Judge Veretta Frazier
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 10 pages
- 1 copy • No Later Than 3 Business Days Before Hearing
- 1 copy • No Later Than Three Days Before Hearing
- 1 copy • Three Days Before Hearing
Pre Trial Material
- Hand Delivery • Three Business Days Before Pre Trial Conference
Adjournments
- Discovery-based continuance motions must be filed at least 30 days before trial and must detail discovery efforts and outstanding discovery.
- A hearing on a continuance motion must be filed and set for hearing at least 14 days before trial.
Communication
Chambers, Clerk
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Chambers
Court Coordinator
Phone
Court Coordinator
Phone
Letter via ECF
Court-wideClerk
Document Format Requirements9 rules
Media exhibits must be submitted on a thumb drive or SD card in .wav, .mp3, or .mpeg formats only.
Media exhibits, such as audio recordings, videos, etc., should be submitted on a thumb- drive, or on an SD card, in .wav, .mp3 or .mpeg formats ONLY.
Video deposition testimony must be provided in MP4 format along with the excerpt deposition transcript.
If video deposition testimony will be offered in lieu of live testimony, please provide the reporter with the video cuts in (1) MP4 format and (2) the excerpt deposition transcript that reflects the video cuts.
Trial exhibits of 50 pages or more must be submitted in PDF format on a thumb drive.
All trial exhibits consisting of 50 pages or more must be submitted in .pdf format to the court reporter on a thumb drive.
Reduced, multiple-page formats (Min-u-script) are prohibited.
Additionally, the use of reduced, multiple pages (i.e.: Min-u-script) is hereby prohibited.
Motions and briefs must use 12-point font and 1-inch margins on each side.
Motions and/or Brief shall be 12 point, and margins of 1” on each side of a page.
Bench trial submissions must be in Microsoft Word format.
The submission must be emailed to Sheria West at sheria.n.west@dallascounty.org with a copy to all parties, in Microsoft Word
DOCX
The working charge must be initiated in Microsoft Word format.
The working charge should be initiated in Microsoft Word format by Plaintiff and emailed to Defendant.
DOCX
Judge Frazier prefers motions written in Arial font.
Judge Frazier prefers motions to be written in Arial Font.
Trial exhibits of 50 pages or less are accepted in paper form.
Trial exhibits 50 pages or less will be accepted in paper form.
Paper
Document Filing Requirements19 rules
Each party must file a proposed order before the hearing or submission date.
Each party must file a proposed ORDER before the hearing or submission date.
Document Type
Motion
Parties must submit proposed judgments and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, with trial briefs on contested issues filed at the same time.
All parties must submit proposed judgments and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the scheduling order but not less than seven 7 days of trial if not set forth in the scheduling order. Trial briefs on contested issues of law should be filed at the same time.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Motions must include a certificate of conference under Local Rule 2.07 or they will not be set for hearing.
Motions without certificates of conference in compliance with Local Rule 2.07 will not be set for hearing by the clerk. Certificates of conference must be attached to all motions, except those excluded by the Local Rules, i.e., motions for summary judgment.
Document Type
Motion
Default judgment damages must be calculable from written instruments attached to the pleading; parties must substantiate their damages calculations.
In cases where damages are proved by affidavits, the Court must be able to calculate the proposed damages from written instruments attached to the pleading on which the default judgment is based. Therefore, parties must “show their work” to substantiate and support calculations, i.e., proposed damages.
Document Type
Default Judgment
The notice of hearing must state the Zoom hearing date/time and the Zoom link.
E-file notice of hearing. Your notice should state: “The hearing will be by ZOOM on _____________ , 202_ at _____ a.m./p.m. You may access the ZOOM link at https://txcourts.zoom.us/j/82836274342.”
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Notice of hearing must include specific Zoom hearing language and link.
Your notice should state: “The hearing will be by ZOOM on _____________ , 202_ at _____ a.m./p.m. You may access the ZOOM link at https://txcourts.zoom.us/j/82836274342.”
Document Type
Notice Of Hearing
Default judgment and substitute service motions are set by submission upon written request filed with the Court.
Hearings on Motions for Default Judgments or Motions for Substitute Service will be set by submission which will be scheduled upon written request filed with the Court.
Document Type
Motion
All motions other than default judgment and substitute service require in-person, hybrid, or Zoom hearings.
All other motions will require in person; hybrid; or zoom hearings.
Document Type
Motion
Attorney withdrawal motions require strict compliance with TRCP Rule 10 and Local Rule 4.02, including advising a corporate party left without counsel that only a Texas-licensed attorney may represent it.
