All local rules for E.D. Pa., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
In accordance with procedures adopted by the Board of Judges, each district judge shall have an assigned magistrate judge. (p. 50)
Matters shall be referred to magistrate judges at the direction of the district judge to whom the case is assigned. (p. 50)
Local R. Civ. P. 72.1(II)
“Judge Beetlestone may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes.” · Policies and Procedures
“Discovery Management: Parties are expected to manage discovery without involving Judge Beetlestone, unless absolutely necessary.” · Policies and Procedures
No motion or other application pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery or pursuant to this rule shall be made unless it contains a certification of counsel that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute. (p. 30)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(f)
“When a discovery dispute arises, the parties shall make every effort to resolve the matter themselves before seeking the Court's assistance.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the parties cannot resolve the problem through the reasonable efforts required by Local Civil Rule 26.1(f), they may file on the docket submit brief letters explaining the dispute and requested relief.” · Policies and Procedures
it contains a certification of counsel that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute. (p. 30)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(f)
“All discovery motions must contain the certification required under Local Civil Rule 26.1(f).” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Beetlestone expects that such a certification will be substantive, specific, and meaningful.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Beetlestone through her Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Beetlestone will generally hold a telephone conference to address the dispute.” · Policies and Procedures
Every motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery (p. 29)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(b)
“If the parties cannot resolve the problem through the reasonable efforts required by Local Civil Rule 26.1(f), they may file on the docket submit brief letters explaining the dispute and requested relief.” · Policies and Procedures
Every motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery shall identify and provide, verbatim, the relevant parts of the interrogatory, request, answer, response, objection, notice, subpoena, or depositions in the party’s memorandum. (p. 29)
Counsel may also identify the disputed discovery in an attached exhibit, provided that the exhibit clearly identifies the relevant portions. (p. 29)
Any party responding to the motion shall provide, verbatim, any other part that the party believes necessary to the court's consideration of the motion. (p. 29)
A routine motion to compel answers to interrogatories or to compel compliance with a request for production under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 34, wherein it is averred that no response or objection has been timely served, need have no accompanying brief, and need have no copy of the interrogatories or Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 34 request attached. (p. 30)
Every motion shall be accompanied by a form of order which, if approved by the court, would grant the relief sought by the motion. (p. 18)
Every motion not certified as uncontested, or not governed by Local Civil Rule 26.1(g), shall be accompanied by a brief containing a concise statement of the legal contentions and authorities relied upon in support of the motion. (p. 18)
Unless the Court directs otherwise, any party opposing the motion shall serve a brief in opposition together with such answer or other response that may be appropriate, within fourteen (14) days after service of the motion and supporting brief. (p. 18)
Counsel are directed to consult each judge’s policies and procedures. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(b), 26.1(g), 7.1(a), 7.1(c)
“If a discovery dispute is not resolved following a telephone conference and a motion to compel becomes necessary, the motion and any supporting memorandum, together, shall not exceed ten (10) pages of double-spaced 12-point font.” · Policies and Procedures
“The responding party may file a response within five (5) days, also limited to ten (10) pages of double-spaced 12-point font.” · Policies and Procedures
“All discovery motions must contain the certification required under Local Civil Rule 26.1(f).” · Policies and Procedures
The Court may require or permit additional briefs or submissions if the Court deems them necessary. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(c)
“Reply briefs are permitted.” · Policies and Procedures
“Reply briefs must be filed within seven (7) days of the date that a non-moving party files its opposition brief, may not exceed ten (10) pages, and must be limited to issues newly raised in the opposing party’s response.” · Policies and Procedures
“Sur-reply briefs are not permitted absent prior permission of the Court upon good cause shown.” · Policies and Procedures
“The Court will not necessarily delay its decision while awaiting a reply or sur-reply brief.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
Any interested party may request oral argument on a motion. The court may dispose of a motion without oral argument. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“Hearings and argument are scheduled when requested or warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
“Oral Argument on Motions: Judge Beetlestone schedules oral argument on motions when requested and/or when she believes it may be helpful in the Court's decision-making process.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Judge Beetlestone permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.” · Policies and Procedures
“However, counsel should resort to such efforts only sparingly and certainly only after making all appropriate efforts to resolve the impasse.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“If the Court's intervention is required to resolve a discovery dispute, the Court may impose sanctions in favor of the prevailing party.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Oral Arguments and Evidentiary Hearings: Judge Beetlestone does not set aside certain days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings.” · Policies and Procedures
“Hearings and argument are scheduled when requested or warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Oral Arguments and Evidentiary Hearings: Judge Beetlestone does not set aside certain days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings.” · Policies and Procedures
“Hearings and argument are scheduled when requested or warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
“Oral Argument on Motions: Judge Beetlestone schedules oral argument on motions when requested and/or when she believes it may be helpful in the Court's decision-making process.” · Policies and Procedures
