Western District of Washington Document Format Requirements
132 rules from official source documents
Font, margin, spacing, and file format requirements for court filings. This page is scoped to Western District of Washington; use the court rules overview to switch categories without leaving this court.
Professional attire required for video appearances.
Source text: Attorneys and litigants shall dress as if they were physically appearing in the courtroom. This means attorneys shall appear in professional attire. Litigants shall be appropriately dressed.
All PDFs must be text-searchable.
Source text: All PDFs submitted to the Court must be text-searchable.
Footnotes must be single spaced and 12-point font or larger.
Source text: Footnotes must be single spaced and 12-point font or larger.
Courtroom opens at 8:15 a.m., counsel ready by 8:30 a.m., trial starts at 9:00 a.m., ends at 4:15 p.m.
Source text: The courtroom is open to the parties starting at around 8:15 a.m. each day. Counsel should be ready and available to address pretrial matters, if any, by 8:30 a.m. Trial will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. and end each day at 4:15 p.m.
15-minute recesses at 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., lunch recess 12:00-1:30 p.m., counsel available by 1:15 p.m.
Source text: 15-minute recesses will be taken at 10:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. And a lunch recess will be taken from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m., although counsel should be ready and available to address any trial matters that need to be discussed outside the presence of the jury, if any, by 1:15 p.m.
Voir dire will use successive Zoom panels of 12-15 jurors each.
Source text: Voir dire will unfold on Zoom in successive panels since not all prospective jurors will fit on a display screen at once. Panels will typically consist of 12-15 jurors per panel.
Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one file per exhibit, max 80 characters in filename.
Source text: electronic exhibits must be transmitted individually (i.e., one exhibit per file), but exhibits may have multiple pages; Exhibit file names should match the descriptions listed on the joint exhibit list as closely as possible except that file names should not exceed 80 characters
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header, be double-sided, three-hole punched, tabbed, and bound in a binder.
Source text: The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by CM/ECF, as this header includes important information (i.e., case number, document number, page number, date filed, etc.). Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided. Courtesy copies should be three-hole punched, tabbed, and placed in a binder or otherwise bound.
Plaintiff exhibits must be numbered consecutively from 1; Defendant exhibits from 500.
Source text: The Court hereby alters the LCR 16.1 procedure for numbering exhibits: Plaintiff(s)’ exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; Defendant(s)’ exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 500.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one per file; file names must not exceed 80 characters and should match joint exhibit list descriptions.
Source text: Electronic exhibits must be transmitted individually (i.e., one exhibit per file), but exhibits may have multiple pages; (2) Exhibit file names should match the descriptions listed on the joint exhibit list as closely as possible except that file names should not exceed 80 characters, e.g., Ex. 1 − Accident Scene Photo; Ex. 501– Email dated 4−03−23.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header and be double-sided.
Source text: The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by CM/ECF, as this header includes important information (i.e., case number, document number, page number, date filed, etc.). Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one file per exhibit, max 80 characters in filename.
Source text: Electronic exhibits must be transmitted individually (i.e., one exhibit per file), but exhibits may have multiple pages; (2) Exhibit file names should match the descriptions listed on the joint exhibit list as closely as possible except that file names should not exceed 80 characters, e.g., Ex. 1 − Accident Scene Photo; Ex. 501– Email dated 4−03−23.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Citations must be in the body of briefs, not in footnotes.
Source text: C. Citations Should be in the Body of the Brief, Not in Footnotes
Briefs and exhibits must be in searchable format.
Source text: D. Briefs and Exhibits Should be Searchable
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, defendant exhibits numbered 500+.
Source text: Plaintiff(s)' exhibits must be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; defendant(s)' exhibits must be numbered consecutively beginning with 500.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be on thumb drive or Box.com in PDF format.
Source text: • Exhibits must be on a thumb drive or uploaded to the Court’s Box.com folder in PDF format.
Each electronic exhibit must be a single PDF document.
Source text: • Each exhibit must be a single PDF document.
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Source text: • Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Electronic exhibits must follow specific numbering format.
Source text: • Exhibits must be numbered as follows:
Briefs and exhibits must be searchable.
Source text: D. Briefs and Exhibits Should be Searchable
Parties must follow Bluebook and issuing court rules for citing unpublished decisions.
