Western District of Washington Chambers Communication Rules

INFO

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).

INFO

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).

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone

The court may allow counsel to appear by telephone if any party requests it.

Upon request of any party, the court may permit counsel to appear by telephone.

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to clerk

If no decision has been received within 45 days after the noting date, counsel is encouraged to call the courtroom deputy clerk to verify the motion’s determination schedule.

The court encourages counsel to call the assigned judge’s courtroom deputy clerk to verify that a motion is scheduled for determination if a decision on the motion has not been received within forty-five days of the noting date.

INFOCivil cases

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.

INFOCivil cases

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.

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.

INFOCivil cases

When oral argument is granted, the clerk notifies the parties of its date and time.

If a request for oral argument is granted, the clerk will notify the parties of the date and time for argument.

INFOCriminal cases

Contact

Phone

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.

INFOCivil cases

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.

INFOCivil cases

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.

INFO

Contact

Email

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

INFO

Contact

Email

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

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

INFOCivil cases

Contact

Phone to chambers

Phone

(206) 370-8920

Parties are encouraged to jointly call chambers about discovery disputes, all parties must participate in the call, and counsel may call chambers at (206) 370-8920.

Judge Robart encourages parties to jointly telephone chambers when presented with disputes regarding discovery issues. In general, Judge Robart is available to resolve discovery disputes via telephonic conferences. This approach resolves the dispute in an expedient manner and avoids the extra costs associated with motions practice. All parties to the discovery dispute must participate in making the call to chambers. See Local Rules W.D. Wash. LCR 7(i). Counsel may telephone chambers at (206) 370-8920.

INFO

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.

INFO

Phone

206-370-8518

Questions should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy by phone or email using the contact information provided.

Questions should be directed to: Grant Cogswell, Courtroom Deputy Tel: (206-370-8518) Email: Grant_Cogswell@wawd.uscourts.gov

INFO

Contact

Email to chambers

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.

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.