Judge Amy Thomas Ward

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Motions must be in writing and accompanied by a proposed order granting or denying the requested relief.

Applies to

Opposed motion and response

Must include

certificate of conference

Opposed motions and responses must include a Certificate of Conference stating the attempt to resolve the dispute, its date, and the manner of communication, or any other information the Court requires.

Applies to

Summary judgment motion

A summary judgment motion must list specific grounds numerically, identify the facts and their sources and locations in the evidence, and provide concise arguments with authority citations and specific evidence references.

Counsel should notify opposing counsel, and when appropriate the Court or others, as soon as practicable when a hearing, deposition, meeting, conference, or closing is cancelled.

Applies to

Motion or pleading

Counsel must not serve motions or pleadings in a manner that unfairly limits another party’s opportunity to respond.

Applies to

Order

Counsel should promptly submit orders, provide opposing counsel copies before or at the same time as submission, and promptly approve orders that accurately reflect the Court’s rulings.

Responses must be filed before the hearing date.

A reply may be filed after the response and before the court rules.

Written designations for June, July, or August vacation weeks must be filed with the District Clerk by March 15.

Counsel should agree to reasonable extension requests and waivers of procedural formalities unless doing so would adversely affect the client’s legitimate objectives.

A motion to continue a trial setting must be presented to the court pursuant to the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.

Continuance motions must comply with applicable law and these rules and be presented and considered in accordance with the Notice of Setting; the Court will not consider them on the scheduled trial date absent good cause and compliance.