**Magistrate Judge Grady J. Leupold** was appointed to the federal bench as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Washington in April 2023. Judge Leupold served as a Supervising Attorney and General Crimes Unit Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington from 2014 to 2023, and previously served as an AUSA in the Southern District of Texas from 2011 to 2014. He began his legal career as a commercial litigator at Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP in 2000. In 2024, he retired as a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel after 20 years of active duty and reserve service; his military legal career included service as a judge advocate at Fort Drum and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, two Afghanistan deployments, and teaching criminal law as an adjunct professor. He currently co-chairs the PATHWAY mental health court and the Bench Bar Committee for Social Security Disability Appeals. **Education** - University of Florida College of Law, J.D. with honors, 2000 (Law Review) - University of Washington, B.A. in Political Science, 1997 **Career** - Supervising Attorney/General Crimes AUSA, Western District of Washington (2014–2023) - Assistant United States Attorney, Southern District of Texas (2011–2014) - Commercial Litigator, Lane Powell Spears Lubersky LLP (2000–2011) - U.S. Army Judge Advocate, Lieutenant Colonel (retired 2024, 20 years of service)
**Division:** Tacoma **Courthouse:** United States Courthouse, 1717 Pacific Avenue, Room 3100, Tacoma, WA 98402-3200 **Phone:** (253) 882-3780 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: (253) 882-3828 - Case Administrator: (253) 882-3828
Judge Grady J. Leupold's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Before filing a discovery motion, the moving party must make reasonable efforts to have all parties participate in contacting the Court to request a telephonic motion.
The rule requires certificate of conference. All counsel must follow these trial conduct rules unless excused by Judge Leupold
The rule requires certificate of conference. All exhibits must be handled electronically; hard copies to Courtroom Deputy if needed
Parties may contact Judge Grady J. Leupold's chambers by in person only as allowed by the rule. Stand when court is opened, recessed, or adjourned
Yes. Judge Grady J. Leupold's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court encourages Rule 9 interns and junior attorneys to argue, permits multiple attorneys to argue for one party.
Court encourages Rule 9 interns and junior attorneys to argue, permits multiple attorneys to argue for one party.
Before filing a discovery motion, the moving party must make reasonable efforts to have all parties participate in contacting the Court to request a telephonic motion.
Counsel may email Deputy Clerk Kelly Miller to arrange a telephone conference with the Court.
Junior lawyers with less than 7 years experience are encouraged to conduct hearings, especially when they contributed to the motion papers.
All counsel must follow these trial conduct rules unless excused by Judge Leupold
Stand when court is opened, recessed, or adjourned
Stand when jury enters or exits courtroom in jury trials
Stand when addressing or being addressed by the Court
Stand at lectern when examining witnesses, may approach for exhibits
Address all remarks to the Court, not opposing counsel
Be respectful of opposing counsel, litigants, and witnesses
Refer to all persons by surnames, not first names
Only one attorney per party may examine/cross-examine each witness
Request permission before approaching the bench
All exhibits must be handled electronically; hard copies to Courtroom Deputy if needed
DEPS program required for exhibit presentation; display electronically to opposing counsel first
Counsel responsible for retrieving exhibits after trial; Courtroom Deputy not responsible
Organize and prepare documents electronically before witness examination
State only legal grounds for objections, no further comment unless requested
Show exhibits to opposing counsel before trial session; admit without objection
Present objected exhibits to Court before session for ruling to avoid sidebar conferences
Make stipulation offers/requests privately, not in jury's hearing
Do not face or address jurors when questioning witnesses
Sidebar conferences presumptively not tolerated except in extraordinary circumstances
Do not express personal knowledge or opinion in jury arguments