All local rules for E.D. Pa., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Judge Sitarski permits counsel to talk with her Deputy Clerk and law clerks regarding logistical matters, but never on the merits of the case. Counsel should never contact Chambers to inquire on the status of a pending motion.
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 ↗
Judge Sitarski will permit reply briefs, but expects such briefs to be concise, and to be limited to replying to matters raised in the opposition brief. Reply briefs should not be used to raise new issues.
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 ↗
Judge Sitarski expects a courtesy copy of all motion papers to be sent directly to chambers.
Judge Sitarski expects a courtesy copy of all motion papers to be sent directly to chambers. Judge Sitarski expects that in most cases, these papers will be submitted by email.
Proposed order required with every motion E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(a) ↗
Oral argument at court's discretion; no automatic right E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(f) ↗
Judge Sitarski will schedule oral argument on motions if it appears likely to be helpful to the Court's resolution of the matter. Counsel may request oral argument if counsel considers argument appropriate, but the Court will determine whether oral arguments will be heard. Evidentiary hearings will be scheduled by Judge Sitarski's Deputy Clerk in appropriate cases. The Court will endeavor to accommodate the schedules of counsel and witnesses, consistent with the exigency of the matter and the Court's schedule.
Extensions will be entertained upon a showing that circumstances beyond the reasonable expectation of counsel have hampered the progress of the case. Judge Sitarski will not require a formal motion seeking an extension, and will consider requests for extensions brought to the attention of her Deputy Clerk, who will set up either a telephone or chambers conference.
Discovery disputes referred to assigned magistrate judge E.D. Pa. L.R. 72.1 ↗
Judge Sitarski expects the parties to resolve discovery disputes without Court intervention. Should counsel be unable, in good faith, to resolve their dispute, Judge Sitarski permits contact with the Court so that telephone or chambers conferences may be set up to resolve outstanding issues.