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)
“The Court may thereafter schedule a telephone conference with counsel to address the dispute or direct the parties to file motions and briefs.” · Policies and Procedures
“Appointment of a Discovery Master The Court may approve the appointment of a discovery master in accordance with Rule 53 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.” · 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)
“Discovery Management Parties are to manage discovery pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26 without involving the Court.” · Policies and Procedures
“Discovery Disputes – Telephone Conferences Counsel must exhaustively address all discovery disputes among themselves before requesting the Court's intervention.” · 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)
“If the parties are unable to resolve a discovery dispute on their own, counsel are to initially send correspondence to the Court briefly describing the dispute and the parties' respective positions and must certify that all counsel have already made a good faith effort to resolve the issue themselves as required by Local Rule of Civil Procedure 26.1, which must describe in detail the efforts the parties made to resolve the dispute on their own.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the parties are directed by the Court to file a motion, counsel must certify as part of the motion that all counsel have already made a good faith effort to resolve the issue themselves as required by Local Rule of Civil Procedure 26.1.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Telephone conferences are scheduled at the Court's discretion and may be held to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes.” · Policies and Procedures
“In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting the Judge through the Judge's Civil Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.” · Policies and Procedures
“The Court may thereafter schedule a telephone conference with counsel to address the dispute or direct the parties to file motions and briefs.” · Policies and Procedures
Every motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery (p. 29)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(b)
“Communications Policy - General Communication with chambers is permitted by e-mail, telephone, letter, or facsimile regarding scheduling and non-substantive matters only, with the exception of the procedures for raising discovery disputes with the Court.1 Any attachments to e-mail communications are to be submitted in Microsoft Word format or pdf format, unless otherwise specified.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the parties are unable to resolve a discovery dispute on their own, counsel are to initially send correspondence to the Court briefly describing the dispute and the parties' respective positions and must certify that all counsel have already made a good faith effort to resolve the issue themselves as required by Local Rule of Civil Procedure 26.1, which must describe in detail the efforts the parties made to resolve the dispute on their own.” · 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)
“The Court may thereafter schedule a telephone conference with counsel to address the dispute or direct the parties to file motions and briefs.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the parties are directed by the Court to file a motion, counsel must certify as part of the motion that all counsel have already made a good faith effort to resolve the issue themselves as required by Local Rule of Civil Procedure 26.1.” · Policies and Procedures
“Briefs – Required Content All briefs shall consist of the following matters, separately and distinctly titled and in the following order:” · Policies and Procedures
“When referring to the record, all briefs must specify the relevant exhibit, page, and line numbers.” · Policies and Procedures
“Proposed Order and Certificate of Concurrence or Non-Concurrence A proposed order shall accompany each motion or other request for relief.” · Policies and Procedures
“The order shall be formatted for the Judge's signature (for example, do not include the word "proposed" in the text of the order).” · Policies and Procedures
“All motions shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Concurrence or Non-Concurrence.” · 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 Parties may submit reply briefs without leave of Court in support of any motion.” · Policies and Procedures
“A reply brief is not to exceed ten (10) pages and is to address only issues raised in opposition to the motion, without repeating arguments included in the initial brief.” · Policies and Procedures
“Parties shall file a reply brief no later than seven (7) days after the opposition is served.” · Policies and Procedures
“A party may file a sur-reply brief only with permission of the Court upon good cause shown.” · Policies and Procedures
“The sur-reply brief may not exceed five (5) pages.” · 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)
“Oral Argument If the Court determines that oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, the Judge will schedule it.” · Policies and Procedures
“A party desiring oral argument should request it by letter or in the body of the motion or responsive pleading.” · 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 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).
“Oral Argument If the Court determines that oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, the Judge will schedule it.” · Policies and Procedures
The court may dispose of a motion without oral argument. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“Oral Argument If the Court determines that oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, the Judge will schedule it.” · Policies and Procedures
Any interested party may request oral argument on a motion. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“A party desiring oral argument should request it by letter or in the body of the motion or responsive pleading.” · 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).
“All pretrial conferences will be held in person in Judge Leeson's courtroom.” · Policies and Procedures
“Requests to continue an initial pretrial conference or to conduct such conferences telephonically are discouraged.” · 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).
“Requests for continuances are strongly discouraged and rarely granted.” · Policies and Procedures
“Counsel must present good cause for the request.” · Policies and Procedures
“A continuance must be sought as soon as possible.” · Policies and Procedures
“Requests for continuances must be in writing and should be e-mailed to chambers with a copy to opposing counsel.” · Policies and Procedures
“A formal motion is not required.” · Policies and Procedures
“Position of Opposing Counsel Must be Ascertained Before Applying for a Continuance The party requesting a continuance must present the position of opposing counsel.” · Policies and Procedures
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)
“The Judge's courtroom is not an electronic courtroom.” · Policies and Procedures
“Requests for Court approval for the parties to provide and pay for (at the parties' expense) courtroom technology should be directed to the Criminal/Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Justin F. Wood.” · Policies and Procedures
“Each party shall be solely responsible for operating its own electronic equipment.” · Policies and Procedures
“Counsel and the parties will not have internet access (wireless or ethernet) in the courtroom.” · Policies and Procedures
“If counsel require internet access, counsel may request permission to obtain and make arrangements (at the expense of counsel) for an internet provider.” · Policies and Procedures
“The Court requires advance notice to arrange for building access, if necessary.” · 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)
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.
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)
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).
