Western District of Texas Chambers Communication Rules
270 rules from official source documents
Rules 201 to 250, page 5 of 6
Rules for contacting chambers: permitted methods, hours, and purposes.
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Court uses JERS system to electronically capture and provide evidence to jury in deliberation room.
The Court uses Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS) which provides an efficient method of electronically capturing evidence as it is presented in court during trial. Upon completion of the trial presentations, the evidence is released in electronic form to the jury in the Jury Deliberation Room.
INFO
Cases assigned to district and magistrate judges; discovery routinely referred to magistrate
At the time a lawsuit is filed, the case is assigned to this district judge and a magistrate judge. The parties should advise the district clerk of their respective positions concerning transferring the case to a magistrate judge for jury or nonjury trial by consent, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c). Discovery matters are routinely referred to the magistrate judge. Otherwise, pursuant to Local Rule, Appendix C, various pretrial matters regarding civil cases filed by prisoners and reviews of administrative agency proceedings (social security appeals) are referred to a magistrate judge.
INFO
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (915) 834-0501
The courtroom deputy at (915) 834-0501.
The courtroom deputy at (915) 834-0501.
INFO
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (915) 834-0501
Contact courtroom deputy for expedited hearing in criminal case
Contact the courtroom deputy at (915) 834-0501.
INFOCivil cases
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- Phone to chambers
No.
No.
INFOCivil cases
Contact Natasha Martinez to arrange technology use.
Contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy, prior to date needed.
INFOCivil cases
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Attorneys may use internet during trial; contact Natasha Martinez for access.
Yes; attorneys may use the internet during trial if necessary. For information on access contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy at (210) 472-6550 Ext. 5020 or Natasha_Martinez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
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- Email to chambers
May the court be contacted by e-mail or fax? If so, what is the address or number? You may contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy, at Natasha_Martinez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
May the court be contacted by e-mail or fax? If so, what is the address or number? You may contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy, at Natasha_Martinez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
May the court be contacted by e-mail or fax? If so, what is the address or number? You may contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy, by email Natasha_Martinez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
May the court be contacted by e-mail or fax? If so, what is the address or number? You may contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy, by email Natasha_Martinez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
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- Email to chambers
File expedited motion, then contact Courtroom Deputy.
What procedures should be followed if a party expects to be filing a motion for expedited relief? File the motion, then contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy.
INFOCivil cases
Parties may bring own equipment; contact Natasha Martinez to arrange.
Yes. Contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy, prior to date needed.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
File motion for expedited hearing, then contact Courtroom Deputy.
What procedures should be followed to request an expedited hearing in a criminal case? File a motion requesting an expedited hearing, then contact Natasha Martinez, Courtroom Deputy.
INFOCivil cases
Courtroom Deputy Sylvia Ann Fernandez should be notified prior to the hearing or trial as to what equipment is needed.
Courtroom Deputy Sylvia Ann Fernandez should be notified prior to the hearing or trial as to what equipment is needed.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550
Notify Courtroom Deputy when criminal motion is resolved.
Notify Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
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- Phone to chambers
The Law Clerk should be notified at (210) 472-6575 immediately upon resolution of the pending motion.
The Law Clerk should be notified at (210) 472-6575 immediately upon resolution of the pending motion.
INFOCivil cases
Initial pretrial conference scheduled after proposed scheduling order; motion may be filed for immediate conference.
An initial pretrial conference pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 will be scheduled after the Court receives the parties’ proposed scheduling order. However, if a party believes that a conference with the Court is needed on a more immediate basis to resolve any discovery or case management issues, the party should file a motion with the Court requesting a pretrial conference.
INFOCivil cases
Additional technology details in Courtroom Technology Guidance document.
See Courtroom Technology Guidance.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011
Contact Courtroom Deputy Sylvia Ann Fernandez for scheduling matters
Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5037
Court reporter uses Real Time; contact Amber Nino at (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5037 for rough transcripts
Yes. Parties can contact the court reporter, Amber Nino at (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5037.