The Court requires strict compliance with Rule 10 of the Texas Rules Civil Procedure and Local Rule 4.02. If the motion is granted and the party that will be left without counsel is a corporate entity, contemporaneous with advising the party of its right to object, counsel must also advise the corporate party that only an attorney licensed in this State can represent its interest in Court. That is, a corporate entity cannot appear before the Court as a self-represented party.
Document Type
Motion To Withdraw
Jury questionnaires must be pre-approved by Judge Frazier at the pre-trial conference and copies for the venire delivered to the Bailiff at least 3 business days before trial.
Parties may submit questionnaires, but they must be pre-approved by Judge Frazier during pre-trial conference. Copies for the jury venire must be delivered to the Bailiff of the Court at least three (3) business days before trial.
Document Type
Jury Questionnaire
A request for oral hearing on a summary judgment motion must appear on the cover page of the Motion or Response.
All summary judgment motions will be set for hearing by submission on first available date at least 35 days after the motion is filed unless there is a request for oral hearing on the cover page of the Motion or Response.
Document Type
Motion
Demonstrative aids require Judge Frazier's approval and must be shown to opposing counsel before voir dire begins.
Demonstrative aids may be used only if approved by Judge Frazier and should be shown to opposing counsel before voir dire commences, to give counsel an opportunity to object.
Document Type
Demonstrative Aids
To avoid the Court's consideration of a summary judgment motion, the movant must file a written motion to withdraw the motion and cancel the hearing.
In order to avoid consideration of the Motion for Summary Judgment by the Court, the movant must file a written Motion to Withdraw the Motion For Summary Judgment, and cancellation of the hearing.
Document Type
Motion To Withdraw
Parties located more than an hour from the court may appear remotely at dismissal hearings only after filing a motion to appear remotely.
Parties may appear remotely if they reside or office more than an hour from the court. In such cases, the party must file a motion to appear remotely.
Document Type
Motion To Appear Remotely
The party receiving trust funds must provide a valid driver's license, certified birth certificate, and an affidavit of entitlement.
The party to receive the funds must provide a copy of a valid driver's license, certified birth certificate, and an affidavit stating that he or she is the person entitled to the funds.
Document Type
Motion To Release Trust Funds
Exhibit submission emails must include case number and style in the subject line, and date of proceedings and attorney/party in the body; large exhibits should be discussed via email.
Please include case number and style of the case in the subject line. In the body of the email, please also include the date of proceedings and which attorney/party they are being sent for. If there is an exhibit that is unable to be transmitted via email due to size, please email me so we can discuss how best to submit it.
Document Type
Slideshows and demonstrative aids must be included with exhibit submissions and remain confidential until published.
Please include any slideshows, PowerPoint presentations or other demonstrative aids that could potentially be screen-shared during these submissions. They will remain confidential until published by counsel and/or the parties.
Document Type
Demonstrative Aids
All trial exhibits must be printed for jury deliberation.
All trial exhibits must be printed for jury deliberation purposes.
Document Type
Exhibits
All exhibits must be marked numerically or with letters before going on the record; photographs should be marked separately.
Please have all exhibits marked numerically or with letters prior to going on the record. Photographs are best marked separately as their own exhibit for clarity purposes.
Document Type
Exhibits
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The notice of hearing must be filed electronically.
E-file notice of hearing.
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
Notice of hearing must be e-filed.
E-file notice of hearing.
Page 1 | Zoom Hearing Notice
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Proposed judgments and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted no later than 7 days before trial.
All parties must submit proposed judgments and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in accordance with the scheduling order but not less than seven 7 days of trial if not set forth in the scheduling order.
Page 3 | BENCH TRIAL
Dispositive motions, including expert challenges, must be heard no later than 30 days before trial unless the scheduling order allows otherwise.
Unless otherwise allowed in the Court’s scheduling order, dispositive motions, including expert challenges, must be heard no later than thirty (30) days before trial.
Page 5 | JURY TRIAL
Motions for summary judgment must be filed at least 90 days before the next trial setting; untimely motions are automatically denied absent leave of court.
All Motions for Summary Judgment must be filed at least 90 days before the date of the next trial setting absent leave of court, including trial resets. Any untimely Motion for Summary Judgment will be automatically denied unless movant has obtained leave of court to file the motion within 90 days of the next trial setting.
Page 7 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Summary judgment motions are set for hearing by submission on the first available date at least 35 days after filing unless oral hearing is requested on the cover page.
