Western District of Washington Chambers Communication Rules

Contact

Email to trustee

Ex parte chapter 13 dismissal orders must be emailed to the Seattle and Tacoma chapter 13 trustees.

Ex parte dismissal orders shall be sent to the Seattle chapter 13 trustee at courtmail@seattlech13.com and to the Tacoma chapter 13 trustee at specialcounsel@chapter13tacoma.org.

Contact

Video conference

Video participants must conduct themselves as if physically present.

Attorneys and litigants appearing by video shall appear and conduct themselves as if they were physically in the courtroom.

Contact

Video conference

Attorneys must appear on camera and have technical capability; inform court if unable.

Attorneys shall appear on camera. Given the prevalence of video hearings in various courts, attorneys should have a working video feed and understand how to utilize their personal technology to enable an appearance by video. If an attorney is not confident they have the technical experience or knowledge to utilize a camera, they shall inform the court immediately so the court can schedule an in-person appearance rather than a video appearance.

Contact

Video conference

Attorneys must appear from proper location with lighting, no distractions, not from vehicles.

Attorneys shall appear from an office or room with proper lighting. Attorneys should not appear from a location where there are distractions occurring in the room, which includes distractions from co-workers, family, or pets. Attorneys are prohibited from appearing from vehicles.

Contact

Video conference

Video conference login details limited to client and relevant staff only.

Attorneys shall only share the video conference login details with their client and staff who are assisting with the matter. The login details shall not be provided to nonparties or to staff who are not involved with the matter.

Contact

Video conferencing

Jury selection will be conducted via Zoom unless parties object with good cause.

The Court will conduct jury selection over Zoom unless the parties object and good cause is shown why jury selection should not take place through remote video means.

Contact

Video conferencing

Recording proceedings by any means is prohibited and illegal.

No one is allowed to record the proceedings by any means. Recording Zoom proceedings without permission from the Court is illegal.

Contact

Email to chambers

Objections to witnesses/exhibits must be resolved by meet-and-confer, then emailed to courtroom deputy by 8 PM.

If the opposing party objects to any witnesses or exhibits, the parties must meet and confer to resolve any objections and to reach stipulations. If objections remain after conferring, the party offering the disputed exhibit(s) must email Mr. Cogswell by 8:00 p.m. with a list of the disputed exhibit(s) to be offered the next day.

Contact

In person to chambers

Equipment testing must be scheduled with courtroom deputy at pretrial conference.

At the pretrial conference, the parties must schedule with Mr. Cogswell a time to test any equipment that they wish to use at trial.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy via email as soon as possible when case settles; failure may result in sanctions under LCR 11(b).

If this case settles, counsel shall notify Courtroom Deputy Diyana Staples via email at Diyana_Staples@wawd.uscourts.gov as soon as possible. Pursuant to LCR 11(b), an attorney who fails to give the courtroom deputy prompt notice of settlement may be subject to sanctions.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must contact Courtroom Deputy via email before requesting a continuance to ensure Court availability.

Please contact Courtroom Deputy Diyana Staples at Diyana_Staples@wawd.uscourts.gov before requesting a continuance of a trial date to a future date certain, to ensure the Court's availability.

Contact

Hand delivery to chambers

Physical copies of in camera review documents must be delivered to chambers, clearly marked for in camera review.

The party shall also deliver a physical copy of the documents to chambers, clearly marked for in camera review to avoid inadvertent filing on the docket.

Contact

Email to chambers

All parties must be copied on all emails sent to the Courtroom Deputy.

All parties must be copied on emails when communicating with the Courtroom Deputy.

Contact

Email to clerk

Electronic copies of in camera review documents must be sent to the Courtroom Deputy via email.

If the Court orders a party to submit documents for in camera review, the party shall send an electronic copy of the documents to the Courtroom Deputy at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

All oral argument requests must be submitted via email to the Courtroom Deputy.

All requests pertaining to oral argument should be submitted via email to the Courtroom Deputy at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel must notify the Courtroom Deputy via email immediately upon case settlement, with sanctions for non-compliance.

If this case settles, counsel shall notify the Courtroom Deputy via email at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov as soon as possible. Pursuant to LCR 11(b), an attorney who fails to give the Courtroom Deputy prompt notice of settlement may be subject to sanctions.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must contact chambers via email before requesting a trial continuance to confirm availability, then file a stipulated motion after obtaining an approved date.

Please contact the Courtroom Deputy at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov before requesting a continuance of a trial date to a future date certain, to ensure the Court’s availability. After the parties obtain an approved new trial date from the Courtroom Deputy, the parties may file a stipulated motion for a continuance.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue trial date.

Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, counsel is directed to contact the Court’s courtroom deputy, Natalie Wood, by email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the parties’ proposed new trial date is acceptable to the Court.

Contact

Email to chambers

Moving party must email a Microsoft Word version of proposed order to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov; no substantive relief requests to that address.

Pursuant to this District's Electronic Filing Procedures, the moving party must email a Microsoft Word version of a proposed order to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov. Parties may not send requests for substantive relief to this email address.

Contact

Email to opposing counsel

Parties must notify opposing counsel of next-day witnesses by 8 p.m. the previous day.

The Court expects the Parties to provide notice to opposing counsel of their next-day’s witnesses by 8 p.m. the day before a witness is to be called.

Contact

Email to chambers

After-hours issues require meet-and-confer before emailing Courtroom Deputy.

Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue can be resolved without Court intervention. If such meet-and-confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact Courtroom Deputy before filing motion to continue trial date.

Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, Counsel are directed to contact the Court’s Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the Court will be available on the proposed new trial date.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Counsel must remain within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations.

Throughout jury deliberations, Counsel must remain within twenty (20) minutes of the courthouse so that the Court can expeditiously respond to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel who choose not to remain in the immediate vicinity of the courtroom must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a telephone number where they can be contacted.

Contact

Email to chambers

After-hours issues must be resolved by meet-and-confer before contacting chambers.

Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue can be resolved without Court intervention. If such meet-and-confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email

All parties must be included in communications with chambers.

For any other types of inquiries, all Parties must be on the line or copied on the email when communicating with the Courtroom Deputy.

Contact

Email to chambers

Videoconference registration required; video appearance mandatory unless motion granted.

All videoconference participants must register prior to the hearing or trial date using the link that will be provided in advance of the hearing or trial date. Where a videoconference has been set, Counsel is required to appear via video unless they file, and the Court grants, a motion to appear telephonically.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phones/devices must be off/airplane mode during proceedings; violations may be sanctioned.

Except with prior Court approval, all cellular telephones and wireless devices must be turned off or turned to airplane mode during all proceedings. Simply silencing these devices is insufficient, as they may interfere with the courtroom audio system. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must review Judge Lin's procedures online before hearings/trials.

Parties shall review Judge Lin’s procedures at https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/judges/lin-procedures prior to any hearing or trial for potential updates or modifications to this Order as well as additional information relating to her general practices.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue trial.

Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, Counsel is directed to contact the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the Court will be available on the proposed new trial date.

Contact

Phone

All devices must be turned off or to airplane mode during proceedings.

All cellular telephones and wireless devices must be turned off or turned to airplane mode during all proceedings. Simply silencing these devices is insufficient, as they may interfere with the courtroom audio system. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.

Contact

Email to chambers

After-hours issues require meet-and-confer before emailing courtroom deputy.

Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue may be resolved without court intervention. If such meet and confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Kadya Peter, the Courtroom Deputy, of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Counsel must remain within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations and provide contact information.

Throughout jury deliberations Counsel must remain within twenty (20) minutes of the courthouse to allow the Court to expeditiously respond to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a telephone number where they can be contacted if leaving the immediate vicinity of the courtroom during jury deliberations.

Contact

Email to clerk

Moving parties must notify the courtroom deputy via email or phone when the opposing party does not oppose a motion or does not file a response.

Should a Party not oppose a motion that has been filed against it, once the response indicating non-opposition has been filed, the moving Party shall notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter, either by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525, that the opposing Party has filed a response noting the non-opposition. If a Party does not file any response to a motion, the moving Party shall notify the Courtroom Deputy, which may expedite consideration of the motion.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel must be prepared to address Court's email questions by 5 p.m. the day before hearing.

The Court may email Counsel with questions that they should be prepared to address before 5 p.m. the day before the hearing.

Contact

In person to chambers

Counsel must have sufficient witnesses; no early recess for missing witnesses.

Counsel must have sufficient witnesses available to fill up the court day. Judge Cartwright will not recess early or delay the trial if a witness is not available.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(206) 370-8930

All counsel must participate in telephonic call to chambers for immediate discovery disputes.

If immediate judicial involvement is necessary, the parties may request Judge Tsuchida to hear the motion telephonically. Under Local Rule CR 7(i), all counsel to the discovery dispute must participate in making the call to chambers. Counsel may telephone chambers at (206) 370-8930.

Contact

In person

Stand when court is opened, recessed, or adjourned

Stand as Court is opened, recessed, or adjourned.

Contact

In person

Stand when jury enters or exits courtroom in jury trials

In jury trials, stand when the jury enters or exits the courtroom.

Contact

In person

Stand when addressing or being addressed by the Court

Stand when addressing, or being addressed by, the Court.

Contact

In person

Stand at lectern when examining witnesses, may approach for exhibits

Stand at the lectern while examining any witness—except that counsel may approach the Courtroom Deputy's desk or the witness for purposes of handling or tendering exhibits.

Contact

In person

Address all remarks to the Court, not opposing counsel

Address all remarks to the Court, not to opposing counsel.

Contact

In person

Be respectful of opposing counsel, litigants, and witnesses

Be respectful of opposing counsel and the litigants and/or witnesses.

Contact

In person

Refer to all persons by surnames, not first names

Refer to all persons, including witnesses, other counsel, and parties by their surnames and not by their first or given names.

Contact

In person

Only one attorney per party may examine/cross-examine each witness

Only one attorney for each party shall examine, or cross-examine, each witness. The attorney stating objections, if any, during direct-examination, shall be the attorney recognized for cross-examination.

Contact

In person

Request permission before approaching the bench

Request permission before approaching the bench.

Contact

In person

State only legal grounds for objections, no further comment unless requested

In making objections, counsel should state only the legal grounds for the objection and should withhold all further comment or argument unless elaboration is requested by the Court.

Contact

In person

Present objected exhibits to Court before session for ruling to avoid sidebar conferences

Those exhibits to which there is an objection shall be presented to the Court for ruling before the opening of the session. If possible, the Court will rule on the objection then, thereby eliminating the necessity for a sidebar conference when the exhibit is offered.

Contact

In person

Make stipulation offers/requests privately, not in jury's hearing

Offers of, or requests for, a stipulation should be made privately, not within the hearing of the jury.

Contact

In person

Do not face or address jurors when questioning witnesses

Do not face or otherwise appear to address yourself to jurors when questioning a witness.

Contact

In person

Sidebar conferences presumptively not tolerated except in extraordinary circumstances

Sidebar conferences will presumptively not be tolerated, except in extraordinary and unforeseen circumstances. These conferences have a distracting effect on the jury and the parties should strive to postpone raising issues outside the jury's presence until the next recess, except when an immediate conference appears necessary.

Contact

In person

Do not express personal knowledge or opinion in jury arguments

In opening statements and in argument to the jury, counsel shall not express personal knowledge or opinion in any matter in issue.

Contact

Letter ecf to chambers

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.

(2) A party proceeding pro se shall keep the court and opposing parties advised as to his or her current mailing address and, if electronically filing or receiving notices electronically, his or her current email address. If mail directed to a pro se plaintiff by the clerk is returned by the Postal Service, or if email is returned by the internet service provider, and if such plaintiff fails to notify the court and opposing parties within 60 days thereafter of his or her current mailing or email address, the court may dismiss the action without prejudice for failure to prosecute.

