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 ↗
4. Settlement Conferences. Clients with full settlement authority are required to attend scheduled settlement conferences.
3. Communications with Chambers a. Filings and Written Communications. All pleadings and correspondence with the Court shall be electronically filed via CM/ECF, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. If you have a request that requires attention within 48 hours, please call Chambers. In civil cases, confidential information shall be sent via email to Chambers (jra_orders@njd.uscourts.gov). In criminal cases, confidential information shall be sent directly to Courtroom Deputy Alexus Wheeler (Alexus_Wheeler@njd.uscourts.gov). b. Fax. Faxes to Chambers are not permitted. c. Courtesy Copies. Physical courtesy copies need not be sent to Chambers, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
4. Settlement Conferences. Clients with full settlement authority are required to attend scheduled settlement conferences. Each party must email a confidential letter summarizing the factual background of the case, the main issue(s) in dispute, the status of the case, and the parties' settlement position. The parties shall submit the letters at least 7 calendar days before the scheduled settlement conference to jra_orders@njd.uscourts.gov. Each letter should not exceed 5 pages in length, exclusive of exhibits.
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) ↗
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) ↗
All pleadings and correspondence with the Court shall be electronically filed via CM/ECF, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
c. Motions to Seal. Along with the motion to seal, the moving party shall submit a form of order containing proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law concerning the factors set forth in Local Civil Rule 5.3(c). The moving party also shall indicate whether all other parties consent to the sealing of material.
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 ↗
Yes — motions decided on the papers without oral argument.
The conference will be conducted either remotely (virtually or telephonically) or in person, as determined by the Court. If the conference is conducted remotely, the Court will provide the parties with connection information in advance.
1. Attending Conferences and Hearings. Parties are expected to appear on time for conferences and hearings. Please call Chambers immediately if you need to reschedule a conference or a hearing, or if you expect to be late.
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 ↗
a. Discovery Disputes. No discovery motion shall be filed without leave of the Court. Consistent with their obligation under Local Civil Rules 16.1(f) and 37.1(a), the parties shall meet and confer in good faith to resolve any discovery disputes prior to raising those disputes with the Court. Importantly, email exchanges are not sufficient to satisfy this requirement. The Court requires the parties to meet in person, via video conferencing, or by telephone. If the parties are unable to reach a resolution after meeting and conferring, they may file one joint letter not to exceed 10 pages, exclusive of exhibits. The parties shall explain the efforts made to resolve the issue(s). For each issue or group of issues in dispute, the parties shall summarize the specific issue(s) and the parties' respective positions supported by relevant facts and legal authority. Each issue must be separated into its own section.