**U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard B. Farrer** began his service in the Western District of Texas in 2017, serving in the San Antonio Division. Judge Farrer is board-certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2016). Before his judicial appointment, he practiced at Yetter Coleman LLP (2016–2017, 2007–2012), served as Assistant Solicitor General of Texas (2012–2016), and practiced at Weil Gotshal & Manges (2006–2007). He began his legal career as a law clerk to Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2005–2006). **Education** - University of Texas School of Law, J.D. with honors, 2005 (Notes Editor, Texas Law Review) - University of New Mexico, B.A. in Philosophy, 1993 **Career** - U.S. Magistrate Judge, Western District of Texas (2017–present) - Associate, Yetter Coleman LLP (2016–2017) - Assistant Solicitor General, State of Texas (2012–2016) - Associate, Yetter Coleman LLP (2007–2012) - Associate, Weil Gotshal & Manges (2006–2007) - Law Clerk to Hon. Jeffrey S. Sutton, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2005–2006)
**Courthouse:** 262 West Nueva Street, San Antonio, TX 78207 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: Ms. Amber Baillio, (210) 244-5012
The rule limits courtesy-copy delivery rather than stating a blanket requirement before Judge Richard B. Farrer. Courtesy copies of filings are not required by the Court.
Judge Richard B. Farrer's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Parties must make a good-faith effort to confer on contested non-dispositive motions, including in-person or telephonic attempts, often more than one or two attempts.
Judge Richard B. Farrer's rules include page or word limits for covered filings. Briefing beyond motion/response/reply is heavily disfavored and may be struck without leave.
Judge Richard B. Farrer's rules include formatting requirements. Citations preferred in body text, string citations acceptable in footnotes.
The rule requires proposed order and certificate of conference. Motions to modify scheduling orders must include a proposed order with new deadlines and, if not agreed, a certificate of conference.
The rule requires caption, judge name, and case number. Motions required for any relief from the court, including scheduling matters.
Parties may contact Judge Richard B. Farrer's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Opposing counsel must be copied on all correspondence with court except ex parte mediation statements.
Judge Richard B. Farrer's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include adversary position, reason for request, and proposed new dates. Counsel must file a motion to continue a civil trial as soon as possible and include whether it is opposed, the reasons, and the length of additional time requested.
The rule states that filing is treated as on submission. Ex parte criminal submissions cannot be withdrawn, amended, or revised without a corresponding docket entry.
The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: timing: 3 calendar days before hearing. Parties must exchange demonstratives at least 3 days before the Final Pretrial Conference.
Ex parte criminal submissions cannot be withdrawn, amended, or revised without a corresponding docket entry.
Clerk must docket ex parte criminal submissions after review, approval, and signature by Judge Farrer.
Rejected or superseded ex parte criminal submissions must be docketed with a designation indicating the reason (rejected, withdrawn, superseded, or amended).
A continuance must be requested by filing a motion.
Parties presenting deposition testimony must provide deposition excerpts to the Court during trial for the record.
Court staff must not be contacted about substantive matters or ruling timing; relief must be sought by motion.
Scheduling matters are handled by calling (210) 244-5012.
Direct contact with Court staff or Law Clerks is only appropriate when initiated or expressly authorized by the Court.
Do not email or call to inquire about rulings or their timing; the Court may be contacted by email at TXWDml_Chambers_SA_JudgeFarrer@txwd.uscourts.gov when necessary.
Opposing counsel should generally be copied on all correspondence with the Court, except ex parte mediation statements.
In a true emergency concerning a civil matter, call (210) 244-5012.
Parties may contact the Court during depositions in true emergencies by calling (210) 244-5012.
Motions that require a certificate of conference must include one.
Contact the Court as early as possible when expecting to file a TRO or other expedited relief, by calling (210) 244-5012.
Expedited hearings require a motion explaining the need and deadlines, plus contacting the Court; such requests are reserved for emergencies only.
Counsel must contact the Court to alert it when requesting an expedited hearing, which is reserved for emergencies only.
Court staff cannot advise parties on the status of motions or when a ruling will issue.
Parties must file an Advisory notifying the Court when a contested motion is resolved, and call the Courtroom Deputy if time sensitive.
If resolution of a contested motion is time sensitive, parties must call the Courtroom Deputy at (210) 244-5012.
Motions to modify scheduling orders must include a proposed order with new deadlines and, if not agreed, a certificate of conference.
Extension motions filed at the last minute or after deadlines have expired are disfavored.
Courtesy copies of filings are not required by the Court.
Additional briefing beyond the motion, response, and reply requires leave of Court.
Parties should file an agreed motion for extensions of time, even if the extension does not affect other pretrial dates.
Counsel must file a motion to continue a civil trial as soon as possible and include whether it is opposed, the reasons, and the length of additional time requested.
A motion for leave to use jury questionnaires must be filed at least seven days before trial.
Parties must exchange demonstratives at least 3 days before the Final Pretrial Conference.
Parties must make a good-faith effort to confer on contested non-dispositive motions, including in-person or telephonic attempts, often more than one or two attempts.
Sanctions motions should only be filed for egregious behavior; the Court disfavors strategic sanctions filings.
Opposing counsel must be copied on all correspondence with court except ex parte mediation statements.