Western District of Washington Page & Word Limits
103 rules from official source documents
Rules 1 to 50, page 1 of 3
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Page, word and line limits
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Mediation statement
Mediation statements are limited to 10 pages, excluding exhibits and attachments.
Such statements shall not exceed 10 pages (exclusive of exhibits and attachments).
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Opening and responsive memoranda for dispositive motions limited to 24 pages; reply briefs limited to 12 pages (half of opening).
opening and responsive memoranda relating to motions for summary judgment or other dispositive motions shall not exceed 24 pages, and opening and responsive memoranda for all other motions shall not exceed 12 pages. A reply brief shall not exceed ½ the permitted length of the opening brief without prior approval of the court.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 3 pages
- Applies to
- Joint discovery dispute statement
Joint discovery dispute statement limited to 3 pages.
The joint discovery dispute statement shall be no more than three (3) pages.
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 10500 words
- Applies to
- Opposition reply brief
The initial moving party’s combined opposition and reply brief may not exceed 10,500 words.
The initial moving part files its combined opposition/reply brief, which may not exceed 10,500 words.
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 10500 words
- Applies to
- Opening opposition brief
The opposing party’s combined opening and opposition brief may not exceed 10,500 words.
The opposing party files its combined opening/opposition brief, which may not exceed 10,500 words.
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Applies to
- Reply brief
The opposing party’s reply brief may not exceed 4,200 words.
The opposing party files its reply brief, not to exceed 4,200 words.
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Applies to
- Opening brief
The initial moving party’s opening brief may not exceed 8,400 words.
The initial moving party files opening brief, which may not exceed 8,400 words.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 12600 words
- Applies to
- Joint brief
Joint briefs are limited to 12,600 total words (6,300 per party), excluding caption, date line, and signature block.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Attorney limit
- 6300 words
- Applies to
- Joint brief
Joint briefs limited to 12,600 words total (6,300 per party), excluding certain sections.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Attorney limit
- 3 pages
- Applies to
- Joint statement
Joint statement for discovery disputes must not exceed 3 pages.
The joint statement shall be no more than three pages
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Applies to
- Motion
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).
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).
CRITICALCivil cases
- Attorney limit
- 8400 words
- Applies to
- Motion
Specific briefing schedule for cross-motions for summary judgment.
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).
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 15 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
B. Motion Length
B. Motion Length
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Applies to
- Default judgment
Motions for default judgment are limited to 8,400 words, and parties must certify compliance under LCR 7(e)(6).
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).
CRITICALCivil cases
- Attorney limit
- 2 pages
- Applies to
- Disputed instructions
Disputed instructions limited to 2 pages per instruction for arguments and authority.
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).
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Applies to
- Claim construction brief
Absent a contrary court order, the parties must serve opening and answering briefs capped at 24 pages each and reply and sur-reply briefs capped at 12 pages each, then file a joint claim construction brief.
Absent a court order to the contrary, claim construction briefing shall proceed in the following manner and order: (1) Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, an opening brief, not to exceed twenty- four (24) pages; (2) Defendant shall serve, but not file, its answering brief, not to exceed twenty-four (24) pages; (3) Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its reply brief, not to exceed twelve (12) pages; (4) Defendant shall serve, but not file, its sur-reply brief, not to exceed twelve (12) pages; and (5) the Parties shall file a Joint Claim Construction Brief.
CRITICAL
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Applies to
- Motion in limine
Motions in limine limited to 12 pages without prior approval.
Motions in limine and responses shall not exceed twelve (12) pages without prior approval of the Court.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 2100 words
- Limit
- 6 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
Same-day motions limited to 2,100 words or 6 pages.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
Other motions and oppositions limited to 4,200 words/12 pages; reply briefs to 2,100 words/6 pages
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 2100 words
- Limit
- 6 pages
- Applies to
- Reply brief
Reply briefs shall not exceed 2,100 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, six pages.
