All local rules for E.D. Pa., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Conflicts of Counsel: If Counsel become aware of professional or personal conflicts that may affect the trial schedule, they shall notify the Civil Deputy or my Law Clerks immediately. ... Communication with Law Clerks: I permit Counsel to speak with my Law Clerks on scheduling and procedural matters only.
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 ↗
Length and Format of Motion Papers: All motion papers must be double-spaced and prepared in 14-point, Times New Roman font, with margins of not less than one inch. Supporting memoranda of law shall not exceed twenty-five (25) pages (exclusive of table of contents and table of authorities), and replies shall not exceed twelve (12) pages. Declarations and affirmations shall be limited to twenty (20) pages each. I will grant Parties leave to exceed these page limits only upon a showing of good cause.
Supporting memoranda of law shall not exceed twenty-five (25) pages (exclusive of table of contents and table of authorities), and replies shall not exceed twelve (12) pages.
Reply, Sur-reply, and Supplemental Briefs: Unless otherwise ordered, I will accept reply or supplemental briefs, but normally will not await a reply brief before ruling. All reply briefs must be submitted within fourteen (14) days of the response brief unless otherwise ordered. All sur-reply briefs must be submitted within seven (7) days of the reply brief. Reply and sur-reply briefs shall not include declarations or exhibits.
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 ↗
Yes
Mandatory Chambers Copies: When moving for summary judgment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56, the moving party shall deliver a copy of the filings for the Motion to Chambers no later than 12:00 noon the following business day. Chambers copies shall be printed single sided on opaque white paper of high quality. If documentary evidence in support of or in opposition to a motion exceeds 50 pages, the evidence shall be delivered to Chambers in hard copy. The documents shall be placed in a three-ring binder, with an index and with each item of evidence separated by tab dividers on the right side. Counsel shall ensure that all documents are legible. Parties need not submit courtesy copies of cases that are available on Lexis or Westlaw with their motion papers.
Proposed order required with every motion E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(a) ↗
In accordance with Local Rule 5.1.2, I require that the Parties file electronically all documents via Electronic Case Filing. The Parties shall file all stipulations and proposed orders on the docket via ECF. Stipulations and proposed orders should not be delivered to the Clerk of Court.
Oral argument at court's discretion; no automatic right E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(f) ↗
Oral Argument: I generally will not require oral argument on motions.
Continuances or Extensions of Time: Requests for continuances and extensions will generally not be granted. A motion to continue or extend the date of any matter or deadline must be supported by a detailed declaration demonstrating good cause for the continuance. The motion must also indicate whether there have been previous requests for continuances or extensions and whether I have granted or denied those requests. Counsel shall include proposed orders when requesting continuances or extensions. Counsel must submit any request for a continuance or extension no later than five (5) business days before the scheduled date. Requests submitted after that time shall be denied absent a showing of compelling circumstances (e.g., serious bodily injury or illness). All requests must be filed via ECF.
Discovery disputes referred to assigned magistrate judge E.D. Pa. L.R. 72.1 ↗
Discovery Disputes Should Generally Be Settled by the Parties: In accordance with Rule 1 and the conciliation requirements of Local Rule 26.1(f), Counsel shall make reasonable efforts to resolve discovery disputes among themselves in an expeditious and professional manner. Before bringing a discovery dispute to my attention, Counsel must certify that they have made a reasonable effort to resolve the dispute. Counsel shall bring any unresolved discovery disputes to my attention as soon as possible. Counsel shall email a brief letter describing the dispute to Chambers (Chambers_of_Judge_Paul_S_Diamond@paed.uscourts.gov) and attach the disputed discovery request as an exhibit. Ordinarily, I will schedule a telephone conference to resolve the discovery motion promptly after it is filed--usually before any response is due. If a dispute arises during a deposition, I expect Counsel to phone Chambers during the deposition so that I can resolve the dispute immediately.