Source text: Parties must follow the Bluebook and the issuing court’s rules regarding citation to unpublished decisions. See, e.g., Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3; GR 14.1(a) (“unpublished opinions of the [Washington] Court of Appeals filed on or after March 1, 2013, may be cited as nonbinding authorities, if identified as such by the citing party, and may be accorded such persuasive value as the court deems appropriate”).
Proposed jury instructions must be filed on the docket and submitted in Word (DOCX) format via email.
Source text: Proposed jury instructions must be submitted both on the docket and in Word format via e-mail.
Deposition designation objections and responses should use the format from the provided URL.
Source text: Objections to deposition designations and responses thereto should be submitted in the format provided at https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/judges/king-procedures.
All trial exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel and clearly marked.
Source text: All trial exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel. Each exhibit must be clearly marked.
Plaintiff exhibits must be numbered consecutively starting at 1; defendant exhibits starting at 500.
Source text: Plaintiff(s)’ exhibits must be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; defendant(s)’ exhibits must be numbered consecutively beginning with 500.
Duplicate documents must not be listed more than once in exhibit lists.
Source text: Duplicate documents must not be listed twice.
Each set of exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Revised exhibit lists must be filed with the court and a redlined version provided to the Courtroom Deputy.
Source text: If the exhibit list, pretrial order, or witness list is revised at any time after it is filed with the Court, counsel must file a revised exhibit list with the Court and provide the Courtroom Deputy with a redlined version indicating the changes.
Electronic exhibits must be PDF format, delivered via thumb drive or Court’s Box.com folder.
Source text: • Exhibits must be on a thumb drive or uploaded to the Court’s Box.com folder in PDF format.
Each electronic exhibit must be a single PDF document.
Source text: • Each exhibit must be a single PDF document.
PDF exhibits should be OCR scanned to be searchable if possible.
Source text: • PDF documents should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition if possible and encoded as a searchable PDF.
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Source text: • Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Electronic exhibits must be numbered with 3-digit plaintiff numbers starting at 001 and defendant numbers starting at 500.
Source text: • Exhibits must be numbered as follows: Plaintiff: 001 Defendant: 500 002 501 003 502 004 502
Government exhibits numbered G-1+, Defendant exhibits D-1+, Joint exhibits J-1+.
Source text: The Government's exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with G-1; Defendant(s)'exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with D-1. Joint exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with J-1.
Exhibits must be printed double-sided.
Source text: Each exhibit shall be printed double-sided unless there is a specific need to not do so.
Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Source text: Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be on CD/USB in PDF format, one PDF per exhibit.
Source text: The electronic set of trial exhibits must be delivered to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, in the following format: • Exhibits must be on a CD or USB flash drive (preferred) in PDF format. • Each exhibit must be a single PDF document.
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Source text: Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Electronic exhibits must be numbered and named with exhibit number and description.
Source text: Exhibits must be numbered and named. The naming convention for each exhibit file name must include the exhibit number and a brief description. For example, Government's exhibit 1 would be named: G-1contract.pdf. Defendant's exhibit 1 would be named: D-1email.pdf.
Joint instructions and verdict form must be submitted in Word format via email.
Source text: The Joint Instructions Statement and verdict form must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Substantive content must be in brief body, not footnotes.
Source text: Further, substantive information and discussion should appear in the body of the brief; footnotes are to be reserved for explanatory and supplemental information.
Citations must be in Bluebook format in brief body, not footnotes.
Source text: Citations should be in Bluebook format and must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes or endnotes (with the exception of citations that follow explanatory footnotes).
Citations must be in body of brief, not footnotes/endnotes (except explanatory footnotes).
Source text: Substantive information and discussion should appear in the body of the brief; footnotes are to be reserved for explanatory and supplemental information. Citations should be in Bluebook format and must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes or endnotes (with the exception of citations that follow explanatory footnotes).
Counsel must stand when addressing court/witness/jury if jury is present.
Source text: If a jury is present in the courtroom, Counsel are required to stand when addressing the Court, a witness, or the jury, unless a disability- or health-related accommodation has been requested and granted (see supra Section III.A), or the necessity of such accommodation is readily apparent.
