Western District of Washington Page & Word Limits

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

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

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.

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

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);

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit

4200 words

Limit

12 pages

Limit

2100 words

Limit

6 pages

LCR 7(d)(2) 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.

(2) Motions noted under LCR 7(d)(2) 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

700 words

Limit

2 pages

Applies to

Motion

An over-length motion may not exceed 700 words or 2 handwritten/typewritten pages and must specify the additional words or pages requested.

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

Response

A response is limited to 8,400 words, or 24 pages if handwritten or typewritten; no reply is permitted.

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

3500 words

Limit

10 pages

Applies to

Mediation memorandum

Each party’s mediation memorandum should present concise contentions on liability and damages and should not exceed 3,500 words, or 10 pages if handwritten or typewritten.

Each party shall provide the mediator with a memorandum presenting in concise form its contentions relative to both liability and damages. This memorandum should not exceed 3,500 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, 10 pages in length.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit

8400 words

Limit

24 pages

Applies to

Motion

A temporary restraining order motion is limited to 8,400 words, or 24 pages if handwritten or typewritten.

The motion must not exceed 8,400 words or, if written by hand or typewriter, twenty-four pages in length

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit

2100 words

Limit

6 pages

Applies to

Motion

Except as otherwise provided by court order or rule, LCR 7(d)(1) motions other than temporary restraining order motions are limited to 2,100 words, or 6 pages if handwritten or typewritten.

Except as otherwise provided by court order or rule, the length of motions and briefs shall be as follows: (1) 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 casesProposed or draft document; may not be in force

Limit

24 pages

Limit

12 pages

Applies to

Brief

Opening briefs are limited to 24 pages per side and responsive briefs to 12 pages per side, unless the parties obtain permission before the due date to exceed those limits.

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

Limit

4200 words

Limit

12 pages

Applies to

Magistrate judge objection or response

Objections to a magistrate judge’s order or recommended disposition and responses are limited to 4,200 words, or 12 pages if handwritten or typewritten, unless a court order or rule provides otherwise.

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

Attorney limit

15 pages

Limit

15 pages

Attorney limit

10 pages

Motions, oppositions, and objections are limited to 15 pages; replies to 10 pages; sur-replies require leave of court.

Except for motions for summary judgment (see Section II(F) infra) and motions for reconsideration (see Section II(G) 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit

2 pages

Applies to

Jury instructions

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

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit

24 pages

Attorney limit

12 pages

Applies to

Motion for summary judgment

Summary judgment motions and oppositions are limited to 24 pages, replies to 12 pages, and sur-replies require leave of Court.

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. Leave of the Court must be obtained to file a sur−reply.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit

15 pages

Applies to

Motion

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

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 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit

24 pages

Attorney limit

12 pages

Applies to

Motion

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

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Limit

10 pages

Applies to

Reply

Replies limited to 10 pages.

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

CRITICAL

Attorney limit

8400 words

Attorney limit

14000 words

Attorney limit

8750 words

Attorney limit

4200 words

Cross-motions for summary judgment follow a specific briefing schedule with word limits: plaintiff's motion (8,400 words), defendant's combined response/cross-motion (14,000 words), plaintiff's combined reply/response (8,750 words), defendant's reply (4,200 words).

Consistent with LCR 7(k), if the parties plan on filing cross-motions for summary judgment, they should adhere to the following briefing schedule: • Deadline for dispositive motions: plaintiff(s)' motion for summary judgment due (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). • 21 days after plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response: defendant(s)' reply due (word limit 4,200 words).

CRITICALCivil cases

Attorney limit

10 pages

Attorney limit

5 pages

Applies to

Motion

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

Applies to

Voir dire

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

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Voir dire

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

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

CRITICALCriminal cases

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

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

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleading

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

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Jury composition

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

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Opposition

Motions in Limine oppositions due 14 days after filing

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Closing argument

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

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Voir dire

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

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Reply brief

A reply brief may not exceed half the total length of the opposition brief.

In all cases, the reply brief shall not exceed one-half the total length of the brief filed in opposition.

CRITICALCivil cases

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

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to

Voir dire

Each party gets 10 minutes for additional voir dire questioning.

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

CRITICAL

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

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Brief

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

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.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Opposition brief

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

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.

WARNINGCivil cases

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

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.

WARNINGCivil cases

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

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.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Page limit exceptions granted only for extraordinary complexity.

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

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Brief

The court may refuse to consider text, including footnotes, that exceeds the applicable word or page limit.

The court may refuse to consider any text, including footnotes, which is not included within the word or page limits.

WARNINGCivil cases

The joint submission limit includes introductory, position, supporting, and opposing statements, but excludes the discovery request itself.

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.

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to

Motion

Page limit extensions granted only for extraordinary complexity.

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

WARNINGCivil cases

Page limit extensions are granted only for extraordinary complexity.

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

INFOCriminal cases

Applies to

Peremptory challenge

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

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

INFOCivil cases

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

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.