INFOCivil cases
Courtroom has internet access; arrangements must be made ahead of time
Yes, there is internet access, but arrangements must be made ahead of time.
INFOCivil cases
Courtroom has white erase board and document presenter, no chart stand, video equipment per guidance.
White Erase Board Yes Chart stand: No Document presenter: Yes Video equipment: See Courtroom Technology Guidance.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
Contact assigned Law Clerk for expedited hearing requests
Contact the Law Clerk assigned to the case.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez for equipment delivery arrangements
Parties should contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
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- Phone to chambers
Contact assigned Law Clerk for non-substantive matters or case settlements
If an attorney wishes to contact the Court regarding a non-substantive matter or to inform the Court that the case has settled or a pending motion has been resolved, the attorney should contact the Law Clerk assigned to the case.
INFOCivil cases
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- Email to chambers
Parties are encouraged to email hearing exhibits, demonstratives, or presentation slides to opposing counsel and the named court staff at least two hours before the hearing, unless the Court instructs otherwise.
Parties are encouraged to submit their exhibits, demonstratives, or presentation slides for hearings via email to opposing counsel and court staff at Abigail_Ernstes@txwd.uscourts.gov and TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeMacLemore@txwd.uscourts.gov at least two hours before the hearing start time or as otherwise instructed by the Court.
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For hearing resets, parties should jointly email chambers with alternate dates/times.
If either party requires a reset of the hearing once it has been added to the docket, parties are encouraged to meet and confer and provide a joint updated request that includes several alternate dates and times by emailing the Court’s law clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeMacLemore@txwd.uscourts.gov and Judge MacLemore’s Courtroom Deputy at Abigail_Ernstes@txwd.uscourts.gov in a timely manner.
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- Email to chambers
Contact Courtroom Deputy for questions about setup, decorum, or procedures after Order Setting is docketed.
Once the Order Setting has been added to the docket, you may contact Judge MacLemore’s Courtroom Deputy for any questions regarding courtroom setup, courtroom decorum or procedures at Abigail_Ernstes@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to clerk
Parties may request a secure document submission link by emailing the Court’s law clerks.
To request a secure link, please the Court’s Law Clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeMacLemore@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
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- Email to clerk
To request a secure link for submitting documents through the Court’s Box.com, parties should contact the Court’s law clerks at the listed email address.
To request a secure link, please the Court’s Law Clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeMacLemore@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
Counsel are encouraged to use courtroom technology and schedule equipment testing and training with the Clerk’s Office.
Counsel is encouraged to make use of the courtroom technology and to schedule a time with the Clerk’s Office to test the equipment and receive any necessary training.
INFO
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Parties should jointly request attendance preference (in person, Zoom, or hybrid) via email to chambers.
Parties are encouraged to meet and confer and provide a joint request on attendance preference (in person, zoom or hybrid) by emailing the Court’s law clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeMacLemore@txwd.uscourts.gov and copying all counsel of record in the case.
INFO
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- Email to chambers
Parties should email joint attendance preference (in person, Zoom, hybrid) to chambers.
Parties are encouraged to meet and confer and provide a joint request on attendance preference (in person, zoom or hybrid) by emailing the Court’s law clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeGilliland@txwd.uscourts.gov and copying all counsel of record in the case. The email should indicate the parties’ attendance preference, the names of counsel appearing and whether confidential information will be shared so appropriate measures may be taken to seal the hearing.
INFO
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- Email to chambers
Contact Courtroom Deputy for setup, decorum, or procedure questions.
Once the Order Setting has been added to the docket, you may contact Judge Gilliland’s Courtroom Deputy for any questions regarding courtroom setup, courtroom decorum or procedures at Melissa_Copp@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFO
If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion or discovery dispute, after the briefing is ripe, the party should contact the law clerk to request oral argument and inform the clerk that a Newer Attorney will argue the motion or a portion of the motion.
If a party would like a Newer Attorney to argue a motion or discovery dispute, after the briefing is ripe, the party should contact the law clerk to request oral argument and inform the clerk that a Newer Attorney will argue the motion or a portion of the motion.
