All local rules for D.N.J., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Applications for emergency relief are returnable on the first regular motion day at least 24 days after filing, unless the court orders otherwise. Seek a court order for shorter timelines — the default emergency mechanism uses the standard motion-day count-back schedule. D.N.J. Civ. R. 65.1 ↗
Pro hac vice is governed by Civ. R. 101.1 — NOT Rule 83 (NJ-D's post-1997 numbering places admission rules in the 100s range). Local counsel association is generally required; local counsel signs pleadings and may be required to attend hearings. Local counsel is substantively responsible, not nominal. D.N.J. Civ. R. 101.1 ↗
Calls to chambers are permitted only in urgent situations that require immediate attention. All other communication with chambers must be filed in a letter on the docket via CM/ECF.
Settlement After Jury Selection: If an action is settled after the jury has been summoned or during trial, the parties are reminded that the Court is likely to assess the costs of empaneling the jury on the parties and/or their attorneys. See L. Civ. R. 47.2. A jury is considered summoned for trial as of noon on the business day immediately preceding the designated date of the trial. Id. Taxation of costs in this regard coexists with the Court's inherent authority to assess costs against a party or attorney as a sanction for misconduct.
40 pages maximum for main brief (excluding table of contents and authorities). If a 12-point proportional font is used instead of the required typeface, the limit is reduced by 25% to 30 pages. D.N.J. Civ. R. 7.2(b) ↗
40 pages maximum for brief in opposition (same limit applies to cross-motion briefs in opposition). D.N.J. Civ. R. 7.2(b) ↗
15 pages maximum for reply brief. Reduced to 11.25 pages if 12-point proportional font is used instead of the required typeface. D.N.J. Civ. R. 7.2(b) ↗
Briefs (compliance with local rule): Judge Semper requires strict compliance with the length limitations and format requirements for briefs set forth in L. Civ. R. 7.2 (and any amendments and modifications thereto). Judge Semper enforces the provision in L. Civ. R. 7.2(b) that mandates that a litigant get special permission before submitting papers that are not in compliance.
Briefs (compliance with local rule): Judge Semper requires strict compliance with the length limitations and format requirements for briefs set forth in L. Civ. R. 7.2 (and any amendments and modifications thereto).
Briefs (compliance with local rule): Judge Semper requires strict compliance with the length limitations and format requirements for briefs set forth in L. Civ. R. 7.2 (and any amendments and modifications thereto). Sur-replies: Pursuant to L. Civ. R. 7.1(d)(6), no sur-replies are permitted without leave of the Court. Any request to file a sur-reply must be accompanied by an exhibit consisting of the proposed sur-reply.
Black lettering; 8.5 x 11 inch paper; one-inch margins; double-spaced text; single-spaced footnotes. Typeface must be 12-point non-proportional (e.g., Courier New 12) or equivalent 14-point proportional (e.g., Times New Roman 14). Using a 12-point proportional font instead reduces all page limits by 25%. Footnotes must be the same size as text. D.N.J. Civ. R. 7.2(c)–(d) ↗
CM/ECF Filings: Pleadings, motions, letters, and proposed jury charges must be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable PDF format.
Motion and supporting brief must be filed at least 24 days before the noticed motion day. Opposition due at least 14 days before original motion day (Civ. R. 7.1(d)(2)). Motion day must be noted on the cover page of the motion. D.N.J. Civ. R. 7.1(d)(1) ↗
Motion days are the first and third Monday of each month, excluding holidays. Briefing deadlines count back from the noticed motion day — not forward from service. D.N.J. Civ. R. 78.1(a) ↗
Yes
All filed motions shall have annexed thereto a proposed order. If the proposed order does not adequately reflect the Court's ruling, the prevailing party, if directed by the Court, shall submit an order within seven days of the ruling on the motion on notice to all other parties. Unless the Court otherwise directs, if no specific objection to that order with reasons therefor is received within seven days of its receipt by the Court, the order may be signed. If such an objection is made, the matter may be listed for hearing at the discretion of the Court. D.N.J. Civ. R. 7.1(e) ↗
Proposed Orders: If any relief is being sought, the CM/ECF filing must be accompanied by a proposed order in searchable PDF format.
CM/ECF Filings: Pleadings, motions, letters, and proposed jury charges must be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable PDF format.
No oral argument shall be heard except as permitted expressly by the judge assigned to hear the motion. If oral argument is required, parties are notified by the court. Argument may be conducted in open court or by telephone conference at the judge's discretion. Request for oral argument must be clearly marked on the first page of the notice of motion and/or brief. D.N.J. Civ. R. 78.1 ↗
All requests for adjournments or extensions of time, other than those pursuant to Local Rule 7.1(d)(5), must comport with Local Rule 6.1 and include: (1) the date or dates sought to be extended; (2) the number of previous requests for extensions and the Court's ruling; (3) the reason for the current request; and (4) whether the adversary consents and, if not, the reason given by the adversary for refusing to consent. If the requested extension affects any other scheduled dates/deadlines, the request must list the proposed change for all such other dates/deadlines. Adjournment requests should be made at least three business days before a scheduled hearing or conference. The party seeking an adjournment should attempt to gain the consent of his or her adversary before filing said request by letter. In any such letter, the party should set forth the date of the hearing or conference, the basis for the adjournment request, whether the request is being made with consent, and the length of adjournment being sought. Absent exigent circumstances, adjournment requests made less than three days prior to the deadline will not be granted.
Discovery applications may be presented by telephone conference call or letter to the judge before formal motion practice. File a formal discovery motion only after the telephone/letter mechanism has been attempted. Civ. R. 37.2 governs discovery motion sanctions per FRCP 37. D.N.J. Civ. R. 37.1 ↗