Reply briefs shall not exceed 2,100 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, six pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 10500 words
- Limit
- 30 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Bankruptcy appeals briefs have word/page limits (10,500/30 for initial briefs, 7,000/20 for reply briefs).
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 6300 words
- Limit
- 18 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 6,300 words/18 pages
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Applies to
- Expedited joint motion
Total contribution to expedited joint motion limited to 4,200 words or 12 pages if handwritten/typewritten.
(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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Applies to
- Objection
Objections to magistrate judge orders limited to 4,200 words or 12 pages (hand/typewriter).
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 700 words
- Limit
- 2 pages
- Applies to
- Over length motion request
Over-length motion request limited to 700 words/2 pages
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Applies to
- Temporary restraining order
Temporary restraining order motions limited to 8,400 words or 24 pages.
(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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Applies to
- Motion
Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(2) and briefs in opposition shall not exceed 4,200
Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(2) and briefs in opposition shall not exceed 4,200
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Applies to
- Temporary restraining order response
Response to TRO must be filed within 24-48 hours; no reply permitted.
(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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
Major motions and oppositions limited to 8,400 words/24 pages; reply briefs to 4,200 words/12 pages
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 175 words
- Applies to
- Reply
Reply to expedited joint motion limited to 175 words or 1/2 page if handwritten/typewritten.
(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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 3500 words
- Limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Mediation memorandum
This memorandum should not exceed 3,500 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, 10 pages in length.
This memorandum should not exceed 3,500 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, 10 pages in length.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 1050 words
- Limit
- 3 pages
- Applies to
- Surreply
Surreply limited to 1,050 words/3 pages
The surreply shall not exceed 1,050 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, three pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Limit
- 2100 words
- Limit
- 6 pages
LCR 7(d)(3) motions and response briefs are limited to 4,200 words or 12 handwritten/typewritten pages; reply briefs are limited to 2,100 words or 6 handwritten/typewritten pages.
(3) Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(3) and briefs in response 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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 5 pages
- Applies to
- Reply
Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.
Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 10500 words
- Limit
- 30 pages
- Limit
- 7000 words
- Limit
- 20 pages
Unless the court orders otherwise, initial briefs are limited to 10,500 words or 30 handwritten/typewritten pages, and appellant’s reply brief to 7,000 words or 20 handwritten/typewritten pages.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 1 page
- Applies to
- Disputed instruction
The opposing party must immediately follow with any alternative language, objections, and supporting legal authority, within one page.
(2) Immediately following the proposed language and supporting legal authority, the opposing party shall set forth its alternative language, if any, and its objections to the proposed language along with any legal authority in support of the objections (not to exceed one page).
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 175 words
- Limit
- 1 page
- Applies to
- Reply brief
Each moving-party reply must follow the opposing party’s rebuttal and is limited to 175 words, or one-half page if handwritten or typewritten.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 8400 words
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Limit
- 12 pages
LCR 7(d)(4) motions and response briefs are limited to 8,400 words or 24 handwritten/typewritten pages; reply briefs are limited to 4,200 words or 12 handwritten/typewritten pages.
(4) Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(4) and briefs in response 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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Attorney limit
- 2 pages
- Applies to
- Proposed jury instructions
Each party's alternate jury instruction arguments limited to 2 pages.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 24 pages
- Limit
- 12 pages
- Applies to
- Claim construction brief
Claim construction opening briefs limited to 24 pages; responsive briefs limited to 12 pages.
Opening briefs shall be limited to 24 pages per side, and responsive briefs shall be limited to 12 pages per side, unless the parties receive permission prior to the due date to file over-length briefs.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Attorney limit
- 15 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
Motions limited to 15 pages (except summary judgment), replies to 7 pages, surreplies to 5 pages with leave.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 5 pages
- Applies to
- Sur reply
Surreplies require leave of court and are limited to 5 pages.
