Document Format Requirements
2899 rules across 21 courts
Document formatting rules govern the presentation and technical requirements for filings: font family and size, margin widths, line spacing, file format, PDF text-searchability, bookmarks, and exhibit handling. Baseline rules often come from statewide, federal, or local rules, but court-level instructions and judge-specific procedures can add stricter requirements. Non-compliant formatting is a frequent basis for rejection or correction.
Central District of California
View all rules for CDCA.All briefing must use Times New Roman font, minimum 14 point size, including footnotes.
All documents submitted to the court must be text-searchable (OCR'd), with text selectable, copyable, and pasteable.
Proposed orders accompanying evidentiary objections must be in Word-processing format.
Evidentiary objections must be submitted in a two-column format with specified content in each column.
Excel tables accompanying attorney fees motions must be editable.
All papers must include counsel's email address, telephone number, and fax number.
Typeface must comply with Local Rule 11-3.1.1; Times Roman minimum 14pt, Courier minimum 12pt; footnotes one size smaller.
Each jury instruction must be numbered, on separate page, with authority/source cited.
Summary judgment moving party must use two-column format for uncontroverted facts.
Opposing party's statement must use two-column format tracking moving party's facts.
Opposing party may add additional facts in two-column format with sequential numbering.
Evidence must be organized with tabs, indices, and highlighting for easy court access.
Proposed FPTCO must follow format in Appendix A to Local Rules.
Exhibits must be in loose leaf binders with tabs and marked spine.
Times New Roman font, size no less than 14, required.
Motion in Limine evidence must be tabbed; over 20 pages requires separate bound volume with TOC; over 50 pages requires Slant D-Ring binder with 3-hole-punched documents.
All sealed documents must be clearly labeled.
Proposed orders for sealed filings must be in Word Perfect or Microsoft Word format and emailed to chambers upon filing.
Documents for e-filing under seal applications must be uploaded in PDF format.
Sealed Declaration in Support must be uploaded in PDF format.
Sealed documents must be uploaded in PDF format for electronic filing under seal via the Civil Events Screen.
Sealed motion documents uploaded via e-filing must be in PDF format.
Application for Leave for In Camera Review must be uploaded as a PDF document.
Email submissions to Chambers must be in Word format
Trial filings must be emailed in Word format to chambers.
Email pretrial documents to chambers in Word format; deliver chambers copies to Judge Hwang's mailbox
Each jury instruction must cite authority, be on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat.
Three-ring binders required for trial exhibits (1 original + 2 copies)
Exhibits must be indexed with tabs and numbered sequentially
All pages of multi-page exhibits must be numbered; no duplicate exhibit numbers
Original exhibits require official yellow (plaintiff) or blue (defendant) tags
Copy exhibits must have copies of original tags and be indexed with tabs
PDF exhibits must be in separate folders by party with specific naming convention
E-filed items not requiring court signature and proposed orders must be text-searchable PDF format.
Proposed orders must use Court’s template, be on pleading paper, and omit attorney info, footers, and watermarks.
Exhibits and declarations attached to chambers copies must be tabbed; mandatory chambers copies do not require blue backing.
Chambers copies must be printed from CM/ECF with CM/ECF headers on each page and NEF as last page, and not left in envelopes or folders.
Chambers copy exhibits must be tabbed; evidence over 50 pages requires table of contents and tabbed binder with three-hole punched documents.
Chambers copy evidence over 200 pages must be in a Slant D-Ring binder (max 4 inches) with cover sheet and spine label including case details.
Motion memoranda must use Times New Roman font at least 14 point; footnotes must match body font and size, with proportionally or monospaced typeface permitted per Local Rule 11-3.1.1.
All documents must be filed as searchable PDF format with selectable, copyable, and pasteable text per Local Rule 5-4.3 and C.D. Cal. R. 5-4.3.1.
14-point Times New Roman font required; footnotes separated by 12-point spacing.
Documents must be converted to searchable PDF format per Local Rule 5-4.3.1.
Evidentiary objections must use three-column format with quote, legal objection, and citation.
Exhibits must be indexed with tabs, numbered sequentially, and pages numbered.
Copy exhibits must have copies of official tags and be indexed with tabs.
Plaintiff and Defendant exhibits in separate folders with numbered filenames.
All briefing must use Times New Roman, 14-point font (including footnotes).
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable text.
All documents must be text-searchable (OCR’d).
Pretrial documents must be three-hole punched on left side, no blue-backs or staples.
Submit clean jury instructions in Word/WordPerfect format to Chambers email.
Every filing must include specific caption requirements: defendant names/numbers, registration number when applicable, and milestone dates.
Font requirements: Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt minimum, footnotes same size as body text.
Each jury instruction must cite authority, be on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat other instructions.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with one original set for jury and two copies for the Court.
Exhibits must be indexed with tabs, numbered sequentially, and defendant's numbers must not duplicate government's.
Binder spines must indicate volume number and exhibit number range.
Enlargements must use original number plus 'A' and require agreement or court ruling before use.
Original exhibits must have official yellow (government) or blue (defendant) tags with case info.
Copy exhibits must have copies of official tags and be indexed with tabs.
Defense must provide USB with electronic exhibits at start of defense case with numbered filenames.
Audio/video/digital evidence must be on flash drive and only contain admitted evidence.
Transcripts must use original exhibit number plus 'A' and are not admitted into evidence.
Spaced font must be 14-point or larger; monospaced font may not exceed 10.5 characters per inch.
Counsel must convert all documents to PDF per Local Rule 5-4.3.1 for electronic filing.
Proposed FPTCO must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format.
Multiple trial documents must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format by the due date.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with 1 original set and 2 copies.
Exhibits must be indexed with right-side tabs, numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3), with every page numbered and no duplicate numbers between parties.
Binder spines must indicate volume number and exhibit number range.
Original exhibits must have official yellow (Plaintiff) or blue (Defendant) tags with case number, name, and exhibit number.
Copy exhibits must have copies of official tags and be indexed with right-side tabs.
All documents must be converted to PDF format and be searchable.
All expert disclosures must be made in writing.
Pretrial document copies delivered to the court must be binder-ready (three-hole punched left, no blue-backs, stapled top left).
Proposed final pretrial conference order format must conform to Appendix A of the Local Rules.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must comply with Local Rule 52-3 formatting.
Unmarked proposed findings must be in Word or WordPerfect file format.
Trial exhibits must be organized in three-ring binders with tabs, indexed by exhibit number, and spine marked with volume number and exhibit index.
Witnesses may not be asked to draw graphic aids; all graphic aids must be fully prepared before the court session.
Expert disclosures must be made in writing.
Joint witness list must use provided format, include required details, be joint, and comply with Local Rule 16-5.
Each requested jury instruction must cite authority, be full text, on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, no repetition, and submitted in order.
Proposed instructions must be in Microsoft Word format.
Joint exhibit lists must comply with the provided example and Local Rule 16-6.1.
Exhibits must be tagged in the lower right corner per Local Rule 16-6; multi-page exhibits require internal pagination showing exhibit and page numbers.
Physical exhibits must be bound in 3-ring tabbed binders, marked with case details, include index; original form exhibits require Redweld.
Briefing must use Times New Roman or Courier font, 12pt text, 10pt footnotes.
All documents must be converted to text-searchable PDF format.
Filed documents must allow text selection, copying, and pasting.
Pretrial documents must be delivered binder-ready (3-hole punched, no blue-backs, stapled top left).
Email all pretrial documents (except specified exceptions) in Microsoft Word format to chambers.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with one original and one copy.
Exhibits must be numbered sequentially without duplication between parties.
Binder spines must show volume number and exhibit number range.
Original exhibits require official yellow/blue tags with case info.
Copy exhibits must not have official tags but must be properly formatted.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tabs, spine labels, and index.
Original exhibits with Court tags must be stapled to upper right corner.
One bench book copy of exhibits for Court, tabbed but no exhibit tags needed.
All trial presentations must be from lectern; no writing/drawing during trial.
Jury sessions limited to 75 minutes during summation.
Objections cannot be used for speeches, recapping testimony, or guiding witnesses.
Objections must be brief; sidebars strongly discouraged.
Exhibits under 10 binders must be in 3-ring binders with specific formatting and delivered to Clerk on first day.
Non-conforming filings will not be considered by the Court.
Case citations must use Bluebook format with pinpoint citations.
Citations must appear in the body, not footnotes.
Motion papers must use Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt font.
Use brackets to mark relevant portions of transcripts; unmarked transcripts will be disregarded.
Chambers copies must be printed from CM/ECF with header, no hole punching or blue backing, staple in upper left corner.
Binders must be labeled with case name, party, and volume number; exhibits must be bate-stamped and numbered.
All trial presentations must be conducted from the lectern.
Counsel must e-file all documents.
Electronically filed documents must be created by publishing to PDF, not by scanning paper.
Evidentiary objections to SUF must use a three-column format with fact number, item description, and concise objection.
All PDF documents must be searchable.
All submitted documents must be text searchable/OCR'd.
Memoranda must use 14-point Times New Roman font with matching footnotes.
Separate statement of undisputed facts must be in two-column table with facts on left and evidence on right.
Statement of genuine issues must be two-column table tracking movant's statement with specific response elements.
All documents must be converted to text-searchable PDF with selectable, copyable, and pasteable text.
Electronic nonpaper exhibits must be provided on USB flash drive; CD/DVD not accepted.
LR 56-2 Statement of Genuine Disputes must be formatted in two columns, tracking the movant's statement format.
Electronically filed evidence must be text-searchable with selectable text that can be copied and pasted.
Testimony cited in LR 56 statements must be highlighted and/or underlined.
Attorney fee tables must be in editable Microsoft Excel format.
Electronically filed documents must be PDFs created from word-processing software; scanned PDF images are prohibited except for signature pages.
Times Roman minimum 14pt, Courier minimum 12pt; footnotes one size smaller max.
Documents must be converted to searchable PDF format per Local Rule 5-4.3.1.
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable, copyable, and pasteable text.
Electronic evidence files must not exceed 500MB; larger files should be split into multiple files.
JERS accepts specific file formats for electronic evidence.
Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt required; footnotes same size as body text.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with 1 original set for jury and 2 copies for court.
Exhibits must be indexed with tabs, numbered sequentially, and defendant's numbers must not duplicate government's.
Binder spines must indicate volume number.
Original exhibits require official yellow/blue tags; copies must have duplicate tags and tabs.
Electronic exhibit file names must include exhibit number and brief description.
Font requirements: Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt; footnotes same size as body.
All documents must be converted to .pdf format for e-filing.
Proposed FPTCO must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format.
Multiple trial documents must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word format by the due date.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with 1 original set and 2 copies.
Exhibits must be indexed with right-side tabs, numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3), with every page numbered and no duplicate numbers between parties.
Binder spines must indicate volume number and exhibit number range.
Original exhibits must have official yellow (Plaintiff) or blue (Defendant) tags with case number, name, and exhibit number.
Copy exhibits must have copies of official tags and be indexed with right-side tabs.
Electronic filings must be PDF from word-processing software; scanned PDFs prohibited except for signature pages.
Font requirements: Times Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt minimum; footnotes one size smaller.
Non-conforming filings will not be considered by the Court.
Electronic filings must be searchable PDFs from word-processing files; scanned images prohibited except for signature pages.
Exhibit list must be provided in PDF and WordPerfect/Word formats to chambers email.
Joint jury instructions, verdict form, and interrogatories must be submitted in WordPerfect/Word formats to chambers email.
Jury instructions must be submitted as clean set in WordPerfect or Word format with specific formatting.
Each jury instruction must be on separate page with citation.
Underscore required between exhibit number and description, prohibited elsewhere in filename.
Exhibits.txt file must be in same folder as exhibit files.
Exhibit descriptions limited to 130 characters including spaces.
Prohibited characters in exhibit descriptions: quotation marks, brackets, parentheses, accent marks.
Exhibit filenames must not begin with a number.
Hyphens and underscores must only be used as shown in examples.
Each jury instruction must cite authority, be complete, single-page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat other instructions.
Exhibits must be in 3-ring binders with tabs, numbered per Local Rule 26-3, with original for Clerk and bench book for Court.
Jury instructions must cite source, be full text, separate page, numbered, single subject, no repetition.
Court dates must be Mondays except trial dates which are Tuesdays.
Requested dates must not fall on holidays.
Motion cut-off date is when motions may be heard, not filed.
Binder spine must show volume number; each volume needs an exhibit index.
Chambers copies must comply with L.R. 11-3 formatting requirements.
Documentary evidence over 50 pages must be bound/tabbed with index; over 200 pages requires binder with tab dividers.
Documentary evidence over 200 pages requires binder with index and tab dividers.
Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt font required for motions.
Case citations must use Bluebook format with pinpoint citations.
Statutory citations must follow Bluebook and specify sections/subsections.
Pretrial documents must be delivered binder-ready with specific formatting.
14-point Times New Roman font required; footnotes separated by 12-point spacing.
Exhibits must be placed in three-ring binders with tabs/dividers on the right side.
Original exhibits must have yellow (plaintiff) or blue (defendant) tags with case info.
Exhibits (except impeachment) must have official tags with numbers from Court website.
Court copy of exhibits must be tabbed but does not need exhibit tags.
Different colored ink must be used for designations: black for plaintiff, red for defendant.
Instructions must not contain blanks or bracketed text.
Summary judgment moving party must use two-column format for uncontroverted facts.
Opposing party's statement must use two-column format tracking moving party's facts.
Opposing party may add additional facts in two-column format with sequential numbering.
Evidence must be organized with tabs, indices, and highlighting for easy court access.
Proposed FPTCO must follow format in Appendix A to Local Rules.
Exhibits must be in loose leaf binders with tabs and marked spine.
Motion memoranda must use Times New Roman or Courier font, 12 pt text, 11 pt footnotes.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders (1 original + 2 copies).
Exhibits must be indexed with tabs and numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3, etc.).
Original exhibits must have official yellow/blue tags with case info.
Copy exhibits must have copies of official tags and be indexed with tabs.
Government and defense exhibits must be in separate folders with descriptive filenames.
Font requirements: proportionally spaced 14-point or larger, or monospaced not exceeding 10½ characters per inch.
All documents must be converted to PDF format, text-searchable, and allow text selection/copy/paste.
Jury instruction documents must be submitted to Chambers email in Word format when filed.
Chambers email version must include clean jury instructions with blank instruction numbers and page numbers.
Submit two sets of reproducible exhibits in three-ring binders with tabs, marked with case info and index.
Legal/administrative matters: 8:30-9:00 a.m. on jury selection day, 7:45-8:00 a.m. thereafter.
Counsel must use lectern for opening statements, witness examination, and summation.
Non-conforming filings may not be considered.
Each jury instruction must be numbered, on separate page, with authority citation.
Pretrial documents must be three-hole punched on left side, no blue-backs or staples.
Submit clean jury instructions in Word/WordPerfect format to Chambers email.
Pretrial documents must be binder-ready: three-hole punched, no blue-backs, stapled top left.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with index, original plus two copies required.
Pretrial documents must be delivered binder-ready with three-hole punch, no blue-backs, stapled top left.
Parties should use Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instructions or CACI when applicable, cite authority, be on separate pages, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat other instructions.
Joint and disputed jury instructions must be emailed to Chambers in Word or WordPerfect 9+ format when filed.
Chambers email version must contain a clean set of jury instructions with only instruction text and "Instruction No. __" caption for jury deliberations.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tabs, indexed by exhibit number, with spine indicating volume number and index.
Exhibits numbered 1, 2, 3, etc.; defense numbers must not duplicate plaintiff's; blow-ups designated with original number + "A".
Three-ring binder with all exhibits required for witness use.
Filings must use proportionally spaced or monospaced typeface per Local Civil Rule 11-3.1.1.
Courier font required at 12 point minimum; footnotes same font/size as body text.
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF with selectable text.
Jury instructions must not contain blanks or bracketed text; counsel must customize instructions to the case.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tabs, volume numbers, indexes, and exhibit tags.
Exhibits must be numbered according to Local Rule 26-3.
Original exhibits must have yellow tags (Plaintiff) or blue tags (Defendant) stapled to upper right corner.
Two judge's binders with tabbed exhibit copies required for court (no tags needed).
Each jury instruction must follow specific formatting requirements.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tabs, spine labeling, and index.
All documents must be converted to PDF format and be searchable.
Mandatory copies must be 2-hole punched with efile date on first page.
Mandatory copies must include tabs to separate exhibits and declarations.
All exhibits must be pre-marked, bound, and tabbed.
Patent file history must be double-sided in three-ring binder; exclude prior art from paper copy.
Electronic patent file history required on flash drive/CD/DVD in single PDF; prior art as separate PDFs.
Times New Roman font, size no less than 14, required.
Motion in Limine evidence must be tabbed; over 20 pages requires separate bound volume with TOC; over 50 pages requires Slant D-Ring binder with 3-hole-punched documents.
Pretrial document chambers copies must be three-hole punched and in three-ring binder.
Summary judgment movant's statement must use two-column format.
Summary judgment opposition must use two-column format matching movant's statement.
Evidence must be tabbed and bound; 20+ pages requires separate volume with TOC; 50+ pages requires Slant D-Ring binder; USB PDF drives are an alternative.
Multi-exhibit PDFs must include TOC and bookmarked exhibits.
Evidence in Motions in Limine must be tabbed; over 20 pages requires separate bound volume with TOC.
Evidence must be three-hole-punched with tab dividers on right side; USC drives preferred over CDs.
Jury instructions must follow Local Rule 51-2 format with specific requirements.
Trial exhibits must be in 3-ring binders with 3/8" holes and numeric tabs.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1, 2, 3...; Defendant exhibits numbered 1000, 1001, 1002...
Pretrial document chambers copies must be three-hole punched and in three-ring binder.
Separate Statement of Uncontroverted Facts must be in two-column format with numbered paragraphs, each addressing single subject concisely.
Opposing party’s Statement of Genuine Issues must be in two columns and track movant’s Separate Statement exactly.
Evidence exceeding 20 pages must be in a separately bound volume with a Table of Contents.
Evidence exceeding 50 pages must be in a Slant D-Ring binder with right-side tab dividers and three-hole-punched.
All evidence must be separated by tab dividers on the bottom of the page.
Multi-exhibit PDFs must include TOC and bookmarked exhibits.
Evidence in Motions in Limine must be tabbed; over 20 pages requires separate bound volume with TOC.
Evidence over 20 pages in Motions in Limine requires separate bound volume with TOC.
Evidence must be tabbed on right side, three-hole-punched, or submitted on USC drives.
PTCO headings must be in ALL CAPS AND BOLD.
Exhibits must be in 3-ring binders with 3/8" holes and numeric tabs.
Jury instructions must be ordered and printed in booklet form with multiple instructions per page.
Exhibits must be numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3...) not with decimals.
Blow-ups must be designated with original exhibit number plus "A".
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tabs, spine labels, and index.
Original exhibits with Court tags must be stapled to upper right corner.
One bench book copy of exhibits for Court, tabbed but no exhibit tags needed.
All trial presentations must be from lectern; no writing/drawing during trial.
Jury sessions limited to 75 minutes during summation.
Objections cannot be used for speeches, recapping testimony, or guiding witnesses.
Objections must be brief; sidebars strongly discouraged.
Exhibits under 10 binders must be in 3-ring binders with specific formatting and delivered to Clerk on first day.
Exhibits must be in binders with tabs/dividers on right side, indexed by exhibit number, and numbered per FRCP 16, 26, and Local Rules.
Exhibit binders must be prepared with specific formatting for volumes under 10.
Exhibit organization and submission requirements for trial.
Exhibits must have official tags and internal pagination.
In camera documents must be labeled “in camera” on first page and suggested on every page.
All documents must be converted to text-searchable PDF with selectable text.
Additional facts must be numbered sequentially after moving party's last fact.
Summary judgment evidence must be text-searchable with selectable text.
Testimony in summary judgment statements must be highlighted/underlined.
Pro se email filings must comply with Local Rule 11-3 formatting requirements
Trial exhibits: 1 original + 1 copy in labeled binder; Bates stamped; different number sequences per party.
Sealed documents must be filed electronically only in public/non-sealed civil cases; criminal cases and fully sealed cases require paper filing; pro se parties cannot e-file sealed documents.
Pretrial documents must be delivered binder-ready (3-hole punched, no blue-backs, stapled top left).
Email all pretrial documents (except specified exceptions) in Microsoft Word format to chambers.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with one original and one copy.
Exhibits must be numbered sequentially without duplication between parties.
Binder spines must show volume number and exhibit number range.
Original exhibits require official yellow/blue tags with case info.
Copy exhibits must not have official tags but must be properly formatted.
Briefing must use Times New Roman or Courier font (12 pt text, 10 pt footnotes).
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable text.
Statements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes must be submitted in Excel format with editing enabled and emailed to chambers.
Parties must submit Statements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes in Excel format with editing enabled and email to chambers.
Non-signature items must be e-filed in PDF; proposed signature items as PDF attachments.
Proposed signature items must be emailed to chambers in Word format.
Jury instructions must cite authority, be on separate pages, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat other instructions.
Original exhibits require official yellow/blue tags with case info.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders; submit 3 sets (1 original for jury, 2 copies for Court).
Each witness requires a three-ring binder with tabbed exhibits.
Exhibits must be sequentially numbered, tabbed, and indexed in three-ring binders.
Copies of exhibits must have copied official tags and be tabbed.
First trial day: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM with breaks; parties must appear at 8:30 AM for preliminary matters.
Trial days are Monday-Wednesday and Friday; no trial on Thursdays unless jury deliberating or calendar permits.
Raise matters outside jury presence at 8:30 AM, breaks, or end of day; avoid lengthy sidebars.
Parties must meet and confer on all trial issues before seeking Court ruling.
Counsel must use lectern; visual aids must be prepared in advance.
No speaking objections, speeches, restating testimony, or guiding witnesses before jury.
When objecting, counsel must rise and state only objection and legal grounds.
Counsel must seek Court permission to argue objections.
Each instruction must cite authority, be complete, on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat.
Standard instructions with blanks must be completed by parties.
Proposed instructions must include an index with number, title, source, and page number.
Exhibits in binders must be indexed with tabs/dividers on right side.
Exhibits must be numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3, etc.).
Defendant's exhibit numbers must not duplicate plaintiff's numbers.
Original exhibits must have official yellow (plaintiff) or blue (defendant) tags with case info.
Copy exhibits must have copies of official tags and be indexed with tabs/dividers.
Pro se parties cannot e-file sealed documents even if they have electronic filing permission.
Documentary evidence over 100 pages requires binder with index and tabs; over 200 pages requires Slant D-Ring binder.
Documentary evidence over 200 pages requires Slant D-Ring binder with index and tabs.
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format allowing text selection, copying, and pasting.
Electronic evidence must be PDF searchable with selectable text.
Testimony in statements must be highlighted/underlined in electronic and chambers copies.
Evidentiary objections must use three-column format with numbered objections.
Pro se documents must comply with Local Rule 11-3 requirements and specific document type requirements.
Exhibits must be presented in labeled binders on first day of trial.
Exhibits must be bate-stamped and separated with numbered dividers.
Each party must use a different number sequence for exhibits.
Evidentiary objections must be submitted in three-column format with verbatim quotes and citations.
Paper copies of source code cannot be converted to electronic format except for court documents.
Chambers copies must be printed from CM/ECF with header, no hole punching or blue backing, staple in upper left corner.
Binders must be labeled with case name, party, and volume number; exhibits must be bate-stamped and numbered.
All trial presentations must be conducted from the lectern.
All filings must be e-filed in PDF format; pro se litigants may use EDSS system.
Proposed orders must not contain attorney info, footers, or watermarks; format like motions.
Chambers copy exhibits must be tabbed and hole-punched with specific requirements based on page count.
Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt required; footnotes same size as body.
All documents must be converted to PDF format and be searchable.
No blanks or bracketed text in jury instructions; must conform to case by inserting names and selecting appropriate bracketed text.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with one original and two copies.
Exhibits must be indexed with tabs and numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3, etc.).
Binder spines must show case name, number, volume, and exhibit range.
Original exhibits must have official yellow (government) or blue (defendant) tags.
Enlargements use original number + “A” and require agreement or court ruling.
Audio/video/digital evidence must be on flash drive with only admitted evidence.
Audio transcripts use original exhibit number + “A” for identification.
Electronic filing required in PDF format; pro se may use EDSS
Required font is 14-point Times New Roman.
Footnotes must use same font and size as body text.
All documents must be converted to PDF format and be text searchable.
Filed documents must allow text selection, copying, and pasting.
Case citations must include specific page and use Bluebook format.
Each JAE exhibit must be bookmarked with exhibit number and brief description.
Citations to JAE must reference page and line within the specific exhibit.
Caption titles must include defendant names based on applicability to all or specific defendants.
All filings must be e-filed in PDF format; pro se defendants may use EDSS system.
Exhibits must be in labeled binders with case name, party, and volume number.
Exhibits must be Bates stamped and separated with numbered dividers.
Parties must use different number sequences and comply with Local Civil Rule 26-3.
File histories must be double-sided, indexed, tabbed, and in three-ring binder.
Electronic file histories must be single PDF with bookmarks and highlighting.
Exhibits must be numbered according to Local Rule 26-3
Hard copy exhibits must be placed in 3-ring binders
Binder spine must indicate volume number
Original exhibits must use yellow tags (plaintiff) or blue tags (defendant) with case info
Each jury instruction must cite authority, be on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat other instructions.
Attachment documents cited in a brief must be saved in PDF format.
Proposed orders must be saved in PDF format.
All expert disclosures must be made in writing.
Pretrial document copies delivered to the court must be binder-ready (three-hole punched left, no blue-backs, stapled top left).
Proposed final pretrial conference order format must conform to Appendix A of the Local Rules.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must comply with Local Rule 52-3 formatting.
Unmarked proposed findings must be in Word or WordPerfect file format.
Trial exhibits must be organized in three-ring binders with tabs, indexed by exhibit number, and spine marked with volume number and exhibit index.
Witnesses may not be asked to draw graphic aids; all graphic aids must be fully prepared before the court session.
Courtesy copies of fee table must be in Excel format with no editing restrictions.
Mandatory chambers copies must comply with Local Rule 11-3 (font size, page numbering, exhibit tabbing) and are not required to be blue-backed.
All motions must be submitted as written notice; oral motions are prohibited.
Exhibits must be numbered per Local Rule 26-3 and submitted in hard and electronic formats
Hard copy exhibits must be organized in tabbed 3-ring binders with required copies, volume labeling, and an index
Exhibits must be tagged with color-coded labels, use precise excerpts, and match Joint Exhibit List labeling
Each requested jury instruction must cite authority, be full text, on separate page, numbered, single subject, and non-repetitive.
Joint Statement of the Case and proposed voir dire questions must be submitted in Word format to kk_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Trial depositions must be lodged in both hard copy and electronic (USB) format.
Protected material pages must have the applicable confidentiality legend affixed.
Transcripts with designated material must have a title page legend, list of designated pages/lines and protection levels, and designators must inform the court reporter.
Trial exhibits must be placed in three-ring binders indexed by exhibit number with right-side tabs, spine labeled with volume number, include exhibit index, be numbered per FRCP 16/26 and Local Rules, with original and one copy submitted to court.
Original exhibits submitted to Courtroom Deputy on first day of trial must have Court exhibit tags stapled upper right front, with case number/name/exhibit number on tags, obtained from Clerk’s Office Room G-8.