“Motions for Summary Judgment - Required Statement of Undisputed Material Facts Any motion for summary judgment pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must be accompanied by a separate, short, and concise statement, in numbered paragraphs, of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried.” · Policies and Procedures
“The moving party shall include only those facts that are material to the issues in dispute in the enumerated statement of facts.” · Policies and Procedures
“Responses to Motions for Summary Judgment - Required Answer to Moving Party's Statement of Undisputed Facts A party opposing a motion for summary judgment shall file a separate, short, and concise statement responding to the numbered paragraphs set forth in the moving party's statement of undisputed facts and shall either concede the facts as undisputed or state that a genuine dispute exists.” · 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).
“Motions for Summary Judgment - Required Statement of Undisputed Material Facts Any motion for summary judgment pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must be accompanied by a separate, short, and concise statement, in numbered paragraphs, of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried.” · Policies and Procedures
“The moving party shall accompany each factual assertion with a citation to the specific portion(s) of the record that support the assertion, including the exhibit, page, and line numbers.” · Policies and Procedures
“The Court will not consider a factual assertion that is not supported by a citation to the record.” · Policies and Procedures
“Responses to Motions for Summary Judgment - Required Answer to Moving Party's Statement of Undisputed Facts A party opposing a motion for summary judgment shall file a separate, short, and concise statement responding to the numbered paragraphs set forth in the moving party's statement of undisputed facts and shall either concede the facts as undisputed or state that a genuine dispute exists.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the opposing party asserts a genuine dispute exists as to any fact, the party shall cite to the specific portion(s) of the record that create the dispute, including the exhibit, page, and line number.” · Policies and Procedures
“The opposing party shall also set forth in enumerated paragraphs any additional material facts that the party contends preclude summary judgment.” · Policies and Procedures
“All facts set forth in the moving party's statement of undisputed facts shall be deemed admitted unless controverted.” · 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).
“When a factual assertion cites to a deposition transcript, counsel shall attach a copy of the entire transcript containing the cited testimony to the motion.” · Policies and Procedures
“When a factual assertion cites to a deposition transcript, counsel shall attach a copy of the entire transcript containing the cited text.” · 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.
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)
“The Court will not consider a factual assertion that is not supported by a citation to the record.” · Policies and Procedures
“All facts set forth in the moving party's statement of undisputed facts shall be deemed admitted unless controverted.” · 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)
Nothing posted.
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).
“All applications to appear pro hac vice must be approved prior to the conference.” · 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)
“If lead trial counsel is appearing pro hac vice, local counsel must also attend the initial pretrial conference.” · 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.
Communication with chambers is permitted by e-mail, telephone, letter, or facsimile regarding scheduling and non-substantive matters only, with the exception of the procedures for raising discovery disputes with the Court. Any attachments to e-mail communications are to be submitted in Microsoft Word format or pdf format, unless otherwise specified. All other issues must be addressed by motion or other filing. Under no circumstances may any party or counsel communicate ex parte with any chambers personnel concerning substantive matters. Telephone inquiries are to be directed to the civil or criminal deputy, as appropriate, at the telephone numbers listed below. If the appropriate deputy is unavailable, attorneys may speak to the law clerks regarding scheduling matters; however, law clerks may not render advice.
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) ↗
Parties may submit reply briefs without leave of Court in support of any motion. A reply brief is not to exceed ten (10) pages and is to address only issues raised in opposition to the motion, without repeating arguments included in the initial brief. Parties shall file a reply brief no later than seven (7) days after the opposition is served. A party may file a sur-reply brief only with permission of the Court upon good cause shown. The sur-reply brief may not exceed five (5) pages.
Courtesy copies should not be provided to chambers unless specifically required by the Court.
(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) ↗
A proposed order shall accompany each motion or other request for relief. The order shall be formatted for the Judge's signature (for example, do not include the word "proposed" in the text of the order). All motions shall be accompanied by a Certificate of Concurrence or Non-Concurrence.
A party who seeks to file a document (or portions thereof) under seal must file a motion for permission to file the document under seal. The motion must contain the following items, all of which shall be filed publicly on ECF, with the exception of an unredacted copy of the document, which shall be filed in paper copy with the Clerk of Court: (i) Brief Supporting the Motion -- the brief must explain why there is good cause for the document (or portions thereof) to be sealed; (ii) Certificate of Concurrence or Non-Concurrence; (iii) Proposed Order -- the proposed order must be narrowly tailored to seal only the sealable material; (iv) Redacted Version of the Document filed publicly on ECF; (v) Unredacted Version of the Document filed in paper copy with the Clerk of Court.
Any motion for summary judgment pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must be accompanied by a separate, short, and concise statement, in numbered paragraphs, of the material facts as to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried. The moving party shall include only those facts that are material to the issues in dispute in the enumerated statement of facts. The moving party shall accompany each factual assertion with a citation to the specific portion(s) of the record that support the assertion, including the exhibit, page, and line numbers. When a factual assertion cites to a deposition transcript, counsel shall attach a copy of the entire transcript containing the cited testimony to the motion. The Court will not consider a factual assertion that is not supported by a citation to the record. A party opposing a motion for summary judgment shall file a separate, short, and concise statement responding to the numbered paragraphs set forth in the moving party's statement of undisputed facts and shall either concede the facts as undisputed or state that a genuine dispute exists. All facts set forth in the moving party's statement of undisputed facts shall be deemed admitted unless controverted. Source ↗