The court may dispose of a motion without oral argument. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“Oral Argument on Motions: Judge Beetlestone schedules oral argument on motions when requested and/or when she believes it may be helpful in the Court's decision-making process.” · Policies and Procedures
Any interested party may request oral argument on a motion. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Counsel shall dress in an appropriate professional manner including when appearing on video conference.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
No judicial proceedings may be broadcast by radio or television, or filmed by still or motion-picture camera or other electronic device, (p. 52)
Except as provided by any applicable standing court order concerning electronic devices, no cameras, broadcasting mechanisms, or electronic device capable of filming or recording may be brought into, or retained or operated within, any district court courtroom or any hall on the same floor as such courtroom. (p. 52)
Local R. Civ. P. 83.3(a), (b)
“Cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off (not on silent or vibrate mode) before entering the courtroom.” · Policies and Procedures
“A violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone or device.” · Policies and Procedures
“Attorneys are responsible for their own electronic devices and those of their witnesses and clients.” · Policies and Procedures
No attorney shall, without just cause, fail to appear when that attorney's case is before the court on a call, motion, pretrial proceeding, or trial, (p. 66)
Any attorney who fails to comply with (a) or (b) may be disciplined as the court shall deem just. (p. 66)
Local R. Civ. P. 83.6.1(b), (c)
“A violation of these rules may result in confiscation of the cell phone or device.” · Policies and Procedures
“If a party fails to appear at a scheduled Rule 16 Conference, absent good cause, monetary sanctions may be applied.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
Unless the Court directs otherwise, any party opposing the motion shall serve a brief in opposition together with such answer or other response that may be appropriate, within fourteen (14) days after service of the motion and supporting brief. (p. 18)
Local Civ. R. 7.1(c)
“Time to Respond to Rule 12(b) and Rule 56 Motions: For cases pending before Judge Beetlestone, parties have twenty-one (21) days after service of a motion to dismiss under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b) or a motion for summary judgment under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56 to file their response.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“When one party intends to move for summary judgment, that party shall initiate a process whereby the parties shall meet, confer and develop a single, joint appendix of all exhibits, including any and all exhibits that may be referenced in their respective briefs.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Upon motion for summary judgment, counsel shall also submit a separate Statement of Undisputed Material Facts containing a numbered, paragraph-by-paragraph recitation of facts with specific citations to the joint appendix in support of all of those facts as to which the moving party contends no genuine issue exists.” · Policies and Procedures
“Counsel opposing a motion for summary judgment shall submit a separate Statement of Disputed Material Facts, which incorporates the moving party's Statement of Undisputed Material Facts, stating after each consecutive paragraph whether that party accepts or rejects that each fact as stated by the moving party is undisputed.” · Policies and Procedures
“Counsel for the moving party shall then submit—even if not filing a reply brief—a separate Reply Statement of Undisputed Material Facts which incorporates the non-moving party's Statement of Disputed Material Facts, stating after each consecutive paragraph whether that party accepts or rejects that each additional fact as stated by the opposing party is disputed.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Upon motion for summary judgment, counsel shall also submit a separate Statement of Undisputed Material Facts containing a numbered, paragraph-by-paragraph recitation of facts with specific citations to the joint appendix in support of all of those facts as to which the moving party contends no genuine issue exists.” · Policies and Procedures
“If a party contends that a fact is in dispute, citation must be made to the joint appendix that supports the party's view that that particular fact is in dispute.” · Policies and Procedures
“The party should then list its own additional disputed facts in the same format with specific citations to the joint appendix.” · Policies and Procedures
“If a party contends that a fact is undisputed, citation must be made to the joint appendix that supports that party's view that the particular fact is undisputed.” · Policies and Procedures
“The Reply Statement of Undisputed Material Facts shall be a single document containing all of the submissions of material facts and responses thereto.” · Policies and Procedures
“Counsel for the moving party shall email a copy of the Reply Statement of Undisputed Material Facts to Chambers in Microsoft Word format.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“The joint appendix shall be filed by the movant no later than the date the initial motion for summary judgment is docketed.” · Policies and Procedures
“All pages of the joint appendix shall be consecutively “Bates stamped” and referenced in the motions and briefs by the Bates number assigned each page.” · Policies and Procedures
“The joint appendix shall include a table of contents.” · Policies and Procedures
“The parties shall make every effort to include all necessary exhibits in the initial joint appendix.” · Policies and Procedures
“Should it become necessary for the non-moving party to submit additional exhibits, however, it may do so at the time it files its opposition brief.” · Policies and Procedures
“Any addendum to the joint appendix shall be consecutively Bates stamped, beginning at the page number where the joint appendix left off, and shall include a table of contents.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Beetlestone will not consider material not included in the appendix.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
In the absence of a timely response, the motion may be granted as uncontested except as provided under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56, or otherwise prohibited by law. (p. 18)
Local Civ. R. 7.1(c)
“Judge Beetlestone will not consider material not included in the appendix.” · Policies and Procedures
No admission shall be effective until such time as the fee has been paid, except that any counsel appearing in a case transferred pursuant to an Order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation need not pay such a fee. (p. 56)
Standing Order (Feb. 13, 2023); LCvR 83.5.2(b); form
Nothing posted.