All summary judgment motions will be set for hearing by submission on first available date at least 35 days after the motion is filed unless there is a request for oral hearing on the cover page of the Motion or Response.
Page 7 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
No summary judgment hearing will be scheduled within 30 days of trial absent leave of court for good cause.
No hearing on a summary judgment motion will be scheduled within 30 days of trial (this requirement is to be included in the Uniform Scheduling Orders). A party may move for leave to allow such hearing based upon good cause.
Page 7 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
Daily copies must be requested at least three weeks in advance of proceedings.
Daily copies must be requested at least three (3) weeks in advance of proceedings and is dependent upon court reporter’s workload and availability.
Page 2 | DAILY COPIES
Parties must submit an agreed scheduling order at least 3 days before the scheduling conference.
Parties will be expected to appear for the scheduling conference or to submit an agreed scheduling order at least three (3) days before the scheduling conference.
Page 3 | TRIAL SETTINGS
Parties should exchange all pre-trial materials no later than 14 days before trial unless the scheduling order provides otherwise.
Unless otherwise set forth in the scheduling order, parties should exchange all pre-trial materials no later than fourteen (14) days before trial.
Page 5 | JURY TRIAL
Settled cases are set for final disposition approximately 30 days after the Court becomes aware of the settlement.
Cases that are mediated to settlement or otherwise reported as settled are set for final disposition approximately thirty (30) days from the date the Court becomes aware of the settlement.
Page 9 | SETTLEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Non-appeal transcripts have a normal turnaround of 60 days from the request date.
Normal turnaround times for a non-appeal transcript is 60 days from the date of the request.
Page 2 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTER’S RECORD
Service and Proof of Service Rules
736 foreclosure hearings must be set with notice to obligors via certified mail (CMRRR) and first-class mail, and the applicant must bring proof of service to the hearing.
Must be set for hearing with notice to the obligor(s) via CMRRR and first-class mail. The applicant should bring to the hearing proof that it served the obligor(s) with notice of the hearing date and time.
Page 11 | 736 Foreclosures
After a hearing is set, the movant must provide notice of the hearing date to all parties, including the hearing format.
Once the in person; hybrid; or zoom hearing is set, the movant shall provide notice of the hearing date to all parties, including a statement regarding whether the hearing will be in person; hybrid; or via zoom.
Page 1 | SUBMISSION HEARINGS
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Movant must provide courtesy copies of the motion, response, reply, and proposed orders to the Court no later than 3 business days before the hearing if the pleadings exceed 10 pages including exhibits.
The movant must provide a courtesy copy of the motion, response, reply, if any, and proposed orders to the Court no later than three (3) business days prior to the hearing, only if the pleadings contain more than 10 pages including exhibits.
Page 1 | MOTION DOCKET
Each side must deliver courtesy paper copies of pre-trial material to the Court no later than three business days before the pre-trial conference.
Each side should have courtesy paper copies of pre-trial material delivered to the Court no later than three (3) business days before the pre-trial conference
Page 5 | JURY TRIAL
Movant must provide paper courtesy copies of motion, response, reply, and proposed orders to the Court at least three days before the hearing; binding is required only if the pleadings exceed 10 pages.
No later than THREE DAYS before your hearing (not including weekends or holidays), Movant is to provide a paper copy of any Motion, Response, and Reply, along with proposed Orders from both sides, related to your hearing to the Court. Only bindings if the pleadings that have more than 10 pages, including exhibits. Otherwise, no courtesy copy is necessary.
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
Movant must provide a paper courtesy copy of motion, response, reply, and proposed orders to the court no later than three days before the hearing, but only if the pleadings exceed 10 pages; binding required when over 10 pages.
No later than THREE DAYS before your hearing (not including weekends or holidays), Movant is to provide a paper copy of any Motion, Response, and Reply, along with proposed Orders from both sides, related to your hearing to the Court. Only bindings if the pleadings that have more than 10 pages, including exhibits. Otherwise, no courtesy copy is necessary.
Page 1 | Zoom Hearing Notice
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Any motion to seal court records must strictly follow Rule 76a of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Any motion to seal Court Records must strictly adhere to Rule 76a, TRCP.
Page 7 | Order
Documents determined in good faith to be Protected Documents may be designated confidential by stamping 'CONFIDENTIAL' or another reasonable method agreed by the parties, provided the stamping does not obscure the writings.
A document (or portion of a document) that a party determines in good faith to be a Protected Document may be claimed as confidential by (1) stamping the word “CONFIDENTIAL” on the document, or (2) using any other reasonable method agreed to by the parties. Such stamping shall not obscure any writings on the documents.