Spaced font must be 14-point or larger; monospaced font may not exceed 10.5 characters per inch.
Counsel must convert all documents to PDF per Local Rule 5-4.3.1 for electronic filing.
E-filed items not requiring court signature and proposed orders must be text-searchable PDF format.
Proposed orders must use Court’s template, be on pleading paper, and omit attorney info, footers, and watermarks.
Exhibits and declarations attached to chambers copies must be tabbed; mandatory chambers copies do not require blue backing.
Chambers copies must be printed from CM/ECF with CM/ECF headers on each page and NEF as last page, and not left in envelopes or folders.
Chambers copy exhibits must be tabbed; evidence over 50 pages requires table of contents and tabbed binder with three-hole punched documents.
Chambers copy evidence over 200 pages must be in a Slant D-Ring binder (max 4 inches) with cover sheet and spine label including case details.
Motion memoranda must use Times New Roman font at least 14 point; footnotes must match body font and size, with proportionally or monospaced typeface permitted per Local Rule 11-3.1.1.
All documents must be filed as searchable PDF format with selectable, copyable, and pasteable text per Local Rule 5-4.3 and C.D. Cal. R. 5-4.3.1.
Briefs must use Times New Roman font at least 14 point; footnotes same font/size, max 8 footnotes total per party.
All electronically filed documents must be PDF format, searchable, with selectable/copyable/pasteable text.
JAF must be a four-column table with specific content requirements for each column.
JAE must be a separate, tabbed appendix of all MSJ evidence.
JAE must be filed as a single combined PDF unless file size constraints require multiple PDFs, which must be titled by part and exhibit series.
Each exhibit in JAE must be bookmarked with exhibit number and brief description.
JAO must be presented in a four-column table with specified columns.
Times New Roman font must be at least 14 point; footnotes must match body font and size; typeface must comply with Local Civil Rule 11-3.1.1.
All e-filed documents must be converted to searchable PDF with selectable, copyable text per Local Civil Rules 5-4.3 and 5-4.3.1.
Specified FPTC documents must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Disputed jury instructions must be organized by subject, with similar issues presented sequentially.
Jury instructions must not contain blanks or inapplicable bracketed text; brackets must be filled with case-specific information, standard language unchanged.
Clean jury instruction set must be in Word format, only instruction text, full on each page, captioned as Instruction No. ___.
Contraband exhibits must stay in law enforcement custody; US Marshals must be advised in advance; placeholder page required in exhibit binder.
Defense counsel must affix completed exhibit tags with case name and number to all defense exhibits.
Defense counsel must provide three exhibit binders if admitting more than 10 exhibits; exhibits should be tabbed by number.
All trial exhibits must be submitted in three three-ring binders (1 original, 2 copies); parties must review with CRD before jury use.
Trial exhibits must be indexed by number with right-side tabs, sequentially numbered, multi-page exhibits page-numbered, binder spines labeled with case details.
Original exhibits must have official color-coded tags (yellow gov, blue defendant) on front upper right; copy exhibits must have tag copies and be indexed.
Sentencing videos are only permitted with leave of court and good cause, must be under 10 minutes, include a transcript, and be provided to opposing counsel 21 days before hearing.
All sealed documents must be clearly labeled.
Proposed orders for sealed filings must be in Word Perfect or Microsoft Word format and emailed to chambers upon filing.
Document and photograph trial exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders.
Documents for e-filing under seal applications must be uploaded in PDF format.
Sealed Declaration in Support must be uploaded in PDF format.
Sealed documents must be uploaded in PDF format for electronic filing under seal via the Civil Events Screen.
Sealed motion documents uploaded via e-filing must be in PDF format.
Application for Leave for In Camera Review must be uploaded as a PDF document.
Government original exhibits must be in three-ring binders with attached exhibit tags matching the exhibit list number, numbered sequentially (no decimals), with blow-ups designated as original number + 'A'; digital tags per Form G-14A/G-14B are allowed.
Defense counsel must affix completed exhibit tags containing the case name and number to all defense exhibits.
Defense counsel must provide two three-ring binders of exhibits if expecting to admit more than 20 exhibits, tabbed if possible.
Jury instructions must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format.
Stipulations of fact must be submitted to the Court in paper (written) format and require defendant personal concurrence.
Briefing must use Times New Roman font; all text must be at least 14pt, footnotes at least 12pt; other filings may use proportional or monospaced fonts.
All briefing must use Times New Roman font.
Expert disclosures are required to be made in writing.
Proposed Final Pretrial Conference Order must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Chambers copies of pretrial documents must be three-hole punched left, without blue-backs, and clipped (not stapled) top left.
Parties must file clean and redline versions of jury instructions, with redline sets including required content and disputed instructions organized by subject.
Jury instructions must use specified sources: Ninth Circuit Manual if applicable, CA Civil Jury Instructions if CA law, else alternatives only with reasoned argument.
Each requested jury instruction must cite authority, be full text, on separate page, numbered, single subject, no repetition, and fill blanks in standard instructions.
Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law must be filed and served in the format required by Local Rule 52-3 for bench trials.
Evidentiary objections to direct testimony declarations must be submitted in a three-column format with specific content requirements.
Parties must submit three sets of trial exhibit binders: one original and two copies.
Trial exhibits in three-ring binders must be indexed with tabs or dividers on the right side.
Trial exhibits must be numbered sequentially without decimal points per Local Rule 16-6.
All pages of multi-page trial exhibits must be numbered.
Defendant exhibit numbers cannot duplicate plaintiff exhibit numbers.
Trial exhibit binder spines must display the volume number and range of exhibit numbers.
Original trial exhibits must have color-coded official tags stapled to the upper right front with case details.
Exhibit copies must include official exhibit tags and be indexed with right-side tabs or dividers.
Plaintiff and defendant exhibits must be stored in separate USB folders, with file names including the exhibit number and a brief description.
Exhibits may not be shown to jurors before being admitted into evidence; admitted exhibits may be displayed electronically.
Lodged depositions are for the court’s use only; parties must use their own copies during trial.
Counsel must use the lectern during trial; trial aids must be prepared in advance, and counsel may not write or draw charts during jury time.
All documents must be filed as text-searchable PDFs allowing text selection, copying, and pasting.
Nonpaper electronic exhibits must be submitted via USB or email link; CD/DVD exhibits are rejected unless the exhibit itself is a CD/DVD.
Electronically filed evidence for summary judgment motions must be text-searchable with selectable, copyable text.
Testimony cited in summary judgment fact statements must be highlighted and/or underlined.
Evidentiary objections must be formatted in a three-column layout with specified content for each column per Exhibit A.
Pro se email filings must comply with Local Rule 11-3 formatting requirements.
Pro se email filings must be in PDF format and submitted by the document due date.
Citations to PDF attachments must use the PDF page number rather than Bates or footer page numbers.
All briefing must use Times New Roman font, minimum 14 point size, including footnotes.
All documents submitted to the court must be text-searchable (OCR'd), with text selectable, copyable, and pasteable.
Proposed orders accompanying evidentiary objections must be in Word-processing format.
Evidentiary objections must be submitted in a two-column format with specified content in each column.
Excel tables accompanying attorney fees motions must be editable.
All papers must include counsel's email address, telephone number, and fax number.
Local Rule 56-1 Statement of Uncontroverted Facts must be formatted as two columns with moving party's facts in the left column and supporting evidence citations in the right column.
Local Rule 56-2 Statement of Genuine Disputes must be two-column, track movant's 56-1 statement, with first column combining facts and evidence, second stating disputed status with citations.
Legal argument is prohibited in Statements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes; objections may be noted but case law/legal argument must be in a separate document.
Non-moving party's additional material facts must follow 56-1 format, be sequentially numbered, with evidence in right column; reply fact statements must comply with Local Rule 56-3.
Evidentiary objections must be in a separate two-column statement; responses use the same two-column format as the objections.
All motions and opposition briefs must include a time estimate adjacent to the caption.
All exhibits from any party must have official exhibit tags attached to the lower right-hand corner of the first page.
Exhibits longer than one page must be internally paginated in the lower right-hand corner.
Jury instructions must be submitted in three parts: agreed, government-objection, defense-objection.
Jury instructions must include general and substantive instructions.
Counsel must email proposed jury instructions in Microsoft Word format to JLS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Electronic versions of jury instructions must be in Microsoft Word format and submitted to JLS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Exhibits must be placed in 3-ring loose-leaf binders with divider tabs, numbered per Local Rule 26-3, with binder face/spine marked with case details.
Parties must prepare three witness binders per witness (Court, opposing party, witness) with only that witness’s exhibits, witness name on binder, numerical order, tabs, delivered to CRD/opposing side when witness is called.
All documents filed on the docket must be in text-searchable PDF format.
Proposed orders must be submitted in editable Microsoft Word format.
Table of contents with more than three levels must have Show levels set to the appropriate number.
Table of contents must have 'Use hyperlinks instead of page numbers' option checked to retain active hyperlinks when converted to PDF.
Documents with hyperlinks must be saved as PDF using MS Word's Save as PDF or Create PDF function, not Print to PDF, to retain active links.
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable, copyable text.
All emailed submissions to Chambers must be in Microsoft Word format and sent to the specified chambers email address.
Proposed orders must use the template from Judge Sykes’ webpage and be in Microsoft Word format, with non-compliance risking strike of the motion.
Briefs must be converted to PDF format before filing.
Amended witness lists must be in Word format when filed and emailed to Chambers.
Amended exhibit lists must be in Word format when filed and emailed to Chambers.
Each proposed jury instruction must be numbered, on a separate page, full text, cite authority, cover one subject, not repeat other instructions, and fill blanks in standard instructions.
Disputed jury instructions must include objection basis, authority, and alternative on a separate page, be organized by subject, and excessive disagreements trigger a meet and confer order.
Clean set of jury instructions must be in Word format, contain only text, full on each page, captioned “Instruction No. ___”, with no title/source/authority.
Defense witness and exhibit lists must be submitted to Chambers in Word (DOCX) format.
Trial exhibits consisting of documents or photographs must be submitted in three-ring binders, with 3 total sets (1 original, 2 copies).
Trial exhibits in binders must be indexed with tabs, numbered sequentially, have all pages numbered, avoid duplicate numbers between parties, and have labeled binder spines.
Original trial exhibits must have official color-coded tags with case details; copy exhibits must have tag copies and be indexed with tabs.
Exhibits on USB must be PDF format, with government and defendant exhibits in separate folders and file names including exhibit number and description.
Stipulations of fact must be submitted in writing, require defendant's personal concurrence, be explained to the defendant in advance, and approved by the court.
Sentencing videos are limited to a maximum of 10 minutes.
Proposed orders must be formatted as Word Perfect or Microsoft Word (DOCX) files.
Sealed Declaration in Support documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
All citations in a brief must include hyperlinks to the corresponding cited documents.
Sealed documents must be uploaded in PDF format for e-filing.
Sealed Reply documents must be uploaded in PDF format when e-filing.
Sealed opposition documents must be uploaded in PDF format; the upload screen must turn red, otherwise stop and restart the docketing process.
Application for Leave for In Camera Review must be uploaded as a PDF document.
Counsel must submit all proposed jury instructions in Microsoft Word format to the chambers email address.
Counsel must review and approve the exhibit list with the CRD before providing it to the jury.
Exhibits must be tagged in the lower right corner of each original page and numbered per Local Rule 16-6.
Multi-page exhibits must have internal pagination in lower right corner showing exhibit and page numbers.
Physical exhibits must be bound in 3-ring binders with tabs, labeled spine/face, index; original form exhibits for jury go in Redweld.
Parties must prepare three sets of physical exhibit binders (Court, witnesses, opposing party) and deliver to Exhibit Conference or trial start morning.
If desired, parties must prepare three witness binders per witness (Court, opposing party, witness) with that witness's exhibits, numbered/tabbed, witness name on binder; deliver when witness is called.
Parties using paperless exhibit presentation must discuss details at Final Pretrial Conference.
Counsel are prohibited from asking witnesses to draw charts/diagrams; graphic aids must be prepared before court sessions.
When reading deposition impeachment without further questions, counsel must state page/line ranges and allow objection time.
Trial exhibits must be bound in three-ring binders indexed by exhibit number with right-side tabs or dividers, and the binder spine must display the volume number and an index of all exhibits in the volume.
Expert disclosures must be made in writing.
Joint witness list must use provided format, include required details, be joint, and comply with Local Rule 16-5.
Each requested jury instruction must cite authority, be full text, on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, no repetition, and submitted in order.
Proposed instructions must be in Microsoft Word format.
Joint exhibit lists must comply with the provided example and Local Rule 16-6.1.
Exhibits must be tagged in the lower right corner per Local Rule 16-6; multi-page exhibits require internal pagination showing exhibit and page numbers.
Physical exhibits must be bound in 3-ring tabbed binders, marked with case details, include index; original form exhibits require Redweld.
Linked evidence files attached to hyperlinked briefs must be in PDF format.
All documents filed in CM/ECF must be converted to PDF format.
Print to PDF is prohibited for orders with hyperlinks because hyperlinks will be lost.
Printing and scanning documents to PDF format is prohibited.
Hyperlinked documents must be published to PDF before filing on CM/ECF, with no special steps required except for documents with links to their own attachments.
Documents must be saved as PDF using the Acrobat tab's Create PDF function prior to electronic filing on CM/ECF.
Application for Leave to File Under Seal must be uploaded as a PDF under the Main Document section when e-filing.
Sealed Declaration in Support documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
Sealed documents must be uploaded as PDF files when e-filing under seal.
Sealed motion documents must be uploaded in PDF format when e-filing.
Application for Leave for In Camera Review must be uploaded as a PDF document when e-filing.
Each party is limited to a maximum of eight footnotes in MSJ joint briefs.
Unredacted copies of documents sent via email and included in the chambers copy must have redacted portions bracketed and highlighted.
Moving party’s separate statement of undisputed facts must be two-column format with sequentially numbered paragraphs, each containing a single concise factual statement and supporting evidence in the right column.
Opposing party’s statement of genuine issues must be in two columns, track the moving party’s separate statement exactly, with left column restating the fact and right column indicating disputed status.
The statement of uncontroverted facts for summary judgment must be in Word format and submitted via email or USB to the Courtroom Deputy if email is impracticable.
Documentary evidence supporting or opposing a motion over 50 pages must be bound, tabbed, and indexed; evidence over 300 pages must be in a three-ring binder with tab dividers, and counsel must provide an OCR-scanned PDF on a flash drive with labeled bookmarks.
Exhibit tags must be stapled to the upper right corner of each exhibit, include the case number, case name, and exhibit number, with plaintiff required to use yellow tags and defendant required to use blue tags.
Trial exhibits must be numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3, etc.), not with decimal sub-numbers, and defense exhibit numbers cannot duplicate plaintiff’s exhibit numbers.
Blow-up enlargements of existing trial exhibits must be designated with the original exhibit number followed by an “A”.
Times New Roman font must be at least 14 point, Courier font at least 12 point; footnotes must match body font and size; typeface must comply with Local Civil Rule 11-3.1.1.
Proposed orders must not include attorney information on the caption page, footer information except pagination, or watermarks/firm designations.
Defense counsel must bring a hard copy of the fully signed plea agreement to the Rule 11 hearing.
Required Final Pretrial Conference documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
Amended witness lists must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
Amended exhibit lists must be submitted in Microsoft Word format.
Jury instructions must cite authority, be set forth in full, on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat principles.
Jury instructions must be a clean set in Microsoft Word format, with only the text of each instruction, captioned 'Court’s Instruction No. ___'.
Defense witness and exhibit lists emailed to Chambers must be in Microsoft Word format.
Trial exhibits consisting of documents or photographs must be submitted in three-ring binders, with 1 original and 2 copy sets provided to the court.
Exhibits in three-ring binders must be indexed with right-side tabs, numbered sequentially, have all pages of multi-page exhibits numbered, avoid duplicate exhibit numbers between parties, and binder spines must show volume and exhibit range.
Enlargements of existing exhibits must be numbered with the original exhibit number followed by an 'A'.
Original trial exhibits must have official color-coded exhibit tags affixed to the front upper right corner with required case information; copy exhibits must have tag copies and right-side indexing.
Defense counsel must submit a USB flash drive with electronic versions of all exhibits at the start of the defense case, at the latest.
Audio, video, and digital evidence must be stored on a flash drive unless the Court directs otherwise.
Party introducing audio, video, or digital evidence must ensure the flash drive only contains admitted evidence.
Transcripts of audio recording exhibits must be numbered with the original exhibit number followed by an 'A'.
Memoranda must use Times New Roman (≥14pt) or Courier (≥12pt) font, with footnotes matching the body font and size.
All documents must be filed as searchable PDF with selectable, copyable, and pasteable text per Local Rule 5-4.3 and 5-4.3.1.
E-filed items that do not require the Court’s signature must be submitted in PDF format.
Proposed orders must be e-filed in PDF format as an attachment to the main filing document.
Documents submitted via the EDSS online portal must be in PDF format.
Attachments to filed or lodged documents must be separately docketed with a description; non-compliant documents may be struck.
Proposed orders must use the court’s template and include all relief sought by the parties; failure to comply may result in the motion being struck.
Mandatory chambers copies must comply with Local Rule 11-3, do not need to be blue-backed, and must be labeled MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPY on the face page.
Proposed FPTCO must be emailed to chambers in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Witness lists must follow Local Rule 16-5 format, include required witness details, and use the judge’s template.
Joint exhibit lists must follow Local Rule 16-6 format, include an objections column, and use the judge’s template.
Parties must email specified trial documents to chambers in Microsoft Word format the day they are due.
Jury instructions must use specified sources: Ninth Circuit Model, CACI, or O'Malley.
Each jury instruction must cite authority, be full text, on separate page, numbered, cover one subject, and not repeat other instructions.
Proposed jury instructions must include a consecutively numbered joint index.
Trial exhibits consisting of documents or photographs must be submitted in three-ring binders (3 sets: 1 original for jury deliberation, 2 copies for the Court); voluminous exhibits may use electronic tablets instead of binders.
Exhibits in three-ring binders must be indexed with right-side tabs, sequentially numbered, have no duplicate defendant/plaintiff exhibit numbers, binder spines labeled with volume and exhibit range, and multi-page exhibits must have numbered pages.
Parties must bracket deposition testimony they intend to offer in margins of original transcript; opposing party must counter-designate intended testimony in margins.
Objections to proffered deposition evidence must be noted in margins of deposition transcript with ground for objection and response.
Parties must use black ink (plaintiff) and blue ink (defendant) for deposition designations, counter-designations, objections, and responses.
Each deposition must include an index behind the first page identifying pages with designations or counter-designations.
Parties must provide an electronic copy of deposition designations, counter-designations, and objections to the CRD.
Counsel must refer to exhibits by exhibit number when referencing them, and should instruct witnesses to do the same.
JAF must use the specified table format with columns for SUF number, fact, supporting evidence, and defendant's response.
JAE must be a tabbed appendix.
JAE must be filed as a single combined PDF; multiple PDFs allowed only for file size constraints, each must be titled by part and exhibit series.
Each JAE exhibit must be bookmarked with the exhibit number and a brief description.
JAO must follow specified table format with Objector, Evidence, and Objection/Response columns; non-compliance waives objections, blanket objections are overruled.
JAO objections and responses must be brief, limited to evidence admissibility, and exclude substantive legal arguments.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tabs, volume numbers, indexes, and exhibit tags.
Exhibits must be numbered according to Local Rule 26-3.
Original exhibits must have yellow tags (Plaintiff) or blue tags (Defendant) stapled to upper right corner.
Two judge's binders with tabbed exhibit copies required for court (no tags needed).
Each jury instruction must follow specific formatting requirements.
Font requirements: Times New Roman 14pt or Courier 12pt; footnotes same size as body.
All documents must be converted to .pdf format for e-filing.
Proposed orders must be formatted as Word Perfect or Microsoft Word (DOCX) files.
Sealed Declaration in Support documents must be uploaded in PDF format.
Sealed documents must be uploaded in PDF format for e-filing.
Sealed Reply documents must be uploaded in PDF format when e-filing.
Sealed opposition documents must be uploaded in PDF format; the upload screen must turn red, otherwise stop and restart the docketing process.
Application for Leave for In Camera Review must be uploaded as a PDF document.
Non-signature items must be PDF. Proposed signature items must be PDF attachment plus Word version emailed to chambers on filing day.
Discovery documents must include “DISCOVERY MATTER” in caption
Briefing must use Times New Roman, 14pt text, 12pt footnotes.
All documents must be converted to searchable PDF format.
Documentary evidence over 50 pages must be separately bound, tabbed, and indexed.
Documentary evidence over 200 pages must be in three-ring binder with index and tab dividers.
Case law citations must include specific page numbers and use Bluebook style, preferring Westlaw over Lexis.
Statutory and other citations must be specific and use Bluebook style.
Footnotes must be at least 2 sizes smaller than text and used sparingly.
Footnotes must be at least 2 sizes smaller than main text and used sparingly.
Only water bottles with closed/non-spill caps allowed in courtroom; no cups, other beverages, or food permitted.
Only bottled water allowed in courtroom; food, gum, other beverages prohibited; cell phones must be silenced.
Binder spines must indicate volume number and exhibit range.
Documents over 1 inch thick must be in three-ring binder for chambers copy.
Water permitted; food prohibited in courtroom.
Counsel and defendant must rise when addressing court or jury enters/exits.
All remarks must be addressed to the Court, not to CRD, court reporter, or opposing counsel.
No legal arguments or case discussion in opening statements.
No first-name references to witnesses over 14 during trial.
No speaking objections; state only legal grounds; no arguing before jury.
No facial expressions or gestures showing opinion about witness testimony.
No talking to jurors or conversations overheard by jurors.
Question witnesses from lectern; no approaching witness box without permission.
Documents before witnesses require copies for court and opposing counsel.
Stipulations require opposing counsel agreement, defendant concurrence, and court approval.
No leaving counsel table during session without advance permission.
Chambers copies must not be placed in envelopes.
Lectern striking for emphasis is prohibited.
Modified pattern instructions must show deletions/additions using bolding, italic, or strike outs.
Times Roman font must be size 14 or larger; Courier must be size 12 or larger.
Summary judgment papers should be prepared in user-friendly format with bookmarks, tables of contents, headings, and indices.
Footnotes must match body font/size and citations must be in body text.
Times New Roman minimum 14pt, Courier minimum 12pt; footnotes must match body font and size.
Trial exhibits must be presented in a binder with one original and one copy to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk on the first day of trial.
Times New Roman must be at least 14 point, Courier at least 12 point; footnotes must match body font and size.
Remote appearances for summary judgment hearings are prohibited absent good cause; in-person appearance is strongly preferred.
Times Roman font must be size 14 or larger; Courier must be size 12 or larger.
Prohibited words in exhibit filenames: confidential, damages, stolen, attorneys eyes only.
Multi-page exhibits must be numbered; include only portions to be moved into evidence.
Enlargements of exhibits must be numbered with original number plus “A.”
Counsel must not write/draw during trial; may prepare in advance with court order to save time.
Water permitted; food prohibited in courtroom.
Counsel and defendant must rise when addressing court or jury enters/exits.
All remarks must be addressed to the Court, not to CRD, court reporter, or opposing counsel.
No legal arguments or case discussion in opening statements.
No first-name references to witnesses over 14 during trial.
No speaking objections; state only legal grounds; no arguing before jury.
No facial expressions or gestures showing opinion about witness testimony.
No talking to jurors or conversations overheard by jurors.
Question witnesses from lectern; no approaching witness box without permission.
Documents before witnesses require copies for court and opposing counsel.
Stipulations require opposing counsel agreement, defendant concurrence, and court approval.
No leaving counsel table during session without advance permission.
Alternatives to standard instructions may only be submitted with a reasoned argument that they don't properly state the law or are incomplete.
Footnotes must be at least 2 sizes smaller than main text and used sparingly.
Only water bottles with closed/non-spill caps allowed in courtroom; no cups, other beverages, or food permitted.
Proposed dates must be Mondays (trial date on Tuesday).
Lectern striking for emphasis is prohibited.
Modified pattern instructions must show deletions/additions using bolding, italic, or strike outs.
Pleading captions must list first defendant and specify others if applicable.
Pleading titles must include defendant names unless applying to all or single defendant.
Chambers copies must be printed from CM/ECF with header visible; prefer single staple in upper left corner.
Case law citations must include specific page numbers; Bluebook style preferred.
Statutory citations must include sections/subsections; other citations must include volume/section/pages; Bluebook style preferred.
Footnotes must be at least 2 sizes smaller than text and used sparingly.
Bottled water allowed; food, gum, other beverages prohibited; cell phones must be silenced.
String cites require good reason and parenthetical explanations for each case.
Case law citations must include specific page references, use Bluebook format, and avoid string cites without explanation.
Citations to treatises and manuals must include volume, section, and page numbers.
All trial presentations must be from lectern; pre-prepared materials allowed.
Chambers copies must not be placed in envelopes.
Admitted exhibits must be noted on the court’s and CRD’s copies of the exhibit list.
Handwritten entries in joint witness lists are only permitted if extremely neat and legible.
Trial schedule: Tue-Fri 8:00 AM-2:00 PM with 3 fifteen-minute breaks; counsel appear at 8:30 AM on jury selection day.
8:30-9:00 AM on jury selection day reserved for legal/administrative matters before jury selection.
Legal/administrative matters addressed 7:45-8:00 AM on trial days; counsel should raise issues during this time, breaks, or end of day.
Counsel must rise when addressing Court; in jury trials, all must rise when jury enters/exits.
Binder spines must show volume number and exhibit range
Exhibits for chambers copies must be tabbed where applicable; blue-backs and hole punches are not required.
Each paragraph of proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law should contain only one fact or legal conclusion.
Disputed jury instructions should be organized by subject.
Civil motions heard Fridays at 10:00 AM; Friday after Monday holiday closed.
Citations must include pinpoint citations to specific pages/sections/subsections.
Excludable time stipulations must follow District format and standards.
Pro se litigants may file in paper format at the clerk's window or by mail.
Pro se litigants may use EDSS for electronic submission without PACER registration; attorneys cannot use EDSS.
Defendant must affix exhibit tags but not deliver exhibits on first day; exhibits numbered sequentially with A for blow-ups.
Trial days run 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM with breaks; parties must appear at 8:30 AM for preliminary matters.
Trial typically held Monday-Thursday; Fridays reserved unless jury deliberating or calendar permits.
Font requirements apply to footnoted material.
Trial schedule: 9:00 a.m. start, 8:30 a.m. record prep, Tue-Fri 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. with breaks.
Court will establish time estimates for opening/closing arguments and witness examination.
Counsel and parties must rise when addressing Court or when Court/jury enters or leaves courtroom.
Trial schedule: Tue-Fri 8:00-2:00 with 3 breaks; jury selection day 9:00 start.
Each paragraph must contain only one fact or conclusion; mixed determinations allowed.
USB flash drives required instead of CDs for chambers copies.
Parties may use 9 point font for the exhibit list form.
Tutorial must be objective presentation of technology; visual aids encouraged.
Counsel must rise when addressing Court; in jury trials, all must rise when jury enters/exits.
USB flash drives required instead of CDs for chambers copies.
Chambers copies do not require blue backing.
Chambers copies do not require blue backing.