Leave of Court must be obtained to file a surreply. If leave is obtained, surreplies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 10 pages
- Applies to
- Opposition
Motions for reconsideration: oppositions limited to 10 pages, replies limited to 5 pages
Motions for reconsideration and oppositions thereto shall not exceed TEN (10) pages (excluding the certificate of service). Replies shall not exceed FIVE (5) pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 30 pages
- Applies to
- Motion
Summary judgment motions and oppositions limited to 30 pages, replies to 20 pages, sur-replies to 10 pages.
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.
CRITICALCriminal cases
- Attorney limit
- 4200 words
- Attorney limit
- 12 pages
- Attorney limit
- 2100 words
- Attorney limit
- 6 pages
Support/opposition briefs: max 4,200 words (or 12 pages if handwritten/typewriter). Reply briefs: max 2,100 words (or 6 pages if handwritten/typewriter). Certain items excluded from count.
Supporting and opposition briefs filed in connection with any pretrial motion shall not exceed 4,200 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, twelve pages without prior approval of the court. Any reply brief shall not exceed 2,100 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, six pages without prior approval of the court. 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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 6300 words
- Limit
- 18 pages
- Applies to
- Brief
Motions in limine and response briefs are limited to 6,300 words or 18 handwritten/typewritten pages.
(5) Motions in limine noted under LCR 7(d)(5) and any brief in response shall not exceed 6,300 words or, if written by hand or with a typewriter, eighteen pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 1050 words
- Limit
- 3 pages
- Applies to
- Sur reply
Surreplies are limited to 1,050 words, or three pages if handwritten or typewritten.
(3) The surreply shall not exceed 1,050 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, three pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 4200 words
- Limit
- 12 pages
Each side’s contribution to a joint LCR 37 submission is limited to 4,200 words, or twelve pages if handwritten or typewritten.
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.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 20 pages
- Applies to
- Reply
Reply briefs on summary judgment motions limited to 20 pages.
Replies shall not exceed TWENTY (20) pages.
CRITICALCivil cases
- Limit
- 1 page
- Applies to
- Disputed instruction
The proposed language, proposing party, and supporting legal authority must appear at the top and may not exceed one page.
(1) At the top of the page, the proposed language shall be set forth with an identification of the party proposing it and a statement of any legal authority in support of the proposed language (not to exceed one page);
What page or word limits apply to motion in Western District of Washington?
Judge Lauren King's rule states these limits: 8400 words. 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).
Senior Judge Barbara J. Rothstein's rule states these limits: attorney: 15 pages; attorney: 15 pages; 15 pages; attorney: 10 pages. Motions, oppositions, and objections are limited to 15 pages; replies to 10 pages; sur-replies require leave of court.
Magistrate Judge Michelle L. Peterson's rule states these limits: 2100 words; 6 pages. Same-day motions limited to 2,100 words or 6 pages.
17 more rules answer this question.
What page or word limits apply to joint brief in Western District of Washington?
Judge Kymberly K. Evanson's rule states these limits: 12600 words. Excludes caption and signature blocks. Joint briefs are limited to 12,600 total words (6,300 per party), excluding caption, date line, and signature block.
1 more rule answers this question.
What page or word limits apply to opposition reply brief in Western District of Washington?
Judge Jamal N. Whitehead's rule states these limits: 10500 words. The initial moving party’s combined opposition and reply brief may not exceed 10,500 words.
What page or word limits apply to jury instructions in Western District of Washington?
Senior Judge Barbara J. Rothstein's rule states these limits: attorney: 2 pages. Disputed jury instructions limited to 2 pages per party per instruction.
What page or word limits apply to motion for summary judgment in Western District of Washington?
Senior Judge Barbara J. Rothstein's rule states these limits: attorney: 24 pages; attorney: 12 pages. Excludes certificates. Summary judgment motions and oppositions are limited to 24 pages, replies to 12 pages, and sur-replies require leave of Court.
What page or word limits apply to opening opposition brief in Western District of Washington?
Judge Jamal N. Whitehead's rule states these limits: 10500 words. The opposing party’s combined opening and opposition brief may not exceed 10,500 words.
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