Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies are physical or electronic duplicates of ECF filings delivered directly to a judge's chambers. Requirements vary significantly: some judges require courtesy copies for every filing over a certain page threshold, while others prohibit them entirely. The details matter. Judges may specify binding style (stapled, three-ring binder, or tabbed), whether to include the ECF header stamp, delivery timing (immediately upon filing, within 24 hours, or only when fully briefed), and even the maximum binder size. Failing to provide a required courtesy copy can delay consideration of your motion. Providing an unrequested one can annoy chambers staff.