Contact

In person

Attorneys must be present in courtroom during all court sessions or waive right to be present.

It is the right and duty of attorneys to be present in the courtroom at all times the court may be in session. If an attorney voluntarily absents himself or herself during such times or when the jury is deliberating, that attorney waives his or her right to be present and consents to such proceedings as may take place in the courtroom during his or her absence.

Contact

Other to jurors

Attorneys must obtain court permission before contacting jurors after trial.

Counsel shall not contact or interview jurors or cause jurors to be contacted or interviewed after trial without first having been granted leave to do so by the court.

Contact

Electronic

Photography, recording, and broadcasting of judicial proceedings is prohibited except as authorized.

The taking of photographs or any electronic (audio or video) recordings, and the broadcast or streaming thereof in connection with any Judicial Proceeding, is prohibited, except as authorized by the Judicial Conference of the United States or the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit. Photographing, transmitting, or recording any court proceedings from a location outside the courthouse in conjunction with a remote appearance, or any other remote court proceeding conducted by telephone or video conference is also prohibited.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must immediately notify specified officials when relief is granted

The clerk will immediately notify the Superintendent of the Washington State Penitentiary, the Washington Attorney General, and the prosecutor of the county of conviction whenever relief is granted on a petition.

Contact

Phone to clerk

Clerk must immediately telephone Ninth Circuit clerk about specific petition outcomes

The clerk will immediately notify the clerk of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit by telephone of (i) the issuance of a final order denying or dismissing a petition without a certificate of probable cause, or (ii) the denial of a stay of execution.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must immediately transmit records to Court of Appeals upon notice of appeal

When a notice of appeal is filed, the clerk will transmit the available records to the Court of Appeals immediately.

Contact

Recording

Only court reporter and videographer may record depositions

No participant other than the court-reporting agency and videographer (after appropriate notice) may record by video, photograph, or audio any of the proceedings. This shall include recording using any form of virtual transmitting device,

Contact

Email to chambers

Court does not accept pleadings via email, only through CM/ECF

The term, “e-file” differs from “email” in that the court does not accept pleadings via email.

Contact

Email to clerk

Technical requirements for ECF registration listed

The following requirements must be met to register for electronic filing: • The filing fee has been paid or the Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis (IFP) has been granted. • You are a party to the case for which you are applying for electronic filing. • You meet the following technical requirements: 1. A personal computer with Internet access. 2. Internet Explorer or Firefox browser. Other browsers (Safari, Google Chrome; Microsoft Edge) may have functionality issues with the court’s ECF system and are not supported. 3. Software to convert your documents to PDF format (portable document format) OR a scanner set to 200 dpi (dots per inch) for scanning documents to PDF format. 4. Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view and save documents in PDF format. 5. Experience and knowledge of word processing applications, printers and the Internet. 6. An email account to receive notices of filings and court orders.

Contact

Email to chambers

Discovery disputes: joint email to Payal_Patel@wawd.uscourts.gov with dispute description and availability

To arrange a telephone hearing, all counsel (not support staff) for the disputing parties shall send a joint email to Payal_Patel@wawd.uscourts.gov with a short (maximum one paragraph) joint description of the dispute, as well as three dates and time ranges when the parties are available for a teleconference.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel must narrow issues before contacting court about discovery disputes

Counsel shall not contact the Court until they have sufficiently narrowed the disputed issues to only those issues they cannot, without Court assistance, resolve themselves.

Contact

Chambers to chambers

Parties must contact chambers to request ADR at case outset

The parties shall evaluate the opportunity for settlement at the outset of the case. To that end, the parties shall contact chambers to request mediation (with a Magistrate Judge, private mediator, or the Court’s mediation program), arbitration, or any other form of alternate dispute resolution where they are in agreement that such would be helpful.

Contact

Letter ecf to chambers

All communications during judicial settlement are confidential and may not be used for other purposes.

To encourage open communication, the Court orders that all matters communicated in connection with this judicial settlement are confidential and not to be used for any other purpose.

Contact

Email to chambers

To schedule a telephone hearing for discovery disputes, counsel must send a joint email to chambers with a description and available dates.

To arrange a telephone hearing, all counsel (not support staff) for the disputing parties shall send a joint email to Payal_Patel@wawd.uscourts.gov with a short (maximum one paragraph) joint description of the dispute, as well as three dates and time ranges when the parties are available for a teleconference.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Failure to return consent form by deadline constitutes consent to Magistrate Judge jurisdiction.

If the Notice of Assignment to a U.S. Magistrate Judge and Declination of Consent Form is not returned by the date designated in the form, each party is deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of the assigned Magistrate Judge under 28 U.S.C. § 636(c).

Contact

Phone to chambers

Counsel must be within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations.

Throughout jury deliberations counsel must be within twenty minutes of the courthouse in order for the Court to expeditiously respond to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel must provide the courtroom deputy or law clerk with telephone numbers where they can be contacted.

Contact

Email to chambers

The exhibit list must be emailed to settleorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Please email to settleorders@wawd.uscourts.gov

Contact

Phone

All cellular phones and wireless devices must be turned off or in airplane mode during proceedings.

All cellular telephones and wireless devices must be turned off or turned to airplane mode during all proceedings. Simply silencing these devices is insufficient, as they interfere with the courtroom audio system. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings shall be sanctioned.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact courtroom deputy before filing trial continuance motions.

Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, counsel is directed to contact the Court’s courtroom deputy, Victoria Ericksen, by email at victoria_ericksen@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the parties’ proposed new trial date is acceptable to the Court.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Unrepresented parties must confirm hearings by calling chambers before the deadline in subsection (d)(8).

An unrepresented individual shall confirm a hearing by calling the judge’s chambers by the deadlines set forth in subsection (d)(8) below.

Contact

Email to chambers

Email inquiries to chambers must copy all parties; ex parte communications discouraged except for motion status or settlement.