Counsel must stay 5 feet from jury box railing and may need handheld mic.
Source text: As a general matter, Counsel will not be restricted to speaking at the podium for opening or closing arguments unless the Court, Court Reporter, a witness, other Counsel, or a juror indicates that they are unable to hear. However, Counsel shall stay at least five (5) feet back from the railing in front of the jury box and, to aid the Court Reporter, may be required to use a handheld microphone provided by the Court if leaving the podium.
Citations must be in Bluebook format in the body, not footnotes.
Source text: Citations should be in Bluebook format and must be included in the body of the briefing, not footnotes or endnotes.
Each jury instruction must begin on a new page.
Source text: Each instruction shall begin on a new page.
Electronic exhibits must be on USB/CD in PDF format with specific naming conventions.
Source text: The electronic set of the trial exhibits must be delivered to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, in the following format: Each set of exhibits must be on a USB flash drive (preferred) or CD in PDF format. Each exhibit must be a single PDF document. If possible, PDF documents should be provided in a text-searchable format. Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player. Exhibits must be numbered and named. The naming convention for each exhibit file name must include the exhibit number and a brief description. For example, Plaintiff's Exhibit 1 would be named: P-1contract.pdf. Defendant's Exhibit 1 would be named: D-1email.pdf.
Exhibit numbering system: P-1, D-1, J-1; double-sided printing; three-ring binder with tabs.
Source text: Plaintiff(s)' exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with P-1; Defendant(s)' exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with D-1. Joint exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with J-1. Duplicate documents shall not be listed twice. Each exhibit shall be printed double-sided unless there is a specific need to not do so. Once a Party has identified an exhibit in the pretrial order, it may be used by any Party. Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Joint Instructions Statement, jury instruction chart, and verdict form must be submitted in Word format via email to specific addresses.
Source text: The Joint Instructions Statement, jury instruction chart, and verdict form must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Voir dire documents must be submitted in Word format via email to specific addresses.
Source text: In addition to being filed on the docket, all of these documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Electronic exhibits must be submitted before trial in specific format.
Source text: Exhibits must be presented to the Court prior to the trial date. Exhibits are to be delivered in the following format:
Exhibits must be numbered: Plaintiff 001-499, Defendant 500+.
Source text: Exhibits must be numbered as follows: Plaintiff: 001 - 499 Defendant: 500 – forward
Exhibit list must use same numbering: Plaintiff 001-499, Defendant 500+.
Source text: Exhibits should be numbered as follows on the Word list: Plaintiff: 001 – 499 Defendant: 500 – forward
Courtesy copies must include ECF-generated header.
Source text: The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by
Courtesy copies must be double-sided, three-hole punched, and tabbed.
Source text: Courtesy copies should be printed double-sided. Courtesy copies should be three-hole punched and tabbed but not submitted in a three-ring binder, to avoid waste.
Pleasings must be on 8.5x11 white paper, double-spaced, with 3-inch top margin on first page, 1-inch other margins, 12-point text, and 10-point footnotes.
Source text: Form Under Local Rule CR 10 all pleadings must be on 8.5 X 11 inch white paper, be typed or clearly written and double spaced except for quotations. Three inches of space shall be left at the top of the first page. All other margins must be at least 1 inch wide. The text must be at least 12 points. Footnotes must be at least 10 points.
All filings must be on 8.5 x 11 inch paper
Source text: Page size of all pleadings, motions and other filings shall be 8 ½ x 11 inch.
Admiralty pleadings must include specific jurisdictional labels above the cause number
Source text: The words “IN ADMIRALTY” shall be typed in capital letters above the cause number on the first page of a pleading setting forth a claim which is cognizable only in admiralty. The words “AT LAW AND IN ADMIRALTY” shall be typed in capital letters above the cause number on the first page of a pleading setting forth a claim for relief within the admiralty and maritime jurisdiction that is also within the jurisdiction of the court on some other ground.
Three judge court cases require special labeling and quadruplicate filings
Source text: If the case is such that any party contends that it will require a hearing before a three judge court, the words “THREE JUDGE COURT” shall be typed in capital letters on the first page of the complaint, answer, or other pleading making such allegation immediately below the name of the pleading to the right of the name of the cause, and the original and three copies of the complaint or other pleadings shall be left with the clerk and all other pleadings and papers filed in the cause shall be submitted in quadruplicate, unless the court rules that the cause is not properly before a three judge court.
