All local rules for D. Mass., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Q25: Do you typically allow reply briefs and/or surreply briefs? A25: Yes. I like reply and surreply briefs, but will strike "supplemental" replies. Q26: If you allow reply and/or surreply briefs, do you impose a page limit? A26: Yes, see local rules, (a 20-page limit).
the parties are required to submit a paper courtesy copy of any electronic document relating to a dispositive motion, opposition, reply or sur-reply, including all exhibits. The courtesy copy should be stamped “Courtesy Copy: DO NOT SCAN.” The term “dispositive motion” includes a motion to dismiss, motion for summary judgment, motion to suppress, motion for preliminary relief, motion for judgment as a matter of law, Daubert motion, and motion in limine.
The courtesy copy should be stamped “Courtesy Copy: DO NOT SCAN.”
Generally speaking, the Court DENIES motions to seal memoranda and attachments in their entirety on the ground that a presumption of openness governs court filings. However, a party may redact a public filing and seek to file under seal truly confidential matters. Any motion to seal shall be supported by an affidavit by a person explaining the need for the sealing. The docket clerk shall not seal any document that does not contain this affidavit. The party seeking redaction in a court filing must have good cause for asserting confidentiality beyond mere agreement of the parties to a designation of confidentiality for a particular document or deposition under a protective order. The attorney for the party seeking protection for the redacted material shall be subject to Fed. R. Civ. P. 11. If the party seeking protection is not the party filing the document, where feasible, the parties shall confer prior to filing the document on the public docket. In the event of dispute, or inability to confer in a meaningful way beforehand, the full memorandum with the confidential information shall be filed under seal pending the preparation of a redacted document to be filed publicly or resolution of the dispute. Any such redacted document shall be filed within seven (7) working days of filing the sealed document. When a document is under seal, the party shall file a courtesy paper copy of the complete unredacted document filed in connection with a contested matter. The Court instructs the Clerk to unseal the sealed document if no timely redacted document or motion to resolve dispute is filed.
Q27: Do you typically hold a hearing on motions to dismiss? A27: Yes. Q28: Do you typically hold a hearing on summary judgment motions? A28: Yes. Q29: If you typically hold hearings on dispositive motions, what, if any, time limits do you impose on counsel for their arguments? A29: Time limits imposed as needed.
Q82: As of Fall 2022, are there any case events that you routinely conduct via Zoom in civil cases? If so, what are they? A82: Yes. I will typically hold Rule 16 conferences, status conferences and non-complex dispositive motion hearings on Zoom. Q84: Upon request, the Court will consider Zoom hearings for good cause.
Counsel shall not assume a motion for a continuance will be granted. If the Court hasn't ruled, counsel shall contact the courtroom deputy. Last minute requests to continue short of a true emergency are disfavored.
Typically, do you resolve discovery motions or do you refer them to the magistrate judge? A16: I typically refer them to the magistrate judge.
Q16: Typically, do you resolve discovery motions or do you refer them to the magistrate judge? A16: I typically refer them to the magistrate judge. Q17: Do you typically hold a hearing on discovery? A17: No. Q18: Please describe your general practice regarding the resolution of discovery motions. A18: See above
Do you typically hold a hearing on discovery? A17: No.