Parties should direct inquiries to Courtroom Deputy Diyana Staples at Diyana_Staples@wawd.uscourts.gov. All parties must be copied on emails when communicating with the courtroom deputy. Ex parte communications with chambers involving any matter other than checking on a decision on a motion under Local Rules W.D. Wash. LCR 7(b)(5) or settlement are strongly discouraged.

Contact

Email to chambers

Redlined versions of stipulated protective orders must be emailed to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

The redlined version must be submitted to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to clerk

Exhibit list must be emailed in Microsoft Word format to the courtroom deputy prior to the trial date.

An exhibit list in Microsoft Word format must be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov prior to the trial date.

Contact

Email

Ex parte communications with chambers are strongly discouraged except for specific purposes.

Ex parte communications with chambers involving any matter other than checking on a decision on a motion pursuant to LCR 7(b)(5) or settlement are strongly discouraged.

Contact

Phone to chambers

In-person hearings default; remote appearance allowed for non-local counsel with advance arrangement.

Unless otherwise specified, hearings are in person. Counsel from outside of King County may appear by telephone or video at status conferences and hearings on non-dispositive motions, but they must request and make arrangements with the Courtroom Deputy ahead of time.

Contact

Email to chambers

Courtroom decorum rules require dignity, respect, and professional conduct.

Judge Lin expects everyone in her courtroom to treat each and every person with dignity and respect. Therefore, at a minimum, she expects the following from all:

Contact

Email to chambers

Witness sequestration waiver requests must be discussed with opposing counsel first.

If Counsel desire a waiver of the rule with respect to a specific witness (for example, an expert), Counsel shall first discuss the matter with opposing Counsel and then present the request to the Court during the preliminary morning session prior to the start of trial on the particular day at issue.

Contact

Email to chambers

After-hours trial issues require meet and confer before contacting courtroom deputy.

Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue may be resolved without court intervention. If such meet and confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Kadya Peter, the Courtroom Deputy, of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties may request accommodation for exhibit submission requirements by contacting Courtroom Deputy 2 business days before deadline.

If these requirements for the pre-trial submission of exhibits to the Court pose any undue hardship or burden on a Party, the Party may contact Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov as early as possible, but no later than two (2) business days before the trial exhibits are due, so that the Court can endeavor to address the Party's concerns.

Contact

Email to clerk

For inquiries other than unopposed motions, all parties must be included on the communication with the Courtroom Deputy.

For any other inquiry, all Parties must be on the line or cc'd on the email when communicating with the Courtroom Deputy.

Contact

Email to chambers

Ex parte communications with chambers are strongly discouraged except for settlement discussions or checking the status of a decision on a motion pursuant to LCR 7(b)(5).

Ex parte communications with chambers involving any matter other than settlement or checking on a status of a decision on a motion pursuant to LCR 7(b)(5) are strongly discouraged.

Contact

Letter ecf to chambers

Attorneys must promptly notify court when case is settled or not ready for trial.

Attorneys must advise the court promptly when a case is settled or when for other reasons it will not be ready for trial at the time set. An attorney who fails to promptly notify the court may be subject to such discipline as the court deems appropriate, including the imposition of costs or of a fine.

Contact

In person

Counsel and pro se litigants must stand when addressing court unless disabled.

Counsel and pro se litigants are required to stand when addressing the Court, a witness, or the jury unless unable to do so due to a disability-related or health-related condition. Advance notice should be provided, when appropriate.

Contact

Electronic

Electronic devices may be used in courtrooms for notes and communications; sounds must be disabled.

In the courtrooms, personal electronic devices may be used to take notes, transmit and receive data communications, such as email or text messages, or to access the Internet. Telephone ring tones and other functional sounds produced by devices must be disabled while in the courtroom. Only silent keyboards may be used in the courtroom.

Contact

Audio

All non-essential attendees must mute audio during virtual depositions

In addition to the provisions set forth above, each participant should attend from a quiet location. All attendees other than the deponent, court reporter, deposing attorney, and objecting attorney will set their audio connection to mute to avoid unintentional noise.

Contact

Email to clerk

Email only for new cases; after assignment, use in-person, mail, or ECF.

You are only permitted to email documents when filing a new case. Once a judge has been assigned, documents must be submitted in person, through the mail or via the court’s electronic filing system, if registered (see page 18).

Contact

In person to clerk

Clerk cannot provide legal advice, interpret rules, or communicate with judges.

We cannot:  Give legal advice. This policy applies to all parties, including attorneys.  Tell you whether you should file a case or what information to include in your court pleadings.  Talk to the judge for you or let you talk to the judge outside of court.  Determine when a decision will be made on your IFP or other pending motions as well as interpreting court orders.  Interpret court rules.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Written notice of address, phone, or email changes must be filed within 10 days.

If your address, phone number or email address (if registered for electronic filing) changes, you must file a written notice within 10 (ten) days of the change, as established by LCR 10(f). All subsequent pleadings, motions, or other filings must reflect the new contact information.

Contact

Other

Counsel must maintain 6 feet of social distancing in the courthouse.

Counsel should maintain social distancing, that is, counsel should maintain six feet of distance between counsel and anyone else in the Courthouse at all times.

Contact

Other

Counsel cannot move courthouse seats/chairs as they are positioned for social distancing.

Counsel are not to move any of the seats/chairs in the Courthouse. These were strategically placed in order preserve social distancing.

Contact

Other

Counsel must wear face coverings at all times except when speaking.

Counsel must wear a face covering at all times, except while speaking.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Avoid contacting chambers except for scheduling/settlement; ex parte communications discouraged except for scheduling/settlement.

Except as provided for in this Order, parties and counsel should avoid contacting chambers. Ex parte communications with Judge Fricke or judicial law clerks involving any matter other than scheduling or notice of settlement are strongly discouraged. In relation to scheduling and/or settlement, unless the other parties have consented to have one party contact the Court alone, all parties must be on the line when communicating with the Court.

Contact

In person to chambers

Waiver requests for witness exclusion must be discussed with opposing counsel and presented to court before trial.