INFO
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- Email to chambers
Hearings held on most discovery matters; non-discovery hearings only if requested.
Judge Gilliland holds hearings on most discovery matters. As for non-discovery motions, the Court will hold a hearing if a party requests it.
INFO
- Contact
- Email to chambers
For hearing resets, email joint request with alternate dates to chambers and Courtroom Deputy.
If either party requires a reset of the hearing once it has been added to the docket, parties are encouraged to meet and confer and provide a joint updated request that includes several alternate dates and times by emailing the Court’s law clerks at TXWDml_NoJudge_Chambers_WA_JudgeGilliland@txwd.uscourts.gov and Judge Gilliland’s Courtroom Deputy at Melissa_Copp@txwd.uscourts.gov in a timely manner.
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Hearings proceed as scheduled until Court issues reset notice or order.
Despite the parties’ request, a hearing will proceed as originally scheduled until there is a notice from the Court resetting it or an Order Resetting added to the docket.
INFOCivil cases
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- Phone to chambers
Counsel must contact the Court to alert it when requesting an expedited hearing, which is reserved for emergencies only.
If counsel requires an expedited hearing in a civil case, file an appropriate motion and contact the Court to alert the Court of the situation. Any motion should explain the need for expedited relief and the deadline(s) by which it is requested. Requests for an expedited hearing should be reserved for emergency situations only.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 244-5012
Yes, please. File an Advisory notifying the Court. If the resolution of the contested motion is time sensitive, please also call the Courtroom Deputy at (210) 244-5012 to advise of the situation.
Yes, please. File an Advisory notifying the Court. If the resolution of the contested motion is time sensitive, please also call the Courtroom Deputy at (210) 244-5012 to advise of the situation.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 244-5012
Parties may contact the Court during depositions in true emergencies by calling (210) 244-5012.
Yes, in true emergencies parties can call: (210) 244-5012.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 244-5012
The phone number to call for scheduling matters is: (210) 244-5012.
The phone number to call for scheduling matters is: (210) 244-5012.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 244-5012
In a true emergency concerning a civil matter, call (210) 244-5012.
In a true emergency concerning a civil matter, call: (210) 244-5012.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 244-5012
Please contact the Court as early in the process as possible. Call (210) 244-5012.
Please contact the Court as early in the process as possible. Call (210) 244-5012.
INFOCivil cases
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Contact Priscilla Springs for status of motions in criminal cases.
Yes, you may contact Priscilla Springs, Courtroom Deputy, at (210) 472-6550 ext 5016, or priscilla_springs@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550 ext 5016
Yes, you may contact Priscilla Springs, Courtroom Deputy, at (210) 472-6550 ext 5016, or priscilla_springs@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Yes, you may contact Priscilla Springs, Courtroom Deputy, at (210) 472-6550 ext 5016, or priscilla_springs@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
Court issues scheduling order immediately after case assignment.
A general scheduling order and trial date is entered by the Court immediately after the case has been assigned to the Court.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Phone
- Phone
- (210) 472-6550 ext 5016
Telephone conferences arranged through courtroom deputy Priscilla Springs by phone or email; requesting party must state reason.
In certain circumstances. Please contact Priscilla Springs at (210) 472-6550 ext 5016 or at priscilla_springs@txwd.uscourts.gov. The requesting party must advise why a telephone conference is being requested. If approved by the Court the courtroom deputy will arrange the telephone conference with parties.
INFOCivil cases
- Contact
- Email to chambers
Contact Courtroom Deputy Priscilla Springs for scheduling matters
Contact Priscilla Springs, Courtroom Deputy, at (210) 472-6550 ext 5016, or priscilla_springs@txwd.uscourts.gov.
INFOCivil cases
Pleas and counsel motions routinely referred to Magistrate Judge; other matters referred case-by-case.
Pleas are routinely referred to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Motions to withdraw counsel or substitution of counsel may be referred to a U.S. Magistrate Judge. The Court may refer various other criminal matters to a Magistrate Judge on a case by case basis.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.