Summary judgment papers should use tabs, tables of contents, headings, indices; comply with Local Rules 56-1 through 56-4.
USB flash drives with PDF files are an alternative for submitting supporting evidence.
Citations must include pinpoint citations to specific pages/sections/subsections.
Red text or highlighting encouraged for in camera documents.
Summary judgment papers should use tabs, tables of contents, headings, and indices.
Excludable time stipulations must follow District format and standards.
Disputed jury instructions should be organized by subject.
Briefing must use Times New Roman or Courier, font size 12 or larger.
Documents must be converted to searchable PDF format with selectable text.
Disputed instructions should be organized by subject.
Binder spines must indicate volume number and exhibit number range.
Exhibit tags available from Clerk's Office or printable using Forms G-14A/G-14B.
Pro se parties may file by paper or email, with email requiring compliance with specific requirements.
Excludable time stipulations must follow District format and standards.
Chambers copies should not be bluebacked or left in envelopes/folders.
Chambers copies must have docket information on each page and color printing for highlighted/color content.
Mandatory chambers copies must comply with Local Rule 11 formatting but need not be blue-backed.
Trial schedule: 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM, Mon-Fri, with three 15-minute breaks.
Each paragraph of proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law should contain only one fact or legal conclusion.
Exhibits for chambers copies must be tabbed where applicable; blue-backs and hole punches are not required.
Parties should prepare summary judgment papers with clear identification of material facts, using tabs, tables of contents, headings, and indices.
Counsel should include their email address and telephone number on all court papers.
Parties may print their own exhibit tags using Forms G-14A and G-14B from the court's website.
The Court may establish and enforce time limits for opening statements, closing arguments, and witness examinations.
Jury instructions must be submitted in agreed, single organized order.
Attribution and case citations for each jury instruction must be on pages following the instruction.
Parties must note objections and reasons for disputed instructions on pages after their alternative instruction.
Court documents typically allow specific hyperlink types subject to local rules, with clarifications that evidence hyperlinks do not replace filing requirements and case copies need not be attached if publicly available.
Counsel and witnesses should refer to exhibits by their exhibit number whenever possible.
Counsel should prepare a summary document of interrogatory answers from lengthy documents and provide copies to court and opposing counsel.
Hyperlinks must be added in word processing software before PDF conversion to be retained in filed documents.
Large documents or those containing forms, photos, or graphics should be saved as optimized PDFs to reduce file size.
Southern District of Texas
View all rules for SDTX.All filings must be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, with footnotes in the same font.
Proposed Jury Instructions courtesy copy must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Offering party must mark exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number.
Each party must provide the Court with a tabbed, indexed notebook copy of their exhibits.
Exhibits must be marked with the date and case number on each exhibit.
All briefs must use 13-point proportionally spaced text, 12-point footnotes, double spacing, 1-inch margins, full justification; citations to authorities/exhibits must be in document body, not footnotes.
All requested jury instructions must be numbered, substantiated with authority in footnotes, and note pattern jury charge modifications.
Disputed jury instructions must be formatted in bold, underline, or italics (no contrasting color) and include footnotes identifying requesting party and opposition basis.
Proposed jury charge and verdict form must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Trial materials must be printed double-sided, in binders of 4 inches or less, with index and corresponding tabs.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
Proposed jury instructions must be numbered, on separate pages, with citations to authority.
Proposed scheduling order must use Form 4 from the Court’s home page.
Joint Pretrial Orders must use the forms provided on the Court’s website.
Emergency motions must include the word 'Emergency' in the document title.
Briefs must use 8.5x11 paper, double-spaced text (exceptions for quotes, headings, footnotes), and 1-inch margins.
Briefs and motions must use at least 12-point font; footnotes may be 10-point minimum.
All appendices must contain a paginated table of contents and be tabbed for easy material location.
Proposed jury charges must be in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed findings of fact must be in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed conclusions of law must be in Microsoft Word format.
Exhibits must be submitted in properly tabbed notebook form.
Joint Pretrial Orders must use the forms provided on the Court’s website.
Exhibit copies provided to the Court must be formatted in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.
All exhibits must be marked with the date and case number.
Joint Pretrial Order must include four lists of expected exhibits per party on the Clerk of Court’s provided form.
Witness lists must be on a form similar to the Clerk's provided form, include required witness details, and follow Appendix D-2 sample.
Exhibit lists must be filed on Appendix D-1 form with specified header information and columns for exhibit details.
Proposed Findings of Fact must be electronic in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word; counsel encouraged to reference supporting testimony/exhibits.
Proposed Conclusions of Law must be electronic in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word.
JERS is the only accepted method for electronic evidence submission; files must be submitted on single storage device to Judicial Assistant by noon day before trial.
All pleadings must be electronically filed per Local Rule 5.1.
Leave of Court required for conventional filing of documents over 30 pages, with electronic filing preferred.
Leave of Court required for conventional double-sided filing, with electronic filing preferred.
Leave required for over-sized/irregular documents not readily imaged, with electronic filing preferred.
Joint Pretrial Order must follow the court-provided form, adapted reasonably for the case size and type.
All requested jury instructions, definitions, and interrogatories must be numbered, placed on separate sheets, and include supporting authority citations.
Exhibits must be marked with party name, case number, and exhibit number, and exchanged among counsel before trial.
Deposition designations must be prepared using Form 15.
All pleadings must be electronically filed per Local Rule 5.1.
Correspondence is prohibited from electronic filing.
Leave of Court required for conventional filing of documents over 50 pages; electronic filing encouraged.
Leave of Court required for conventional filing of double-sided documents; electronic filing encouraged.
Leave of Court required for filing over-sized or irregularly shaped documents not readily imagable; electronic filing encouraged.
A bench copy of all documentary exhibits is required; voluminous exhibits may be provided on disc in PDF, DOC, or WPD formats.
Proposed voir dire questions must be included in the Final Pretrial Order.
All filed documents must be submitted via Court-compliant electronic means unless exempted.
Opposed motions must be in writing.
Responses to motions must be in writing.
Filing papers must be 8½x11 inch letter paper, stapled at the top only, punched with two top holes, double-spaced, paginated, and not enclosed in covers.
Bar admission applications must be filed on the form prescribed by the Court.
Electronic filing and service rules for civil cases under LR5 apply to criminal cases.
Exhibit lists must be prepared on a form similar to the clerk-provided template.
Exhibits must be marked with date and case number as a formatting requirement.
Draft proposed orders must be prepared using Form 11.
All filings must use double-spaced Times New Roman 12-point font, including footnotes.
All legal authority in motions must be cited within the document body, not in footnotes.
Proposed orders must not include “Proposed” in the title and must use the format of the example order provided.
Proposed Jury Instructions must be submitted in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Exhibits must be identified with numbers, not letters.
Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan must be in the form on Judge Brown’s homepage and filed 10 days before the Rule 16 conference.
All filings must be double-spaced with 13-point or larger font.
Filings must comply with Bluebook, Greenbook, and Redbook citation rules, with Greenbook prevailing over Bluebook conflicts.
Sound and video exhibits must be submitted on USB thumb drives, not CDs.
All responses, briefs, and pleadings must be filed in text-searchable PDF format, not scanned images.
Proposed orders in ex parte admiralty matters must be in Word (DOCX) format.
Designated documents must be marked with CONFIDENTIAL or CONFIDENTIAL—FOR ATTORNEYS’ EYES ONLY; non-documentary material must be designated equivalently.
Deposition transcripts may be designated when recorded or by written notice to counsel; counsel must mark copies as directed, and exhibits must have the same confidentiality designation as the original material.
Appendices must be tabbed to easily locate contained materials.
Agreed civil jury instructions must be submitted via email in Word format and hard copy at least one business day before trial.
Contingent jury instructions must be marked in brackets and bold typeface.
Contested jury instructions must be submitted via separate disk/email (Word format) and hard copy, with changes in brackets and bold italic.
Motion papers must use letter-size paper, minimum 13-point font, 1-inch margins, and be double-spaced except for quotations, headings, and footnotes.
Joint Pretrial Orders must use Form 12, adapted as needed for case complexity.
Trial exhibit lists must use Form 13, exhibits marked with party name/case number/exhibit number, only good faith jury exhibits listed.
Exhibits must be exchanged via agreed form; absent agreement, use well-organized USB drives or similar download.
Witness lists must be prepared using Form 14.
For bench trials, the entire deposition must be offered marked as an exhibit.
Deposition designations must include a cover sheet with specified content for each witness.
Deposition designations must highlight designated testimony, counter-designations, and objections in contrasting colors.
Condensed transcripts (four pages to one) must be used for deposition designations when available.
Disputed language in civil jury instructions must be marked with bold, italicized, or differently colored font, identifying the requesting party for each version.
For jury instruction (charge) submissions, civil cases require plaintiff to submit a DOCX version via email/USB; criminal cases require prosecution and defense to each submit a DOCX version via email/USB.
For bench trial proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, plaintiff counsel must submit a DOCX version via email or USB drive.
Agreed findings/conclusions use black font; plaintiff disagreements use red font, defendant disagreements use blue font.
Trial deposition excerpts with objections must have the objections and corresponding questions/answers highlighted.
Hard copy courtesy copies must be tabbed at the right margin, stored in binders no larger than 4 inches, and marked with the CM/ECF docket number unless urgent.
All draft proposed orders must be prepared using Form 5.
Motion papers must use letter-size paper, 1-inch margins (0.5 inches for footnotes/headers/footers), double spacing (with exceptions), and specified fonts/sizes.
Supporting evidence must be filed as separate exhibits with cover sheets; numerous exhibits require a table of contents; exhibits must be uploaded as separate CM/ECF attachments.
Civil Joint Pretrial Orders must be prepared using Form 6, adaptable within reason for case complexity.
Deposition designations must be prepared using Form 9.
Trial exhibit lists must use Form 7; exhibits must be marked with party name, case number, exhibit number, and only list exhibits intended for trial use.
Trial witness lists must be prepared using Form 8.
Deposition designations must include a cover sheet with required contents, use contrasting colors for designations/objections, and use condensed transcripts when available.
For bench trials, the entire deposition must be offered marked as an exhibit.
Juror questionnaires must not be copied and must be returned after jury selection concludes.
Disputed language in joint proposed jury charge must be marked with bold, italic, or different color font, noting the requesting party.
Civil cases require plaintiff's counsel to submit Word version of jury charge by email to Court's Case Manager.
Agreed post-trial findings and conclusions must use black font; disagreed items must use different color font per party.
Civil cases require plaintiff's counsel to submit a Word version of documents via email to the Case Manager.
Criminal cases require prosecution and defense counsel to each submit a Word version of documents via email.
Joint Pretrial Orders must use the forms provided on the Court’s website.
Leave of Court required for conventional filing of documents over 30 pages, with electronic filing preferred.
Leave of Court required for conventional double-sided filing, with electronic filing preferred.
Leave required for over-sized/irregular documents not readily imaged, with electronic filing preferred.
Joint Pretrial Order must follow the court-provided form, adapted reasonably for the case size and type.
All requested jury instructions, definitions, and interrogatories must be numbered, placed on separate sheets, and include supporting authority citations.
Exhibits must be marked with party name, case number, and exhibit number, and exchanged among counsel before trial.
Exhibits must be marked with the date and case number on each exhibit.
Proposed orders are prohibited from containing a bare signature block.
Proposed orders must use the Court's form and exclude system codes and billing numbers.
Append copies of cited authorities only if not in commonly used resources or easily accessible on Westlaw/Lexis.
Evidence relied on in motions/briefs/memoranda must be filed in separate appendices.
Defendants must file their Joint Pretrial Order portions in proper format if plaintiffs fail to file timely.
For non-jury trials, Proposed Conclusions of Law must be filed in Microsoft Word format.
Disputed jury charge items must be formatted in bold, underline, or italics.
Proposed jury charge must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to the Case Manager prior to trial.
For non-jury trials, Proposed Findings of Fact must be filed in Microsoft Word format.
Offering parties should mark exhibits pre-trial with party name, case number, and exhibit number.
Jury instructions must be numbered, on separate sheets, with citations and authority.
Sealed documents must include 'SEALED' in the title, be docketed with '(SEALED)' suffix, and cannot be docketed as 'SEALED DOCUMENT' without court permission.
Counsel must include their email addresses in all filings.
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted on a CD in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed Findings of Fact for Non-Jury Trials must be filed in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Proposed Conclusions of Law for Non-Jury Trials must be filed in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Parties must provide the Court with a complete printed set of exhibits in a tabbed, indexed notebook for trial use.
Proposed Findings of Fact must be filed electronically in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed Conclusions of Law must be filed electronically in Microsoft Word format.
Conventionally filed appendices and all courtesy copies must be tabbed at the right margin.
Proposed Findings of Fact must be filed electronically in Corel WordPerfect X3 or higher or Microsoft Word.
Proposed Conclusions of Law must be filed electronically in Corel WordPerfect X3 or higher or Microsoft Word, with citations to legal authority.
Memoranda of law must use 12-point font, double spacing, and 1-inch margins.
Proposed Findings of Fact must be electronic in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word; encourage referencing supporting testimony and exhibits.
Proposed Conclusions of Law must be electronic in Corel WordPerfect X3 or higher, or Microsoft Word.
Exhibits must be submitted via JERS on single storage device to Case Manager by noon day before trial; JERS is only allowed method.
Printed copy of power-point presentation used in oral argument must be provided to court and opposing counsel at the hearing.
Video or audio exhibits must be provided on a thumb drive or disc labeled with the exhibit number.
Exhibits over 50 pages provided as PDF must include bookmarks for each exhibit and cited portions, and highlight small referenced portions.
Joint Pretrial Orders must follow the form specified in Local Rule 16.2, Appendix B.
Findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted as electronic Word documents.
Joint proposed jury charge must be submitted as Word document to Case Manager.
Counsel must provide tabbed, indexed exhibit notebooks to court and witness.
Deposition excerpts must use color-coded highlighting for party designations.
Motion papers must use letter-size paper, minimum 12-point font, 1-inch margins (½ inch for footnotes/headers/footers), double-spaced except as noted.
All legal authority and evidence must have pinpoint citations; specific citation formats required for different evidence types; use Bates numbers where available.
Appendix of Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis authorities must include a cover sheet identifying and separating each authority.
Joint Pretrial Orders must be prepared using Form 6, adaptable within reason for case complexity.
Joint trial notebooks must include each party’s materials paired in order, with Joint Pretrial Order first in civil cases.
Trial exhibit lists must be prepared using Form 7.
Each party must mark their exhibits with their name, the case number, and the exhibit number.
Trial exhibit lists must only include exhibits intended in good faith for use before the jury during trial.
Deposition designations must include a cover sheet, required pages, highlighted designations, and condensed transcripts when available.
Disputed language in civil jury instructions must be marked with bold or italic font, and the requesting party must be identified.
Footnotes may not be used to argue or explain disagreements in civil jury instructions.
Civil jury instruction filings must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format.
Criminal jury instruction filings must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format by each party.
Civil bench trial filings (proposed findings, conclusions, memorandum) must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format.
All briefs must use 13-point proportionally spaced text, 12-point footnotes, double spacing, 1-inch margins, full justification; citations to authorities/exhibits must be in document body, not footnotes.
All requested jury instructions must be numbered, substantiated with authority in footnotes, and note pattern jury charge modifications.
Disputed jury instructions must be formatted in bold, underline, or italics (no contrasting color) and include footnotes identifying requesting party and opposition basis.
Proposed jury charge and verdict form must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Trial materials must be printed double-sided, in binders of 4 inches or less, with index and corresponding tabs.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
Proposed jury instructions must be numbered, on separate pages, with citations to authority.
Conventionally filed (non-electronic) appendices must be tabbed at the right margin.
Proposed Findings of Fact must be filed electronically in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word, with references to supporting testimony and exhibits.
Proposed Conclusions of Law must be filed electronically in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word, with citations to supporting legal authority.
Exhibits must be marked with the date and case number on each.
Proposed Findings of Fact must be electronic in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word; counsel encouraged to reference supporting testimony/exhibits.
Proposed Conclusions of Law must be electronic in Corel WordPerfect X3+ or Microsoft Word.
JERS is the only accepted method for electronic evidence submission; files must be submitted on single storage device to Judicial Assistant by noon day before trial.
Restraining order and immediate relief applications must be filed with the District Clerk’s Office at the specified address.
All pleadings must be electronically filed through ECF, following Administrative Procedures for Electronic Filing; FAQ answers from District Clerk’s Office.
Filings with 50 or more pages (including attachments) require electronic filing plus hard copy to District Clerk’s Office within seven days of electronic filing.
Joint proposed scheduling order must use the Court’s template.
Exhibits must be marked with party name, case number, and exhibit number; exchanged and e-filed by JPO deadline.
Parties must submit hard copy exhibits in tabbed, indexed binders to the Court by the Final Pretrial Conference.
Stipulations of Dismissal must be received in writing.
Notices of Settlement must be received in writing.
All exhibits must be marked with the date and case number.
All exhibits must be provided to the Court and opposing counsel in tabbed, indexed binders.
Exhibits, witness lists, and expert reports must be provided to the Court and opposing counsel in tabbed, indexed binders for jury trials.
Proposed voir dire questions must be filed electronically at least 10 days before trial.
Proposed jury instructions must be filed electronically at least 10 days before trial.
Exhibits must be provided to opposing counsel in tabbed, indexed binders.
Exhibit copies provided to the Court must be formatted in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.
All exhibits must be marked with the date and case number.
Joint Pretrial Order must include four lists of expected exhibits per party on the Clerk of Court’s provided form.
Witness lists must be on a form similar to the Clerk's provided form, include required witness details, and follow Appendix D-2 sample.
Exhibit lists must be filed on Appendix D-1 form with specified header information and columns for exhibit details.
Applications for restraining orders or immediate relief must be filed through the District Clerk’s office at the specified address and phone number.
All pleadings must be filed electronically through the ECF system.
Leave of Court required for conventional filing of documents over 50 pages; electronic filing preferred.
Leave of Court required for conventional filing of double-sided documents; electronic filing preferred.
Leave of Court required for filing over-sized/irregular documents not readily imaged; electronic filing preferred.
Exhibits must be marked with party identity, case number, and exhibit number prior to Final Pretrial Conference.
Hard copy courtesy copies must be tabbed at the right margin, in binders no larger than 4 inches, marked with CM/ECF docket number unless urgent.
Motion papers must use letter-size paper, minimum 12-point font, 1-inch margins (½-inch for footnotes/headers/footers), double-spaced except for quotations/headings/footnotes.
Supporting evidence must be filed as separate exhibits with cover sheets and clearly identified on CM/ECF docket entries.
Legal authority not available on Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis must be filed as an appendix with a cover sheet.
Joint Pretrial Orders must be prepared using Form 6.
Section 19 pretrial filings must be filed as exhibits to the Joint Pretrial Order on CM/ECF.
Joint Pretrial Orders must be signed by all lead counsel.
Each party must file required pretrial filings on the date the Joint Pretrial Order is filed.
Trial exhibit lists must use Form 7 and be filed on the Joint Pretrial Order filing date.
Trial exhibits must be marked with the offering party’s name, case number, and exhibit number.
Deposition designations must be prepared using Form 9 and filed on the Joint Pretrial Order filing date.
Parties are prohibited from making copies of juror questionnaires.
Civil plaintiffs and criminal prosecution and defense must submit Word-format jury instructions via email to the Court’s Case Manager.
Agreed proposed findings and conclusions must be in black font.
Disagreed proposed findings must be in red for plaintiff and blue for defendant.
Proposed scheduling order must use Form 4 from the Court’s home page.
Joint Pretrial Orders must use the forms provided on the Court’s website.
Proposed scheduling order must use Form 4 from the Court’s home page.
Joint Pretrial Orders must use the forms provided on the Court’s website and contain Rule 26(a)(3) disclosures.
Offering party must mark exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number.
Each party must provide the Court with a tabbed, indexed notebook copy of their exhibits.
Motions and orders for stay relief on exempt residences and vehicles must use standardized forms, mandatory throughout Southern District of Texas.
All motions must be double-spaced, 13-point font, 1-inch margins unless leave of court is granted.
Parties must submit Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law as electronic Word documents.
Proposed jury charge must be submitted to the Case Manager as an electronic Word document.
Deposition excerpts should use color-coded highlighting for each party's designations.
Joint proposed jury charge must be separately numbered and presented on a separate page.
Disputed language in joint proposed jury charge must be bold/italic/underlined and labeled with requesting party.
Proposed jury charge must be submitted on CD compatible with Corel WordPerfect 11 or Microsoft Word 2003 or later.
Interested party certificates must underline the names of corporations with publicly traded securities.
Parties must use identical forms if an agreement is reached after initial filing of Form M-2.
Proposed orders (Form O-1) must have no boxes marked.
Emergency motions must include the word 'Emergency' in the document title.
Briefs and memoranda must use 12pt Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins; footnotes must use 10pt Times New Roman font.
All amended pleadings, proposed orders, documents, and briefs must mark changed content with a single red underline (redline).
Proposed orders must include a blank signature space for the court and omit signature blocks/text.
Agreed Order forms from the court’s website cannot be altered without leave of court.
Witness and exhibit lists for evidentiary hearings/trials must use Form 1-100, failure to comply results in the noncomplying list being struck.
All exhibits must comply with General Order 2021-5 paragraph 4, requiring CM/ECF filing, separate witness/exhibit list, and each exhibit as a separate attachment.
Motions for relief from stay regarding exempt residences or vehicles must use the court's standard promulgated form.
Proposed agreed or default orders for motions for relief from stay must use the court-promulgated form; no alterations are permitted without leave of court.
Motions for continuation or imposition of automatic stay must comply with Fed. R. Bankr. P. 9014, include verified specific facts, and not include relief other than the stay continuation/imposition.
Means Test documents must be filed as a separate CM/ECF event in all cases requiring a Means Test.
All amended documents must be submitted with redline changes.
Petitions and schedules must include electronic bookmarks when e-filed.
E-filed documents must not have security settings that prevent editing.
Contingent civil jury instructions must be enclosed in brackets and formatted in bold typeface.
Proponents of contested jury instructions must submit an additional set in Word format (via disk or email) and hard copy, with changes marked in brackets and bold italic.
If special master/expert appointed, moving party must provide Opening Brief on disk/CD plus hard copy tabbed/bound in notebook to them.
If special master/expert appointed, nonmoving party must provide Responsive Brief on disk/CD plus hard copy tabbed/bound in notebook to them.
If special master/expert appointed, moving party must provide Reply Brief on disk/CD plus hard copy tabbed/bound in notebook to them.
Claim Construction Chart must be submitted in WordPerfect 8.0 or higher format per P.R. 4-5(d).
Depositions read into evidence must be edited to exclude irrelevant/repetitious testimony; only relevant portions allowed.
Notices of Settlement must be submitted in writing.
Counsel must provide hard copies of exhibits in a tabbed and indexed binder by the Final Pretrial Conference.
Discovery disclosures, requests, responses, and objections must be signed by the attorney of record (or party if pro se) and include the signer's address, email, and phone number.
All filings must be double-spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font, with footnotes in the same font.
Proposed Jury Instructions courtesy copy must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
All pleadings filed after the original complaint must be double-spaced, with at least 1-inch margins and 14-point font.
Exhibits must be marked with the offering party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
Proposed jury instructions must have citations of authority on a separate page.
Briefs must use 8.5x11 paper, double-spaced text (exceptions for quotes, headings, footnotes), and 1-inch margins.
Briefs and motions must use at least 12-point font; footnotes may be 10-point minimum.
All appendices must contain a paginated table of contents and be tabbed for easy material location.
Proposed jury charges must be in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed findings of fact must be in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed conclusions of law must be in Microsoft Word format.
Exhibits must be submitted in properly tabbed notebook form.
Exhibits supporting motions/briefs must be tabbed at the right margin; more than 5 exhibits require a TOC with tab numbers.
Deposition/affidavit citations must include page/paragraph numbers; documents over 3 pages require pinpoint citations.
Joint pretrial orders must use the court-distributed form, adapted reasonably to the case.
Proposed jury charge must be submitted on a thumb-drive compatible with Corel WordPerfect X9.
Proposed joint jury charge must have numbered items on separate sheets with authority; disputed items underlined, labeled, with both parties' authority.
Offering parties must mark each exhibit with their name, case number, and exhibit number.
Parties must provide the court with a copy of their exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.
Joint Discovery/Case-Management Plan must use Attachment 1 form.
Jury instructions must be numbered and presented on a separate page.
Disputed jury instructions must be formatted in bold, italics, or underlined and marked as disputed.
Proposed jury charge must be submitted on a CD compatible with Microsoft Word.
All trial exhibits must be marked and exchanged between counsel before trial.
The offering party must mark their exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number.
Trial exhibits must be organized in a notebook.
Offering parties must mark exhibits with party name, case number, and exhibit number before trial.
Disputed language in proposed jury charges must be bold, italicized, or underlined, and labeled with the requesting party.
Proposed jury charges must be submitted on a CD compatible with Corel WordPerfect 11.
Courtesy copies must include hard and electronic copies, with hard copies tabbed, binder size limited to 4 inches, and marked with CM/ECF docket number unless urgent.
Motion papers must use letter-size paper, minimum 12-point font, 1-inch margins (½-inch for footnotes/headers), double spacing except for specified sections.
Boilerplate objections or responses to deposition designations will not be considered by the Court.
Boilerplate motions in limine are prohibited.
Juror questionnaires may not be copied and must be returned after jury selection concludes.
Civil joint proposed jury charges must meet specific content and formatting requirements including order, authority, and pattern instruction use.
Criminal parties must provide supporting legal authority for all requested jury instructions, definitions, and questions.
Jury instruction court copies must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format.
Agreed findings use black font; conflicting parties use red (plaintiff) and blue (defendant) font, with trial citations required for disagreements.
Appendices must include a paginated table of contents and be tabbed for easy navigation.
Courtesy copies of filings exceeding 100 pages must be double-sided, bound in tabbed binders no larger than 4 inches, and marked with the ECF docket number unless urgent.
Footnotes strongly disfavored; must use same font as main text, and evidence/argument in footnotes is disregarded.
Pinpoint citations required for all legal authority; specific citation formats required for depositions, affidavits, pleadings, contracts; Bates numbers preferred.
Footnotes may not be used to argue or explain disagreements in civil jury instructions.
Pinpoint citations required for all legal authority; specific citation formats required for evidence; Bates numbers required where available.
Legal authorities not on Westlaw or Lexis must be appended as an appendix with a cover sheet.
Appendices must include a paginated table of contents and be tabbed for easy navigation.
Counsel must use a numbering system for documents during discovery and pretrial process.
Do not append copies of cited authorities to briefs/motions unless they are unpublished or unavailable via Westlaw or Lexis-Nexis.
Courtesy copies of filings over 50 pages must be double-sided, submitted in a three-ring binder no larger than four inches, with exhibits tabbed at the right margin.
Courtesy copies must be marked with the file-stamped CM/ECF docket number unless submitted urgently.
Footnotes are disfavored; the court disregards any evidence or argument raised only in footnotes.
Joint Pretrial Order must use the Court-provided form.
The Court disfavors footnotes and disregards evidence or argument raised solely in footnotes.
Pinpoint citations are required for all legal authority and evidence, with specific formatting per document type, and Bates numbers where available.
Trial exhibit lists cannot be amended or supplemented after filing unless parties agree.
