Western District of Washington Page & Word Limits

Joint discovery dispute statement limited to 3 pages.

Source text: The joint discovery dispute statement shall be no more than three (3) pages.

Motions must be filed 28 days before trial.

Source text: All motions, including motions to continue the trial date, must be made no later than 28 days before trial.

Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before trial.

Source text: The parties must file their motions in limine, if any, no later than 28 days before trial.

Attorney voir dire: 20 minutes initial, 10 minutes follow-up, must avoid repetitive/irrelevant questions.

Source text: Following the Courts screening, counsel may examine the panel members directly. The Court will establish time limits for attorney-led voir dire at the pretrial conference, but regardless of time, the Court will instruct counsel to move on with the examination if questioning becomes too repetitive or irrelevant, or if counsel tries to argue the merits of the case. Typically, the parties will be given an initial 20 minutes for questioning, followed by another 10 minutes of follow-up questions.

Joint briefs limited to 12,600 words total (6,300 per party), excluding certain sections.

Source text: must not exceed 12,600 words, excluding caption, date line, and signature block, with each party contributing no more than 6,300 words. Each party may submit a declaration along with the joint brief, as necessary.

Joint statement for discovery disputes must not exceed 3 pages.

Source text: The joint statement shall be no more than three pages

Joint briefs are limited to 12,600 total words (6,300 per party), excluding caption, date line, and signature block.

Source text: must not exceed 12,600 words, excluding caption, date line, and signature block, with each party contributing no more than 6,300 words. Each party may submit a declaration along with the joint brief, as necessary.

Default motion length is 15 pages.

Source text: B. Motion Length

Specific briefing schedule for cross-motions for summary judgment.

Source text: Consistent with LCR 7(k), if the parties plan on filing cross-motions for summary judgment, they should adhere to the following briefing schedule: (word limit 8,400 words). The motion shall be noted for 49 days from the filing date. • 21 days after plaintiff(s)' motion: defendant(s)' combined response/cross-motion for summary judgment due (word limit 14,000 words). • 21 days after defendant(s)' combined response/cross-motion: plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response due (word limit 8,750 words). • 7 days after plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response: reply from defendant due (word limit 4,200 words). The parties may also propose a different briefing schedule in advance of the deadline. LCR 7(j).

Motions for default judgment are limited to 8,400 words.

Source text: Motions for default judgment may include up to 8,400 words. This is longer than the length permitted under the Local Civil Rules. Parties still must certify their compliance with the 8,400 word limit under LCR 7(e)(6).

Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment has an 8,400 word limit and is noted for 49 days from filing.

Source text: (word limit 8,400 words). The motion shall be noted for 49 days from the filing date.

Defendant's response/cross-motion for summary judgment has a 14,000 word limit, due 21 days after plaintiff's motion.

Source text: 21 days after plaintiff(s)’ motion: defendant(s)’ combined response/cross-motion for summary judgment due (word limit 14,000 words).

Plaintiff's reply/response to cross-motion for summary judgment has an 8,750 word limit, due 21 days after defendant's cross-motion.

Source text: 21 days after defendant(s)’ combined response/cross-motion: plaintiff(s)’ combined reply/response due (word limit 8,750 words).

Defendant's reply to plaintiff's response has a 4,200 word limit, due 7 days after plaintiff's reply/response.

Source text: 7 days after plaintiff(s)’ combined reply/response: reply from defendant due (word limit 4,200 words).

Motions for default judgment are limited to 8,400 words.

Source text: Motions for default judgment may include up to 8,400 words.

Each side limited to time limits set by Court at final pretrial conference for voir dire.

Source text: Each side (not Party) is limited to time limits set by the Court at the final pretrial conference.

Disputed instructions limited to 2 pages per instruction for arguments and authority.

Source text: For Disputed Instructions, the proposed and alternate instruction shall be listed one after the other, with each side’s argument and authority for the instruction not to exceed two (2) pages, collectively, per instruction (i.e., Co-Plaintiffs and Co-Defendants must submit only one set together).

Motions in limine limited to 12 pages without prior approval.

Source text: Motions in limine and responses shall not exceed twelve (12) pages without prior approval of the Court.

Each side limited to time limits set by Court for voir dire.

Source text: However, each side (not each Party) is limited to time limits set by the Court at the pretrial conference.

Pleasings must comply with Local Rule CR 7(e) length restrictions; over-length pleadings may be returned or arguments beyond limits may be disregarded.