Specific margin and font requirements for all filings
Source text: (1) Margins and Fonts. No less than three inches of space should be left at the top of the first page. All other margins must be at least one inch wide, although formatted lines and numbering, attorney information, the name of the judge(s) to whom copies should be sent, and footers may be placed in the margins. Examples of correctly formatted pages are attached as Appendix A. The text of any typed or printed brief must be 12 point or larger and must, with the exception of quotations, be double spaced or exactly 24 points. Footnotes must be 10 point or larger and may be single spaced. A proportionally spaced font must be used on all typed filings.
Required title format for all filings
Source text: (2) Title. Each pleading, motion or other filing shall contain the words “United States District Court, Western District of Washington” on the first page and, in the space below the docket number, a title indicating the purpose of the paper and the party presenting it.
Required bottom notation format for all filings
Source text: (3) Bottom Notation. At the left side of the bottom of each page, an abbreviated title of the pleading, motion or other filing should be repeated, followed by the case number. The page number should be placed after the abbreviated title or in the middle of the bottom of each page. At the right side of the bottom of each page, the law firm (if any), mailing address and telephone number of the attorney or party preparing the paper should be printed or typed.
All filings must include line numbers in left margin
Source text: (5) Numbered Paper. Each pleading, motion or other filing shall bear line numbers in the left margin, leaving at least one-half inch of space to the left of the numbers.
All documents must be filed electronically according to court's Electronic Filing Procedures.
Source text: (8) Electronic Filing of Documents. All documents filed with the court shall be in accordance with the Electronic Filing Procedures for Civil and Criminal Cases adopted by General Order of the court. The Electronic Filing Procedures are available on the court’s web site at www.wawd.uscourts.gov and from the Clerk’s Office.
Hard copy originals must be single-sided on 8.5x11 paper unless filed as exhibits; original signatures required.
Source text: (11) Format of Hard Copy or Paper Originals. Originals of documents filed with the court shall not contain double-sided pages or items other than 8 ½ x 11 inch paper, unless double-sided or larger original documents are being filed as exhibits. If an original document is required to be filed with the court, any required signature thereto must also be original.
Electronic exhibits must be provided on CD with paper index.
Source text: Electronic exhibits must be provided on a CD unless otherwise ordered by the court. The party offering the electronic exhibit(s) must include an index on paper with the electronic exhibits.
Proposed instructions must be on numbered paper with unique numbers, titles, and source citations.
Source text: Each proposed instruction, whether filed jointly or under objection, shall be submitted on numbered paper. Each proposed instruction shall bear a unique instruction number and brief title at the top of the page. At the bottom of the page, the parties shall identify the source(s) of the proposed instruction if the source is a model or pattern jury instruction; otherwise, the parties must include other citations to relevant authority.
Joint Instructions and Joint Statement of Disputed Instructions must be emailed as Word/WordPerfect files to judge's email orders address.
Source text: The “Joint Instructions” and any “Joint Statement of Disputed Instructions” shall be filed and shall be attached as a Word or WordPerfect compatible file to an email sent to the email orders address of the assigned judge pursuant to the court’s electronic filing procedures.
Registry deposits must be cashier’s or business checks payable to USDC Court Clerk.
Source text: Acceptable forms of deposit into the Court Registry are cashier’s or business check made payable to “USDC Court Clerk.”
Prisoner complaints under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 must be typewritten or legibly handwritten and signed by each plaintiff unless represented by an attorney.
Source text: Complaints filed pursuant to the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, by or on behalf of prisoners, shall be typewritten or legibly handwritten, and signed by each plaintiff unless presented by an attorney.
Petitions must comply with LCR 100 formatting rules.
Source text: Petitions shall be completed in conformance with LCR 100.
Documents must be typed or written in blue/black ink on white 8.5x11 paper, single-sided only.
Source text: Documents must be typed or neatly written in blue or black ink (no pencils) on white, 8½ x 11 paper. Do not write on both sides of paper.
Document formatting requirements for paper submissions.
