Courtesy copies are required for instruments. Details: 1 copy, delivery before conference or hearing, by chambers drop off. Counsel and pro se parties must deliver chambers copies of all instruments filed within 3 days of a conference or hearing; non-compliance results in the instrument not being considered.
Judge Sim Lake's rules set a pre-motion procedure for tro and preliminary injunction. Applications for restraining orders or immediate relief must be submitted through the Case Manager, who will present them after counsel confirms opposing party contact and availability for conference.
Judge Sim Lake's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Motions, memoranda of law, and briefs are limited to 25 pages total without leave of court; limit includes all factual and legal arguments.
Judge Sim Lake's formatting rule includes binding tabbed 3-ring, tabbed at right margin, citations to exhibits must use tab letter or number, and more than 5 exhibits require table of contents with tab locations. Exhibits supporting motions/briefs must be tabbed at the right margin; more than 5 exhibits require a TOC with tab numbers.
The rule requires signature block. Joint pretrial orders must be signed by all counsel and pro se parties.
The rule requires certificate of conference. Discovery motions must include a statement that counsel conferred in good faith, or if not, facts of attempts to confer; court will not hear motions without this statement.
Parties may contact Judge Sim Lake's clerk by phone only as allowed by the rule. Case-related telephone inquiries must be directed only to the Case Manager, not the court's secretary or law clerks.
Judge Sim Lake's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. Motions to extend Docket Control Order deadlines are not classified as emergencies.
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Submission dates may be extended by counsel agreement unless violating a court deadline; notify Case Manager immediately in writing of any extension agreement.
Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Attached court materials must be served with summons and complaint or removal papers.
Copies of urgent documents, including letters, may be sent to chambers.
Joint pretrial orders must be signed by all counsel and pro se parties.
Attached court materials must be served with summons and complaint or removal papers.
Plaintiffs must serve court materials and Order for Conference and Disclosure of Interested Parties on all defendants with summons and complaint.
Parties removing cases to this court must comply with the same service obligations as plaintiffs filing original complaints.
Proof of service for court materials must be filed with the Clerk.
Contact information for Case Manager Sheila R. Anderson is provided for court-related communications.
Case-related telephone inquiries must be directed only to the Case Manager, not the court's secretary or law clerks.
Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone inquiries about motions or case status; inquiries to the Case Manager must be via email or letter.
Filing, order entry, and docket information must be obtained from the District Clerk's Office via phone at 713/250-5500.
All case-related correspondence must be addressed to the District Clerk at the specified Houston PO Box.
Substantive issues are prohibited in emails and letters, as they are not docketed or part of the appellate record.
Applications for restraining orders or immediate relief must be submitted through the Case Manager, who will present them after counsel confirms opposing party contact and availability for conference.
Ex parte restraining order applications are only allowed if the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b) are met.
Motions to extend Docket Control Order deadlines are not classified as emergencies.
Joint continuance motions are not binding and will be granted only at the court's discretion.
Trial continuances are not granted for witness unavailability; counsel must use depositions or stipulations to present testimony.
Out-of-town counsel seeking telephone appearance must submit a written request with direct phone number to the Case Manager as early as possible before the hearing.
Counsel must immediately notify the Case Manager via email when a scheduled conference, hearing, or trial matter is resolved.
Court follows Local Rules written motion practice; most motions are decided without oral hearing and are considered after the submission date.
Submission dates may be extended by counsel agreement unless violating a court deadline; notify Case Manager immediately in writing of any extension agreement.
Discovery motions must include a statement that counsel conferred in good faith, or if not, facts of attempts to confer; court will not hear motions without this statement.
Oral argument requests are not required; court will notify counsel if oral argument is beneficial. Counsel must be prepared to discuss pending motions at all conferences, hearings, and docket calls.
Counsel and pro se parties must deliver chambers copies of all instruments filed within 3 days of a conference or hearing; non-compliance results in the instrument not being considered.
Chambers copies of all instruments exceeding 15 pages must be delivered within three days of filing.
Motions, memoranda of law, and briefs are limited to 25 pages total without leave of court; limit includes all factual and legal arguments.
Motions/briefs over 10 pages must include TOC, TOA, nature of proceeding, relevant facts, issues, argument summary, argument with headings, and conclusion; briefs 10 pages or less must include items (3)-(8).
Exhibits supporting motions/briefs must be tabbed at the right margin; more than 5 exhibits require a TOC with tab numbers.
Citations to non-standard legal authority must be submitted as an exhibit; entire case must be included if authority is a case.
Deposition/affidavit citations must include page/paragraph numbers; documents over 3 pages require pinpoint citations.