Source text: Length The parties must comply with the length restrictions set forth in Local Rule CR 7(e). The Court may return over-length pleadings or decline to consider arguments presented beyond the specified page limits.

Same-day motions limited to 2,100 words or 6 pages.

Source text: Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(1), except motions for temporary restraining orders, shall not exceed 2,100 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, six pages.

14-day motions and oppositions limited to 4,200 words.

Source text: Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(2) and briefs in opposition shall not exceed 4,200

Reply briefs limited to 2,100 words or 6 pages (handwritten/typewriter)

Source text: Reply briefs shall not exceed 2,100 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, six pages.

Major motions and oppositions limited to 8,400 words/24 pages; reply briefs to 4,200 words/12 pages

Source text: Motions for summary judgment, motions to dismiss, motions for class certification, motions for a temporary restraining order, motions for preliminary injunction, and motions aimed at changing the forum (e.g., motions to remand, transfer, or compel arbitration) and briefs in opposition shall not exceed 8,400 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, twenty-four pages. Reply briefs shall not exceed 4,200 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, twelve pages.

Other motions and oppositions limited to 4,200 words/12 pages; reply briefs to 2,100 words/6 pages

Source text: All other motions noted under LCR 7(d)(3) and briefs in opposition shall not exceed 4,200 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, twelve pages. Reply briefs shall not exceed 2,100 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, six pages.

Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 6,300 words/18 pages

Source text: Any motion in limine noted under LCR 7(d)(4) and any brief in opposition shall not exceed 6,300 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, eighteen pages.

Over-length motion request limited to 700 words/2 pages

Source text: The motion shall be no more than 700 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, two pages in length and shall request a specific number of additional words or pages.

Surreply limited to 1,050 words/3 pages

Source text: The surreply shall not exceed 1,050 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, three pages.

Reply to expedited joint motion limited to 175 words or 1/2 page if handwritten/typewritten.

Source text: (D) Within four days of receipt of the LCR 37 submission from the opposing party, the moving party will either add its reply and file the joint submission with the court, or notify the opposing party that it no longer intends to move for the requested relief. The moving party’s reply, if any, in support of a disputed discovery request shall follow the opposing party’s rebuttal for such request in the joint submission and shall not exceed 175 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, one half page for each reply.

Total contribution to expedited joint motion limited to 4,200 words or 12 pages if handwritten/typewritten.

Source text: (E) The total text that each side may contribute to a joint LCR 37 submission shall not exceed 4,200 words or, in written by hand or typewriter, twelve pages. This limit shall include all introductory or position statements, and statements in support of, or in opposition to, a particular request, but shall not include the discovery request itself.

Mediation memoranda limited to 3,500 words or 10 pages if handwritten/typewritten.

Source text: This memorandum should not exceed 3,500 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, 10 pages in length.

Temporary restraining order motions limited to 8,400 words or 24 pages.

Source text: (2) Length of Motion; Noting Date: The motion must not exceed 8,400 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, twenty-four pages in length and may be noted for the same day it is filed.

Response to TRO must be filed within 24-48 hours; no reply permitted.

Source text: (5) Response: Unless the court orders otherwise, the adverse party must (1) file a notice indicating whether it plans to oppose the motion within twenty-four hours after service of the motion, and (2) file its response, if any, within forty-eight hours after the motion is served. The response may not exceed 8,400 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, twenty-four pages in length, and no reply will be permitted.

Objections to magistrate judge orders limited to 4,200 words or 12 pages (hand/typewriter).

Source text: Except as otherwise provided by court order or rule, objections to a magistrate judge’s order or recommended disposition, or any response thereto, shall not exceed 4,200 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, twelve pages.

Bankruptcy appeals briefs have word/page limits (10,500/30 for initial briefs, 7,000/20 for reply briefs).

Source text: Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), unless otherwise ordered by the court, appellant’s and appellee’s initial briefs shall not exceed 10,500 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, thirty pages, and appellant’s reply brief shall not exceed 7,000 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, twenty pages.

Motions limited to 15 pages (except summary judgment), replies to 7 pages, surreplies to 5 pages with leave.

Source text: A motion and the legal argument supporting the motion shall be filed as a single document. Pleadings shall not contain a table of cases or a table of authority. Except for Motions for Summary Judgment, all other motions, oppositions, and objections shall not exceed FIFTEEN (15) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed SEVEN (7) pages, unless otherwise noted. Leave of Court must be obtained to file a surreply. If leave is obtained, surreplies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Summary judgment motion limits: 30 pages for motion/opposition, 20 pages for reply, 10 pages for sur-reply.