If counsel desire a waiver of the rule with respect to a specific witness (for example, an expert), counsel shall first discuss the matter with opposing counsel and then present the request to the Court during the preliminary morning session prior to the start of trial on the particular day at issue.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Parties must contact court if settlement negotiations seem unlikely before conference.

In the days immediately preceding the settlement conference, if either party believes that negotiation attempts would not be fruitful at the time set for the conference for any reason, that party should contact the Court as soon as possible to discuss the concern.

Contact

Email to chambers

Hard copies of settlement memoranda are prohibited; electronic submission only.

Do not mail hard copies of the settlement memorandum to chambers.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Parties should avoid contacting chambers except for scheduling or settlement; all parties must be on the line for scheduling/settlement communications unless others consent.

Except as provided for in this Order, parties and counsel should avoid contacting chambers. Ex parte communications with Judge Fricke or judicial law clerks involving any matter other than scheduling or notice of settlement are strongly discouraged. In relation to scheduling and/or settlement, unless the other parties have consented to have one party contact the Court alone, all parties must be on the line when communicating with the Court.

Contact

Email to clerk

Counsel must inform probation officer and Clerk's Office at least 7 days before sentencing whether an evidentiary hearing is requested, and if so, provide witness details and estimated length.

At least seven days prior to the sentencing hearing, counsel shall inform the probation officer and Clerk's Office whether or not an evidentiary hearing will be requested at the sentencing and, if so, whether witnesses will be called, who they will be, and an estimated length of the hearing.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

202-354-3330

Parties must avoid ex parte contact with chambers and must include all parties on any communication.

Except as provided for in this Order, parties and counsel are discouraged from contacting chambers. Ex parte communications with Judge Rothstein or her law clerks involving any matter are strongly discouraged. Unless the other parties have consented to have one party contact the Court alone, all parties must be on the line or copied on the email when communicating with the Court.

Contact

Email to clerk

Contact courtroom deputy Natalie Wood via email for instructions on filing audio or video exhibits.

If an audio or video exhibit must be filed, the party shall contact the courtroom deputy, Natalie Wood, via email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov for instructions on how to file it.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties must email a Word version of proposed orders for all motions and stipulations to Rothsteinorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

The parties are required to email a Word version of a proposed order with all motions and stipulations to Rothsteinorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel must send a joint email to Rothstein_Chambers@dcd.uscourts.gov with a one-paragraph dispute description and three available date/time ranges for a discovery conference.

To arrange such hearing, all counsel (not support staff) for the disputing parties shall send a joint email to Rothstein_Chambers@dcd.uscourts.gov with a short (maximum one paragraph) joint description of the dispute, as well as three dates and time ranges when the parties are available for a telephone or video conference.

Contact

Video conference

Video appearances are a privilege, not a right, allowing remote participation.

Video appearances are appearances in the courtroom. They are a privilege, not a right, that allows the parties to participate in a proceeding without traveling to the courthouse.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel must promptly notify Mr. Cogswell at grant_cogswell@wawd.uscourts.gov when case settles.

If your case settles, counsel must notify Mr. Cogswell as soon as possible at grant_cogswell@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact Mr. Cogswell for accommodations or accessibility questions for court appearances.

If you need an accommodation for a court appearance or have accessibility-related questions, please contact Mr. Cogswell.

Contact

Email to chambers

Proposed orders should be emailed to whiteheadorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Proposed Orders: whiteheadorders@wawd.uscourts.gov

Contact

Email to chambers

General inquiries to chambers should be emailed to whiteheadchambers@wawd.uscourts.gov.

General Inquiries: whiteheadchambers@wawd.uscourts.gov

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(206) 370-8700

Chambers can be reached by phone at (206) 370-8700.

Chambers………………………………………………….(206) 370-8700

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(206) 370-8518

The Courtroom Deputy can be reached by phone at (206) 370-8518.

Courtroom Deputy, Grant Cogswell………………………………………..(206) 370-8518

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

(206) 370-8440

The CM/ECF Help Desk can be reached by phone at (206) 370-8440 for e-filing technical support.

CM/ECF Help Desk …………………………………………………………..(206) 370-8440

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties may email Judge Whitehead's Court Deputy or Chambers with questions, and must copy all counsel of record on any such email.

Most questions to Chambers can be answered by consulting the Federal or Local Rules, the Court’s website, the case scheduling order, or Judge Whitehead’s Chambers Procedures. If questions persist, parties may contact Judge Whitehead’s Court Deputy, Grant Cogswell, at grant_cogswell@wawd.uscourts.gov, or Chambers directly at whiteheadchambers@wawd.uscourts.gov. Parties must copy all counsel of record on any email to Chambers.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties and counsel may share honorifics or pronouns by email to or in person with the Courtroom Deputy, or when appearing in court.

The Court invites parties and counsel to share their honorifics or pronouns—such as Ms., Mx., or Mr.—so that the Court may address them respectfully. People appearing before the Court may do so by email to, or speaking with, Judge Whitehead’s Courtroom Deputy, or when appearing for court.

Contact

Email to chambers

Oral argument requests must be submitted via email to Courtroom Deputy Diyana Staples.

All requests pertaining to oral argument should be submitted via email to Courtroom Deputy Diyana Staples at Diyana_Staples@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Parties should direct inquiries to the Courtroom Deputy via email at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Parties should direct inquiries to the Courtroom Deputy at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Moving party should contact Courtroom Deputy via email to schedule discovery pre-motion conference.

Thereafter, the moving party should contact the Courtroom Deputy at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov to schedule a conference.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact Courtroom Deputy for urgent discovery disputes.

When presented with disputes regarding discovery issues that are particularly time-sensitive, counsel may jointly contact the Courtroom Deputy, Natalie Wood, by email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov to request, and if granted, make arrangements for a telephone or virtual conference with the Court.

Contact

Email to chambers

Questions about Standing Order must copy all parties.

