**Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson** was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Washington in March 2019. Before her judicial appointment, Judge Peterson maintained a private practice emphasizing white collar criminal defense, government investigations, False Claims Act litigation, civil rights, and commercial litigation. She worked at multiple firms ranging from a national law firm to boutique litigation practices. She has been deeply involved with the Western District of Washington Federal Bar, serving as a Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative and co-chairing committees focused on local rules and electronically stored information (ESI) discovery protocols. She currently serves as Chair of the Criminal Local Rules Committee and Co-Chair of the Court Local Civil Rules Committee for the Ninth Circuit. **Education** - University of Minnesota Law School, J.D. - Seattle Pacific University, B.A. **Career** - Private practice: white collar criminal defense, government investigations, False Claims Act, civil rights, and commercial litigation - Ninth Circuit Lawyer Representative - Chair, Criminal Local Rules Committee - Co-Chair, Court Local Civil Rules Committee, Ninth Circuit
**Division:** Seattle **Courthouse:** United States Courthouse, 700 Stewart Street, Suite 12232, Seattle, WA 98101-9906 **Phone:** (206) 370-8940 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: (206) 370-8422 - Case Administrator: (206) 370-8422
Courtesy copies are required for attorney filers. Details: 3 copies, delivery upon filing, by ecf filing. Counsel must file original plus 3 copies; pro se petitioners file only original.
Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Reply papers for 21-day motions must be filed within 21 days.
Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rule states these limits: attorney: 2100 words; pro se: 6 pages. Same-day motions limited to 2,100 words or 6 pages.
Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rule states these limits: 2100 words; 6 pages; 6 pages. Reply briefs limited to 2,100 words or 6 pages (handwritten/typewriter)
Judge Michelle L. Peterson's formatting rule includes letter paper. All filings must be on 8.5 x 11 inch paper
The rule requires caption. Civil Cover Sheet (Form JS-44) required for all civil actions except prisoner challenges.
The rule requires consent to fee recovery and in forma pauperis application. In forma pauperis applicants must complete district-specific application and consent to fee recovery.
Parties may contact Judge Michelle L. Peterson's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Pro se parties must keep court and opposing parties updated on current mailing/email address; failure to do so within 60 days of returned mail/email may result in dismissal without prejudice.
Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Redact SSNs and TINs in their entirety.
Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request, original date, and affects other dates. Time periods extend to next business day if deadline falls on weekend/holiday; ECF system failures after 5pm or >2 hours extend deadlines to next business day.
Yes. Judge Michelle L. Peterson requires bundling for covered papers. Dispositive motions (dismissal, summary judgment, etc.) must be filed together with supporting papers.
Yes. Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Attorneys must have at least 7 years of bar membership or judicial experience to serve as neutrals.
All filings must be on 8.5 x 11 inch paper
Local rules apply to all civil proceedings unless otherwise ordered.
Redact SSNs and TINs in their entirety.
Counsel must work to minimize costs and complete cases promptly.
Local rules provide tools for civil case management including discovery.
Cost reduction methods include limiting discovery, early mediation, abbreviated pretrial orders, and magistrate consent.
Judges will support or impose cost reduction tools when appropriate.
Judges are concerned about professionalism in discovery.
High degree of professionalism expected from lawyers.
Professional conduct must be consistent inside and outside court.
Counsel should review assigned judge's web page for procedural information.
Rules should be interpreted to promote just, efficient, speedy, and economical determination.
Meet and confer requires good faith conference with professionalism and collegiality.
Litigation must be free from prejudice and bias; fair treatment required.
Civil Cover Sheet (Form JS-44) required for all civil actions except prisoner challenges.
Patent/copyright cases require additional notices (AO 120/121).
Civil filing fee required for all civil actions except in forma pauperis.
In forma pauperis applicants must complete district-specific application and consent to fee recovery.
Witness fees paid by marshal for in forma pauperis parties in habeas/2255 cases.
Plaintiffs must list related cases on Civil Cover Sheet and file Notice of Related Cases.
Removing defendants must list related cases on Civil Cover Sheet and file Notice of Related Cases.
Parties must file Notice of Related Cases within 5 days of discovering related actions.
Notice of Pendency of Other Action must be filed within 5 days of learning about related cases.
Notice must include specific information about related actions and coordination.
Transfer or remand orders become effective 14 days after filing unless otherwise ordered.
Parties must provide properly formatted summons with sufficient copies for service.
US Marshals Service is relieved from civil process serving for private litigants.
Private litigants encouraged to seek waiver of service under FRCP 4 before requesting US Marshals Service.
Certificate of service not required for ECF filings to represented or ECF-participating parties.
Proof of service must be on the document itself, not as separate filing.