Only exhibits intended in good faith for trial may be listed on trial exhibit lists.
Exhibits must be exchanged via agreed method, or USB/electronic transfer if no agreement is reached.
Exhibits should be numbered, not lettered.
Joint Pretrial Order form should be followed, with reasonable adaptations allowed for case size and nature.
Pretrial orders required by judges may use the form provided in Appendix B.
Joint Pretrial Orders should use the Court's attached form, with reasonable adaptations allowed.
Recorded depositions should be edited to remove dead air.
Most recent draft of proposed confirmation order with redline changes should be filed before hearing.
Exhibits should be numbered, not lettered.
Southern District of New York
View all rules for SDNY.Letters to the court must not exceed 3 pages in length.
Memoranda of law must be 12-point font or larger, double-spaced, and text-searchable.
56.1 statements must be organized into numbered paragraphs with single factual assertions and citations.
Opposing parties must reproduce and respond to each entry in moving party's 56.1 statement (except pro se cases).
Opposing party may add additional numbered paragraphs; moving party must respond to additional assertions.
Multiple parties must coordinate 56.1 statements to avoid overlapping numbered paragraphs.
All document text must be 12-point type or larger, with footnotes permitted to be 10-point type.
All documents must have margins of at least one inch on all sides.
All document text must be double-spaced, except headings, footnotes, and block quotations which may be single-spaced.
Redline copies of proposed amended or supplemental pleadings must show all differences from the prior pleading using redlining, underlining, strikeouts, or similar typographic methods.
No paper submissions to Chambers; all documents must be filed on ECF or emailed
Hand deliveries to Chambers require advance permission from the Court
TRO applications must be emailed in text-searchable PDF with URGENT subject, callback number, and availability
No paper submissions to chambers; all documents must be filed electronically in PDF format.
Letter-motions must be text-searchable, max 5 pages, no courtesy copy to Chambers.
Memoranda must be 12-point font, double-spaced, with TOC and TOA for documents over 10 pages.
All dates in the Civil Case Management Plan must be typed, not handwritten.
No paper submissions allowed; all documents must be filed on ECF or emailed.
TRO applications must be emailed in text-searchable PDF with URGENT subject and phone number.
Amended filings and motions to amend pleadings must include a redline showing differences from the original document.
Summary judgment moving parties must file Rule 56.1 Statement in Microsoft Word format; opposing parties must reproduce entries with responses directly below.
Bankruptcy appeals must comply with FRBP 8014-8018 for briefing schedules, format, and length specifications.
Parties may seek leave to submit hard copy exhibits if electronic copies are an undue burden; hard copies must be pre-marked and assembled in binders (max 2.5 inches) or labeled manila/redweld folders.
Exhibit lists must be Microsoft Word documents emailed to the court.
Jury trials must attach joint requests to charge, verdict forms, and voir dire questions to the joint pretrial order, with differing proposals in track-change format supported by authority.
Letters to court must be filed on ECF and double-spaced if over one page
Sentencing submissions must be double spaced.
Courtesy copies must be double-sided with ECF header, tabs for exhibits, and bound if bulky.
Memoranda must be in 12-point font or larger and double-spaced.
All motion papers must be in searchable PDF format.
PDFs must be created from word-processing files, not scanned documents.
Media files must be in common formats or include non-admin software.
Motion papers must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12-point font or larger, with one-inch margins
All text-containing documents must be text searchable
Motion papers must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12-point font or larger, with one-inch margins; footnotes are discouraged.
Deposition transcripts must be submitted one-page-per-sheet with an index.
Joint pretrial order must be filed in both PDF and Microsoft Word format.
Exhibits must be pre-marked and assembled sequentially in a loose-leaf binder or labeled manila folders.
Cases with >15 exhibits require Excel index with hyperlinks.
Deposition designations must use different colors for each party.
Deposition testimony must be submitted as flattened PDF, may use condensed format.
Trial schedule: 5 hours daily from 10:00 AM with breaks, adjourning at 4:45 PM or later if needed.
Exhibits must be pre-marked; court time not used for marking exhibits.
Interpreters must interpret simultaneously in civil cases; parties pay.
Jury instructions must use plain language understandable to non-lawyers.
Memoranda must use 12-point Times New Roman font on 8½ x 11 paper.
ECF documents must be word-searchable to the extent reasonably practicable.
Memoranda must be double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins.
All submissions must be text-searchable PDFs, not scanned documents.
Multi-media filings must be on USB drive and hand-delivered to 200 Worth Street.
Proposed orders must be emailed to Chambers in both PDF and Word formats.
Paper submissions must be stapled, binder-clipped, spiral/wire-bound, or three-hole punched in binders.
Motion papers must conform to Local Civil Rule 7.1 with specific formatting and word limits.
All motions and moving papers must be in searchable PDF format.
Motion papers must comply with SDNY Local Civil Rule 7.1 for typeface, text size, margins, line-spacing, and word-count limits, and must include the required word-count certification.
Electronic devices (cellphones, laptops, tablets) are not permitted during court proceedings and must be stored with court security.
Letter-motions must be text searchable.
Memoranda of law require 12pt font, double-spacing, 1-inch margins.
Footnotes require 12pt font, single-spacing with 12pt space between.
Proposed voir dire questions must be emailed to chambers in Word format.
Proposed verdict form must be emailed to chambers in Word format.
Proposed jury instructions must be emailed to chambers in Word format with citations.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be emailed to chambers in Word format with record citations.
Documentary evidence must be compiled in tabbed binders organized by exhibit number.
Motion courtesy copies must be spiral-bound or single-stapled, not velobound.
Letters must be filed on ECF unless sealed or contain sensitive information.
Flash/thumb drives prohibited for submissions.
Memoranda must use 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman 12pt, footnotes min 10pt
Exhibit list must be in large font with specific four-column format.
Exhibit list must be emailed in PDF and Word/Excel formats.
ECF-filed courtesy copies must be marked with specific labels and document number.
All dates in the Civil Case Management Plan must be typed, not handwritten.
Letter-motions must be filed via ECF and comply with S.D.N.Y. rules.
No paper submissions allowed; all documents must be filed on ECF or emailed.
TRO applications must be emailed in text-searchable PDF with URGENT subject and phone number.
Memoranda of law must be 12-point font, double spaced, and text searchable.
Electronic devices require permission in Judge Furman's Courtroom
Mobile phones must be turned off in courtroom even if permitted
Exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers for plaintiff/government and letters for defendants.
Exhibits must be cited by number or letter for clear record.
All written submissions must be text-searchable.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with stickers and labeled by party/exhibit number.
Letters must be filed electronically on ECF (unless sealed or confidential), no courtesy copies, max 3 pages.
Pro se parties must email submissions in PDF format to Pro_Se_Filing@nysd.uscourts.gov
Memoranda must be 12pt font, double-spaced, text-searchable, with TOC/TOA for 10+ pages
Letters must be filed electronically on ECF unless sealed or confidential.
Pretrial submissions must be in hardcopy and electronic copy (Word format).
Letter-motions must be text-searchable, max 5 pages, no courtesy copy to Chambers.
Plaintiffs must pre-mark exhibits with “P. Ex. ___” numerals; defendants with “D. Ex. ___” letters.
Electronic documents must be produced as PDF/TIFF images if parties cannot agree on format, with original formatting and metadata preserved.
Letters to court must be filed on ECF and double-spaced if over one page
Sentencing submissions must be double spaced.
Paper submissions must be stapled, binder-clipped, spiral/wire-bound, or three-hole punched in binders.
Memoranda must use 12-point Times New Roman font on 8½ x 11 paper.
ECF documents must be word-searchable to the extent reasonably practicable.
56.1 statements must be numbered paragraphs with one factual assertion each.
Joint proposed verdict form must be emailed to Chambers in Word and PDF format.
Joint proposed jury instructions must be emailed to Chambers in Word and PDF format with citations.
Electronic devices must be kept silent in courtroom if permitted
No paper submissions to chambers; all documents must be filed electronically in PDF format.
No paper submissions are accepted
Hand-delivery of documents is prohibited.
Non-moving party must provide movant with unbound, double-sided, three-hole punched opposition/cross-motion papers.
All motion papers must be double-sided, three-hole punched, tabbed, and placed in binders in filing order.
Cases with >15 exhibits require Excel index with hyperlinks.
Deposition designations must use different colors for each party.
Deposition testimony must be submitted as flattened PDF, may use condensed format.
Trial schedule: 5 hours daily from 10:00 AM with breaks, adjourning at 4:45 PM or later if needed.
Exhibits must be pre-marked; court time not used for marking exhibits.
Interpreters must interpret simultaneously in civil cases; parties pay.
Jury instructions must use plain language understandable to non-lawyers.
Memoranda of 10+ pages require TOC/TOA; must be double-spaced, 12-pt font, 1-inch margins.
Courtesy copies must be securely bound, flat, with preferred binding types; metal prong fasteners prohibited.
Courtesy copies must include ECF header unless not yet filed.
Exhibits must be separated by protruding tabs and double-sided when possible.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with party and exhibit number (e.g., GX-1, PX-1, DX-1).
Motion papers must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12-point font or larger, with one-inch margins
All text-containing documents must be text searchable
Exhibit list must have 6 specific columns with defined labels.
First 4 columns of exhibit list must be completed by parties; last 2 left blank for Court.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with stickers and labeled by party and number, not letters.
No paper submissions to Chambers; all documents must be filed on ECF or emailed
Represented parties must email proposed voir dire, jury charge, and verdict form in Word format with Pretrial Statement.
Letters to the court must not exceed 3 pages in length.
Memoranda of law must be 12-point font or larger, double spaced, and text-searchable.
Hard copy exhibits must be pre-marked, sequentially assembled in binders (max 2.5 inches) or manila folders in redweld folders.
Mobile phones must be turned off in courtroom; non-compliance results in device forfeiture.
Hand deliveries to Chambers require advance permission from the Court
TRO applications must be emailed in text-searchable PDF with URGENT subject, callback number, and availability
No paper submissions allowed; all documents must be filed on ECF or emailed to chambers.
Memoranda of law must be 12-point font or larger, double-spaced, and text-searchable.
56.1 statements must be organized into numbered paragraphs with single factual assertions and citations.
Opposing parties must reproduce and respond to each entry in moving party's 56.1 statement (except pro se cases).
Opposing party may add additional numbered paragraphs; moving party must respond to additional assertions.
Multiple parties must coordinate 56.1 statements to avoid overlapping numbered paragraphs.
TRO applications must be emailed with URGENT subject line, contact info, and availability for conference.
Media files must be filed physically with Clerk (not ECF).
Voluminous trial materials must be organized in tabbed binders with labeled spines.
Courtesy copies must be double-sided with ECF header, tabs for exhibits, and bound if bulky.
Motion papers must use 12-point font (10-point footnotes), 1-inch margins, double-spacing (except headings/footnotes/quotes).
Audio/visual evidence must be submitted on password-free USB, not on ECF.
Parties must strictly adhere to typeface, margin, and spacing requirements.
Letters to court limited to 3 single-space pages (excluding exhibits).
Letter motions limited to 3 single-space pages (excluding exhibits).
Sensitive/confidential letters must be emailed as PDF (not PDF/A) to chambers.
All moving papers, letter motions, and letters must be in searchable PDF format, not scanned images.
Faxes require prior permission and are limited to 3 pages.
All moving papers, letter-motions, and letters must be searchable PDF.
Hard copy of pre-marked exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binder with tab dividers.
Courtesy copies must be in well-organized three-ring binders with tab dividers.
Video submissions must be on thumb drive or emailed to Chambers.
Letters filed on ECF must be in searchable PDF format.
All motions must be filed as searchable PDF
Submissions should be text-searchable PDFs created electronically, not scanned documents.
Moving papers, letter-motions, and letters must be in searchable PDF format.
Letters to Court must be filed on ECF (except settlement/in camera), max 3 single-spaced pages, no copying Court on counsel correspondence
Letter-motions must comply with S.D.N.Y. rules and be text-searchable
Courtesy copies must be in three-ring binders with tab dividers and exhibit list.
Video submissions must be on labeled thumb drive or emailed.
Hard copy exhibits should be pre-marked, assembled in binders (max 2.5 inches) or manila folders in redweld folders.
Electronic devices prohibited in Judge Subramanian's courtroom
Memoranda must be 12-point font or larger, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins.
Requests to charge, verdict forms, and voir dire questions must be submitted as Microsoft Word documents.
Parties must bring loose-leaf exhibit binders to pretrial conference; defendants must not duplicate plaintiff exhibits.
Proposed jury charges/voir dire and proposed findings/conclusions must be submitted in hard copy and MS Word format.
Motion papers must be single-sided, double-spaced, 12-point font or larger, with one-inch margins; footnotes are discouraged.
Deposition transcripts must be submitted one-page-per-sheet with an index.
Joint pretrial order must be filed in both PDF and Microsoft Word format.
Exhibits must be pre-marked and assembled sequentially in a loose-leaf binder or labeled manila folders.
Memoranda of law must be in 12-point font or larger, double spaced, and text-searchable.
Hard copy exhibits must be pre-marked and assembled in binders not exceeding 2.5 inches or in labeled manila folders within redweld folders.
Trial exhibits must be provided in tabbed binders to all parties and the Court three court days before the final pretrial conference.
Memoranda must use 12-point font, double-spacing, and one-inch margins.
Attachments to pro se email submissions to the Court must be in PDF format.
Moving papers, letter-motions, and letters filed on ECF or emailed to chambers must be searchable PDF.
Rule 56.1 Statements for summary judgment must be provided to other parties in Microsoft Word format.
All memoranda of law must use 12-point or larger font and be double-spaced.
Appendices to memoranda of law must be tabbed and indexed.
Amended or corrected filings must include a redline showing differences from original.
Amended filings and motions to amend pleadings must include a redline showing differences from the original document.
Summary judgment moving parties must file Rule 56.1 Statement in Microsoft Word format; opposing parties must reproduce entries with responses directly below.
Bankruptcy appeals must comply with FRBP 8014-8018 for briefing schedules, format, and length specifications.
Parties may seek leave to submit hard copy exhibits if electronic copies are an undue burden; hard copies must be pre-marked and assembled in binders (max 2.5 inches) or labeled manila/redweld folders.
Exhibit lists must be Microsoft Word documents emailed to the court.
Jury trials must attach joint requests to charge, verdict forms, and voir dire questions to the joint pretrial order, with differing proposals in track-change format supported by authority.
Courtesy copies must be marked with case details, exhibits tabbed and indexed, and exhibits/appendices bound separately from memoranda.
Exhibits must be tabbed, indexed, and bound separately from legal memoranda; documents under 35 pages must be stapled.
Memoranda must use 12-point serif font, double spacing, 1-inch margins; footnotes must be 12-point and are discouraged.
Appendices to briefs over 5 pages must be bound separately and not affixed to the brief.
Each deposition testimony entry submitted with summary judgment motions must be separately tabbed and indexed.
Joint pretrial orders must follow the outline attached as Annex A.
Exhibits must be pre-marked as PX-1 to PX-n or DX-1 to DX-n, bound/collated if possible, individually tabbed, multi-document exhibits disfavored.
Exhibits for civil evidentiary hearings must be pre-marked PX/DX-n, preferably bound in a binder with tabs, multi-document exhibits disfavored.
Courtesy copies of motion papers must be securely bound (spiral or single upper left staple, not velobound), and large non-flat documents should be submitted as multiple volumes.
Motions for reconsideration must comply with the formatting and length requirements of Local Civil Rule 6.3.
All document text must be 12-point type or larger, with footnotes permitted to be 10-point type.
All documents must have margins of at least one inch on all sides.
All document text must be double-spaced, except headings, footnotes, and block quotations which may be single-spaced.
Redline copies of proposed amended or supplemental pleadings must show all differences from the prior pleading using redlining, underlining, strikeouts, or similar typographic methods.
Rule 56.1 Statements for summary judgment must be provided to other parties in Microsoft Word format.
All memoranda of law must use 12-point or larger font and be double-spaced.
Appendices to memoranda of law must be tabbed and indexed.
Amended or corrected filings must include a redline showing differences from original.
Mailing documents to Court is allowed only if electronic submission is impossible
Citations to cases should be in the body, not footnotes, of memoranda of law.
Mobile phones allowed in courtroom but must be turned off; non-compliance results in device forfeiture.
Documents may be mailed if electronic submission is impossible, but mail delivery is discouraged due to delays.
Mailing documents is permitted only if electronic submission is impossible.
Deposition indexes should be included with supplied depositions if available.
Parties should provide text-searchable electronic copies of relied-upon hearing or deposition transcripts if available, unless unduly burdensome.
Summary judgment memoranda must include background and facts sections, and should not incorporate Rule 56.1 statements by reference.
Letters longer than one page must be double spaced.
Sentencing submissions must be double spaced.
Footnotes are discouraged in motion papers
All exhibits must be tabbed and indexed.
All text-containing documents must be text searchable.
Large documents should be submitted in multiple volumes instead of one large document.
Mobile phones allowed in Courtroom but must be turned off.
Mailing documents is permitted only if electronic submission is impossible.
Non-compliance with electronic device rules may result in device forfeiture
Fax communications of 6-20 pages only after hours without permission; permission needed during office hours.
Fax communications of 21+ pages require permission, granted only in urgent circumstances.
Side binding preferred for lengthy documents; velo binding discouraged; declarations double-sided, memoranda single-sided.
Letters over one page must be double-spaced.
Documents may be mailed if electronic submission is impossible, but mail delivery is discouraged due to delays.
Personal electronic devices must be turned off in courtroom, not just silenced.
Exhibits must be separated by index tabs for easy location.
Court's exhibit copies must be in tabbed notebook or manila folders.
Footnotes are discouraged in motion papers
Mailing documents to Court is allowed only if electronic submission is impossible
Letters to the court must not exceed 3 pages.
Documents may be mailed only if electronic submission is impossible, but mail delivery is discouraged due to delays.
Media files must be in common player-compatible format.
Special media software must not require admin privileges.
Personal electronic devices must be completely turned off in courtroom.
Non-compliance with electronic device rules may result in device forfeiture.
Personal electronic devices must be completely turned off in the courtroom.
Additional electronic device policies may be adopted by the court.
Courtesy copies must include ECF header and protruding tabs for exhibits.
Bulky materials in courtesy copies should be bound or in 3-ring binders.
Motion papers must be bound securely without obscuring text, lying flat when open.
Supreme Court case citations must include official reports and parallel cites to Supreme Court Reporter.
Exhibits to memoranda must be tabbed and indexed.
Electronic devices are prohibited in courtroom, robing room, and chambers.
Letters exceeding one page in length must be double spaced.
All exhibits must be tabbed and indexed.
Letters longer than one page must be double spaced.
Sentencing submissions must be double spaced.
Appendices to memoranda must be tabbed and indexed.
All ECF filings capable of being text-searchable must be made text-searchable.
All affidavits, exhibits, and motions must be bound.
All text-containing documents must be text searchable.
Parties should use the template form for the Proposed Case Management Plan and Report on Rule 26(f) Meeting.
Deposition indexes should be included with supplied depositions if available.
Parties should provide text-searchable electronic copies of relied-upon hearing or deposition transcripts if available, unless unduly burdensome.
Summary judgment memoranda must include background and facts sections, and should not incorporate Rule 56.1 statements by reference.
Bankruptcy appeals follow FRBP briefing schedule and format unless otherwise ordered.
Trials generally Monday-Thursday 10am-5:30pm, week-long trials Monday-Friday.
Wi-Fi credentials for trial are valid for entire trial duration.
Courtroom Deputy tracks time, reported periodically; time accrues when counsel addresses jury or presents deposition testimony.
Pro se parties may file papers in person, by mail, email (PDF), or ECF (with permission)
Pro se parties may file papers in person, by mail, email (PDF), or ECF (with permission)
Electronic submissions should be text-searchable PDFs where practicable.
Letter-motions should be text-searchable where practicable.
Submissions should be in text-searchable PDF format when feasible.
Electronic copies of exhibits are encouraged.
Fax communications of 6 pages or fewer without permission; no hard copy needed.
Conferences may be held remotely or in Courtroom 905 at Thurgood Marshall Courthouse
Courtesy copies must be marked, bound, and tabbed.
Courtroom Deputy tracks time, reported periodically; time accrues when counsel addresses jury or presents deposition testimony.
Represented parties should email proposed findings in Microsoft Word format.
Submissions should be text-searchable PDFs created electronically, not by scanning
Bankruptcy appeals follow FRBP briefing schedule and format unless otherwise ordered.
Attorneys may use electronic devices in hallways outside courtroom but must be discreet.
USB submissions can be mailed or delivered to courthouse mailroom.
Wi-Fi credentials for trial are valid for entire trial duration.
Westlaw citations preferred for unreported cases.
All letter-motions should be text-searchable.
PDFs uploaded to ECF should be text searchable where possible.
Submissions should be text-searchable PDF, preferably created electronically rather than by scanning.
Memoranda must cite official reporters for NY and US Supreme Court cases; unreported non-Westlaw/Lexis cases require copy of case; avoid unofficial reporters.
Memoranda should not recite obvious standards for common motions (e.g., dismiss, summary judgment, reconsideration) to save pages.
Parties must meet and confer on document production format before Initial Discovery production, which does not delay deadlines without court order.
Submissions should be text-searchable PDF, preferably created electronically rather than by scanning.
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
View all rules for CA-LOS-ANGELES-SUPERIOR.All motion documents must include the reservation number.
Each party must prepare an exhibit list in the specified format.
Jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.
All electronically filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked.
Courtesy copies must have exhibits separated by tabs extending below the page, per CRC 3.1110(t).
PowerPoint presentations and displays to the jury must be filed as paper copies.
Briefs must be two-hole punched, secured with Acco-type fastener, and no attachments or exhibits are allowed.
Motions in Limine Binder must be two-sided, conformed copies in 3" three-ring binders, tabbed, indexed, with colored separators.
E-filed documents have no envelope document count or total size limit, but 200MB per document, same case per envelope, one lead document per envelope.
Motions in limine must be numbered consecutively in the caption.
Exhibits must be bate stamped and tabbed with numbers matching joint exhibit list.
Briefs must be two-hole punched, secured with Acco fastener, no attachments; must cite time stamps for official electronic recording references; comply with Cal. Rules of Court 8.883 (civil/misdemeanor) or 8.928 (infraction).
Appendixes for civil appeals must be two-hole punched at top and secured with Acco-type fastener.
Motions in limine must be submitted in a tabbed binder with a table of contents.
Unlawful Detainer trial exhibits must be in tabbed binders with numbered pages and exhibit list; binders should be provided to judge, judicial assistant, opposing counsel, and reporter.
Printed jury instructions must be on 2-hole punched perforated paper with specified identifying information for each instruction.
Pro per defendant documents may use any paper, but must be legibly printed in pencil or typed.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with an exhibit number and have a page number on each page.
Jury trial parties must submit a tabbed three-ring binder with a table of contents and specified labeled documents.
Jury trial binders must comply with Standing Order ¶¶ 16-18 requirements.
Proposed special jury instructions must have at least four inches of blank space at the top of each page.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals; multi-page exhibits must have sequentially numbered pages.
Jury instruction display copies must be in Word format, Arial 14pt font, landscape orientation, no headers/footers except title/CACI numbers, sent via email to LBCDeptS29@LACourt.org.
Drop-off ex parte applications must be marked on the initial page as 'drop-off review only'.
Order Approving Compromise must be on Judicial Council form MC-351.
Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on form SCLAC LACIV 129 or a matching Word document format.
Exhibit binders must be tabbed three-ring binders with one-sided copies, numerically organized exhibits, each with separate exhibit numbers.
All exhibits must be pre-numbered and exchanged before reference, except good faith impeachment exhibits.
Multi-page documentary exhibits must be internally paginated sequentially.
Administrative records in prerogative writ proceedings must be Bates-stamped consecutively, and briefs must cite to Bates-stamped page numbers.
Administrative records must be bound in side-bound three-inch binders (spiral preferred, three-ring acceptable), with volume and page range on spine for three-ring binders.
Evidence in traditional mandamus cases presented separately must be bound in side-bound three-inch binders (spiral preferred, three-ring acceptable).
Joint appendices in prerogative writ proceedings must be single spiral or three-ring binders containing the administrative decision followed by cited pages in Bates-stamp order with tabs, only including cited pages.
Trial notebooks in prerogative writ proceedings must include petition, briefs, judicial notice requests, separated by tabs, in 1- or 3-inch binders, lodged with reply brief.
All declarations and exhibits attached to motions must be tabbed; failure to comply may result in rejection of the motion.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals; multi-page exhibits must have sequentially numbered pages.
Parties must place exhibits in tabbed three-ring binders, with one binder for each party, clerk, judge, and witness stand (5 total in typical two-party cases).
Exhibits must be pre-numbered numerically (plaintiffs start at 1, defendants at 101), with no letters, no grouping, multiple pages numbered, exchanged except impeachment exhibits.
Electronic documents must be filed in text-searchable PDF format when feasible.
The table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked.
Declarations, proofs of service, and exhibits must be bookmarked with links to the first page and descriptive titles.
Attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked.
Joint trial binder for FSC must be organized with specified tabs A–I.
Motions in limine must be submitted in a tabbed binder with table of contents at least five calendar days before trial.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals and sequentially numbered per page if multi-page.
Tabbed, paginated exhibit binders are required for court, staff, witnesses, and opposing parties on first day of trial.
Unlawful Detainer trial exhibits must be in tabbed binders with numbered pages and exhibit list; binders should be provided to judge, judicial assistant, opposing counsel, and reporter.
Printed jury instructions must be on 2-hole punched perforated paper with specified identifying information for each instruction.
CMC statements must be filed on Judicial Council Form CM-110 within 5 days of the hearing.
Trial binders must be three-ring binders with tabs labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, H, I, J as specified.
Self-represented litigants must staple all papers separately before filing, or they will be rejected.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals; multi-page exhibits must have sequentially numbered pages.
Motions in limine must be submitted in a tabbed binder with a table of contents.
Self-represented litigants must staple all papers separately before filing, or they will be rejected.
Printed jury instructions delivered to Dept F49 must be on 2-hole punched, perforated paper.
Case Management Conference statements must be filed on Judicial Council Form CM-110 within 5 days of the hearing.
A hard copy trial binder must be submitted to the court 7 court days before the Final Status Conference, organized with tabs for required documents.
Joint Witness Lists must be organized with specific columns for witness details, party calling, testimony estimates, and total exam length.
If there are more than 6 total motions in limine, they must be organized in a separate three-ring binder.
Exhibit binders must include four tabbed, numerically organized three-ring binders with one-sided copies of exhibits.
All requested jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper.
Joint Case Management Conference Statement Addendum must be filed in the attached format.
Jury trial binders must include tabbed sections A-H with specified documents; trial briefs are optional.
All papers filed by self-represented litigants must be stapled separately before filing or will be rejected.
All document exhibits must be placed in tabbed binders with numbered pages, exhibit list included, and provided to judge, staff, and opposing counsel.
Hard copy jury instructions must be on 2-hole punched, perforated paper.
Papers filed directly by self-represented litigants must be stapled separately before filing or will be rejected.
Trial exhibits must be placed in tabbed binders with numbered pages, exhibit list included, and brought to court first day of trial.
All exhibits must be pre-numbered and exchanged before reference, except good faith impeachment exhibits.