Source text: Documents must be submitted on 8½" x 11" white paper, bear 25-line numbers in the left margin, include the case caption, case number and typed or neatly written. If you submit pleadings in writing, use black or blue ink (no pencils) and write legibly on one side of the paper only. All documents must be signed and dated with an original signature and include your name, address and phone number.
Documents must use blue/black ink on 8½ x 11 white paper, single-sided, with contact information included.
Source text: Documents must be typed or neatly written in blue or black ink (no pencils) on white, 8½ x 11 paper. Do not write on both sides of the paper. You must include your name, address and phone number on each document submitted.
Documents must be in PDF format for e-filing, with 200 dpi scanning required for scanned documents.
Source text: 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.
Documents filed via ECF must be in PDF format.
Source text: Only documents in PDF format may be filed with the court using the ECF system.
Documents must be on 8.5x11 paper with line numbers, case caption, original signature, and contact information; handwritten pleadings must use black or blue ink on one side only.
Source text: Documents must be submitted on 8½" x 11" white paper, bear 25-line numbers in the left margin, include the case caption, case number and typed or neatly written. If you submit pleadings in writing, use black or blue ink (no pencils) and write legibly on one side of the paper only. All documents must be signed and dated with an original signature and include your name, address and phone number.
Motions must be double-spaced, 12-point sans serif font (10-point footnotes), with page numbers.
Source text: Motions, oppositions, objections, replies, and surreplies shall be double-spaced and filed in no less than 12-point sans serif font in the text and 10-point sans serif font in the footnotes. The pleadings shall contain page numbers and have margins of no less
Motion papers must be double-spaced with 12-point sans serif font in text, 10-point sans serif in footnotes, page numbers, and minimum margins.
Source text: Motions, oppositions, objections, replies, and surreplies shall be double-spaced and filed in no less than 12-point sans serif font in the text and 10-point sans serif font in the footnotes. The pleadings shall contain page numbers and have margins of no less
Double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, page numbers required.
Source text: Motions, oppositions, objections, replies, and sur−replies shall be double−spaced and filed in 12−point Times New Roman font, and shall contain page numbers and have margins of no less than 1 inch. Footnotes shall also be 12−point Times New Roman font but may be single−spaced.
Administrative records must be filed electronically, no physical copies.
Source text: In matters requiring that an administrative record be filed with the Court, parties must provide a copy of the record to the Court in an electronic format. No physical copy of the record shall be filed.
Each party must submit 3 paper exhibit sets to the Courtroom Deputy the morning of trial, in binders with tabbed dividers marked Clerk, Judge, Witness.
Source text: 3 sets of paper copies for each party shall be submitted to the Courtroom Deputy the morning of trial in binders with tabbed dividers between exhibits and shall be marked on the side of binder 1) Clerk, 2) Judge and 3) Witness.
Each party must submit 3 paper exhibit binders and 2 electronic thumb drives unless directed otherwise by the Courtroom Deputy.
Source text: Judge Settle requires 3 binders of paper copies and 2 thumb drives (electronic) from each party unless otherwise instructed by the Courtroom Deputy.
All exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel with cause number, exhibit number, and admitted status (left blank) per the specified format.
Source text: All exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel using the following format: Cause No.:________________ Plaintiff or Defendant Exh #:______________ Admitted: (leave blank) ______________
Plaintiff's exhibits must be consecutively numbered from 001 to 499.
Source text: Plaintiff’s exhibits shall consecutively be marked beginning with number 001-499.
Defendant's exhibits must be consecutively numbered starting at 500.
Source text: Defendant’s exhibits shall consecutively be marked beginning with number 500-forward.
Duplicate documents are prohibited from being listed more than once on the exhibit list.
Source text: Duplicate documents shall not be listed twice on the exhibit list.
Each party must submit 2 thumb drives of exhibits to the Courtroom Deputy the morning of trial, in searchable PDF format with OCR if possible, named per plaintiff/defendant numbering.
Source text: 2 sets of thumb drives for each party must be submitted to the Courtroom Deputy the morning of trial. Exhibits must be in PDF format and should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition if possible and encoded as a searchable PDF. The exhibits should be named the same (see above) as paper exhibits (Plaintiff = 001-499, Defendant = 500-forward).