Parties may submit questions on, or suggestions for improvement to, this Standing Order to Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. If the party has a case before the Court, all parties must be copied on the message.

Contact

Email to clerk

For time-sensitive discovery disputes, counsel may jointly email the courtroom deputy to request a telephone or virtual conference.

When presented with disputes regarding discovery issues that are particularly time-sensitive, counsel may jointly contact the Courtroom Deputy, Natalie Wood, by email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov to request, and if granted, make arrangements for a telephone or virtual conference with the Court.

Contact

Email to chambers

Proposed jury instructions must be emailed in Word format to specified chambers email addresses.

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted both on the docket and in Word format via e-mail. The Court recommends the latest version of the https://www.ce9.uscourts.gov/jury-instructions/ as the preferred proposed instructions. Instructions must comply with LCR 51 and include the parties' proposals for both preliminary and final instructions. Instructions should be sent to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. The proposed instructions should also include a proposed verdict form.

Contact

Letter ecf to chambers

Parties must coordinate with the courtroom deputy at the pretrial conference to schedule equipment testing.

Training on the evidence presentation devices in the courtroom strongly encouraged. See https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/attorneys/trial-support for more information. At the pretrial conference, the parties must coordinate with the Courtroom Deputy to schedule a time to test any equipment that the parties wish to use at trial.

Contact

Email to clerk

All questions should be directed to Natalie Wood via email.

Questions should be directed to natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to clerk

Parties should contact the courtroom deputy if the claim construction hearing needs more or less time than one full trial day.

The claim construction hearing will be set for one full trial day (5 hours). If more or less time is required, the parties are instructed to inform Natalie Wood, Courtroom Deputy, at Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to clerk

Questions or suggestions about the Standing Order may be emailed to Natalie Wood; if the party has a case, all parties must be copied.

Parties may submit questions on, or suggestions for improvement to, this Standing Order to Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. If the party has a case before the Court, all parties must be copied on the message.

Contact

Email to chambers

Phone

(206) 370-8525

Disability/health accommodations can be requested from Courtroom Deputy.

Counsel or other participants may request disability- or health-related accommodations to facilitate participation in any upcoming hearing, whether held virtually, in person, or in a hybrid format. Participants are encouraged to request accommodations as far in advance as possible by contacting Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.

Contact

Email to chambers

Phone

(206) 370-8525

Initial inquiries should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter.

Parties should direct initial inquiries they have to the Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.

Contact

Email to chambers

Accommodation requests accepted for disability/health needs via email or phone.

An attorney or other participant may request disability-related or health-related accommodations to participate in an upcoming hearing for their case, whether held virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Participants are encouraged to request accommodations as far in advance as possible by contacting the Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.

Contact

Email to chambers

Video participants must use names as they appear in court filings.

All Parties appearing via video should sign in using their first and last names as they appear in filings to the Court.

Contact

Phone

Counsel must stand when addressing court unless accommodated; stay 5 feet from jury box railing.

Counsel are required to stand when addressing the Court, a witness, or the jury unless a disability-related or health-related accommodation is readily apparent or is requested and granted (see Section III.B). As a general matter, Counsel will not be restricted to speaking at the podium unless the judge, court reporter, witness, other Counsel, or a juror indicates that they are unable to hear. However, Counsel shall stay at least five feet back from the railing in front of the jury box and, to aid the Court Reporter, shall use the handheld microphone provided by the Court when leaving the podium.

Contact

Phone

Pro se criminal litigants held to same standards as attorneys.

Parties who represent themselves in criminal matters (i.e., appear pro se) should be aware that the Court holds them to the same standards of conduct to which it holds attorneys.

Contact

Web to chambers

Pretrial conference agenda available on Judge Lin's Chambers Procedures page.

An agenda of topics to be covered at the pretrial conference is posted on Judge Lin's Chambers Procedures page, https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/judges/lin-procedures.

Contact

Email to clerk

Phone

(206) 370-8525

Parties should direct initial inquiries to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email or phone.

Parties should direct initial inquiries they might have to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.

Contact

Email to clerk

Parties should contact chambers to alert the clerk when a motion becomes unopposed.

If, after filing a motion, the responding party does not oppose the motion, please contact chambers to alert the clerk that the motion has become an unopposed one.

Contact

Email to clerk

Phone

(206) 370-8525

Parties may jointly contact the Courtroom Deputy via email or phone for time-sensitive discovery disputes.

When presented with disputes regarding discovery issues that are particularly time-sensitive, Parties may jointly contact Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter, either by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525, to arrange a telephone conference with the Court.

Contact

Email to clerk

Phone

(206) 370-8525

Accommodation requests should be made as far in advance as possible via email or phone to Courtroom Deputy.

Participants are encouraged to request accommodations as far in advance as possible by contacting Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.

Contact

In person to chambers

Tuesday trial days may be shortened for in-custody criminal hearings.

Judge Cartwright holds trial Monday through Friday of each week. The Tuesday trial day may be shortened if necessary to allow for in-custody hearings in criminal cases. Judge Cartwright will advise counsel in advance if the Tuesday trial day will be shortened.

Contact

In person to chambers

Courtroom opens at 8:15 a.m. for counsel.

The courtroom will be open and available to counsel at approximately 8:15 a.m.

Contact

In person to chambers

Final pretrial matters at 8:30 or 8:45 a.m.

Final Pretrial matters are taken up at 8:30 or 8:45 a.m.

Contact

In person to chambers

Jury voir dire starts at 9:00 a.m. with 20 minutes per side.

The jury panel is sworn for voir dire in the courtroom at 9:00; after Court-directed voir dire, the Court usually gives each side 20 minutes to conduct voir dire, and a jury is usually sworn prior to the noon recess.

Contact

In person to chambers

Opening statements and first witnesses on first trial afternoon.

Counsel should be prepared to deliver opening statements and call their first witnesses on the afternoon of the first trial day.

Contact

In person to chambers

15-minute break at 10:30 a.m.

15 minute mid-morning break is taken at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Contact

In person to chambers

Lunch recess 12:00-1:30 p.m., jury matters at 1:15 p.m.