Multi-page documentary exhibits must be internally paginated sequentially.
Administrative records in prerogative writ proceedings must be Bates-stamped consecutively, and briefs must cite to Bates-stamped page numbers.
Administrative records must be bound in side-bound three-inch binders (spiral preferred, three-ring acceptable), with volume and page range on spine for three-ring binders.
Evidence in traditional mandamus cases presented separately must be bound in side-bound three-inch binders (spiral preferred, three-ring acceptable).
Joint appendices in prerogative writ proceedings must be single spiral or three-ring binders containing the administrative decision followed by cited pages in Bates-stamp order with tabs, only including cited pages.
Trial notebooks in prerogative writ proceedings must include petition, briefs, judicial notice requests, separated by tabs, in 1- or 3-inch binders, lodged with reply brief.
Drop-off ex parte applications must be marked on the initial page as 'drop-off review only'.
Order Approving Compromise must be on Judicial Council form MC-351.
Parties must submit pre-marked exhibits and a working copy to the clerk before trial; voluminous exhibits should be tabbed binders.
Gestational surrogacy petition documents must be tabbed, labeled, and include an index.
Pro per defendant documents may use any paper, but must be legibly printed in pencil or typed.
Briefs must be two-hole punched, secured with Acco fastener, no attachments; must cite time stamps for official electronic recording references; comply with Cal. Rules of Court 8.883 (civil/misdemeanor) or 8.928 (infraction).
Appendixes for civil appeals must be two-hole punched at top and secured with Acco-type fastener.
E-filed documents must be text-searchable PDF when feasible.
Table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked.
E-filed documents must be bookmarked with links to first page of each item and descriptive titles.
Attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked.
Each document accompanying a pleading must be a separate PDF.
All electronic filings must comply with California Rules of Court rule 2.257 for electronic signatures.
Briefs must be two-hole punched, secured with Acco-type fastener, and no attachments or exhibits are allowed.
Facsimile filings must comply with California Rules of Court rules 2.301 through 2.305.
Writs and abstracts must be submitted in a separate electronic envelope.
Proposed orders must be separate searchable PDFs; editable version required if on pleading paper.
Password-protected documents are prohibited and will be rejected.
Common rejection reasons include non-searchable PDFs, incorrect filing document names, mismatched data.
E-filed documents have no envelope document count or total size limit, but 200MB per document, same case per envelope, one lead document per envelope.
E-filed documents must be PDF text searchable when technologically feasible.
Motions in Limine Binders must be three-ring bound, tabbed, one-sided, and lodged 5 calendar days before the Final Status Conference.
Exhibit Binders must be three-ring bound, tabbed, internally paginated, one-sided, and five sets must be prepared.
Trial Binders must be three-ring bound, tabbed, one-sided, include a table of contents, and be lodged 5 calendar days before the Final Status Conference.
Proposed orders must be submitted in PDF and Word formats, with Word as a separate document in the same electronic transaction.
Table of contents for any submitted document must be bookmarked.
Electronic documents (declarations, proofs of service, exhibits) must be bookmarked with links to first page and descriptive titles.
Accompanying documents must be submitted as separate PDF digital documents.
Proposed jury instructions must be printed on one side only, one instruction per page.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals, page numbered, exchanged 5 days before FSC, lodged first day of trial, 5 tabbed/paginated sets required.
Multiple motions in limine must be tabbed, indexed, and submitted in a 3-ring binder lodged at FSC.
Three tabbed, marked, paginated exhibit binders are required for trial: Court, Judicial Assistant, Witness.
All electronically filed documents must be bookmarked and searchable per Local Rule 3.4.
Trial continuance requests must not use LASC CIV CTRL-242 or similar optional forms.
Trial Binder must have front/side labels and an index as the first page.
Multi-page documentary exhibits must be internally paginated sequentially.
Exhibits must show only one page number per page; others must be covered.
Exhibit Binders must have front/side labels, conformed joint exhibit list first, exhibits numbered and tabbed.
All filings must be PDF, text searchable, bookmarked per CRC 31110(f)(4), and include hyperlinks as required by the General Order.
Proposed special jury instructions must have at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals, pages numbered sequentially, exchanged 14 calendar days before FSC, lodged first day of trial, with tabbed/paginated binders for Court, staff, witnesses, and opposing parties.
Joint trial binder with tabbed sections for all trial documents must be provided to Court at Final Status Conference.
Motions to compel further responses require a four-column joint statement with specified columns.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals; multi-page exhibits must have sequentially numbered pages.
Motions in limine, oppositions, and replies must be bound in a tabbed 3-ring binder with table of contents.
Motions in limine must be numbered consecutively in the caption.
Exhibits must be bate stamped and tabbed with numbers matching joint exhibit list.
All electronically filed documents must be text-searchable and include bookmarks.
Joint trial binders must be organized with specified tabbed sections; motions in limine should be in a separate binder if numerous, with plaintiff's first, numbered tabs, and colored sheets between motion papers.
Exhibits must be tabbed, internally paginated, properly marked, organized numerically in three-ring binders for court, judicial assistant, and witnesses, with non-documentary exhibits described.
Final jury instructions and verdict forms must not include citations, party identification, or attorney letterhead/markings, and must be suitable for jury deliberation.
Motions in limine papers must be lodged in indexed, tabbed three-ring binder 5 court days before FSC.
Proposed special jury instructions must have 4 inches of blank space at top of each page.
Motions in Limine Binder must be two-sided, conformed copies in 3" three-ring binders, tabbed, indexed, with colored separators.
Trial notebook must be provided in paper format to the court.
Electronic versions of trial documents must be in Microsoft Word or compatible format on USB/CD, or emailed to Department P.
Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted as editable Word (DOCX) files to the court’s resource email.
Proposed special jury instructions must have at least 4 inches of blank space at the top of every page.
All e-filed documents must be text-searchable PDF; attachments must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.
Jury trial parties must submit a tabbed three-ring binder with a table of contents and specified labeled documents.
Jury trial binders must comply with Standing Order ¶¶ 16-18 requirements.
Verdict forms must be submitted in WORD format via email to smcdept37@lacourt.org.
Proposed special jury instructions must have at least four inches of blank space at the top of each page.
Motions in Limine Binder must be three-ring binders with one-sided conformed copies, tabbed numerically, colored sheets separating papers.
Exhibit Binders require one-sided documentary copies, marked non-documentary exhibits with written descriptions behind tabs.
Exhibits must be in tabbed three-ring binders with internal page numbering, exhibit list in front, three copies provided to court, judicial assistant, and witness.
Electronic version of jury instructions must be submitted in Word format on a thumb drive.
Electronic version of verdict form must be submitted in Word format on a thumb drive.
Three sets of tabbed, internally paginated exhibits in three-ring binders required for TRC.
All electronically filed documents must be bookmarked and searchable.
Motion in limine papers must be bound in an indexed tabbed three-ring binder for lodging.
Deposition page/line designation charts must be submitted in a three-ring binder with supporting transcripts.
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted in an indexed tabbed binder with full text, CACI forms, and 4 inches of blank top margin.
Exhibits must be separately numbered with internal page numbering for multi-page exhibits.
Counsel must prepare separate exhibit sets for the Court, witness stand, and Judicial Assistant.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals and each page numbered sequentially.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with the exhibit number and have a page number on each page.
An additional copy of jury instructions must be provided to the court in Microsoft Word format on a flash drive.
Table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked.
Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on form SCLAC LACIV 129 or a matching Word document format.
Exhibit binders must be tabbed three-ring binders with one-sided copies, numerically organized exhibits, each with separate exhibit numbers.
E-filed documents must be in PDF, text searchable format when feasible.
All e-filed documents must be bookmarked with links to first page of each item and descriptive titles.
Attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked.
Each document accompanying a single pleading must be a separate PDF.
All e-filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked.
All electronically filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked.
Courtesy copies must have exhibits separated by tabs extending below the page, per CRC 3.1110(t).
PowerPoint presentations and displays to the jury must be filed as paper copies.
FSC Exhibit Books must be 5 tabbed, indexed sets delivered to Dept. B.
Trial and exhibit binders must be three-ring bound, with 5 exhibit binders and at least 4 trial binders required.
Verdict forms must be submitted in MS Word (DOCX) format.
Notice of case resolution must be prepared on 28-lined legal paper.
Jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper to allow separation of instruction ID and text.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with an exhibit number and have a page number on each page.
Jury instruction display copies must be in Word format, Arial 14pt font, landscape orientation, no headers/footers except title/CACI numbers, sent via email to LBCDeptS29@LACourt.org.
Hard copies of agreed and not-agreed jury instructions must be filed 5 court days before the final status conference.
Exhibits must be prepared in three-ring binders with numbered divider tabs, with copies for court, clerk, witnesses, and counsel, prior to trial.
Trial exhibits require 5 sets, tabs between exhibits, plaintiffs use numbers, defendants use letters or 101+.
Trial exhibits must be Bates stamped, tabbed, and provided in 3 binders for opposing counsel, witness, and court.
Motions in limine must be in writing, numbered, and filed/served per Local Rule 3.25(f)(2).
Special verdict forms must be in MS Word (DOCX) format.
Exhibits must be separately identified, Bates stamped, consecutively paginated, no bulk exhibits, and blow-ups are not admitted.
Parties must place exhibits in tabbed three-ring binders, with one binder for each party, clerk, judge, and witness stand (5 total in typical two-party cases).
Exhibits must be pre-numbered numerically (plaintiffs start at 1, defendants at 101), with no letters, no grouping, multiple pages numbered, exchanged except impeachment exhibits.
Exhibits must be pre-numbered, exchanged (except impeachment exhibits), placed in tabbed three-ring binders with party-specific numbering and no letter designations.
Electronically filed documents must be in text-searchable PDF format.
E-filing signatures must comply with Cal. Rules of Court 2.257.
Declarations, proofs of service, and exhibits must be text searchable (when feasible) and bookmarked.
Each document must be e-filed as a separate PDF.
Proposed orders must have at least two lines of substantive text above the judge’s signature line on the last page.
Each document accompanying a single pleading must be e-filed as a separate PDF.
E-filed documents must be text-searchable PDF when feasible without impairing the document image.
Table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked.
All electronic documents must be bookmarked with links to first page of each item and descriptive titles.
Attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked (exhibits, transcripts, points and authorities, etc.).
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with number tabs, each page numbered, exhibit list included, and five binders provided.
Electronic versions of trial documents must be in Microsoft Word or compatible format on USB/CD, or emailed to Department P.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with the exhibit number and have a page number on each page.
An additional copy of jury instructions must be provided to the court in Microsoft Word format on a flash drive.
Documentary exhibits must be internally paginated; foreign language exhibits require certified English translation.
Jury instructions must be in clean format with no brackets, blank spaces, or multiple pronoun options.
All e-filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked.
Courtesy copies must have each exhibit separated by a tab extending below the bottom of the page.
Jury instructions must be in Word, Times New Roman, 14 point font.
Documents must be filed in PDF text-searchable format; attachments must be bookmarked per CRC 8.74.
Joint appendix must be in a three-inch spiral bound or three-ring binder; multiple volumes must be labeled on cover/spine.
Joint appendix must be hard copy; complete record may be submitted electronically (USB preferred) and must be searchable by Bates-stamp number.
Do not attach documents, use miniscule font, or exceed the allotted space on the IDC form.
Parties must assign different numbers or letters to their motions in limine to avoid duplication and confusion.
Name on signature line of Joint Case Management Conference Statement Addendum must be typed or printed.
Documentary exhibits must be internally paginated; foreign language exhibits require certified English translation.
Joint motion in limine binders must be tabbed with each motion followed by the corresponding opposition.
Exhibit binders must have pre-numbered exhibits inserted behind corresponding numbered tabs.
A tabbed binder containing all required pretrial filings must be prepared for the Court.
Court cannot accept evidence on USB/flash drive; submit evidence via email drop box.
Jury instructions must be in clean format with no brackets, blank spaces, or multiple pronoun options.
Exhibits should be marked with arabic numerals, with each party allocated a sequential number block.
Use of hyperlinks in documents is strongly encouraged.
Exhibits should be marked with arabic numerals, with each party allocated a sequential number block.
Hyperlinks in documents and attachments are strongly encouraged.
Scanning documents for e-filing recommended at 300 DPI resolution.
EFSPs recommend maximum 200MB per document for e-filings.
Accepted e-filed documents have filed stamp on first page upper right corner.
Hyperlinks within documents (including exhibits and attachments) are strongly encouraged.
Multiple case-related documents may be submitted in one electronic envelope.
Trial exhibits must be provided in binders, with three copies prepared for court use.
Tabbed 3-ring trial readiness binder required for TRC; USB drive with electronic copies recommended.
Hyperlinks in documents and attachments are strongly encouraged.
Discovery documents may be provided in PDF format at the producing party's option.
A Word-format computer disk of agreed jury instructions must be brought to court on the first day of trial.
A Word-format CD of the proposed verdict form must be brought to court on the first day of trial.
Use of hyperlinks within documents and attachments is strongly encouraged.
Eastern District of New York
View all rules for EDNY.Memoranda must be double-spaced, use one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font, and footnotes of at least 10-point font.
By the first day of jury selection, parties must provide tabbed exhibit binders to the Court, with spine labels showing exhibit ranges if multiple binders are used.
All memoranda must be filed in text-searchable form.
Memoranda must use Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins.
Memoranda must be double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12pt, footnotes 10pt minimum.
Joint Pre-Trial Order must use specified font type and size from Part III, Section D.
Letter briefs are not permitted.
Memoranda must use Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
PDF e-filings must be OCR-readable.
All PDF electronic filings must be OCR-readable.
Requests to charge and proposed verdict sheets must be in Microsoft Word format.
Sentencing memoranda must be filed as OCR-readable PDFs.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict-sheet materials must be submitted to chambers by email in Microsoft Word format.
Letter-briefs must use 12-point font including footnotes.
Memoranda must use double spacing and 12-point or larger font including footnotes.
Letters exceeding 2 pages or 700 words must be double spaced; 12 point font required for all submissions.
Case citations must include pinpoint citations.
Hard copy exhibits must be pre-marked with stickers, in binders (max 2.5 inches) or manila folders in redweld folders with case labeling.
All submissions must be text-searchable.
One week before trial, parties must provide three tabbed binders containing all exhibit copies.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable where practicable, and non-compliant filings may be stricken.
Letter briefs are not permitted.
All memoranda must meet specified formatting and filing-content requirements, including 12-point font, one-inch margins, text-searchability, and service-date cover notation.
Objections and responses to R&Rs must follow the same formatting standards as Rule III.C.2.
Parties must provide three tabbed binders of all trial exhibits one week before trial unless the Court orders otherwise.
Jury charge requests, proposed verdict sheets, and proposed voir dire questions must be filed on ECF and provided to chambers in PDF and Word no later than three weeks before trial unless ordered otherwise.
Documents must be drafted in Word with one-inch margins, at least 12-point Times New Roman, and no kerning.
Memoranda must be in Word format with Times New Roman 12-point or larger, one-inch margins, double spacing, and visible service date on the front cover.
The proposed document must be provided to chambers in Microsoft Word format via email.
In § 2254 habeas proceedings, each state-court-record attachment must be individually identified by exhibit rather than generically labeled.
PDF e-filings must be OCR-readable.
All PDF electronic filings must be OCR-readable.
Requests to charge and proposed verdict sheets must be in Microsoft Word format.
Sentencing memoranda must be filed as OCR-readable PDFs.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict-sheet materials must be submitted to chambers by email in Microsoft Word format.
Memoranda must be double-spaced, use one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font, and footnotes of at least 10-point font.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable.
By the first day of jury selection, parties must provide tabbed exhibit binders to the Court, with spine labels showing exhibit ranges if multiple binders are used.
Requests to charge must be submitted to chambers both in hard copy and electronically in Word format.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked, exchanged, tabbed in binders, and delivered to the Court.
Criminal pretrial courtesy submissions must include an electronic-media copy in Word format.
Proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar submissions must be provided in PDF format via ECF and email to Chambers.
Memoranda must use Times New Roman 12-point font, one-inch margins, and may not use condensed or kerned character spacing.
Affidavits must use Times New Roman 12-point font and one-inch margins.
Summary judgment deposition exhibits must use one testimony page per exhibit page, and mini-transcripts are prohibited.
Memoranda on motions in limine must comply with the standing formatting and page-limit requirements in Section IV.B.2.
Requests to charge, proposed verdict sheets, and proposed voir dire questions must be filed on ECF and provided to Chambers in PDF and Word at least 10 business days before trial unless otherwise ordered.
Documents filed under a court-ordered confidentiality agreement are exempt from ECF and must be filed in hard copy.
Ex parte settlement or mediation statements under Rule 5.B are exempt from ECF and must be filed in hard copy.
Pro se litigants are exempt from ECF filing, while represented parties must still file electronically even in pro se cases.
Memoranda of law must use one-inch margins, double spacing, and 12-point font.
When plaintiff is represented by counsel, parties must send a Microsoft Word version of the stipulation of facts to Chambers by email.
Proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar proposed language must be submitted in Word to Chambers and filed in PDF on ECF, except dismissal/settlement stipulations unless specifically requested.
When citing jury instructions from another case, parties must submit a PDF version to Chambers by email.
All submissions must follow Local Rules, including Local Civil Rule 7.1(c) length and formatting requirements for briefs, motions, and other papers.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable where practicable, and non-compliant filings may be stricken.
Every ECF filing must be text searchable.
Each exhibit filed on ECF must be uploaded as a separate PDF file.
Motion papers must follow specified margin, font, spacing, line-count, and footnote formatting requirements.
Electronic copies must be submitted in Word format rather than PDF.
Memoranda must use 12-point text (11-point footnotes), one-inch margins, and be filed in text-searchable format.
A joint proposed pre-trial order must be filed by the court-ordered deadline and must follow the presiding District Judge’s required format.
In habeas cases, each State Court Record attachment filed electronically must be 5 megabytes or less.
The JPTO must use 12-point Times New Roman throughout.
Memoranda must use double spacing, one-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font, footnotes of at least 10-point font, and no condensed or kerned spacing.
Letter briefs are prohibited.
Joint pretrial orders must follow the memorandum-formatting requirements in Section III.C.3.
Parties must provide tabbed pre-marked exhibit binders by trial with size and labeling requirements.
Parties must provide tabbed exhibit binders by the first day of trial, keep each binder at or under two inches, label covers/spines with case details and contents, and double-sided printing is encouraged.
Memoranda must comply with Local Civil Rule 11.1(b) on typeface, margins, and spacing.
Memoranda must use double spacing, reasonable margins, and 12-point or larger font.
Exhibits must be pre-marked and exchanged 10 business days before trial; voluminous exhibits in tabbed binders.
Briefs must use Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins.
Exhibits must be premarked and exchanged 10 days before trial; voluminous exhibits require binders with tabs.
All submissions must be text-searchable to the extent practicable.
Memoranda must use Georgia or Times New Roman 12-point font with 12-point footnotes and one-inch margins.
Parties must provide three tabbed binders with all exhibits, exhibit list, and witness list by the Friday before trial.
Memoranda must use Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins.
Memoranda must use Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins.
Memoranda must use 12-point font (11-point footnotes), 1-inch margins, text-searchable format, and front cover service date.
All papers must include docket number and judge initials (NJC for District Judge and assigned Magistrate Judge).
ECF filing is mandatory for civil (except pro se) and criminal cases.
All memoranda of law must use 12-point Times New Roman (including footnotes) and one-inch margins on all sides.
The Court prohibits exhibit submission by CD-ROM or flash drive.
Each exhibit must be submitted as a PDF by email to Chambers, with filenames matching exhibit numbers.
Exhibits cannot be submitted by CD-ROM or flash drive, and non-emailable digital media exhibits must use EDNY's digital media submission procedure.
CD-ROM and flash drive exhibit submissions are prohibited, and non-emailable digital media exhibits must use the EDNY digital media exhibit submission procedure.
The exhibit list must be submitted in a Word document with four specified columns.
Exhibits must be provided in three sets of tabbed binders with the case caption on each binder’s spine and front cover.
Large video or audio exhibits cannot be submitted by email, USB, or CD.
All non-video/audio evidence, including images, must be converted to PDF and electronically filed.
In pro se cases, represented parties must e-file and serve copies on pro se litigants.
Joint pretrial orders must use double spacing, one-inch margins, and 12-point Times New Roman font.
Multipage evidence documents must be paginated before trial, though existing Bates or other pagination is acceptable.
Word-processing files are mandatory for proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar filings.
All submissions must be text-searchable.
Summary-judgment accompanying filings must comply with the Court's Local Rule 56.1 formatting and filing requirements.
Before trial, parties must provide three tabbed binders containing all exhibit copies.
Counsel are required to file all documents electronically.
Proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar proposed writings must be filed on ECF and emailed to chambers in PDF and Word format, with specified exceptions unless requested.
Memoranda of law must use 12-point font (10-point footnotes), one-inch margins, be text-searchable, and show the date of service on the front cover.
In jury cases, specified trial filings must be filed on ECF and provided to chambers in PDF and Word format at least two weeks before trial unless otherwise ordered.
Parties must deliver three tabbed exhibit binders before trial with pre-marked exhibits, unless the Court orders otherwise.
Memoranda must follow specific typography, margin, and text-searchable filing requirements.
In jury cases, requests to charge, proposed verdict sheets, and proposed voir dire questions must be filed on ECF and provided to chambers in PDF and Word at least 2 weeks before trial.
Letter-briefs must use 12-point font including footnotes.
Memoranda must use double spacing and 12-point or larger font including footnotes.
Letters exceeding 2 pages or 700 words must be double spaced; 12 point font required for all submissions.
Case citations must include pinpoint citations.
Hard copy exhibits must be pre-marked with stickers, in binders (max 2.5 inches) or manila folders in redweld folders with case labeling.
All memoranda must be filed in text-searchable form.
Memoranda of law must use one-inch margins, double spacing, and 12-point font.
Proposed requests to charge must be submitted in Word format.
All memoranda of law must be double-spaced and use reasonable margins and font formatting.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked, organized in tabbed binders, exchanged with other parties, and delivered to the Court at least ten days before trial.
Proposed jury charges must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed jury charges must be submitted in Microsoft Word or WordPerfect format.
Requests to charge must be submitted 7 days before trial in hard copy, with electronic versions sent to chambers by email.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable to the maximum extent possible.
Proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar submissions should be emailed to chambers in Word and filed on ECF in PDF, with stipulations exempt from Word-file submission unless specifically requested.
Memoranda of law should comply with Local Rule 7.1 length and formatting requirements.
The Chambers copy of the proposed order should be provided in Microsoft Word format.
The listed jury-trial pretrial submissions should also be emailed to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed jury charges should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format when feasible.
All written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable to maximum extent possible.
Courtesy copies must be securely bound along the left margin to lie flat when opened.
Exhibits must be tabbed; exhibits over 50 pages should not be bound to the brief.
Non-text exhibits impractical to file electronically should be submitted on CD to Clerk's Office and Chambers.
Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable.
Memoranda must be in 12-point Times New Roman.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Documents over 700 words or 2 pages must use reasonable margins, double spacing, and 12pt+ font.
Memoranda of law should comply with Local Rule 7.1 length and formatting requirements.
Plaintiff exhibits must be pre-marked numerically and defendant exhibits must be pre-marked alphabetically.
Multipage documents intended for evidence must be paginated before trial.
All electronic submissions to chambers, including PDF e-filings, must be OCR-readable.
Exhibits must be clearly marked and orderly tabbed.
Exhibits must be premarked and exchanged at least 10 days before trial.
Plaintiff exhibits must use numeric premarking and defendant exhibits must use letter premarking.
Multi-page evidentiary documents must be paginated by counsel before trial.
Memoranda must be in 12-point Times New Roman.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable to the maximum extent possible.
Proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar submissions should be emailed to chambers in Word and filed on ECF in PDF, with stipulations exempt from Word-file submission unless specifically requested.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable where practicable.
Exhibits to affidavits or affirmations must be separately tabbed and indexed for both ECF and courtesy copies.
For summary judgment motions, only relevant deposition excerpts may be attached, and excerpts must include material needed for completeness under Rule 106.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Confidential transcript portions and related exhibits must be separately bound and labeled “Confidential Information.”
Summary judgment filings must comply with the Court’s formatting and filing requirements for Local Rule 56.1 statements and evidentiary materials.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable where practicable.
For summary-judgment exhibits, complete deposition transcripts must not be attached, and only cited relevant pages should be attached.
Exhibits filed on ECF must be clearly labeled with specific identifiers, not generic “Exhibit” labels.
Voluminous exhibits should be paginated and organized in tabbed binders.
Depositions used on summary judgment must be filed in full (condensed) format.
Exhibit copies for the Court must be tabbed sequentially in loose-leaf binders or, if voluminous, organized in labeled manila folders in a suitable container.
Dispositive-motion memoranda must follow Local Civil Rule 7.1(c) formatting and length limits unless the Court grants prior permission otherwise.
Proposed pre-trial jury submissions sent to Chambers should be in Microsoft Word format.
Memoranda must use one-inch margins, double spacing, and 12-point font.
Each trial exhibit must be individually paginated, with each exhibit’s page numbering restarting at 1.
Discovery letter motions and responses must use reasonable margins and 12-point font.
All memoranda of law must be double-spaced, in 12-point font, with reasonable margins.
Documents covered by this section must be filed on ECF in PDF and emailed to Chambers in word-processing format, with Word preferred, WordPerfect accepted, and stipulations exempt unless requested.
Parties must submit jury materials in word processing format per Section II.C in addition to ECF filing.
Voluminous exhibits must be organized in binders with tabs for trial.
In limine motions and oppositions must be filed as letter motions.
Proposed orders and jury instructions must be submitted to chambers in Microsoft Word format.
Courtesy copies must be securely bound along the left margin to lie flat when opened.
Exhibits must be tabbed; exhibits over 50 pages should not be bound to the brief.
Multi-page evidentiary documents must be paginated before trial, though existing Bates stamps or pagination may suffice.
Non-text exhibits impractical to file electronically should be submitted on CD to Clerk's Office and Chambers.
Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable.
Proposed jury charges should be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format when feasible.
All submissions must be text-searchable except pro se filings.
Plaintiff exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers; defendant exhibits with letters.
Word-processing files are mandatory for proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar filings.
Text-searchable submissions are mandatory except for pro se litigants.
Submissions must be text-searchable except for pro se filings.
Memoranda must be text-searchable and must display the date of service on the front cover.
These jury-related pretrial documents should also be emailed to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.
At filing, parties should email copies of these non-jury submissions in PDF format to the Court.
Parties are responsible for printing their own trial materials; the Court will not print them.
Proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar proposed writings should be submitted to chambers in Word format.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable where practicable.
State-court-record submissions should be text-searchable when possible.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
These jury-related submissions should be provided in word-processor format unless the Court orders otherwise.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable to the extent practicable.
The Pretrial Order must use a uniform font type and size throughout.
Memoranda of law must follow Local Rule 7.1 length and formatting requirements.
Any proposed changes to the court’s confidentiality order must be clearly marked, such as by using Track Changes.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable when practicable.
Multi-page documentary exhibits must be paginated by counsel before trial.
Written submissions and supporting materials must be text-searchable where practicable.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Multi-page evidentiary documents must be paginated by counsel before trial.
