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. Personal Appearance of Parties Required: All parties, adjusters for insured defendants, and other party representatives with full and complete settlement authority, as well as the principal attorneys responsible for the litigation, shall appear in person and remain available for the duration of the settlement conference.
3. Settlement Memoranda: Counsel shall submit settlement memoranda directly to Chambers no later than one (1) week prior to the settlement conference via email at njdnef_donio@njd.uscourts.gov. These settlement memoranda shall not be electronically filed, but shall be exchanged between the parties no later than one (1) week prior to the settlement 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) ↗
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) ↗
Copies of Papers – Magistrate Judge Donio requires that a courtesy copy of briefs, letter memoranda, motion papers, and proposed orders be submitted to chambers for the Court's convenience.
Motions to Seal – In addition to filing materials subject to a motion to seal with the Clerk pursuant to L. Civ. R. 5.3, a copy of such materials should be submitted to chambers in a sealed envelope marked "Courtesy copies of documents designated as confidential materials filed pursuant to L. Civ. R. 5.3."
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 ↗
Telephone Conferences – Magistrate Judge Donio is amenable to telephone conferences in lieu of formal in-court hearings on motions and may conduct initial and status conferences by telephone.
Adjournment Requests - The party seeking an adjournment should attempt to gain the adversary's consent before submitting the request. The adjournment request should be made in writing and should set forth the date of the conference, the basis for the adjournment request, whether the request is being made with consent, and the length of adjournment being sought.
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 Letters and Motions - Counsel shall meet and confer in a good faith attempt to informally resolve all discovery or case management disputes before seeking the Court's intervention. See Local Civil Rule 37.1(a)(1). Absent exigent circumstances, the Court expects parties to "meet and confer" in-person, via telephone, or video conference before making a discovery application. Any dispute not resolved shall be brought to the Court's attention by letter after counsel's good faith attempt to resolve the dispute has failed and shall set forth in detail the specific efforts that were made to resolve the dispute before contacting the Court. No discovery motion shall be made without prior leave of Court. See Local Civil Rule 37.1(b).