Noon/Lunch recess is taken at from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., if matters need to be discussed outside the presence of the jury, this will occur at 1:15 p.m.

Contact

In person to chambers

15-minute break at 3:00 p.m.

15 minute mid-afternoon break is taken at approximately 3:00 p.m.

Contact

In person to chambers

Court recesses at 4:30 p.m.

Court recesses for the day at 4:30 p.m.

Contact

In person to chambers

Courtroom must be cleared promptly if no jury matters remain.

If there are no matters to take up at the end of the day outside the presence of the jury, the courtroom needs to be cleared and closed as soon as possible so court staff can attend to other matters.

Contact

In person to chambers

All parties must exit courthouse by 5:00 p.m. unless court in session.

Court Security Officers require that all parties exit the courthouse by 5:00 p.m., unless court remains in session.

Contact

In person to chambers

Discuss leaving trial materials overnight with courtroom deputy.

The parties should discuss leaving trial materials overnight in the courtroom with the courtroom deputy.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Magistrate Judge Tsuchida's clerk schedules settlement conferences

In cases referred to Magistrate Judge Tsuchida for settlement, Judge Tsuchida’s Courtroom Deputy Clerk will contact the parties to schedule the conference.

Contact

Email to clerk

Counsel may email Deputy Clerk Kelly Miller to arrange a telephone conference with the Court.

Counsel may contact the Court’s deputy clerk Kelly Miller by email at kelly_miller@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at 253-882-3828 to arrange a telephone conference with the Court.

Contact

Email to chambers

District judge handles release/detention reviews; magistrate handles other release reviews in criminal cases.

A district judge shall conduct any review of a magistrate judge=s order of release or detention, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. ' 3145(a) or (b). All other applications for review of conditions of release in criminal cases shall be heard by a magistrate judge unless otherwise directed by a district judge.

Contact

Email to intake unit

Electronic service to SSAClerk@usdoj.gov permitted

You may also choose to effectuate service electronically as detailed in General Orders 04-15 and 05-15, by sending a copy of the summonses and complaint, along your identifying information and social security number, by email to USAWAW.SSAClerk@usdoj.gov.

Contact

Electronic

Electronic devices may be used for calls, email, texts, and internet in courthouse environs.

In the environs, personal electronic devices may be used to make telephone calls, transmit and receive data communications, such as email or text messages, or to access the Internet.

Contact

Electronic

Court is in continuous session year-round in Seattle/Tacoma and may hold proceedings via electronic transmission.

The court shall be in continuous session throughout the year in Seattle and in Tacoma. The court may establish other locations in this district for holding court pursuant to General Order. Nothing in this rule shall prohibit the court from conducting proceedings via electronic transmission in lieu of live court proceedings.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk may issue text-only docket orders electronically; unrepresented parties receive mailed notice.

The clerk of court may issue text only docket orders for any act within the clerk’s authority. A text only docket order is an order electronically entered on the case docket without an attached document and is as official and binding as if the clerk of court had signed a document containing the text. If the one or more of the parties are unrepresented and do not file electronically, the clerk of court will mail to those recipients a copy of the Notice of Electronic Filing of the text only docket order.

Contact

Electronic

Personal electronic devices may be brought into the courthouse.

Personal electronic devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablet computers, or similar functioning devices having wireless communications capabilities, may be brought into the courthouse.

Contact

In person to clerk

Clerk's Office hours: M-F 9am-4pm.

The Clerk’s Office window is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. Please make sure you have completed and signed all of the required forms before submitting them to the court.

Contact

Drop box to clerk

After-hours filing via locked drop box.

If you arrive outside of those hours, documents may be filed via the locked drop box located in the lobby of both courthouses.

Contact

Mail to clerk

Mailing documents based on county of incident or defendant residence.

Documents may also be mailed to the Seattle or Tacoma courthouse. Where you mail them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).

Contact

Email to clerk

Email new case documents based on county.

You also have the option of submitting new case documents electronically. Where you email them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).

Contact

In person to clerk

Clerk can answer general questions and provide required forms for case filing.

We can:  Answer general questions about how the court works, including providing you with the required forms to open a new case.  Provide general information about court policies and procedures.

Contact

Email to chambers

CM/ECF system provides email notifications of all case filings

The CM/ECF system allows you to receive and view via email everything that has been filed by you, the judge, the defendants, or any other parties in your case.

Contact

Email to chambers

ECF filing rules and procedures available on court website

Information about how to directly file documents into CM/ECF, the rules and procedures that must be followed and the ECF User Manual can be found on our website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov/representing-yourself-pro-se/how-to-e-file.

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

(206) 370-8440, option#2

ECF Support Team contact information provided

For questions, please contact the ECF Support Team at (206) 370-8440, option#2 or via email at cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Electronic filing is optional; paper filing still permitted

You are not required to use the court’s electronic filing system. If you are not computer savvy or do not have access to a computer, we recommend that you file your documents in person or through the mail.

Contact

Email

First registration option: receive electronic notices but must file paper copies

To receive service of documents and notice of electronic filings to your email address, chose the FIRST option. This option does not allow you to file documents electronically. Instead, you must file a paper copy either in person or through the mail.

Contact

Email

Second registration option: electronic filing and electronic-only document service

documents and be notified via email when a document has been filed, check the SECOND option. With this option, you waive your right to file and receive documents in your case in person or by other means. You will receive all documents electronically from the court and other parties. A paper copy will not be mailed to you.

Contact

Email

Registration form can be returned via email or mail

Once you have completed the form, you can return it via email or through the mail. The court's email address and mailing address can be found at the bottom of the registration form.

Contact

Email to chambers

CM/ECF support available by phone (206-370-8440) or email (cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov), M-F 8am-5pm

Electronic Filing Assistance If you have questions about electronic filing, the CM/ECF support desk can be contacted by phone or email. (206) 370-8440 cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm

Contact

Email to clerk

First viewing of filed documents is free; subsequent views cost $0.10 per page.