A joint proposed jury charge should be submitted in Word Perfect format on disk.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Documents over 700 words or 2 pages must use reasonable margins, double spacing, and 12pt+ font.
The Chambers copy of the proposed order should be provided in Microsoft Word format.
The listed jury-trial pretrial submissions should also be emailed to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.
All letters must use one-inch margins, single spacing, and 12-point font.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
Parties must provide one copy of all exhibits and the exhibits must be pre-marked and organized in binders.
Letter briefs are prohibited.
Each trial exhibit must be individually paginated, with each exhibit’s page numbering restarting at 1.
Text searchable format is preferred for ECF filings.
ECF submissions should be text-searchable PDFs created electronically, not scanned.
Exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
When feasible, these trial-submission materials should also be provided on CD in Microsoft Word format.
Double-sided printing for trial exhibit binders is encouraged.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in a tabbed binder.
Text searchable format is preferred for ECF filings.
ECF submissions should be text-searchable PDFs created electronically, not scanned.
Voluminous exhibits should be organized in tabbed binders.
When feasible, these trial-submission materials should also be provided on CD in Microsoft Word format.
Northern District of California
View all rules for NDCA.Footnotes must be 12-point font or larger and not used to circumvent page limits; sentences must be separated by 2 spaces.
Exhibits must be premarked, tabbed, and in binders with specific numbering.
Chambers copies must be double-sided with ECF stamp.
Exhibits must have labels along the right side.
Exhibits over 2 inches thick require binder (max 3 inches).
Social Security chambers copies require binders with tabbed documents.
Moving separate statement must be organized in chart format as shown in Attachment A.
Responsive separate statement must be organized in chart format as shown in Attachment A.
Discovery joint statements must use at least 12-point font.
Joint letters must be filed in ECF under specific category, in text-searchable PDF, max 5 pages, 12pt font, 1-inch margins.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs compatible with screen readers
Exhibits must be filed separately on ECF with sequential numbering.
Exhibits must be filed separately on ECF in searchable OCR format.
Exhibit numbers must be labeled in lower-right corner in bold
Proposed findings must be submitted in Word format via email
Proposed schedules must use absolute dates, not relative dates.
File each motion, declaration, and exhibit as separate searchable PDF with clear name.
Telephonic appearances must use land line, not mobile phone.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs unless self-represented.
Settlement statements must be lodged 7 days before conference (14 days for 4+ parties) in hard copy or emailed if under 20 pages.
Joint proposed final pretrial order and proposed findings must be submitted by email, thumb drive, and hard copies (three-hole punched).
Deposition designation requires specific photocopying and formatting.
Provide bench binder with exhibits on first day of trial using 1-1/2-inch binders with locking rings.
Exhibit labels must be in lower right-hand corner in prominent, bold typeface.
Exhibits must be premarked, tagged, three-hole punched, and submitted in binders to chambers (not filed).
Motions in limine must be clearly identified with party name and topic.
Judge's exhibit copy requires three-ring binders with tagged, three-hole-punched exhibits and labeled dividers.
Official exhibit copy requires thumb drive with each exhibit as separate sequentially-named file.
Exhibit tags require counsel to fill exhibit and case numbers only, leaving date and by fields blank.
Judge's copy of exhibits must be in three-ring binders with tagged, punched, and labeled dividers.
Official copy must be on thumb drive with sequentially named exhibit files.
Exhibits must be sequentially numbered, not lettered, with blocks assigned per party.
Each exhibit should be marked only once, not re-marked by opposing party.
Exhibit tags: lower right corner of first page, or lower left corner of back of last page for photos.
Upload all pretrial filings to Box.com with ECF headers and specific naming convention.
Pretrial documents must be submitted in Word format via email to specified address.
Exhibits must be sequentially numbered, not lettered, with blocks assigned to parties.
Single exhibit marked only once; different versions get different numbers.
Witnesses cannot write on admitted exhibits; use new copies with new numbers.
Electronic binder via Box.com required for pretrial filings; request link 21 days before pretrial conference.
Exhibits must be uploaded to Box.com 5 days before trial, each as separate sequentially-named files.
Exhibits must be sequentially numbered, not lettered, with blocks assigned per party.
An exhibit should only be marked once; parties should not re-mark the same document.
Different versions of the same document must be treated as separate exhibits with different numbers.
Witnesses cannot write on admitted exhibits; use new numbered exhibits for markings.
Voluminous exhibits must be reduced or summarized; each must be pre-marked with trial exhibit stickers in numbered sequence; numerous exhibits should be in three-ring binders with tabs.
Exhibit numbers must be assigned in blocks per party; duplicate exhibits must not be marked.
Settlement statements must be lodged 7 days before conference (14 days for 4+ parties) in hard copy or emailed if under 20 pages.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs unless filed by pro se litigants.
Exhibit numbers must be labeled in lower-right corner in bold typeface.
Parties must use non-overlapping exhibit number ranges with room for additional exhibits.
Exhibit numbers must be labeled in lower-right corner in bold
Proposed findings must be submitted in Word format via email
Chambers copies must include ECF filing stamp with case number, docket number, date, and page number.
Chambers copies: ≤100 pages stapled/brads; >100 pages three-hole punched in 3-ring binder.
All exhibits must be clearly marked and individually tabbed.
E-filed documents must be cited as Dkt. No.__ at ___.
All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.
Footnotes must be 12-point type and double-spaced.
Citations to legal authorities or evidence must be in the body of the brief, not in footnotes.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers on tags affixed to back of last page.
All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.
Footnotes must be 12-point type and double-spaced.
Must use Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instructions with redlines/highlights for deviations
Trial exhibits must be numbered sequentially, not lettered.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers in lower-right corner, using non-overlapping ranges.
MILs and oppositions must be in tabbed three-ring binder with separate tabs for each document.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs (waived for pro se litigants).
Exhibits must be labeled with exhibit number in lower-right corner in bold typeface.
Proposed orders must be emailed in MS Word format; email address is restricted to proposed orders only.
Joint statements must be in text-searchable PDF format with double-spacing and 12-point font.
Motions and declarations must be filed as separate PDFs on ECF.
Briefs must use Times New Roman 12pt, double-spaced, with specific exclusions from page count.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs; waived for pro se litigants.
E-filing parties must submit proposed orders in Microsoft Word format to askpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
Proposed orders must be in Word (DOCX) format.
Only excerpts of the specific discovery request or response may be submitted as exhibits with joint discovery dispute letters.
Exhibits to motions must be separately filed on ECF with sequential docket numbering (parent docket number-exhibit number).
Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs whenever possible.
Proposed orders must be sent in Microsoft Word format to rflpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
All briefs must use Times New Roman size 12 font, double spaced, including footnotes.
Footnotes cannot contain substantive arguments, be overly lengthy, or be used to exceed page limits; non-compliant filings may be struck.
Expert reports must number each paragraph, list and number all opinions, and provide executive summary if applicable.
Preliminary approval documents must be in Microsoft Word format sent to the specified chambers email.
Proposed notices must use plain language and avoid unnecessary acronyms.
Proposed notices must cover all issues in the Federal Judicial Center’s Notice Checklist.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be in Word-compatible format.
Securities allegations chart must follow the specified table format with required columns and row content.
The Involved Individuals List must be sent in Word format.
Exhibits must be labeled with exhibit number in bold prominent typeface in lower-right corner, using non-overlapping number ranges with spare numbers for trial additions.
Parties must deliver one set of pre-marked exhibits in clearly labeled three-ring binders to Clerk’s office 7 calendar days before trial, with binder spine ≤3 inches where possible.
Proposed findings must be submitted in Word format via email to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
Sealed PDFs must have bookmarked exhibits, highlighted sealed material, and ECF stamps on each page where possible.
E-filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs; requirement waived for self-represented litigants.
Electronic copies of proposed orders must be sent in Word format to specified email.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with the exhibit number in prominent bold typeface in the lower-right corner, using non-overlapping number ranges with sufficient unused numbers for additional trial exhibits.
Summary judgment motion and opposition materials must be submitted in 3-ring binders with tabs separating documents; exemption applies to habeas, ERISA, and Social Security summary judgment cases.
Parties filing or opposing summary judgment motions must submit a separate statement in the required format, except pro se plaintiffs are exempt.
Parties must cite to the record and underline/highlight specific lines relied upon.
Proposed orders on sealing requests must be formatted as a chart with columns for document identifier, requested action (seal/redact/unseal), and court ruling.
Footnotes must be at least 12-point font and include a single paragraph space between footnotes.
The Court may strike burdensome or illegible filings and require refiling per District guidance.
Uploaded PDF attachments must follow the required naming convention, including the docket number and document description.
Flash drives delivered to chambers must be labeled with the case name and number; PDF attachments must be text-searchable, include the ECF header, and follow proper file naming, except for pro se litigants.
All briefs must use Times New Roman size 12 font and double spacing.
Proposed notices must be carefully written and in plain English, or the motion for preliminary approval will be rejected.
Pretrial filings must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format.
Specified pretrial documents must be in Microsoft Word format.
All exhibits must be marked and referred to as 'Trial Exhibit No. _____' rather than party-specific names.
All trial exhibits must be uploaded as separate files named sequentially to sort in order.
Exhibits must be sequentially numbered without letters, using deposition numbers if possible and party-specific blocks.
Defendants should not re-mark the same document with a new number; different document versions are separate exhibits.
Exhibit tags must be placed in specified locations based on exhibit type and page count.
Exhibits must be published via poster blow-up, courtroom technology transmission, or other allowed method, and highlighting/circling/underscoring enlargements is permitted if clearly not on the original.
Deposition/discovery designation materials must be submitted on a thumb drive and as one hard-copy set organized to match objections/responses without a separate spreadsheet.
Parties must provide their own evidence presentation equipment, share equipment where possible, maintain electronic equipment or have technician support, and tape extension cords to the carpet for safety.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must include record citations, be brief, in plain English, free of pejorative language, and have hyperlinked citations where possible.
Each trial exhibit must be a separate file, named sequentially to sort correctly.
Exhibits must be sequentially numbered (not lettered), with blocks assigned per party.
Exhibits must be marked only once; different versions of the same document are separate exhibits.
Exhibits must be marked as 'Trial Exhibit No. [number]', not party-specific names.
Exhibit tags must be placed on the lower right corner of the first page, or the back of the last page if the exhibit is a photograph or has insufficient front-page space.
E-filing parties must submit proposed orders in Microsoft Word format to askpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
Chambers copies must include ECF filing stamp with case number, docket number, date, and ECF page number.
All pleadings must be three-hole punched.
Exhibits must be separated by tabs.
Chambers copies must be marked “Chambers Copy” and submitted in envelope marked “Magistrate Judge Sallie Kim” with case number.
Deposition excerpts must be highlighted for ease of reference.
Class action notices must use plain language without unnecessary acronyms.
PDF documents must be text-searchable unless filing pro se.
The emailed stipulation or proposed order must be in Word format.
Exhibits should be filed in searchable OCR format when possible.
Chambers copies must include PACER/ECF header and judge's initials.
Filings must be bound; exhibits must be tabbed; thick filings need binders.
Duplicative visual aids discouraged for claim construction.
Binders must be transportable and spine no wider than 3 inches
Footnotes must be at least 12-point type and used sparingly.
Binders must be high quality, clearly labeled, and easily transportable.
Footnotes must be used sparingly and formatted in no less than 12-point type; excessive footnotes will be disregarded.
Modifications to form jury instructions must be highlighted or tracked.
Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs, except for pro se litigants
Duplicative visual aids discouraged for claim construction.
Footnotes must be at least 12-point type and used sparingly.
Binders must be easily identifiable and not exceed 3 inches in spine width.
Binders must be easily transportable and spines should not exceed 3 inches.
Binders must be transportable and spine no wider than 3 inches
Settlement Conference documents must be 2-hole punched at top
Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with numbered tabs, spine not wider than 3 inches.
Footnotes must be at least 12-point type and used sparingly.
Binders must be easily transportable and spine should not exceed 3 inches.
Chambers copies must be double-sided and 3-hole punched.
Paper trial exhibits must be numbered, tabbed, and in 3-ring binders.
Footnotes are limited to clarification or cross-references; argument in footnotes will not be considered.
Footnotes must be at least 12-point type and used sparingly.
All PDF documents must be text-searchable when practicable; pro se litigants are exempt.
Footnotes must be used sparingly and appear in no less than 12-point type; excessive footnotes will be disregarded.
Footnotes must be in no less than 12-point type and used sparingly; excessive footnotes will be disregarded.
Non-compliant chambers copies may be rejected and require re-submission.
Footnotes must be used sparingly and formatted in no less than 12-point type; excessive footnotes will be disregarded.
Westlaw citations preferred for unpublished cases; otherwise include case number, court name, and date.
Exhibits should be filed in searchable OCR format when possible
Exhibits should be filed in searchable OCR format when possible.
Footnotes must be at least 12-point type and used sparingly.
Exhibits must be published via poster blow-up, courtroom tech, or approved method; highlighting enlargements allowed if original is clear.
Pleading paper with line numbers not required; blank paper preferred.
Exhibit tags should be in a color that stands out but allows photocopying.
Pretrial conferences are held in person in San Francisco, Courtroom 1, 17th Floor.
Assign exhibit numbers by block per party; label as "Trial Exhibit No. __" not party-specific.
Patentee argues first on odd-numbered claim construction terms.
Litigants may optionally indicate pronouns and honorifics in pleadings, letters, or at hearings.
Westlaw citations preferred for unpublished opinions not in Federal Supplement/FRD/Federal Appendix.
Exhibits should be filed in searchable OCR format when possible.
Unpublished cases should use Westlaw citations; if unavailable, include case number, court name, and publication date.
The Court prefers Westlaw citations for unpublished opinions not in Federal Supplement, Federal Rules Decisions, or Federal Appendix.
Proposed orders should be submitted in Microsoft Word format to specified email.
Westlaw citations preferred for unpublished opinions not in Federal Supplement, Federal Rules Decisions, or Federal Appendix.
Binders for courtesy copies should allow easy identification and transport; spine should not exceed three inches in width.
Submitting chambers copies of reply documents in a binder is optional.
For motions with voluminous evidence citations, parties are encouraged to submit electronic chambers copies with hyperlinks on removable media, and may request to submit electronically instead of paper.
Filings are not required to be on pleading paper with line numbers; blank paper is preferred but pleading paper is accepted.
Filings are not required to be on pleading paper; blank paper is preferred but pleading paper is acceptable.
Exhibits may be published via poster blow-up, electronic evidence system, or other allowed method; highlighting, circling, or underscoring enlargements is permitted if alterations are not made to the original.
Exhibits should be filed in searchable OCR format when possible.
Assign exhibit numbers by block per party; label as "Trial Exhibit No. __" not party-specific.
Western District of Washington
View all rules for WDWA.All PDFs must be text-searchable.
Footnotes must be single spaced and 12-point font or larger.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header and be double-sided.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one file per exhibit, max 80 characters in filename.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with numbered tabs.
Citations should be in Bluebook format and must appear in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes or endnotes (except for citations that follow explanatory footnotes).
Judge Lin expects punctuality and respectful treatment of all persons in courtroom.
Electronic exhibits must use specific numbering format (00001, A0001) for jury trials.
Courtesy copies must include ECF-generated header.
Courtesy copies must be double-sided, three-hole punched, and tabbed.
All PDFs must be text-searchable.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header and be double-sided.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one file per exhibit, max 80 characters in filename.
Motions must be double-spaced, 12-point sans serif font (10-point footnotes), with page numbers.
Documents must be typed or written in blue/black ink on white 8.5x11 paper, single-sided only.
Document formatting requirements for paper submissions.
Each jury instruction must begin on a new page.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with numbered tabs.
Documents must use blue/black ink on 8½ x 11 white paper, single-sided, with contact information included.
Documents must be in PDF format for e-filing, with 200 dpi scanning required for scanned documents.
Documents filed via ECF must be in PDF format.
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.
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.
Professional attire required for video appearances.
Citations must be in Bluebook format in the body, not footnotes.
Electronic exhibits must be on USB/CD in PDF format with specific naming conventions.
Exhibit numbering system: P-1, D-1, J-1; double-sided printing; three-ring binder with tabs.
Joint Instructions Statement, jury instruction chart, and verdict form must be submitted in Word format via email to specific addresses.
Voir dire documents must be submitted in Word format via email to specific addresses.
Government exhibits numbered G-1+, Defendant exhibits D-1+, Joint exhibits J-1+.
Exhibits must be printed double-sided.
Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be on CD/USB in PDF format, one PDF per exhibit.
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Electronic exhibits must be numbered and named with exhibit number and description.
Joint instructions and verdict form must be submitted in Word format via email.
Citations must be in the body of briefs, not in footnotes.
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.
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.
Briefs and exhibits must be in searchable format.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, defendant exhibits numbered 500+.
Trial exhibits must be in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be on thumb drive or Box.com in PDF format.
Each electronic exhibit must be a single PDF document.
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Electronic exhibits must follow specific numbering format.
Electronic exhibits must be submitted before trial in specific format.
Exhibits must be numbered: Plaintiff 001-499, Defendant 500+.
Exhibit list must use same numbering: Plaintiff 001-499, Defendant 500+.
Voir dire will use successive Zoom panels of 12-15 jurors each.
Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binders with numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one file per exhibit, max 80 characters in filename.
Courtesy copies must include ECF-generated header.
Courtesy copies must be double-sided, three-hole punched, and tabbed.
Footnotes must be single spaced and 12-point font or larger.
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.
Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with consecutive numbering (Plaintiff: 1+, Defendant: A-1+)
Admiralty pleadings must include specific jurisdictional labels above the cause number
Three judge court cases require special labeling and quadruplicate filings
Specific margin and font requirements for all filings
Required title format for all filings
Required bottom notation format for all filings
All filings must include line numbers in left margin
All documents must be filed electronically according to court's Electronic Filing Procedures.
Hard copy originals must be single-sided on 8.5x11 paper unless filed as exhibits; original signatures required.
Electronic exhibits must be provided on CD with paper index.
Proposed instructions must be on numbered paper with unique numbers, titles, and source citations.
Joint Instructions and Joint Statement of Disputed Instructions must be emailed as Word/WordPerfect files to judge's email orders address.
Registry deposits must be cashier’s or business checks 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.
Petitions must comply with LCR 100 formatting rules.
Electronic exhibits must use specific numbering format (00001, A0001) for jury trials.
Double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, page numbers required.
Administrative records must be filed electronically, no physical copies.
All pleadings must be in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Exhibits must be submitted in three-ring binder with numbered tabs
All trial exhibits must be pre-marked with specific format tags.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits continue numbering (no A-1, A-2), subparts need court leave.
Revised exhibit lists must be emailed in Word format showing only revisions to specific email address.
Two sets of exhibits required in three-ring binders with numbered tabs; no plastic sleeves unless necessary.
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.
Each party must submit 3 paper exhibit binders and 2 electronic thumb drives unless directed otherwise 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.
Plaintiff's exhibits must be consecutively numbered from 001 to 499.
Defendant's exhibits must be consecutively numbered starting at 500.
Duplicate documents are prohibited from being listed more than once 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.
Audio/video exhibits must be playable in Windows Media Player or VLC Media Player, with no unique codecs required.
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.
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.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header, be double-sided, three-hole punched, tabbed, and bound in a binder.
Plaintiff exhibits must be numbered consecutively from 1; Defendant exhibits from 500.
Trial exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with numbered tabs.
Electronic exhibits must be one per file; file names must not exceed 80 characters and should match joint exhibit list descriptions.
Briefs and exhibits must be searchable.
Parties must follow Bluebook and issuing court rules for citing unpublished decisions.
Proposed jury instructions must be filed on the docket and submitted in Word (DOCX) format via email.
Deposition designation objections and responses should use the format from the provided URL.
All trial exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel and clearly marked.
Plaintiff exhibits must be numbered consecutively starting at 1; defendant exhibits starting at 500.
Duplicate documents must not be listed more than once in exhibit lists.
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.
Electronic exhibits must be PDF format, delivered via thumb drive or Court’s Box.com folder.
Each electronic exhibit must be a single PDF document.
PDF exhibits should be OCR scanned to be searchable if possible.
Audio/video exhibits 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.
Citations should be in Bluebook format and must appear in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes or endnotes (except for citations that follow explanatory footnotes).
Judge Lin expects punctuality and respectful treatment of all persons in courtroom.
Motions are prohibited from including a table of cases or table of authorities.
All motions, oppositions, replies, and sur-replies must be double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, with page numbers; footnotes must be 12pt Times New Roman and may be single-spaced.
First page of any amendment must show debtor's name and case number; amendment must be verified.
Trial and evidentiary hearing exhibits must be submitted on paper only.
First page top margin 3 inches, other margins 1 inch; text 12pt+, double-spaced (24pt); footnotes 10pt+; proportionally spaced font required.
Every filing must have line numbers in the left margin with at least 0.5 inch space to the left.
Original documents must be single-sided on 8.5x11 inch paper; signatures on originals must be original.
Each proposed jury instruction must be numbered consecutively and include supporting authority at the foot of the page.
Avoid substantive footnotes; present information in body text.
Electronic exhibits must be transmitted as individual files (one exhibit per file).
Exhibit file names must match joint exhibit list descriptions and not exceed 80 characters.
Courtesy copies must be printed double-sided.
Substantive information should appear in the body of the brief, not in footnotes; footnotes should be used only for explanatory and supplemental information.
Proposed orders must be formatted to ensure the Court’s signature block is not alone on a page, with attorney signatures or body text above it to prevent fraud.
Videoconference participants must test their connection link before hearing or trial.
Video appearance participants must sign in with their first and last names as shown in court filings.
Electronic devices allowed in courtroom but must be silenced; voice assistants must be disabled. Violators may be sanctioned.
Video exhibits must be submitted on separate disk due to JEEP size limitations.
Electronic exhibits must be transmitted as individual files (one exhibit per file).
Exhibit file names must match joint exhibit list descriptions and not exceed 80 characters.
Courtesy copies must be printed double-sided.
Settlement memorandum emails must use a specific subject line format including case name and party position.
Citations must be in the body of briefs, not footnotes.
Avoid substantive footnotes; present information in body text.
Video exhibits must be submitted on separate disk due to JEEP size limitations.
Citations must appear in the body of briefing, not footnotes, except citations following explanatory footnotes.
Substantive information should appear in the body of the brief, not in footnotes; footnotes should be used only for explanatory and supplemental information.
Proposed orders must be formatted to ensure the Court’s signature block is not alone on a page, with attorney signatures or body text above it to prevent fraud.
Videoconference participants must test their connection link before hearing or trial.
Video appearance participants must sign in with their first and last names as shown in court filings.
Electronic devices allowed in courtroom but must be silenced; voice assistants must be disabled. Violators may be sanctioned.
Pleadings must be on 8.5x11 inch paper, with a standard embedded font at 11 or 12 point, double-spaced.
Pleadings must have line numbers in the left margin.
Reduced pleadings are limited to 2 pages per side of paper.
All exhibits and attachments must be on 8.5x11 inch paper; smaller exhibits must be mounted on 8.5x11 paper.
Motions, notices, responses, and replies must include judge name, chapter, location, hearing date/time, and response date on the top right-hand corner.
Judges sign orders electronically; electronic signatures have the same effect as handwritten; undated documents are deemed dated as of docket entry.
The first page of every order must have a 4-inch blank top margin for court use.
Orders must be 8.5x11 inches, use a standard embedded font (11 or 12 point), double-spaced, with line numbers in the left margin.
Orders must end with "///End of Order///", omit date/signature lines for the judge, and include "Presented by" with attorney name, bar ID, and signature line in the lower left corner.
Each page of orders and judgments must contain at least two lines of text.
Court prefers in-line legal citations over citational footnotes.
Use slip sheets to separate and identify exhibits when filing multiple exhibits together.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits numbered 500+.
The Court prefers searchable-text PDFs for docket filings where feasible.
Do not attach stickers to CDs; write directly on CD for identification.
Citations should be in the body of briefs, not in footnotes.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits numbered 500+.
Document formatting requirements section begins
PDF exhibits should be text-searchable when possible.
PDF documents should be OCR-scanned and searchable.
PDF exhibits should be OCR-scanned and searchable.
Claim construction hearing is scheduled for 5 hours.
Citations should be in the body of briefs, not in footnotes.
Plaintiff exhibits numbered 1+, Defendant exhibits prefixed A-1+.
Court prefers in-line legal citations over citational footnotes.
Use slip sheets to separate and identify exhibits when filing multiple exhibits together.
Do not attach stickers to CDs; write directly on CD for identification.
Electronic copies of exhibits should be sent to the Courtroom Deputy in PDF format with OCR searchable text seven days before trial.
All PDF documents, including exhibits, should be OCR-scanned and encoded as searchable PDFs if possible.
The Court prefers searchable-text PDFs for docket filings where feasible.
Orders and judgments must be formatted per Local Bankruptcy Rule 9021-1.
Orders are exempt from the formatting requirements of Rule 9004-1 and must not include the judge's name on the front page.
Southern District of California
View all rules for SDCA.Exhibits must be excerpted, clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
Proposed orders must be emailed in Word or PDF format; Word Perfect will be rejected.
Two thumb drives required for trial: one for record, one for jury.
All formatting requirements in Civil Local Rule 5.1 must be followed.
Documents must be scanned with OCR if filing electronically.
Civil trials must use numbers only for exhibit identification, not letters.
Pretrial order must follow CivLR 16.1.f.6.c format.
Proposed orders must include '[PROPOSED]' in brackets and remove all extraneous information from headers, footers, and margins.
Exhibits must be excerpted, labeled, dated, tabbed, indexed; do not include documents already on docket.
Proposed orders and documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format; Word Perfect is rejected.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header on each page.
Exhibits over 3 must be tabbed with table of exhibits.
Proposed orders must be lodged in Word format.
Legal citations must follow latest Bluebook guidelines.
Filings with more than 3 exhibits must have tabbed exhibits.
Proposed orders must not include filer's name or 'proposed' in caption.
Trial exhibits must follow specific numbering system (Plaintiff numeric, Defendant alphabetic).
Separate statements must use two-column format with specific content requirements.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF document header on each page.
First copy must include instruction number, text, and authority.
Second copy must be plain paper with only instructions, no marks.
Electronic copy must be in WordPerfect format.
Place exhibits in three-ring binders separated by tabs.
Proposed orders must not contain filer's name/law firm or the word 'proposed' in caption.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF document header on each page.
Courtesy copies must be bound on top left corner only, no steel prong fasteners.
Filings with more than 3 exhibits must have tabbed exhibits with table of exhibits.
Exhibits must be excerpted, clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
Courtesy copies must include CM/ECF header on each page.
Exhibits over 3 must be tabbed with table of exhibits.
Proposed orders must include '[PROPOSED]' in brackets and remove all extraneous information from headers, footers, and margins.
All formatting requirements in Civil Local Rule 5.1 must be followed.
Documents must be scanned with OCR if filing electronically.
Civil trials must use numbers only for exhibit identification, not letters.
Proposed orders must be in Word Perfect or Word format.
Proposed orders cannot contain filer's name/law firm or word 'proposed' in caption.
Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format.
Exhibits must be attached to documents and filed as separate CM/ECF attachments.
Complete bracketed language in form instructions and use bold font.
Pretrial order must follow CivLR 16.1.f.6.c format.
Separate statement must be in table format with enumerated facts and citations.