(a) Except for attorneys appearing on behalf of the United States Government or a department or agency thereof pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.5(e), any attorney who is not a member of the bar of this court shall, in each proceeding in which that attorney desires to appear, have as associate counsel of record a member of the bar of this court upon whom all pleadings, motions, notices and other papers can be served conformably to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the local rules of this court. (p. 56)
LCvR 83.5.2(a)
Nothing posted.
(b) An attorney who is not a member of the bar of this Court shall not actively participate in the conduct of any trial or pre-trial or post-trial proceeding before this Court unless, upon motion of a member of the bar of this Court containing a verified application, leave to do so shall have been granted. (p. 56)
LCvR 83.5.2(b)
“Pro Hac Vice Admissions: To be admitted appearing before Judge Beetlestone pro hac vice, associate counsel of record should submit a written motion for admission prior to the day of the first appearance of out-of-state counsel.” · Policies and Procedures
C. I state that I am at present a member of the aforesaid bar(s) in good standing, and that I will demean myself as an attorney of this court uprightly and according to law, and that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States. (p. 2)
The undersigned member of the bar of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania hereby moves for the admission of _______________________________________________ to practice in said court pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 83.5.2(b), and certify that I know (or after reasonable inquiry believe) that the applicant is a member in good standing of the above-referenced state and federal court(s) and that the applicant's private and personal character is good. (p. 3)
Court form
Nothing posted.
(b) An attorney who is not a member of the bar of this Court shall not actively participate in the conduct of any trial or pre-trial or post-trial proceeding before this Court unless, upon motion of a member of the bar of this Court containing a verified application, leave to do so shall have been granted. (p. 56)
LCvR 83.5.2(b); court form
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Pro Hac Vice Admissions: To be admitted appearing before Judge Beetlestone pro hac vice, associate counsel of record should submit a written motion for admission prior to the day of the first appearance of out-of-state counsel.” · Policies and Procedures
________________ is DIRECTED to request ECF filing access using their PACER Account1. (p. 1)
Court form (proposed order)
Nothing posted.
At least one associate counsel shall maintain their appearance on the docket until the conclusion of the case or until granted leave to withdraw by the court. (p. 56)
(a) Except for attorneys appearing on behalf of the United States Government or a department or agency thereof pursuant to Local Civil Rule 83.5(e), any attorney who is not a member of the bar of this court shall, in each proceeding in which that attorney desires to appear, have as associate counsel of record a member of the bar of this court upon whom all pleadings, motions, notices and other papers can be served conformably to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the local rules of this court. (p. 56)
LCvR 83.5.2(a)-(b)
“The admission of out-of-state counsel pro hac vice does not relieve associate counsel of responsibility for the matter before the Court.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
No admission shall be effective until such time as the fee has been paid, except that any counsel appearing in a case transferred pursuant to an Order of the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation need not pay such a fee. (p. 56)
LCvR 83.5.2(b)
Nothing posted.
I, _________________________________________ the undersigned, am an attorney who is not currently admitted to either the bar of this court or the bar of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and I hereby apply for admission to practice in this court pursuant to Local Rule of Civil Procedure 83.5.2(b) to represent ________________________. (p. 2)
Standing Order (Feb. 13, 2023); court form
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
(e) Any attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of the highest court of any state, territory, or the District of Columbia may, without being admitted generally as an attorney of this Court, act as an attorney in this Court on behalf of the United States Government or any of its departments or agencies. (p. 53)
LCvR 83.5(e); 83.5.2(a)
Nothing posted.
