispute; must file 3-page letter with required content.
Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan must be filed prior to Rule 16 Conference.
Discovery disputes must be addressed at a conference before filing a motion, with briefing schedule set during the conference if motion is necessary.
Parties must discuss options to reduce e-discovery burdens before seeking court intervention for electronic data disputes.
Counsel resisting e-discovery must be prepared to discuss search/production burdens or have a knowledgeable person available.
Requests for telephone or video appearances must be made in writing to the Case Manager at least 3 days before the scheduled appearance.
Junior lawyers (licensed fewer than 7 years) are encouraged to receive speaking roles, especially if they drafted the motion/response or prepared the witness.
Non-dispositive motions must include a Certificate of Conference compliant with Local Rule 7.1(D) to avoid being struck.
All motions are limited to 25 double-spaced pages with 12-point font and 1-inch margins, unless leave of court is granted.
Discovery motions must follow Section III Discovery Disputes procedures and fail to resolve the dispute before being filed.
Courtesy copies of exhibits are required if exhibits exceed 50 pages, to be provided as a single PDF.
Exhibits over 50 pages provided as PDF must include bookmarks for each exhibit and cited portions, and highlight small referenced portions.
Joint Pretrial Orders must follow the form specified in Local Rule 16.2, Appendix B.
Plaintiff must deliver one courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order with attachments to the court.
Bench trial proposed conclusions of law must include supporting legal authority citations.
Bench trial findings of fact must include references to supporting testimony and exhibits.
Bench trial finding references must be supplemented daily at trial close.
Findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted as electronic Word documents.
Joint proposed jury charge instructions must be numbered and include legal authority.
Joint proposed jury charge must include all necessary instructions and definitions.
Joint proposed jury charge should conform to pattern instructions; deviations require cited authority.