Page 1 | 2. Designation
A party may designate deposition portions as confidential on the record or by written notice to opposing counsel within 72 hours of receiving the deposition transcript.
A party may, on the record of a deposition or by written notice to opposing counsel no later than seventy-two (72) hours after receipt of the deposition transcript, claim any portion(s) of the deposition as “CONFIDENTIAL” based on a good faith determination that any
Page 1 | 2. Designation
Confidential Material may only be used by counsel for litigation of this case or related actions, and may not be revealed without the claiming party's written consent or a Court order.
Confidential Material shall be treated as confidential and used (1) by counsel in this case solely for the litigation of this case or (2) by counsel in other actions arising out of the same or similar set of facts, transactions, or occurrences that are asserted in the petition filed in this case solely for the litigation of such actions. Except as set forth in Section 6, Confidential Material shall not be revealed without the express written consent of the party claiming same as Confidential Material or upon written order of the Court.
Page 3 | 4. Use of Confidential Material Limited
When a confidentiality claim is challenged, the claiming party must move for a Court ruling; the material remains confidential for 20 days if no motion is filed, or until the Court rules if a motion is filed.
In the event a claim is challenged, the party requesting confidential treatment will move for an appropriate ruling from the Court. The material shall be treated as Confidential Material until the expiration of twenty (20) days if no motion is made by the party requesting confidential treatment (at which time the material shall no longer be treated as Confidential Material), or, if a motion is made, until the Court rules.
Page 3 | 3. Challenge to Claim
Any party may challenge a confidentiality claim by written notice of objection to the claiming party's counsel; challenges to deposition designations may also be made on the deposition record.
Any party may challenge a claim made under Section 2(a) or 2(b) by written notice of its objection to counsel for the claiming party or non-party. Challenge to a claim made under Section 2(b) may be made either upon the record of the deposition or as provided in the preceding sentence.
Page 3 | 3. Challenge to Claim
Parties are not required to challenge confidentiality designations at the time of designation, and failing to do so does not bar a later challenge.
A party shall not be obligated to challenge the propriety of the designation of documents as Confidential Materials at the time of designation, and failure to do so shall not preclude a subsequent challenge to the designation.
Page 3 | 3. Challenge to Claim
The confidentiality order does not apply to disclosure of protected documents at trial, their receipt into evidence, or witness testimony.
This Order shall not apply to the disclosure of Protected Documents or the information contained therein at the time of trial, through the receipt of Protected Documents into evidence or through the testimony of witnesses.
Page 3 | 5. Not Applicable to Trial
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Discovery-based continuance motions must be filed at least 30 days before trial and must detail discovery efforts and outstanding discovery.
Any continuance requested because of lack of discovery or because of discovery issues, must be filed at least thirty (30) days before trial, and should detail the discovery efforts and outstanding discovery as of the date of the filing of the motion.
Page 9 | CONTINUANCES
Motions to continue a summary judgment hearing require a showing of good cause.
Motions to continue any hearing on a Motion for Summary Judgment will be considered upon showing of good cause.
Page 7 | MOTIONS FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
For cases over a year old, all clients and attorneys must sign the motion for proposed order, and a party's written consent is required even if the motion is agreed by all counsel.
If a case is over one year old and all parties agree to a continuance, all clients and attorneys must sign the motion for proposed order. In accordance with the Local Rules, a party’s written consent is required on cases that are more than a year old, even if the motion is agreed by all counsel.
Page 9 | CONTINUANCES
A hearing on a continuance motion must be filed and set for hearing at least 14 days before trial.
A h earing on the motion must be filed and set for hearing at least fourteen (14) days prior to trial, except upon
Page 10 | CONTINUANCES
Chambers Communication Rules
A joint working charge must be emailed to the Court before the pre-trial conference.
A join “working” charge must be emailed to the Court prior to the pre-trial conference.
Page 5 | JURY TRIAL
Exhibits for Zoom proceedings must be pre-marked and emailed to the court reporter at least 72 hours prior.
Any exhibits that need to be entered/used during Zoom proceedings must be pre-marked and sent to Ms. Crystal Brown, the Official Court Reporter of the 44th Civil District Court at crystal.brown@dallascounty.org at least 72 hours (3 days) prior to the proceedings.
Page 1 | EXHIBITS
All transcript requests must be emailed to the court reporter at jstranscripts@yahoo.com and crystal.brown@dallascounty.org.