Exhibits must be excerpted, labeled, dated, tabbed, indexed; do not include documents already on docket.
Proposed orders must be emailed in Word or PDF format; Word Perfect will be rejected.
Two thumb drives required for trial: one for record, one for jury.
Only examiner, examinee, and staff may attend psychiatric exams.
Attorney generally not permitted at medical exams.
Proposed orders must be lodged in Word format.
Legal citations must follow latest Bluebook guidelines.
Proposed orders cannot include attorney or law firm captions.
Proposed orders and documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format; Word Perfect is rejected.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be emailed in Word format to chambers.
Proposed orders must be in Word (.doc) format.
Exhibits in support of motions must be excerpted to relevant material, clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
Proposed orders for agreed continuances must be in Word (.doc) format, emailed to specified address, and include current and proposed dates.
Party-provided exhibit stickers must include exhibit number and case number.
Civil trials must use numbers (not letters) for exhibit identifiers unless court ordered.
Disputed jury instructions must be color-coded per specified scheme and both parties' versions submitted.
Competing versions of the same disputed jury instruction must be placed consecutively in the submission set.
Proposed orders must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format simultaneously with the accompanying motion.
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted in Word format to the Judge’s efile email and cc the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.
A binder of exhibits must be provided for the bench.
Proposed verdict forms must be submitted in Word format via email on the day of motions in limine.
Stipulated protective orders must be filed as joint motions, with a Word copy emailed to chambers; use of model order is encouraged.
Proposed orders must be in Word format and free of attorney/firm names or insignia in caption, margins, or footer.
Proposed orders must not contain attorney/firm names or insignia in the caption, margins, or footer.
Exhibits must be non-duplicative, relevant, and properly labeled.
Filings with more than 3 exhibits must be tabbed.
The digital version submitted to chambers must be in Microsoft Word or a similar digital format.
Citations must consistently use one legal research database per document.
Unreported cases not in database require docket number citation.
Witness examinations must be conducted from podium; approaching witnesses requires court permission.
Counsel must bring own electronic equipment for courtroom use.
Do not submit model instruction numbers or bracketed instructions.
Proposed orders must not include name and law firm information per ECF Manual.
Counsel must stay at podium during witness examination except for brief, permitted approaches.
Exhibits must be non-duplicative, relevant, and properly labeled.
Exhibits over 3 must be tabbed and listed in table of exhibits.
Exhibits must be excerpted, labeled, and not duplicate docket documents.
Exhibits over 3 must be tabbed and listed in table of exhibits.
Filings with more than 3 exhibits must be tabbed.
Exhibits over 3 must be tabbed and listed in table.
Citations must consistently use one legal research database per document.
Unreported cases not in database require docket number citation.
Zoom proceedings require appropriate dress and conduct as in-person court proceedings.
Participants should ensure devices are charged or have charging cable available.
The digital version submitted to chambers must be in Microsoft Word or a similar digital format.
Defendants must number exhibits starting at 500 instead of using alphabetic letters.
Jury trials generally scheduled 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
Court provides AV equipment; counsel must contact CRD for details.
Use WESTLAW citations when available; provide copies for cases not in WESTLAW/LEXIS.
Court prefers double-sided printing for courtesy copies.
Counsel should refer to exhibits by exhibit number when possible.
Counsel may relocate for better viewing of exhibits without court permission.
Motion hearings are generally scheduled on Fridays at 1:30 p.m.
Courtesy copies should be double-sided but single-sided accepted.
Jury trials generally scheduled 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.
Courtesy copies should be double-sided but single-sided is acceptable.
Defendants must number exhibits starting at 500 instead of using alphabetic letters.
Trial schedule is 9 AM - 4 PM, Monday-Thursday, with breaks.
Court prefers double-sided printing for courtesy copies.
Use WESTLAW citations when available; provide copies for cases not in WESTLAW/LEXIS.
Court provides AV equipment; counsel must contact CRD for details.
Court may order in-person Rule 26(f) conference when beneficial.
Premises liability and ADA Title III cases are ideal for in-person Rule 26(f) conferences at the site.
ENE, MSC, and SC proceedings are primarily conducted via Zoom.
Laptops/desktops preferred over mobile devices for Zoom conferences.
Counsel should refer to exhibits by their exhibit number whenever possible.
Exhibits may be marked with stickers from the Clerk or electronically with case and exhibit numbers.
Discovery dispute briefs should only attach necessary exhibits, excluding meet and confer correspondence.
Northern District of Illinois
View all rules for NDIL.Cell phones prohibited for videoconference participation.
Exhibits exceeding CD/DVD capacity must be stored on USB drive.
Electronic exhibits must follow specific naming format.
Exhibit descriptions must use neutral, non-adversarial terms.
Exhibit number/part limited to 4 characters; description limited to 200 characters.
Exhibit naming fields limited to 4 characters (number/part) and 200 characters (description).
Exhibits must be on CD/DVD or USB drive with proper naming convention.
JERS accepts .pdf, .jpg, .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav files; .xls files not accepted.
Exhibits must be named: exhibit number_underscore_description.file extension.
Multiple parties: coordinate exhibit numbering (A001, B001, etc.).
Pretrial Order must be in three-hole binder or clipped with tabs.
JERS accepts specific file types for documents, photos, video, and audio.
Exhibits must be named with number_underscore_neutral_description.file_extension format.
Exhibits must use consecutive numbers only, no letters or parts.
Pretrial Order must be in three-hole binder or clipped with tabs.
Proposed pretrial orders filed electronically via CM/ECF; email Word copy to judge.
JERS accepts specific file types for documents, photos, video, and audio.
Exhibits must be named with number_underscore_neutral description format.
Electronic exhibits must use JERS format and naming convention.
Deposition designations must be submitted on USB drives with color-coding.
USB key/thumb drive must have no password protection.
Objected exhibits must be double-sided in tabbed three-ring binder.
Impeachment/RR exhibits require separate USB folder with chart, no hard copies.
JERS accepts specific file types for documents, photos, video, and audio.
Exhibits must follow specific naming convention: 3-digit number, underscore, neutral description.
Physical objects need numbered exhibit designation and one-page PDF stand-in for JERS.
Cell phones prohibited for videoconference participation.
Exhibits exceeding CD/DVD capacity must be stored on USB drive.
JERS accepts specific file types for documents, photos, video, and audio.
Exhibits must be named with number, underscore, and neutral description.
Exhibit numbers must be consecutive without letters or parts.
Multiple parties on same side must coordinate exhibit numbering.
Physical objects need PDF stand-ins for JERS with exhibit number and description.
JERS accepts .pdf, .jpg, .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .wma, .wav files; .xls files not accepted.
Exhibits must be named: exhibit number_underscore_description.file extension.
Multiple parties: coordinate exhibit numbering (A001, B001, etc.).
Electronic exhibits must follow specific naming format.
Exhibit descriptions must use neutral, non-adversarial terms.
Exhibit number/part limited to 4 characters; description limited to 200 characters.
Exhibit naming fields limited to 4 characters (number/part) and 200 characters (description).
Exhibits must be on CD/DVD or USB drive with proper naming convention.
Proposed Final Pretrial Order must be in Word format.
Court reporters must separately bind pages of confidential transcribed deposition testimony and deposition exhibits.
Footnote 1 must be removed from the proposed Agreed Confidentiality Order before submission to the court.
Changes to the model Agreed Confidentiality Order must be indicated via redlining with deletions and additions marked.
Footnote 2 must be removed from the proposed order once Section 2 (Confidential Information) is finalized.
Court reporters must separately bind confidential deposition transcript pages and exhibits, which may only be disclosed as permitted by this Order.
Electronic exhibits must use JERS format and naming convention.
Final trial exhibits must be on password-free USB drive with OCR.
Final trial exhibits must be double-sided in tabbed three-ring binder.
USB key/thumb drive must have no password protection.
Objected exhibits must be double-sided in tabbed three-ring binder.
Impeachment/RR exhibits require separate USB folder with chart, no hard copies.
JERS accepts specific file types for documents, photos, video, and audio.
Exhibits must follow specific naming convention: 3-digit number, underscore, neutral description.
Physical objects need numbered exhibit designation and one-page PDF stand-in for JERS.
Parties must submit a USB/DVD/CD with all proposed exhibits and 2 sets of exhibit binders with objected-to exhibits only.
Objecting party must state grounds for objection and proposed modification on the page immediately following the disputed instruction.
Five business days before trial, each party must supply exhibits on USB/DVD/CD and one paper set double-sided in three-ring binders.
No formal presentations allowed; interactive discussions required.
Avoid group exhibits; multi-page documents cannot be separated in JERS.
Exhibit description limited to 200 characters.
Avoid group exhibits; multi-page documents cannot be separated in JERS.
Exhibit description limited to 200 characters.
No formal presentations allowed; interactive discussions required.
Exhibit binders must have tabs corresponding to exhibit numbers.
Electronic exhibits should not display exhibit stickers; use description instead.
Settlement conference follows traditional mediation format with joint and private sessions.
Plaintiffs: numbers; defendants: letters. Use leading zeros for >10 exhibits.
JERS allows jury to review digital exhibits on monitors instead of paper copies.
PDF exhibits should be OCR-processed and text-searchable.
Exhibit charts should follow example format with landscape orientation encouraged.
Digital exhibit stickers allowed but limited to party designation and exhibit number.
Electronic exhibits should not display exhibit stickers; use description instead.
Court prefers separate editable Word documents for pretrial items.
Digital exhibit stickers limited to party designation and number.
Plaintiffs: numbers; defendants: letters. Use leading zeros for >10 exhibits.
Settlement conference follows traditional mediation format with joint and private sessions.
Exhibit chart format example showing required columns.
Exhibit charts should use landscape orientation.
Settlement conferences are typically remote via video but can be in-person if requested; format includes joint session followed by private caucuses.
Parties should use Seventh Circuit Pattern Jury Instructions for jury trials where applicable, unless there is a good reason to not use them.
Exhibit charts should follow example format with landscape orientation encouraged.
Digital exhibit stickers allowed but limited to party designation and exhibit number.
Western District of Texas
View all rules for WDTX.PDF documents must not exceed 50 MB individual file size.
Audio/video files must not exceed 500 MB individual file size.
Exhibit files must use specific naming convention with underscore.
Underscore required between exhibit number and description only.
Sub exhibits use dash between number and letter, underscore after letter.
Exhibit number must be clearly displayed on first page of each exhibit.
Plaintiff exhibits: “P 1” or “Plaintiff Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.
Defendant exhibits: “D 1” or “Defendant Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.
Government exhibits: “G 1” or “Government Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.
Joint exhibits: “J 1” or “Joint Exhibit 1” on bottom right corner.
Proposed orders and discovery charts must be in Microsoft Word format and use the Court’s templates.
Electronic versions of proposed jury instructions/VERDICT forms must be in WordPerfect 9.0 format.
Case citations must use Westlaw format, not Lexis.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with specific labeling, indexing, and tabbing requirements.
Attorneys must wear standard business attire including coat and tie for men, tailored suits/dresses for women.
Exhibits must be in three-ring binders with specific labeling and indexing requirements.
Motions must include numbered paragraphs with specific record citations.
Case citations must use Westlaw format, not Lexis.
Documents must use 12-point font, double-spacing, 8.5"x11" paper, 1-inch margins, and case style endorsement.
All presentations must be made from the lectern, not counsel table.
Court conducts voir dire; attorneys cannot conduct their own.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be emailed in Microsoft Word format.
Standard business attire required in courtroom.
Attorneys must wear standard business attire; men must wear coat and tie, women must wear tailored suits/dresses or pantsuits.
Plaintiff’s exhibits must use yellow labels; Defendant’s exhibits must use blue labels for identification.
Joint exhibits must be marked with case name, number, and exhibit number; non-agreed exhibits use offering party’s name and case details.
All pages within each exhibit must be consecutively paginated.
Joint Pretrial Orders must be formatted in compliance with local court rules.
Digital copies of exhibit lists, witness lists, and objections must be in Microsoft Word format; exhibits must be PDF, submitted via specified email.
Disputed jury charge versions must be in red (plaintiff) and blue (defendant) text; disputes resolved at final pretrial or charge conference.
Editable Microsoft Word version of jury charge must be submitted via email to specified address.
Proposed findings of fact/conclusions of law must be in Microsoft Word, submitted via email three days before final pretrial conference, with agreed/disputed separated and conclusions citing authority.
Electronic evidence must be provided in specific file formats: documents/photos as .pdf, .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .gif; video/audio as .avi, .wmv, .mpg, .mp3, .mp4, .wma, .wav, .3gpp.
JERS file size limits: PDF documents ≤50 MB, audio/video files ≤500 MB; exhibits exceeding limits must be split into multiple files.
All exhibit files must follow JERS naming convention: [ExhibitNumber]_[ExhibitDescription].[FileExtension].
CRSR must be filed in the format attached as Appendix B.
Joint Claim Construction Statement, proposed Protective Order, and proposed Scheduling Order must be submitted in Word format via email to the Court’s law clerk.
All pleadings, motions, and submissions must use 12+ point font, double spacing, 8.5x11 paper, 1-inch margins, and include case style and document name; headings/footnotes/long quotes may be single-spaced.
Electronic versions of proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be in WordPerfect 9.0 format.
Proposed orders and discovery charts must be in Microsoft Word format and use the Court’s templates.
Courtroom decorum rules prohibit gum, active cell phones, and beverages at counsel tables without approval; require standing when addressing court; specify lectern use and permission requirements.
Court dislikes tardiness, attorneys talking too fast, and failure to notify when motions are unopposed.
Court cannot receive USB drives due to security concerns.
Only water bottles permitted at counsel table; no other beverages allowed in courtroom.
Court sets time limits for opening statements and may cut off repetitive/excessive presentations.
Statement of claims or defenses for voir dire must be double-spaced and no longer than half a page.
Only water bottles permitted at counsel table; no other beverages allowed.
Example of correct file naming: 1_Photograph of Gun.PDF
Example of sub exhibit naming: 1-A_Photograph of Gun Marked Up.pdf
Citations preferred in body text, string citations acceptable in footnotes.
Court trial days typically run 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. with two 15-minute breaks and one-hour lunch.
Hyperlinking citations in briefs is encouraged but not required.
Trials typically run from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM with lunch recess from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Counsel should address Court and witnesses from the lectern.
Large exhibits should be delivered as hard copy to Chambers; CD with hyperlinks accepted; OCR recommended.
Attorneys must wear standard business attire including coat and tie for men.
Trial days typically run 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with lunch recess.
Court accepts electronic trial exhibits for JERS system.
Electronic versions of jury instructions and verdict forms accepted in Word format.
Parties may leave exhibits and equipment in the courtroom overnight.
Judge conducts principal voir dire; attorneys may submit written questions and ask 20-minute follow-up questions.
Opening statements in criminal cases typically allowed 20-30 minutes.
Technology tutorials optional, electronic form, 10 days before Markman, 15 minutes per side
Physical copies no longer required for Markman, MSJ, and Daubert motions.
Trial days typically run 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with lunch recess 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM.
Citations preferred in body text, string citations acceptable in footnotes.
Parties are encouraged to submit discovery dispute summaries in Word document format using a specified table layout.
Technology tutorials should be electronic with voiceovers, submitted 10 days before Markman hearing, focused on underlying technology, and limited to 15 minutes per side.
District of Delaware
View all rules for DED.All proposed orders must have 4 inches of blank space at the end and must not include a signature line or date line.
All ECF filings, especially sealed documents, must be labeled with ECF descriptions to ensure docket text accurately reflects contents.
Demonstratives must be provided in PDF format, except videos/animations which require DVD/CD.
Irregularly sized physical demonstratives must be provided as 8.5 x 11 PDF copies.
Jury documents must be submitted in Word format to specified email address.
Jury documents must be submitted in WordPerfect format.
Discovery-related motions must be emailed in Word format to rga_civil@ded.uscourts.gov simultaneously with filing.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must be emailed to rga_civil@ded.uscourts.gov in Word format.
Citations must appear in the body text, not in footnotes or endnotes.
Times New Roman font, 12-point minimum, required for all pleadings, motions, briefs, claim construction charts, proposed orders, and letters.
Hard copies must comply with formatting requirements in paragraphs 10 and 14.
Brief cover colors: opening (blue), answering (red), reply (gray); motions in limine excluded.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format, emailed to cfc civil@ded.uscourts.gov, 14-point Times New Roman.
Briefs must be 14-point Times New Roman with certification of compliance
Brief covers must be color-coded: opening (blue), answering (red), reply (gray).
Joint Claim Construction Chart must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.
Claim construction briefs must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.
Jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted in Word format to specified email address.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with PTX/DTX/JTX prefix, exhibit number starting at 1, and case number.
Patent cases: hyperlinked post-trial papers required within 1 week; no hard exhibits needed if hyperlinked.
Non-hyperlinked cases: trial exhibits required within 1 week, double-sided, stapled/bound, in labeled folders, with electronic copy on labeled flash drive.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format and emailed to specific address.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format and emailed to specified address.
Mediation statements must be double-spaced, single-sided, 12-point font, 15-20 pages max, numbered
Demonstratives must be provided in PDF format, except videos/animations which require DVD/CD.
Irregularly sized physical demonstratives must be provided as 8.5 x 11 PDF copies.
Parties must submit voir dire, preliminary and final jury instructions, and special verdict forms in Word format via email simultaneously with filing.
Claim construction briefs must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.
Mediation statements must be double-spaced, single-sided, 12-point font, maximum 15-20 pages, with numbered pages.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format and emailed to chambers simultaneously with filing.
All ECF filings, especially sealed documents, must be labeled with ECF descriptions to ensure docket text accurately reflects contents.
All papers required by Federal or Local Rules must be filed electronically via ECF.
All Rule 56 appendix pages must be consecutively Bates stamped and referenced by Bates number in motions and briefs.
Proposed jury instructions must be double spaced, submitted on separate paper, in Microsoft Word format on CD/thumb drive, with accurate citations and separate numbering.
Change of plea memoranda must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
PSI reports and sentencing memoranda must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Revised proposed orders must be provided to the Court in clean and redline form at least one hour before the hearing.
Hard copy materials must be provided in two sets, stapled if not in a binder, with exhibit tabs where appropriate, and sealed documents printed on yellow paper.
A hyperlinked fee index with all fee applications and supporting documentation must be provided to chambers for fee application consideration.
A hyperlinked claims index or file share link with all proofs of claim and related objections must be provided to chambers.
All proposed orders must have 4 inches of blank space at the end and must not include a signature line or date line.
Agendas must contain hyperlinks to all relevant pleadings.
Redlined documents provided to the Court must be in color.
Exhibits/attachments must be tabbed and paginated.
Exhibits and attachments must be separated by tabs and paginated for identification.
Parties must highlight important portions of exhibits in yellow.
Parties must highlight important portions of exhibits in yellow.
Exhibits and attachments must be tabbed, paginated, and highlighted where relevant.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must use 14-point Times New Roman font.
All claim construction briefs must use 14-point Times New Roman font.
Exhibits and attachments must be tab-separated, paginated, deduplicated, and highlighted for court review.
Brief covers for motions (except motions in limine) must be color-coded: Opening Blue, Answering Red, Reply Gray.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must use 14-point Times New Roman or similar typeface.
Joint claim construction charts must follow sample format on Judge Tennyson's website.
Joint Claim Construction Chart must be in Word format.
Mediation statement exhibits must be single-sided and tabbed.
Plaintiff must submit jury instructions, voir dire, and verdict forms in WordPerfect format via email to a designated address.
Hard copies of exhibits should not be sent to the Court.
Multiple exhibits should be sent via zip file with identification by exhibit number and brief description.
Emailed copies of proposed voir dire, jury instructions, and special verdict forms sent to Chambers must be in Word (DOCX) format.
Avoid duplicate exhibits; highlight relevant portions; include only first page of depositions or cover pages of discovery requests.
Mediation statement exhibits must be single-sided and tabbed.
Brief covers must be color-coded by type: opening (blue), answering (red), reply (gray).
Motions are not required to be formatted in numbered paragraphs.
Emailed copies of proposed voir dire, jury instructions, and special verdict forms sent to Chambers must be in Word (DOCX) format.
Pro hac vice motions may use 10-point font to maintain a single-page pleading.
Eastern District of Pennsylvania
View all rules for EDPA.Exhibit chart must contain functioning hyperlinks to files
Deposition testimony and transcripts must be submitted as full-sized pages, with only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages; full transcripts are only allowed if entirely relevant.
Do not submit pleadings from the current case before Judge Wolson (cite instead); do not submit pleadings from other federal cases (cite by court, case number, docket number instead).
All exhibits filed with the court must be text searchable.
Scanned exhibits must use optical character recognition (OCR) or comparable technology to ensure text searchability.
All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, use at least 12-point proportionally spaced font, have at least 1-inch margins, and footnotes must match the body font and size.
Briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.
Counsel must file text-searchable versions of all briefs on the CM/ECF system.
All written submissions must be double-spaced, at least 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and use any proportionally spaced font.
Footnotes must use the same font family and size as the body of the written submission.
Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory must be numbered and placed on a separate sheet of paper.
All PDF documents must be text searchable
Joint Exhibits must be marked J-1, etc.; additional exhibits marked P-1/D-1
Two hard copies of all pretrial submissions required, single-sided, three-hole punched, unstapled.
Joint Exhibits must be marked J-1, etc.; additional exhibits marked P-1/D-1
Electronic equipment must be arranged, tested, and approved before trial.
Proposed jury instructions must be separately numbered, include table of contents, double-spaced with citations.
Pre-Sentence Investigation Reports and Sentencing Memoranda must be delivered to chambers in Microsoft Word format via email.
Default format for electronic document production is image files (PDF/TIFF) if parties cannot agree; native format requires showing particularized need.
All documents must be submitted in Word format.
Each proposed jury instruction must be on a separate sheet, double spaced, with citations to specific authority including accurate quotes and page references.
Exhibits must be arranged in a single tabbed three-ring binder and numbered consecutively.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted on disk in WordPerfect format.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted on hard copy and disk in WordPerfect format.
Exhibits must be provided in two sets, in a tabbed three-ring binder with a schedule.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be submitted electronically via email in Word format.
All filings must be submitted electronically via ECF as searchable PDFs, complying with federal and local rules.
Writings to chambers must use 12-point font, generally double-spaced, 1-1.5 inch justified margins, with exceptions for Rule 26(f) reports, single-page motions/requests, and proposed orders (may be single-spaced).
Briefing exceeding 25 pages must include a table of contents.
Amended pleadings must indicate additions/corrections via comments or track changes; one amendment allowed per Rule 15, additional amendments require court leave.
Pretrial memoranda must be submitted 7 business days before final pretrial conference and include required witness, exhibit, and motion lists.
Counsel must submit two tabbed binders of consecutively numbered exhibits and one unmarked set prior to voir dire.
Copies exceeding 30 pages must be bound in a three-ring binder and are prohibited from being stapled.
Attachments must be separated with labeled divider pages.
Only attach excerpts that are most relevant to the claims at issue.
Relevant portions of attached excerpts must be highlighted.
Proposed jury instructions and verdict form emailed to chambers must be in Word (DOCX) format.
All documents must use 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins; PDFs must be text searchable.
Proposed voir dire questions must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to Chambers.
Deposition testimony and transcripts must be submitted as full-sized pages, with only a cover page identifying the witness and relevant pages; full transcripts are only allowed if entirely relevant.
Do not submit pleadings from the current case before Judge Wolson (cite instead); do not submit pleadings from other federal cases (cite by court, case number, docket number instead).
All exhibits filed with the court must be text searchable.
Scanned exhibits must use optical character recognition (OCR) or comparable technology to ensure text searchability.
All written submissions to Judge Wolson must be double-spaced, use at least 12-point proportionally spaced font, have at least 1-inch margins, and footnotes must match the body font and size.
Briefs longer than 10 pages must include a table of contents.
Counsel must file text-searchable versions of all briefs on the CM/ECF system.
All written submissions must be double-spaced, at least 12-point font, 1-inch margins, and use any proportionally spaced font.
Footnotes must use the same font family and size as the body of the written submission.
Each point for charge and proposed jury interrogatory must be numbered and placed on a separate sheet of paper.
Electronic equipment must be arranged, tested, and approved before trial.
Proposed jury instructions must be separately numbered, include table of contents, double-spaced with citations.
ECF exhibits must be named descriptively, not just “Exhibit A.”
Proposed jury instructions must be case-specific with accurate citations to relevant cases and pattern instructions.
ECF exhibits must be named descriptively, not just “Exhibit A.”
Proposed jury instructions must be case-specific with accurate citations to relevant cases and pattern instructions.
Full set of trial exhibits must be organized in a tabbed binder with consecutive numbering.
Additional trial exhibit set for witnesses and jurors must not be hole punched or marked except for exhibit numbers.
Briefs filed on ECF should be searchable/OCR'd, not just scanned images.
Exhibits must be arranged in a single three-ring binder with consecutive numbering and tabs.
Parties filing separate appendices must follow restrictions on content and citation practices.
Supplemental briefing must clearly reference misstated point of law and need not repeat entire argument.
Attachments to the case synopsis should be separated with labeled divider pages.
Parties are encouraged to submit stipulations and proposed orders in Word document format.
Text searchable format for exhibits is encouraged but not required.
Parties are encouraged to submit stipulations and proposed orders in Word document format.
District of New Jersey
View all rules for DNJ.USB drives submitted to chambers must be in a labeled folder with organized, clearly named files.
All PDF filings must be text searchable and at least 400 dpi.
Joint exhibit list must be in hard copy and Word format, as a three-column chart, submitted at least one week prior to trial.
Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, include footnoted citations to specific authority, and accurately quote cited authorities with pinpoint references.
Submitting parties must state if model jury instructions are unchanged or modified; modified instructions require bolded/underlined additions and strikethrough deletions.
Proposed findings of fact must be submitted jointly in column format with numbered paragraphs, agreed facts indicated, and references to supporting evidence.
Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs (electronic) or binders (hard copy), clearly identified via PDF filename or binder tab.
Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers to facilitate Court screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.
Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copies in binders, and clearly identified via PDF file name or binder tab.
Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers for easy reference during Zoom proceedings.
All parties except pro se must file documents via ECF in text-searchable PDF format.
All parties except pro se must file via ECF in text-searchable PDF format.
Proposed jury charges require specific format: cover page with case caption, individual charges on separate pages with specific header information.
All filed papers must be text-searchable PDF format per Local Civil Rule 5.21(h).
Exhibits submitted with motions must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
Pro se parties must file documents directly with Clerk's Office.
All parties except pro se must file documents electronically via CM/ECF.
Electronic submissions must be in text-searchable PDF format.
Exhibits must be filed as related attachments to supporting documents.
Single PDF exhibits allowed only with proper hyperlinks and bookmarks.
All parties except pro se must file via ECF in text-searchable PDF format.
Proposed jury charges require specific format: cover page with case caption, individual charges on separate pages with specific header information.
Joint Final Pretrial Order must be on 8.5x11 paper and designate assigned District Judge in caption.
All parties except pro se must file documents via ECF in text-searchable PDF format.
Pleadings, motions, and letters must be in searchable PDF format.
All parties except pro se must file electronically via CM/ECF in text-searchable PDF format.
Summary judgment motions must comply with Local Civil Rule 7.2 page and format requirements.
Submit consolidated joint exhibit list in Word format with three-column chart showing exhibits, objections, and admissibility rationales.
