All local rules for E.D. Pa., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Communications regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Costello's Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Michael Coyle, at 267.299.7720 or chambers costello@paed.uscourts.gov. Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.
Silent on page limits for civil motions. The local rules set no district-wide page limit for motions or supporting briefs. Each judge's individual practices govern; consult the assigned judge's chambers procedures. E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1 ↗
Silent on page limits for opposition briefs. The local rules set no district-wide page limit. Each judge's individual practices govern. E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1 ↗
Silent on page limits for reply briefs. The local rules set no district-wide page limit. Each judge's individual practices govern. E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1 ↗
Absent an order stating otherwise, any brief or memorandum filed in support of or in opposition to a motion must be limited to twenty-five pages of double-spaced 12-point font, excluding the table of contents, table of authorities, and any attachments or exhibits.
Absent an order stating otherwise, any brief or memorandum filed in support of or in opposition to a motion must be limited to twenty-five pages of double-spaced 12-point font, excluding the table of contents, table of authorities, and any attachments or exhibits.
Reply briefs and sur-reply briefs may be filed without seeking leave and must be filed no later than seven days after the filing to which the brief responds. ... Reply briefs must not exceed ten pages and must be limited to issues newly raised in the opposing party's response. Sur-reply briefs must not exceed five pages and must be limited to issues newly raised in the opposing party's reply.
Response to motion due within 14 days of service E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(c) ↗
Calendar control and other matters affecting the conduct of court business shall be governed by written policy statements on file in the Clerk's Office, which may be adopted or modified by the court in the implementation of the local rules (but not in derogation thereof), and also in the implementation of operating agreements that may be in effect between this court and certain other courts concerning conflicting engagements of counsel, recognition of busy-slips, and the like. E.D. Pa. L.R. 40.3 ↗
Proposed order required with every motion E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(a) ↗
All grounds for relief must be set forth in a single comprehensive motion, accompanied by a proposed order, and an attached memorandum. Parties opposing the motion must attach a proposed order referring to the motion.
The Court will approve protective orders, confidentiality agreements and stipulated protective orders, where absolutely necessary and for good cause shown. No protective order or confidentiality agreement will be approved without language providing that "the Court reserves its inherent power to modify the terms of this agreement and permit the disclosure of information where the interest of justice so requires." Except in exceptional circumstances, documents or evidence that form the basis for judgment in a case are unlikely to be protected against disclosure. The fact that the parties have designated materials or information as confidential pursuant to agreement or stipulated order does not mean that the Court will order filings containing such information placed under seal. The public has a presumed right of access to judicial records and documents. Any party wishing to shield such records and documents from public view must prove why the interest in secrecy outweighs the presumption of public access. See In re Avandia Mktg., Sales Practices & Prod. Liab. Litig., 924 F.3d 662, 671-73 (3d Cir. 2019).
Oral argument at court's discretion; no automatic right E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(f) ↗
In civil cases, Judge Costello will schedule oral arguments and evidentiary hearings when warranted. In criminal cases, Judge Costello will generally permit oral argument on a substantive motion upon request.
Parties are expected to adhere to all dates contained in the Scheduling Order unless there is a compelling reason to justify a change. Counsel should advise the Court immediately of any compelling reason justifying an extension or continuance of any scheduled date. Such a request may be made by letter, describing in detail the basis for the request, noting the agreement or disagreement of all other counsel and setting forth the period of delay requested. A request for an extension or continuance of the date on which the case is listed for trial or the deadline for filing dispositive motions will rarely be granted and will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances.
Discovery disputes referred to assigned magistrate judge E.D. Pa. L.R. 72.1 ↗
Parties may request a telephone or video conference with Judge Costello for straightforward discovery disputes (e.g., no response or objection has been timely served, refusal to schedule deposition). Counsel should file a motion or letter on the docket explaining the dispute prior to any such conference. The letter or motion and any supporting memorandum shall not exceed five pages of double-spaced 12-point font. The responding party may file a response within five days, also limited to five pages of double-spaced 12-point font. While straightforward discovery disputes may be raised by letter and handled through a conference with the Court, more complicated or involved discovery disputes must be submitted by motion. The motion and any supporting memorandum, together, shall not exceed ten pages of double-spaced 12-point font. The responding party may file a response within five days, also limited to ten pages of double-spaced 12-point font.