Source text: A motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56, and oppositions thereto, shall not exceed THIRTY (30) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed TWENTY (20) pages. If leave to file a sur-reply is given, it shall not exceed TEN (10) pages.

Motions in Limine: oppositions limited to 15 pages, due 14 days after filing, no reply brief unless ordered

Source text: Motions in Limine should normally be filed as one motion; oppositions thereto shall not exceed FIFTEEN (15) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Any opposition to a Motion in Limine shall be filed no later than FOURTEEN (14) days after a motion is filed. The moving party will not file any reply brief in support of a motion in limine unless ordered otherwise by the Court.

Motions for reconsideration: 10-page limit for motions/oppositions, 5-page limit for replies

Source text: Motions for reconsideration are discouraged. Motions that reassert prior arguments or raise new arguments that could have been made earlier will be summarily denied. Motions for reconsideration and oppositions thereto shall not exceed TEN (10) pages (excluding the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Motions for reconsideration: oppositions limited to 10 pages, replies limited to 5 pages

Source text: Motions for reconsideration and oppositions thereto shall not exceed TEN (10) pages (excluding the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Replies to motions for reconsideration limited to 5 pages

Source text: Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Motions in Limine oppositions due 14 days after filing

Source text: The parties shall endeavor to resolve any evidentiary disputes prior to filing a Motion in Limine. Motions in Limine should normally be filed as one motion; oppositions thereto shall not exceed FIFTEEN (15) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Any opposition to a Motion in Limine shall be filed no later than FOURTEEN (14) days after a motion is filed.

Closing arguments limited to 45 minutes per side; longer requests must be submitted in advance.

Source text: Closing Arguments: Closing arguments generally will be limited to no more than FORTY-FIVE (45) minutes per side. Requests for longer presentations must be submitted to the Court before closing arguments begin. Plaintiff may reserve for rebuttal up to one-half of the time actually used during the direct argument.

Civil jury trials have 9 jurors with 3 peremptory challenges per side.

Source text: In civil trials, the jury shall consist of nine jurors. Each side shall have three peremptory challenges.

Each party's counsel has 10 minutes for additional voir dire questioning.

Source text: Counsel for each party may have TEN (10) minutes each to further question the prospective jurors.

Each party's alternate jury instruction arguments limited to 2 pages.

Source text: Where disagreements arise, the proposed jury instructions shall include the alternate instructions and argument and authority for the instruction not to exceed TWO (2) pages for each party and instruction.

Settlement memoranda limited to 10 double-spaced pages, confidential, no filing or service required.

Source text: Each party shall provide, in confidence, a concise settlement memorandum no longer than ten double spaced pages and which should not include attachments or exhibits unless under extraordinary circumstances. Please do not file these confidential memoranda with the Clerk’s Office or serve the memoranda on opposing counsel.

Settlement memoranda are limited to 10 double-spaced pages with attachments/exhibits prohibited except in extraordinary circumstances.

Source text: Each party shall provide, in confidence, a concise settlement memorandum no longer than ten double spaced pages and which should not include attachments or exhibits unless under extraordinary circumstances.

Motions, oppositions, and objections are limited to 15 pages, excluding certificate of service.

Source text: Except for Motions for Summary Judgment, all other motions, oppositions, and objections shall not exceed FIFTEEN (15) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service).

Reply briefs are limited to 7 pages.

Source text: Replies shall not exceed SEVEN (7) pages, unless otherwise noted.

Surreplies require leave of court and are limited to 5 pages.

Source text: Leave of Court must be obtained to file a surreply. If leave is obtained, surreplies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Oppositions to Motions in Limine are limited to 15 pages, excluding the certificate of service.

Source text: Motions in Limine should normally be filed as one motion; oppositions thereto shall not exceed FIFTEEN (15) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service).

Summary judgment motions and oppositions limited to 30 pages, replies to 20 pages, sur-replies to 10 pages.

Source text: A motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56, and oppositions thereto, shall not exceed THIRTY (30) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed TWENTY (20) pages. If leave to file a sur-reply is given, it shall not exceed TEN (10) pages.

Reply briefs on summary judgment motions limited to 20 pages.

Source text: Replies shall not exceed TWENTY (20) pages.

Sur-replies on summary judgment motions, if permitted, limited to 10 pages.

Source text: If leave to file a sur-reply is given, it shall not exceed TEN (10) pages.