You may view a document once without being charged by clicking on the document number in the email you receive. This is known as the “free look.” Make sure you click on the document once (not twice) or you may be charged a viewing fee by PACER, which is currently .10 cents per page.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Magistrate judge may handle various stages of civil cases under FRCP 73(a).

If your case has been assigned to a district court judge, he or she may refer your case to a magistrate judge to handle different stages of your case leading up to trial. A magistrate judge may preside over a civil action or proceeding, including a jury or bench trial, pursuant to FRCP 73(a).

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

206-370-8400 (Seattle), 253-882-3800 (Tacoma)

Contact Clerk's Office for case questions after assignment.

If you have questions after your case has been assigned a case number and judge, you may contact the Clerk’s Office at the Seattle or Tacoma office (based on case assignment) and ask to speak with a case administrator.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Pretrial conference may be scheduled after discovery under LCR 16(a)(1).

The judge assigned to your case may schedule a “pretrial conference” after discovery has been completed. A pretrial conference is a meeting between the judge and the parties to narrow down the issues and resolve matters necessary to the disposition of the case, as established by LCR 16(a)(1).

Contact

Phone to clerk

Phone

(206) 370-8440, option#2

Contact ECF Support Team by phone for CM/ECF technical questions.

For questions, please contact the ECF Support Team at (206) 370-8440, option#2 or via email at cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Contact

Email to chambers

Email permitted to request appointment with Magistrate Judge for pre-conference matters.

Counsel may contact the Court by sending an email to [insert] if counsel would request an appointment with Magistrate Judge Fricke to address any matters they believe need to be discussed in advance, including any request to bring exhibits, technology-assisted presentations, or conduct lengthy opening statements.

Contact

Email to chambers

Counsel may email the Court to request an appointment for advance discussion of exhibits, technology, or lengthy opening statements.

Counsel may contact the Court by sending an email to [insert] if counsel would request an appointment with Magistrate Judge Fricke to address any matters they believe need to be discussed in advance, including any request to bring exhibits, technology-assisted presentations, or conduct lengthy opening statements.

Contact

Phone to chambers

Parties should contact the Court promptly if they believe settlement negotiations would not be fruitful.

In the days immediately preceding the settlement conference, if either party believes that negotiation attempts would not be fruitful at the time set for the conference for any reason, that party should contact the Court as soon as possible to discuss the concern.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must reassign to originally assigned Magistrate Judge if parties later consent.

If the parties later consent in such a case, the Clerk shall reassign the case to the Magistrate Judge to whom the case was initially assigned.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must assign IFP motions to Magistrate Judge upon filing.

Unless the Court otherwise directs, upon filing, the Clerk shall assign to a Magistrate Judge all motions and applications to proceed in forma pauperis.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must promptly notify parties of assigned judges.

The Clerk shall promptly advise the parties of the identity of the designated District Judge and Magistrate Judge.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must provide consent forms and advise parties of reassignment process.

The Clerk shall (a) advise the parties that consent to the assigned Magistrate Judge is voluntary, consent may be declined and that a request for reassignment may be made; (b) provide the parties with a Notice of Assignment to a U.S. Magistrate Judge and Declination of Consent Form, and advise them the form must be received by the Clerk by the date designated in the form should they choose to decline consent; and (c) advise the parties that, upon receipt of a request for reassignment, the case will be assigned to a District Judge, randomly selected from the District Judges in the division where the case is properly filed.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Declining party's identity is not disclosed to judges.

If a party declines consent, the identity of the party declining consent will not be communicated to any judge.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Parties in District Judge cases can consent to Magistrate Judge jurisdiction via Joint Status Report.

In all cases initially assigned to a District Judge the parties shall nevertheless be afforded an opportunity to consent to having the case heard by a Magistrate Judge specifically identified in the request for a Joint Status Report.

Contact

Letter ecf to clerk

Clerk must reassign case to Magistrate Judge upon party consent.

If the parties consent, the Clerk shall reassign the case to the Magistrate Judge as set forth under 28 U.S.C. § 636(b).

Contact

Phone to chambers

Parties may request a telephonic or videoconference motion hearing with court approval; all counsel must participate in the request call or show reasonable efforts to include them.

Upon the request of any party, and with the court's approval, a motion may be heard by telephone or videoconference without the filing of motion papers, unless requested by the court. No request for a telephonic motion shall be considered unless all counsel participate in the call making the request, or unless it is represented by counsel making the call that reasonable efforts have been made to include all counsel in the call, and that such efforts were unavailing. Whether such telephonic motions will be considered, what procedural requirements will be imposed, and the type of relief granted are within the sole discretion of the court. Any such hearing shall be on the record.

Contact

Email to chambers

Contact courtroom deputy for audio/video filing instructions.

If an audio or video exhibit must be filed, the party shall contact the courtroom deputy, Natalie Wood, via email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov for instructions on how to file it.

Contact

Email to chambers

Questions about exhibit numbering should be directed by email to the courtroom deputy.

If you have any questions about this numbering requirement, please contact the courtroom deputy at mary_trent@wawd.uscourts.gov

Contact

In person

Counsel must stand when addressing court, witness, or jury, but not restricted to podium.

Counsel are required to stand when addressing the Court, a witness, or the jury. However, counsel is not restricted to standing at the podium unless the judge, court reporter, witness, counsel, or a juror indicates that they are unable to hear.

Contact

Email to chambers

Wait 45 days after noting date before inquiring about motion status; contact Victoria Ericksen.

The local civil rules provide that when 45 or more days have elapsed since the noting date of a motion, the parties are encouraged to contact the Court to inquire as to the status of the motion. The Court makes every effort to rule on motions within 30 days of the noting date. Counsel are asked to not inquire regarding the status of a motion until at least 45 days beyond the noting date. Once that time period has elapsed, the parties may contact the Court’s deputy clerk, Victoria Ericksen, at victoria_ericksen@wawd.uscourts.gov to inquire.