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 ↗
Settlement Conferences: Absent exigent circumstances, settlement conferences will be held in person at the Courthouse and must be attended by lead trial counsel as well as all parties and persons with settlement authority.
Communications with the Court: Direct communication with law clerks is permitted as to procedural matters only. All other communications shall be made via formal letter filed electronically via CM/ECF, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Settlement Conferences: Absent exigent circumstances, settlement conferences will be held in person at the Courthouse and must be attended by lead trial counsel as well as all parties and persons with settlement authority. Each party is required to submit, by email to SDA_orders@njd.uscourts.gov, a confidential settlement memorandum of no more than ten (10) double spaced pages no later than five (5) business days before the conference.
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) ↗
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) ↗
Format for CM/ECF Filings: Pleadings, motions, letters and proposed orders filed on CM/ECF shall be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable 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: In addition to filing via CM/ECF, a copy of any proposed orders should be submitted in Word format via email to SDA_orders@njd.uscourts.gov.
Motions to Seal: Motions to seal must comply with Local Civil Rule 5.3(c) and must include a proposed order and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. In addition, the proposed order must include reference to the docket entries the party seeks to seal. Counsel shall make every effort to secure the consent of all parties regarding the request to seal and the movant shall certify as to whether all parties consent in the application.
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 ↗
Oral Argument: The Court will schedule oral argument on an as needed basis. If oral argument is requested, it shall be indicated in the notice of motion.
Yes — motions decided on the papers without oral argument.
Telephone Conferences: Are permitted but must be initiated by letter informally outlining the issues to be discussed.
Adjournment Requests: Absent exigent circumstances, adjournment requests shall only be considered if made at least three (3) business days before the scheduled court proceeding. The party seeking an adjournment should attempt to gain the consent of all other parties before submitting said request. The request should be made in writing via CM/ECF as a letter request. The request must set forth: (a) the date of the court proceeding; (b) the length of adjournment requested; (c) the basis for the adjournment request; (d) whether all parties consent to or oppose the request; and (e) whether the adjournment request, if granted, would impact other scheduled dates or deadlines.
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 ↗
Discovery Disputes and Applications. Discovery disputes and applications shall proceed in accordance with Local Civil Rules 16.1 and 37.1. Should counsel fail in their good-faith efforts to resolve the dispute by conferring pursuant to Local Civil Rule 37.1, the matter shall be brought to the Court's attention in the following manner: (a) The party(ies) seeking relief shall file a letter with the Court, which shall be double-spaced and not exceed five (5) pages in length. No exhibits shall be attached. The letter is meant to summarize the issue for the Court for the purpose of having a conference, and is not meant to be a substitute for a formal letter brief. The letter shall set forth the efforts taken to resolve the dispute. (b) The party(ies) opposing the relief sought shall file a response within five (5) days, which shall be double-spaced and not exceed five (5) pages in length. No exhibits shall be attached. (c) Replies are not permitted without leave of Court. After reviewing the letters, the Court will determine whether it will conduct a conference. Formal discovery motions may be filed only upon leave of Court and only after the parties have proceeded in accordance with Local Civil Rules 16.1 and 37.1 and complied with the procedures set forth herein.