Judge Beetlestone permits correspondence with the Court under the following circumstances: A. When letters of transmittal accompany documents required to be sent to, or filed with, the Court or in another official office in the courthouse; B. When counsel is specifically requested by the Court to communicate some information to the Court by letter; C. When there is an uncontested request for a continuance of the Rule 16. Scheduling Order deadlines not affecting the trial date or pool placement; D. To seek the Court's assistance in resolving a discovery dispute; E. When the participation of counsel in the case is expected to be affected by a personal matter concerning counsel, a party, a witness or counsel's immediate family, such as medical problems, or other similarly personal problems or questions; F. To confirm or advise the Court that a case has been settled, dismissed or otherwise finally disposed; G. All other written communications with the Court concerning any case assigned to the Court's calendar should be by the filing of a pleading, motion, application, brief, legal memorandum or other similar filing provided for in the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or our Local Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure. Do not write letters to the Court that are properly the subject of these filings. Communications with Law Clerks: Judge Beetlestone strongly discourages communication with her law clerks. All telephone inquiries should be directed to Judge Beetlestone's deputy.
Silent on page limits for opposition briefs. E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1 (silent) ↗
Silent on page limits for reply briefs. E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1 (silent) ↗
Any brief or memorandum filed in support of or in opposition to a motion must be limited to thirty (30) pages of double-spaced 12-font text, excluding the table of contents and any attachments or addenda.
Reply briefs are permitted. Reply briefs must be filed within seven (7) days of the date that a non-moving party files its opposition brief, may not exceed ten (10) pages, and must be limited to issues newly raised in the opposing party's response. Sur-reply briefs are not permitted absent prior permission of the Court upon good cause shown. The sur-reply brief may not exceed five (5) pages.
Counsel should send one (1) courtesy copy of any motion, brief, or memorandum that exceeds (10) pages in length to chambers at the time of filing.
Courtesy Copies: Counsel should send one (1) courtesy copy of any motion, brief, or memorandum that exceeds (10) pages in length to chambers at the time of filing. Courtesy copies should be printed double-sided in a three-ring binder, with dividers between the exhibits.
(a) Every motion shall be accompanied by a form of order which, if approved by the court, would grant the relief sought by the motion. Every response in opposition to a motion shall be accompanied by a form of order, which, if approved by the court, will deny or amend the relief sought by the motion. E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(a) ↗
Confidentiality Agreements: The Court will only approve confidentiality or sealing orders for good cause shown. See Pansy v. Borough of Stroudsburg, 23 F.3d 772 (3d Cir. 1994); In re: Avandia Marketing Sales Practices and Products Liability Litig, 924 F.3d 662 (3d Cir. 2019). All such orders must contain the following language or language substantially similar: "The court may order disclosure of any subject covered by this stipulation or modify this stipulation at any time in the interest of justice."
Summary Judgment Motions: All parties SHALL comply with the following protocol with respect to Rule 56 Motions: A. When one party intends to move for summary judgment, that party shall initiate a process whereby the parties shall meet, confer and develop a single, joint appendix of all exhibits, including any and all exhibits that may be referenced in their respective briefs. B. The joint appendix shall be filed by the movant no later than the date the initial motion for summary judgment is docketed. All pages of the joint appendix shall be consecutively "Bates stamped" and referenced in the motions and briefs by the Bates number assigned each page. The joint appendix shall include a table of contents. The parties shall make every effort to include all necessary exhibits in the initial joint appendix. Should it become necessary for the non-moving party to submit additional exhibits, however, it may do so at the time it files its opposition brief. Any addendum to the joint appendix shall be consecutively Bates stamped, beginning at the page number where the joint appendix left off, and shall include a table of contents. Judge Beetlestone will not consider material not included in the appendix. C. Statements of Facts: 1. Upon motion for summary judgment, counsel shall also submit a separate Statement of Undisputed Material Facts containing a numbered, paragraph-by-paragraph recitation of facts with specific citations to the joint appendix in support of all of those facts as to which the moving party contends no genuine issue exists. 2. Counsel opposing a motion for summary judgment shall submit a separate Statement of Disputed Material Facts, which incorporates the moving party's Statement of Undisputed Material Facts, stating after each consecutive paragraph whether that party accepts or rejects that each fact as stated by the moving party is undisputed. 3. Counsel for the moving party shall then submit--even if not filing a reply brief--a separate Reply Statement of Undisputed Material Facts which incorporates the non-moving party's Statement of Disputed Material Facts, stating after each consecutive paragraph whether that party accepts or rejects that each additional fact as stated by the opposing party is disputed. Counsel for the moving party shall email a copy of the Reply Statement of Undisputed Material Facts to Chambers in Microsoft Word format. Source ↗