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player or VLC Media Player, with no unique codecs required.
Source text: Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player OR VLC Media Player. (Video files requiring their own unique codec or media player are not acceptable and need to be converted to an acceptable format to work with approved players. )
A joint exhibit list in Microsoft Word format (auto numbering off) must be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy before trial, following the paper exhibit numbering system.
Source text: A joint exhibit list in Microsoft Word format (auto numbering turned off) must be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy prior to the trial date and follow the same numbering system as the paper exhibits. This exhibit list can be found here: Judge Benjamin H. Settle Chambers Procedures | Western District of Washington | United States District Court
Newly admitted exhibits during trial require daily email to Courtroom Deputy with description, PDF via email or thumb drive, plus paper copies with new dividers.
Source text: If new exhibits are admitted during trial, counsel must email daily the Courtroom Deputy the description of the admitted exhibit(s) and (depending on number of exhibits or size) must either email the PDF with the correct new exhibit number or deliver a thumb drive with only the newly admitted exhibits attached. Paper versions must also be provided with new dividers.
Exhibits must be delivered on CD or preferably thumb-drive and be in PDF format.
Source text: Exhibits must be on a CD or thumb-drive (preferred) in PDF format
Each exhibit must be submitted as its own single PDF file.
Source text: Each exhibit must be a single PDF document
Any exhibit with audio or video must be compatible with Windows Media Player.
Source text: Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player
An exhibit list must be prepared in Microsoft Word format and sent before trial.
Source text: An exhibit list in Microsoft Word format must be emailed to the Court prior to the trial date.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with consecutive numbering (Plaintiff: 1+, Defendant: A-1+)
Source text: All trial exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel. Plaintiff’s exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with number 1. Defendants exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with the number A-1.
Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binder with numbered tabs
Source text: Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
All pleadings must be in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Source text: In general, follow the guidelines in Local Rule 10(e) except all pleadings must be in 12-point Times New Roman font.
All trial exhibits must be pre-marked with specific format tags.
Source text: All trial exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel. Exhibit tags may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office. In the alternative, counsel may create stickers or stamps that conform to this format: Plaintiff’s (or Defendant’s) Exhibit Cause No. _____________ Exhibit No. _____________
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits continue numbering (no A-1, A-2), subparts need court leave.
Source text: Plaintiff's exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; Defendant's exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with the next number sequence not used by Plaintiff (e.g., if Plaintiff has 160 exhibits, Defendant should begin numbering its exhibits at 200. Defendant’s exhibits shall not be labeled A-1, A-2, etc.). Subparts and subnumbers shall not be used absent leave of the court.
Revised exhibit lists must be emailed in Word format showing only revisions to specific email address.
Source text: If the exhibit list or proposed pretrial order is revised at any time after it is filed with the court, the parties shall email a revised list in Word format which sets forth ONLY the revisions that have been made to victoria_ericksen@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Two sets of exhibits required in three-ring binders with numbered tabs; no plastic sleeves unless necessary.
Source text: Two sets of exhibits shall be delivered to the courtroom deputy. Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs. Unless necessary to preserve an exhibit, exhibits should not be placed in plastic sleeves. Additional numbered tabs shall be provided in the event additional exhibits are marked during trial.
Electronic exhibits must use specific numbering format (00001, A0001) for jury trials.
Source text: The electronic version of the exhibits need to be numbered as shown below.* This ensures they remain in the proper order in the evidence portfolio. However, on the exhibit list itself, the exhibits may be numbered 1 – 500 and A1 – A500 respectively for ease of use during the trial process.
Avoid substantive footnotes; present information in body text.
Source text: Avoid substantive footnotes. Most information and argument should be presented in the body text of your brief.
Electronic exhibits must be transmitted as individual files (one exhibit per file).
Source text: Electronic exhibits must be transmitted individually (i.e., one exhibit per file), but exhibits may have multiple pages
Exhibit file names must match joint exhibit list descriptions and not exceed 80 characters.
Source text: Exhibit file names should match the descriptions listed on the joint exhibit list as closely as possible except that file names should not exceed 80 characters
Courtesy copies must be printed double-sided.
Source text: Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided.
Citations must be in the body of briefs, not footnotes.
