NJ-D — At a Glance
D.N.J. — Quick-reference summary of the most frequently needed rules for the District of New Jersey.
Quick-reference summary of the most frequently needed rules for the District of New Jersey.
Filing & Formatting
| Topic | Rule | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Length limit (main brief) | Civ. R. 7.2(b) | 40 pages |
| Length limit (reply) | Civ. R. 7.2(b) | 15 pages |
| Cross-motion brief | Civ. R. 7.2(b) | 40 pages |
| Non-conforming font penalty | Civ. R. 7.2(d) | Limits reduced by 25% (40-page becomes 30; 15-page becomes 11.25) |
| ECF filing | Civ. R. 5.2 | Mandatory |
| Sealing | Civ. R. 5.3 | Motion-first; unified with confidentiality-order rule |
Motion Practice & Deadlines
| Topic | Rule | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Operating model | Civ. R. 7.1, 78.1 | Submission with motion days |
| Motion-day notation | Civ. R. 7.1 | Required on cover page |
| Motion + brief filed | Civ. R. 7.1(d)(1) | At least 24 days before motion day |
| Opposition due | Civ. R. 7.1(d)(2) | At least 14 days before original motion day |
| Reply | Civ. R. 7.1(d)(3) | Filed in advance of motion day per the rule |
| Motion days | Civ. R. 78.1(a) | First and third Monday of each month |
| Brief format | Civ. R. 7.1, 7.2 | Formal motion track (Civ. R. 37.1 letter-to-judge for discovery) |
| Oral argument | Civ. R. 78.1 | 'No oral argument shall be heard except as permitted expressly by the Judge' |
Discovery & Conferences
| Topic | Rule | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Meet and confer scope | Civ. R. 37 region | Discovery-only |
| MC format | Civ. R. 37.1 | Live (telephone or letter to the judge) |
| Discovery dispute presentation | Civ. R. 37.1 | By telephone or letter to the judge before formal motion |
| Discovery motion sanctions | Civ. R. 37.2 | Per FRCP 37 |
Summary Judgment
| Topic | Rule | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| SMF framework | Civ. R. 56.1 | District 56.1 framework |
| SMF requirement | Civ. R. 56.1(a) | Statement of material facts not in dispute |
| Failure to file SMF | Civ. R. 56.1(a) | Motion shall be dismissed |
| Response | Civ. R. 56.1 | Paragraph-by-paragraph response |
| Supplemental statement | Civ. R. 56.1 | Opponent may furnish supplemental statement of disputed facts |
Appearances & Chambers
| Topic | Rule | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| PHV | Civ. R. 101.1 | Civ. R. 101.1, not Rule 83 |
| Local counsel | Civ. R. 101.1 | Generally required |
| Sealing | Civ. R. 5.3 | See Filing & Formatting |
| Emergency relief | Civ. R. 65.1 | Applications for emergency relief; returnable on first regular motion day at least 24 days after filing |
Compliance Traps
| Topic | Rule | Watchpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Civ. R. 101.1 (not Rule 83) | Civ. R. 101.1 | #1 |
| Motion-day notation | Civ. R. 7.1 | #2 |
| 40/15 page limits with font penalty | Civ. R. 7.2 | #3 |
| Civ. R. 5.3 unified sealing | Civ. R. 5.3 | #4 |
| Civ. R. 65.1 emergency relief | Civ. R. 65.1 | #5 |
| Telephone or letter for discovery | Civ. R. 37.1 | #6 |
| SMF failure = dismissal | Civ. R. 56.1(a) | #7 |
| Local counsel substantive | Civ. R. 101.1 | #8 |