Motions for reconsideration and oppositions are limited to 10 pages, excluding the certificate of service.

Source text: Motions for reconsideration and oppositions thereto shall not exceed TEN (10) pages (excluding the certificate of service).

Replies to motions for reconsideration are limited to 5 pages.

Source text: Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Motions limited to 15 pages, oppositions to 15 pages, replies to 10 pages, no tables allowed, sur-replies require leave.

Source text: A motion and the legal argument supporting the motion shall be filed as a single document. Motions shall not contain a table of cases or a table of authorities. Except for dispositive motions, motions for summary judgment (see Section II(F) infra) and motions for reconsideration (see Section II(H) infra), all motions, oppositions, and objections shall not exceed FIFTEEN (15) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed TEN (10) pages, unless otherwise noted. Leave of the Court must be obtained to file a sur−reply.

Replies limited to 10 pages.

Source text: Replies shall not exceed TEN (10) pages, unless otherwise noted.

Summary judgment motions limited to 24 pages; oppositions to 24 pages; replies to 12 pages.

Source text: A motion for summary judgment pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56, and oppositions thereto, shall not exceed TWENTY−FOUR (24) pages (exclusive of the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed TWELVE (12) pages.

Reconsideration motions limited to 10 pages; oppositions to 10 pages; replies to 5 pages.

Source text: Motions for reconsideration and oppositions thereto shall not exceed TEN (10) pages (excluding the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.

Opening statements limited to 30 minutes per side (unless complex case or court authorization)

Source text: Opening Statements: Except for especially complex cases, or otherwise authorized by the Court, opening statements shall be no more than thirty (30) minutes per side.

Each party gets 10 minutes for additional voir dire questioning.

Source text: Counsel for each party may have TEN (10) minutes each to further question the prospective jurors.

Disputed jury instructions limited to 2 pages per party per instruction.

Source text: Where disagreements arise, the proposed jury instructions shall include the alternate instructions and argument and authority for the instruction not to exceed TWO (2) pages per party, per instruction.

Comply with Local Rule 7(e) length restrictions; arguments beyond limits may be declined.

Source text: Parties must comply with the length restrictions specified in Local Rule 7(e). The court may decline to consider arguments presented beyond the specified word count or page limits.

Follow Local Civil Rule 7(e) length limits; overlength motions disfavored and must be filed separately.

Source text: Parties must comply with the length restrictions specified in Local Civil Rule 7(e). The Court may decline to consider arguments presented beyond the specific length restrictions. Motions for leave to file overlength briefs are disfavored and will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances, which circumstances must be set forth in detail by the party making the request. Motions for leave to file overlength briefs must be filed and noted for consideration to provide the Court sufficient time to rule on the motion before the brief at issue is due. Counsel shall not file a motion for leave to file an overlength brief concurrently with the overlength brief.

Court may refuse to consider text exceeding limits; certain items excluded from count

Source text: The court may refuse to consider any text, including footnotes, which is not included within the word or page limits. Captions, tables of contents, tables of authorities, signature blocks, and certificates of service need not be included within the word or page limit.

Opposition brief gets equal additional pages if over-length motion granted; reply brief limited to half opposition length

Source text: If the court grants leave to file an over-length motion, the brief in opposition will automatically be allowed an equal number of additional pages. In all cases, the reply brief shall not exceed one-half the total length of the brief filed in opposition.

Page limit exceptions granted only for extraordinary complexity.

Source text: Motions to exceed the page limitations will be granted only where the matter is one of extraordinary complexity.

Opening statements limited to 30 minutes per side unless complex case or court authorization.

Source text: Opening Statements: Except for especially complex cases, or otherwise authorized by the Court, opening statements shall be limited to no more than THIRTY (30) minutes per side.

Page limit extensions granted only for extraordinary complexity.

Source text: Motions to exceed the page limitations will be granted only where the matter is one of extraordinary complexity.

Government gets 6 peremptory challenges, defense gets 10 in criminal cases.

Source text: The government will normally have six challenges, and the defense will have ten.

Oral argument limited to 15 minutes per side unless otherwise ordered

Source text: If the Court finds that oral argument is necessary, the parties shall be limited to FIFTEEN (15) minutes per side unless otherwise ordered.

Opening statements are limited to 30 minutes per side unless the case is especially complex or the Court authorizes otherwise.

Source text: Opening Statements: Except for especially complex cases, or otherwise authorized by the Court, opening statements shall be limited to no more than THIRTY (30) minutes per side.