Jury instructions must be double-spaced with citations in footnotes; uncited instructions will not be considered.
Cell phones, cameras, and electronic devices are prohibited in the courtroom.
Exhibits must be pre-marked with exhibit stickers
Exhibit list must have three columns with specific content requirements
Exhibits must be filed in PDF format.
USB drives submitted to chambers must be in a labeled folder with organized, clearly named files.
All PDF filings must be text searchable and at least 400 dpi.
Joint exhibit list must be in hard copy and Word format, as a three-column chart, submitted at least one week prior to trial.
Proposed jury instructions must be double-spaced, include footnoted citations to specific authority, and accurately quote cited authorities with pinpoint references.
Submitting parties must state if model jury instructions are unchanged or modified; modified instructions require bolded/underlined additions and strikethrough deletions.
Proposed findings of fact must be submitted jointly in column format with numbered paragraphs, agreed facts indicated, and references to supporting evidence.
Electronically submitted papers must be text-searchable PDF to the extent possible.
Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copies in binders, and clearly identified via PDF file name or binder tab.
Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers for easy reference during Zoom proceedings.
Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs or hard copy binders, clearly identified by PDF filename or binder tab.
Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers to facilitate court screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.
Exhibits must be clearly identified for easy location during trial.
Exhibits must be marked with page numbers for quick access during screen sharing.
Hardcopy confidential exhibits must be in sealed envelopes marked confidential.
Exhibits must be submitted as PDFs (electronic) or binders (hard copy), clearly identified via PDF filename or binder tab.
Exhibits must be clearly identified and marked with page numbers to facilitate Court screen sharing during Zoom proceedings.
All filed papers must be text-searchable PDF format per Local Civil Rule 5.21(h).
All filings must be in searchable PDF format; supporting exhibits may be non-searchable.
Proposed orders accompanying motions must be in searchable PDF format.
Proposed orders submitted via email must be in Word format.
Motions for judgment as a matter of law (jury trials) and involuntary dismissal (non-jury trials) should be in writing where possible.
Exhibits must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
Court may strike submissions that fail to comply with exhibit formatting requirements.
Non-compliant electronic submissions will be stricken.
Exhibits must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
Motions for judgment as a matter of law (jury trials) and involuntary dismissal (non-jury trials) should be in writing where possible.
Letters attached to a sentencing memorandum should be grouped as a single document.
Supporting documents like exhibits may be non-searchable PDF.
Trial day scheduled 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM for jury matters.
Letters attached to a sentencing memorandum should be grouped as a single document.
18th Judicial Circuit Court, DuPage County
View all rules for IL-DUPAGE-CIRCUIT.E-filed documents must be unalterable PDF format, printable with same contents as original.
E-filed documents exceeding vendor max file size must be split into multiple docs with cover pages; separate exhibits use Rule 5.06(b) cover sheet.
Contested motion documents must be double spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point or larger type.
Arbitration awards exceeding $30,000 must be marked to indicate the $500 rejection fee applies.
Petitions and motions in domestic relations cases must be in approved form and have a title accurately describing their contents.
Petitions and motions must include recitation of statutory or case law basis for relief, with non-compliance risking striking.
Maintenance or support payment orders must be presented to the Court in duplicate.
Mediation progress reports must be submitted on a court-approved form.
Withholding orders for maintenance or support paid through the Circuit Court Clerk must include the Clerk’s child support order form.
Small claims complaints must use Clerk-approved forms including a statement of claim with Supreme Court Rule 282 elements.
Small claims summons return date cannot exceed the case's diligence date; summons issued beyond that date without court leave are nullities.
Filing a juvenile petition requires submission of a Juvenile Report form to the Probation Department.
Admissions in answers to juvenile petitions must be made personally in open court; denials may be made by counsel unless ordered otherwise.
Probate petitions for handwritten wills require facsimile of will, typewritten copy, and affidavit of correctness from petitioner or attorney.
Probate petitions for non-English wills require facsimile of will and certified translation by qualified translator.
Guardian petitions for ward expenditure must be written, stating estate value, ward income, and last expenditure authorization amount.
Guardian investment petitions must identify investment category, state compliance, and disclose purchases from guardian or their firm.
Estate inventories must classify personal estate items, state total personal estate value, real estate income, and bond details.
Vouchers must be securely fastened together under a separate cover.
Investigative reports must comply with DCFS-established format for such reports.
All motions and related filings must be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and at least 12-point font.
Appeal bonds must be entered on an approved form provided by the Clerk.
E-filed documents must be unalterable PDF format, printable with same contents as original.
E-filed documents exceeding vendor max file size must be split into multiple docs with cover pages; separate exhibits use Rule 5.06(b) cover sheet.
Contested motion documents must be double spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point or larger type.
Arbitration awards exceeding $30,000 must be marked to indicate the $500 rejection fee applies.
Petitions and motions in domestic relations cases must be in approved form and have a title accurately describing their contents.
Petitions and motions must include recitation of statutory or case law basis for relief, with non-compliance risking striking.
Maintenance or support payment orders must be presented to the Court in duplicate.
Mediation progress reports must be submitted on a court-approved form.
Withholding orders for maintenance or support paid through the Circuit Court Clerk must include the Clerk’s child support order form.
Small claims complaints must use Clerk-approved forms including a statement of claim with Supreme Court Rule 282 elements.
Small claims summons return date cannot exceed the case's diligence date; summons issued beyond that date without court leave are nullities.
Filing a juvenile petition requires submission of a Juvenile Report form to the Probation Department.
Admissions in answers to juvenile petitions must be made personally in open court; denials may be made by counsel unless ordered otherwise.
Probate petitions for handwritten wills require facsimile of will, typewritten copy, and affidavit of correctness from petitioner or attorney.
Probate petitions for non-English wills require facsimile of will and certified translation by qualified translator.
Guardian petitions for ward expenditure must be written, stating estate value, ward income, and last expenditure authorization amount.
Guardian investment petitions must identify investment category, state compliance, and disclose purchases from guardian or their firm.
Estate inventories must classify personal estate items, state total personal estate value, real estate income, and bond details.
Vouchers must be securely fastened together under a separate cover.
Investigative reports must comply with DCFS-established format for such reports.
All motions and related filings must be double spaced, with 1-inch margins and at least 12-point font.
Appeal bonds must be entered on an approved form provided by the Clerk.
E-filed pleadings must follow paper pleading formatting rules and include case title, case number, and nature of filing.
Documents must be converted to PDF directly from the authoring program, not scanned paper; paper-only documents may be scanned to PDF for e-filing.
E-filed documents must be unalterable PDF and printable with same contents/format as authoring program.
Arbitration petitions or responses must be properly completed, or they will be returned for correction.
Arbitration petitions or responses must be properly completed, or they will be returned for correction.
Links in e-documents are for convenience only; external linked material is not part of the filing or record.
Agreed orders should have the adjective “agreed” preceding “order” in the title.
Probation terms must be set forth on a pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form.
Links in e-documents are for convenience only; external linked material is not part of the filing or record.
Agreed orders should have the adjective “agreed” preceding “order” in the title.
Probation terms must be set forth on a pre-printed approved Probation Certificate form.
Southern District of Florida
View all rules for SDFL.All pleadings must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-sided, and paginated.
Orders must be drafted on 8.5 x 11 inch paper in portrait orientation.
All page margins must be set to 1 inch.
First page must have 4 inches of blank space from the top edge for the judge's signature.
Orders should use 12-point font (10-point for footnotes), with Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook preferred.
Order titles must be centered, bold, in all capital letters, underlined on the bottom line, and single-spaced if the title exceeds one line.
Body text of orders must be double-spaced, except footnotes and quotes longer than 50 words which must be single-spaced.
All orders must be submitted in text-searchable PDF format.
Multiple factual finding paragraphs must be designated with letters instead of numbers.
The phrase 'It is ordered …' may only be used once, at the start of the decretal section.
Numbered paragraphs must follow the introductory 'It is ordered …' phrase in the decretal section.
Findings of fact are prohibited in the decretal paragraphs of orders.
The decretal section must end with three centered hashmarks (###) on the page.
The post-judgment interest memorandum must use a table format to list dates, applicable rates, and amounts due.
Orders filed via CM/ECF (ECF) must be in searchable PDF format.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format when directed by the judge.
Agreed jury instructions must use Times New Roman 14 point typeface.
Objected instructions must be italicized (plaintiff) or bold-faced (defendant).
Each jury instruction must be on a separate page with citations to authority (except pattern instructions).
Bench trial findings must be emailed in Word format with citations to authority.
Exhibits must use numerical labels only with case number, exhibit number, and offering party.
Designated testimony in notebook must be highlighted and easy to locate.
Electronic devices are prohibited in federal courthouses except for specified categories.
Proposed protective orders for joint motions must be in Word (DOCX) format.
Source Materials sent to chambers for Informal Discovery Hearings must use specific, simple titles instead of generic 'Exhibit 1' or 'Exhibit A' labels.
Orders must be drafted on 8.5 x 11 inch paper in portrait orientation.
All page margins must be set to 1 inch.
First page must have 4 inches of blank space from the top edge for the judge's signature.
Orders should use 12-point font (10-point for footnotes), with Times New Roman or Century Schoolbook preferred.
Order titles must be centered, bold, in all capital letters, underlined on the bottom line, and single-spaced if the title exceeds one line.
Body text of orders must be double-spaced, except footnotes and quotes longer than 50 words which must be single-spaced.
All orders must be submitted in text-searchable PDF format.
Multiple factual finding paragraphs must be designated with letters instead of numbers.
The phrase 'It is ordered …' may only be used once, at the start of the decretal section.
Numbered paragraphs must follow the introductory 'It is ordered …' phrase in the decretal section.
Findings of fact are prohibited in the decretal paragraphs of orders.
The decretal section must end with three centered hashmarks (###) on the page.
The post-judgment interest memorandum must use a table format to list dates, applicable rates, and amounts due.
Orders filed via CM/ECF (ECF) must be in searchable PDF format.
Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must be submitted in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format when directed by the judge.
Federal courthouse employees with valid ID exempt from device restrictions.
Federal prosecutor/public defender/bankruptcy trustee staff with valid ID exempt.
Law enforcement officers with valid ID and official business exempt.
Attorneys with valid Florida Bar ID or pro hac vice order exempt.
Jurors and witnesses with subpoenas may bring phones and e-readers.
Circuit Court of Cook County
View all rules for IL-COOK-CIRCUIT.E-filed documents may not exceed 5 MB; large documents may be split into multiple files.
Bulk filings allow multiple 5MB files; different cases must be separate files/transactions; same case multiple docs can be same transaction but separate PDFs.
Word processing documents must use ≥12pt body font, ≥10pt footnotes, 8.5x11" paper, 1" margins, and blank 2x2" top right first page corner.
E-filed documents must be in PDF; text searchable PDF preferred; proposed orders must be word processing converted to PDF.
All exhibits must be page numbered and tabbed.
Agreed orders submitted via email must be in Word format.
All exhibits must be page numbered and tabbed.
E-filed documents may not exceed 5 MB; large documents may be split into multiple files.
Bulk filings allow multiple 5MB files; different cases must be separate files/transactions; same case multiple docs can be same transaction but separate PDFs.
Word processing documents must use ≥12pt body font, ≥10pt footnotes, 8.5x11" paper, 1" margins, and blank 2x2" top right first page corner.
E-filed documents must be in PDF; text searchable PDF preferred; proposed orders must be word processing converted to PDF.
Briefs must be double-spaced and written in 12-point Times New Roman font.
Margins must be 1 or 1.25 inches on all sides, and documents must use 8.5 x 11-inch paper.
Illinois citations must use official reporters, no N.E. or Ill. Dec.; post-July 2011 IL cases must use public domain citations; unpublished cases cite LEXIS; out-of-state citations use LEXIS reporters.
Deposition transcripts cited in briefing must use at least 11-point font.
Trial exhibits must be bound in separate tabbed binders with table of contents and exhibit list.
Trial deposition transcripts must use at least 11-point font.
Evidentiary hearing deposition transcripts must use at least 11-point font.
Briefs submitted as courtesy copies must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-sided, numbered pages, max 15 pages.
Video exhibits for courtesy copies must be on flash drive with no passwords.
Exhibits attached to pleadings must be clearly marked.
Pleadings and motions submitted as courtesy copies must be in PDF format.
Briefs must use 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double spacing; non-compliant briefs require leave of court.
Agreed orders submitted via email must be in Word format.
Draft orders must be submitted in Word format; all other motion-related documents must be PDF.
All briefs must be double-spaced, 12-point font, with at least 1-inch margins.
All exhibits must be page-numbered and tabbed.
All briefs must be double-sided; deposition transcripts must be double-sided and in mini-script format (4 pages per 1 page).
Deposition transcripts must be formatted in mini-script (4 pages per 1 page) and double-sided.
Electronic courtesy copies must be organized, searchable, with exhibits attached; filenames must include YYYY-MM-DD filing date and document ID.
All briefs must be typed in 12-point font and double spaced.
Required documents for guardianship agreed order requests submitted via email must be in PDF format.
Required documents for decedent's estate agreed order requests submitted via email must be in PDF format.
Calendar 14 mediation courtesy copies not exceeding 20 pages must be emailed in PDF format.
Remote proceeding courtesy copies and proposed orders must be emailed in PDF, one email per case, 2-5 business days prior to court date; multiple emails prohibited.
Footnotes in motions or briefs must be limited to citations, single-spaced, minimum 10-point font; arguments in footnotes will be disregarded.
Exhibits attached to a memorandum with more than two exhibits must be tabbed.
Links in e-filed documents are for convenience only; external linked material is not part of the court record.
Links in e-filed documents are for convenience only; external linked material is not part of the court record.
Orders should be submitted in Word format.
Deposition transcripts should be submitted in mini-script format with 4 pages per sheet.
Agreed orders may be submitted in Word format via email to the Court Coordinator.
Deposition transcripts submitted with courtesy copies should be in mini-script format, 4 pages per page, and double-sided.
Eastern District of California
View all rules for EDCA.Briefs must use 12 pt font; footnotes no more than 2 sizes smaller; sans serif fonts encouraged.
Joint letter brief must be 12-point type.
Briefs must use Times New Roman, minimum 12pt font, footnotes no smaller than 11pt.
Use Ninth Circuit Model Civil Jury Instructions with specific formatting for modifications.
Exhibits lists must use specified table format with Ex. No., Description, Offered, Admitted columns.
Courtesy copies must be double-sided, three-hole punched, ECF stamped, tabbed, and marked “Chambers Copy – Do Not File”.
Briefs must use Times New Roman, minimum 12pt font, footnotes no smaller than 11pt.
Briefs must use 12-point font and be double-spaced.
Prisoner case briefs must use minimum 12 point font for all text including footnotes, and must be double-spaced.
Photographs and visual images must be submitted electronically in JPG, PNG, or TIFF format.
Use Ninth Circuit Model Civil Jury Instructions with specific formatting for modifications.
Exhibits lists must use specified table format with Ex. No., Description, Offered, Admitted columns.
Courtesy copies must be double-sided, three-hole punched, ECF stamped, tabbed, and marked “Chambers Copy – Do Not File”.
All briefs must use minimum 12-point font for all text including footnotes.
Multi-page exhibits must be internally paginated starting at 1 for each exhibit.
If remote appearance granted, all parties must appear by Zoom; no hybrid hearings allowed.
Times New Roman 12 pt font required; footnotes minimum 11 pt.
All briefs must use Times New Roman font at least 12pt; footnotes may be no more than one size smaller than body text.
Joint Pretrial Statements must be submitted in Word (DOCX) format.
Email copy of the Scheduling Conference Report must be in Microsoft Word (DOCX) format.
Proposed orders and stipulations must be submitted in Microsoft Word format, not PDF, to fjsorders@caed.uscourts.gov.
All briefs must use 12 pt font, footnotes no more than two sizes smaller than text, and sans serif fonts like Arial or Helvetica are encouraged.
Multi-page exhibits must be internally paginated starting at 1, with references using exhibit designation and page number.
Required proposed orders must comply with Local Rule 137(b) and be emailed in Microsoft Word format to DJCorders@caed.uscourts.gov.
Joint Pretrial Statements emailed to chambers must be in Word (DOCX) format.
Proposed orders and stipulations must be submitted in Microsoft Word format to egcorders@caed.uscourts.gov with attorney electronic signatures and date of signing.
Proposed orders and stipulations must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to chambers.
Criminal subpoena requests and proposed orders must be in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders for waiver of defendant's presence must be submitted in Microsoft Word format to the judge's designated email address.
Exhibits must be placed in binders no larger than 2 inches wide with divider tabs and spine labels identifying plaintiff or defendant exhibits.
Audio/video exhibits must be provided via electronic means (CD, flashdrive, laptop); photo exhibits may use electronic means and should be binder-ready.
Two sets of trial exhibits are required: a witness set with color-coded tags and a judge set with numbered tabs, no tags.
Exhibit and witness lists must be in Microsoft Word format.
Jury instructions, voir dire questions, verdict forms, and proposed findings of fact (civil bench trials) must be in Microsoft Word format.
Proposed orders and stipulations must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via email to chambers.
Multi-page exhibits must be internally paginated starting at 1, with references including exhibit and page number.
Trials held in Courtroom 4, 15th floor, starting Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday-Friday.
Trials held in Courtroom 4, 15th floor, starting Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday-Friday.
Multi-page exhibits must be internally paginated starting at 1.
Judge Shubb prefers case citations to be formatted according to The Blue Book.
Judge Shubb allows Courier 12 or Times New Roman 12 font for filings.
Parties may agree to number blocks for exhibits (no overlapping numbers), or plaintiffs use numbers and defendants use letters for exhibit marks.
District of Columbia
View all rules for DDC.All court submissions must be double-spaced, use 12-point Times New Roman, and have one-inch margins.
Memoranda of points and authorities at or above ten pages must include both a table of contents and a table of authorities.
The Statement of Material Facts Not in Dispute must be in a two-column table format.
Each numbered row in the statement may contain only one undisputed factual assertion.
After filing, the moving party must promptly provide the opposing party an editable electronic copy of the statement.
Additional facts must be placed at the end of the responsive statement in consecutively numbered right-column rows.
After filing, the opposing party must promptly provide the moving party an editable electronic copy of the counter-statement.
All submissions must be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins.
Briefs must be indexed, tabbed, double-sided, and in B&W/greyscale.
Motions must be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins and two spaces between sentences.
All electronically filed documents must be in text-searchable PDF format.
Page numbers required on bottom of each page.
When not using lectern, counsel must use handheld/lapel mic and keep it in place.
Counsel must use formal titles for all witnesses, including clients; first names/nicknames prohibited.
All documents must be filed electronically in text-searchable PDF format
No extensions for jurisdictional deadlines, even with technical difficulties
Courtesy copies must include ECF headers, be three-hole punched, double-sided, and tabbed
Joint Pretrial Statement must be double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman, Word format, 1-inch margins.
All submissions must be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, with 1-inch margins.
Voir dire questions must be submitted electronically in Microsoft Word format by email at least 7 days before trial.
Joint Pretrial Statement must be double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, Microsoft Word format, with 1-inch margins.
Exhibits must be listed in Joint Pretrial Statement to be admitted. Challenged exhibits require submission of two copies in separate three-ring binders at time of filing.
Jury instructions must be formatted with each instruction beginning on a new page.
All electronic filings must be text-searchable PDF; scanned exhibits should use OCR when possible.
All documents must be filed electronically in searchable PDF format, with exceptions for sealed cases and pro se parties.
Uncommon acronyms discouraged; must define on first use if used.
All electronic filings must be clearly titled; exhibits filed separately
Technical difficulties may excuse late filing, but last-minute filers get no leniency
Preferred A5 coil-bound; accept 3-ring binders up to 2-inch.
Paper exhibits should be submitted as text-searchable files using OCR technology when possible.
Strongly encouraged to use “the plaintiffs” and “the defendants”.
Paper exhibits should be OCR-processed for text-searchability
Pro se parties are exempt from electronic filing requirements.
CA-STATEWIDE
View all rules for CA-STATEWIDE.Electronically submitted proposed orders must be in PDF (with EFS-020) and editable word-processing format.
Electronically submitted or filed papers must meet the requirements in rule 2.256(b).
Judicial Council preempts local trial court rules on form and format of papers filed in trial courts.
Electronically filed documents must be in a court-specified format meeting requirements for software availability, printing integrity, and text searchability; this chapter's rules prevail over conflicting formatting rules.
Motion papers must be consecutively paginated with Arabic numerals starting at the first page; page numbers may be suppressed on the first page.
Paper-filed motions must have all pages and exhibits attached at the top with a method allowing easy page turning and full content visibility.
All pages from a single deposition must be filed as a single exhibit.
Paper exhibits must be separated by 8.5x11 sheets with tabs bearing the exhibit designation.
Electronic exhibits must comply with rule 2.256(b) and include bookmarks unless submitted by a self-represented party.
OSC and TRO must be separate (OSC first), restraining language separately stated in each, OSC describes injunction sought, TRO describes activities enjoined.
Proposed OSC must include blank spaces for service details, proof of service delivery date, briefing schedule, and TRO expiration if applicable.
TRO and OSC applications must state previous applications for similar relief and results.
Electronically submitted proposed orders must be in PDF (with EFS-020) and editable word-processing format.
Amendments to pleadings cannot be made via alterations on the pleading's face without court permission, and all alterations must be initialed by the court or clerk.
Mandatory Judicial Council forms must be used for petitions, orders, and other documents where adopted.
Creditor claim allowances or rejections must be in writing.
The Summary of Account form GC-400(SUM)/GC-405(SUM) must be used in all accountings.
Fiduciaries filing standard accountings without Judicial Council forms must follow specified formatting and content requirements.
Simplified accountings must use GC-405(A) and GC-405(C) schedules unless standard forms are required.
Requests for SIJ findings must be verified petitions with separate petitions for each minor.
Pre-move notice of residence change must use Judicial Council form GC-079; emergency short notice must state basis.
Post-move notice of residence change must use Judicial Council form GC-080.
Concurrent requests for findings and guardianship petitions must be separate, not attachments.
Conservator appointment petitioners (except banks) must submit GC-312; proposed conservators (except banks/public guardians) must submit GC-314.
Pre-move notices must use form GC-079; post-move notices must use form GC-080.
Judicial Council forms are exempt from California Rules of Court Rule 2.100 format requirements for superior court filings.
Forms filled by pen must use blue or black ink and be printed clearly.
Electronically transmitted summons must include court seal image and assigned case number.
Rules in this chapter prescribe the form and format of papers filed in trial courts.
Form GC-330 is optional unless local rule requires it; must be prepared only by court.
Form GC-331 is optional unless local rule requires it; must be prepared only by court.
Parties may file computer-produced duplicates of Judicial Council forms.
Electronic endorsement of e-filed documents has same force as manual clerk endorsement stamp.
Eastern District of Texas
View all rules for EDTX.Use hand sanitizer upon entering courthouse
Maintain social distancing and follow staff instructions in courthouse
COVID-positive individuals prohibited from courthouse for 5 days
Courtroom 3: max 12 spectators, 6ft apart, no under 18
Courtroom 4: 6ft apart for non-household, masks required
Judge Stetson requires 6-foot distancing between non-household spectators and masks at all times.
All persons must maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
Highlight cited portions in courtesy copy affidavits/supporting documents.
Print docketed version from CM-ECF with docket identifier on each page.
Maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
Use hand sanitizer at front door upon entering the Courthouse.
Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 5 days are prohibited from entering the Courthouse.
Courtroom No. 3 limits spectators to 12, sitting 6 feet apart, no one under 18 allowed.
Courtroom No. 4 requires spectators from different households to sit 6 feet apart and wear masks at all times.
Exhibits must be in 3-ring binders (dark for Plaintiff, light for Defendant), max 3 inches width.
Maintain appropriate distancing in the Courthouse as directed by staff.
Use hand sanitizer at front door upon entering Courthouse.
Persons who tested positive for COVID-19 in past 5 days are prohibited from entering Courthouse.
Courtroom 3: max 12 spectators, 6 feet apart, no one under 18.
Courtroom 4: non-household spectators 6 feet apart, all must wear masks.
Judge Stetson requires 6-foot distancing between non-household spectators and masks for all spectators.
All persons must maintain appropriate distancing and follow staff instructions in the Courthouse.
Attorneys, parties (except criminal defendants), and corporate representatives must wear standard business attire.
Jurors and witnesses must dress appropriately for the courtroom with specific clothing restrictions.
Spectators must dress appropriately for the courtroom with specific clothing restrictions.
Attorneys, parties (except criminal defendants), and corporate representatives must wear standard business attire.
Jurors and witnesses must dress appropriately for the courtroom with specific clothing restrictions.
Spectators must dress appropriately for the courtroom with specific clothing restrictions.
Voluminous exhibits must be organized in labeled folders within a standard box with handles.
Briefs must include jump cites to specific pages of cited cases.
Motions over 20 pages require spiral or three-ring binding for courtesy copies.
Voluminous exhibits must be organized in labeled folders within a standard box with handles.
IL-KANE-CIRCUIT
View all rules for IL-KANE-CIRCUIT.Handwritten documents are only accepted from self-represented litigants, must be legible, black/blue ink, 8.5x11 white paper; only Clerk preprinted forms may be handwritten on by attorneys/litigants.
Word-processed documents must use at least 12pt body font, 10pt footnotes, 8.5x11 20lb paper, 1-inch minimum margins, first page top right 2x2 blank for file stamp, include caption/case number, no margin handwriting.
Multi-page documents cannot have staples, permanent binding, or be continuous forms; each page must have case number, first page numbered 'Page 1 of ___ Pages', subsequent pages numbered consecutively.
All documents must be typed in black ink, use suggested Times New Roman or sans serif font, minimum 1.5 line spacing; signatures/dates black ink or approved electronic format.
Exhibits must be labeled consecutively with alpha/numeric symbol on first page lower right; no duplicate attachments unless required by statute/Supreme Court Rule, use reference to prior filing instead.
The Circuit Clerk is not required to accept any document that does not comply with Supreme Court Rules or these local rules.
All e-filed documents must be in PDF format; convert directly from authoring program when possible.
Exhibits must be labeled consecutively (alphabetical/numeric) on lower right corner of first page; duplicate attachments prohibited unless required by statute/Supreme Court Rule.
E-filed documents must use 12pt body font, 10pt footnotes, 8.5x11 paper, 1-inch margins, and 2x2 inch blank top right corner on first page.
E-filed documents must be unalterable (sealed PDF) and print identically to authoring program output.
Jury instructions must be submitted as two typed, double-spaced 8.5x11 copies, with specific marking requirements, plus copies for each juror prior to closing arguments.
Required warning in notices of hearing for certain proceedings must be in bold type.
Inventory items must be numbered with consecutive roman numerals starting at I, carried forward to subsequent inventories and accounts.
First Notice must be in a form approved by the Chief Judge.
All pleadings must be filed in a form compliant with applicable statutory, local, and supreme court rules.
Circuit Clerk provides pre-printed/electronic forms requiring Chief Judge approval; Clerk sets form design, approval, and distribution policy.
Approved Clerk forms may be duplicated if they retain same verbiage, standardized heading, and matching codes.
Clerk provides approved blank forms to self-represented litigants and accepts standardized forms from Illinois Supreme Court or other entities.
Related Rule Categories
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.