Source text: Citations must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes, with the exception of citations following explanatory footnotes.
Citations must appear in the body of briefing, not footnotes, except citations following explanatory footnotes.
Source text: Citations must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes, with the exception of citations following explanatory footnotes.
Electronic devices allowed but must be silenced; digital assistants must be disabled.
Source text: Cellphones, laptops, and electronic devices are allowed inside the courtroom, but telephone ringtones and other functional sounds produced by devices must be disabled while in the courtroom. If your phone, laptop or tablet features a digital assistant (e.g., Siri), be sure to disable the voice-prompt or always-listening feature to avoid accidental courtroom interruptions. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.
Settlement memorandum emails must use a specific subject line format including case name and party position.
Source text: The email subject line should read: "Confidential – [name of party] v. [name of party] - , 2018 - [Plaintiff's/Defendant's] Settlement Position Paper."
PDF exhibits should be OCR-scanned and searchable when possible.
Source text: PDF documents should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition if possible and encoded as a searchable PDF
Video exhibits must be submitted on separate disk due to JEEP size limitations.
Source text: VIDEO EXHIBITS shall be submitted on a separate disk. Currently, JEEP has size limitations for video exhibits. Therefore, there is a separate process for saving them to the Portfolio.
Court prefers in-line legal citations over citational footnotes.
Source text: And as a matter of preference, the Court prefers in-line legal citations over citational footnotes.
Use slip sheets to separate and identify exhibits when filing multiple exhibits together.
Source text: Use slip sheets to separate and identify exhibits when one or more exhibits are attached to a document or grouped together and filed as one (e.g., “Exhibit A,” and nothing more on the page).
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits prefixed A-1+.
Source text: The Court alters the LCR 16 procedure for numbering exhibits as follows: Plaintiff’s exhibits should be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; Defendant’s exhibits should include the prefix “A” and should be numbered consecutively beginning with A-1.
Electronic copies of exhibits should be sent to the Courtroom Deputy in PDF format with OCR searchable text seven days before trial.
Source text: no later than seven days before the trial date, the parties should send an electronic copy of all exhibits in .PDF format with Optical Character Recognition (“OCR”) searchable text to the Courtroom Deputy at KKEcrd@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits numbered 500+.
Source text: The Court hereby alters the LCR 16.1 procedure for numbering exhibits: Plaintiff(s)’ exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; Defendant(s)’ exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 500.
PDF documents should be OCR-scanned and searchable.
Source text: If possible, all PDF documents, including exhibits, should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition ("OCR") and encoded as a searchable PDF.
PDF exhibits should be OCR-scanned and searchable.
Source text: • PDF documents should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition if possible and encoded as a searchable PDF.
Claim construction hearing is scheduled for 5 hours.
Source text: 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.
Citations should be in the body of briefs, not in footnotes.
Source text: The Court prefers that citations be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes, with the exception of citations following explanatory footnotes.
All PDF documents, including exhibits, should be OCR-scanned and encoded as searchable PDFs if possible.
Source text: If possible, all PDF documents, including exhibits, should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition (“OCR”) and encoded as a searchable PDF.
PDF exhibits should be text-searchable when possible.
Source text: If possible, PDF documents should be provided in a text-searchable format.
Document formatting requirements section begins
Source text: Format of documents.......................................................................................... 31
Do not attach stickers to CDs; write directly on CD for identification.
Source text: Do not attach stickers to the CD. You may write on the CD itself for identification purposes.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Western District of Washington?
Western District of Washington's formatting rule includes times new roman font, 12 point type. All pleadings must be in 12-point Times New Roman font.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Western District of Washington?
Western District of Washington's formatting rule includes other font, 12 point type, single spacing. Professional attire required for video appearances.
What formatting rules apply to filings in Western District of Washington?
Western District of Washington's formatting rule includes binding three ring binder, each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder, and with appropriately numbered tabs. Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binder with numbered tabs
What formatting rules apply to filings in Western District of Washington?
Western District of Washington's formatting rule includes sans serif font, 12 point type, double spacing, no kerning or font compression, 10-point sans serif font in footnotes, page numbers required, and margins required (though specific size not stated). Motions must be double-spaced, 12-point sans serif font (10-point footnotes), with page numbers.
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.