Please download and fill out the “Request for Reporter’s Record” form and email ALL transcript requests to Ms. Crystal Brown at and jstranscripts@yahoo.com and crystal.brown@dallascounty.org
Page 2 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTER’S RECORD
Counsel must have the motion and proposed order on file, then call the court clerk to request a hearing.
Counsel should have the motion and proposed order on file and then call the court clerk to request a hearing.
Page 1 | MOTION DOCKET
Bench trial submissions must be emailed to Sheria West with a copy to all parties in Microsoft Word format.
The submission must be emailed to Sheria West at sheria.n.west@dallascounty.org with a copy to all parties, in Microsoft Word
Page 3 | BENCH TRIAL
Notify the Court 7 days before trial if an interpreter is needed or requested under the ADA.
The Court should be notified seven (7) days in advance of trial if an interpreter will be used or is needed, and if there is a request for the Court to provide such interpreter in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Page 5 | JURY TRIAL
Telephone hearings are permitted only when no evidence/testimony will be presented or counsel must travel over one hour, and must be pre-approved by the Judge and arranged through the Court Coordinator.
Telephone hearings are permitted only if no evidence or testimony will be presented and/or if counsel would have to travel more than one hour to reach the Court. Telephone hearings must be pre-approved by the Judge and arranged through the Court Coordinator.
Page 11 | Telephone Hearings
E-mail communication with the Court Coordinator is permitted but limited to the particular incident with all opposing counsel/parties copied, and pleadings must not be filed with the Court Coordinator.
You may communicate with the Court Coordinator via e-mail, but pleadings are not to be filed with the Court Coordinator. If permission is granted to communicate with the Court via e-mail, it is limited to the particular incident, and all opposing counsel/parties must be copied.
Page 11 | E-MAIL COMMUNICATION
To cancel a hearing (except for summary judgment motions), the movant must call the Clerk and then email all parties and the Court Coordinator.
Except for Motions for Summary Judgment, a movant shall call the Clerk to cancel the hearing, then send an email to all parties and the Court Coordinator.
Page 11 | CANCELLATION OF HEARINGS
If the Clerk cannot be reached by phone, email the Court Coordinator and Court Reporter to cancel a hearing.
If you are unable to reach the CLERK by phone, you may send an e-mail to the Court Coordinator: sheria.n.west@dallascounty.org and to the Court Reporter: Trashuna.Salaam@dallascounty.org so that they may notify the Judge.
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
To set a Zoom hearing, call the Court Clerk at (214) 653-7427.
Call the Court Clerk at (214) 653-7427 to set ZOOM HEARING
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
To cancel a hearing, call the Clerk at (214) 653-7427.
Call the CLERK at (214) 653-7427 to cancel your hearing.
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
Judge Frazier accepts phone calls during depositions and other proceedings when a question requires immediate attention.
Judge Frazier accepts calls during depositions and other proceedings involving all counsel when a question arises that needs immediate attention.
Page 3 | CERTIFICATES OF CONFERENCE
Counsel/parties may use the courtroom for trial preparation when court is not in session, contacting the Deputy Clerks or Coordinator to schedule a time.
Counsel/parties are welcome to use the courtroom for purposes of preparing for trial, including use of the technology, provided court is not in session. Contact the Deputy Clerks or the Coordinator to determine an appropriate time.
Page 11 | USE OF COURTROOM
Parties may contact the court administrator by phone or email to request to appear via Zoom.
A party may contact the court administrator be phone or email to request to appear via zoom.
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
For questions about procedures, call the Court Coordinator at (214) 653-6996.
Any questions about these procedures, call the Sheria West, Court Coordinator at (214) 653-6996.
Page 13 | ZOOM HEARINGS
Call the clerk to cancel a hearing.
Call the CLERK at (214) 653-7427 to cancel your hearing.
Page 1 | Cancellation of Zoom Hering
Call the Court Coordinator for questions about these procedures.
Any questions about these procedures, call the Sheria West, Court Coordinator at (214) 653-6996.
Page 1 | Any questions about these procedures
Call the Court Clerk to schedule a Zoom hearing.
Call the Court Clerk at (214) 653-7427 to set ZOOM HEARING
Page 1 | Zoom Hearing Notice
If unable to reach the clerk by phone, email the Court Coordinator and Court Reporter to cancel the hearing.
If you are unable to reach the CLERK by phone, you may send an e-mail to the Court Coordinator: sheria.n.west@dallascounty.org and to the Court Reporter: Trashuna.Salaam@dallascounty.org
Page 1 | Cancellation of Zoom Hering