All local rules for E.D. Pa., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Judge Wells permits counsel to speak directly with her law clerks on procedural matters. However, her law clerks should never be contacted regarding substantive matters, including the merits of pending matters.
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 ↗
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 ↗
The delivery of courtesy copies of all motion papers to Judge Wells' chambers, especially via electronic means, is encouraged.
Proposed order required with every motion E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(a) ↗
The Court prefers having the opportunity to review all proposed orders prior to any hearing.
Judge Wells encourages counsel to develop confidentiality agreements, when appropriate. However, she rarely will entertain stipulated confidentiality orders submitted for court approval.
Oral argument at court's discretion; no automatic right E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(f) ↗
Judge Wells will schedule oral arguments on a motion if it appears likely to be helpful to the Court. One or all counsel should request oral argument if they consider it vital to a fair disposition of the issues before the Court.
Judge Wells' general policy on continuances for briefing schedules, oral arguments, evidentiary hearings, and discovery deadlines is to be flexible during the initial stages of litigation, but strict as the trial date approaches. ... Judge Wells does not impose any specific requirement as to how far in advance of a scheduled event counsel must request a continuance or extension. However, she expects such a request to be made as soon as the need becomes apparent and sufficiently in advance for the court to schedule a matter. A joint continuance or extension request of the parties may be made by letter or conference call. A contested request for a continuance or extension of a court-ordered deadline should be in a letter (faxed to chambers) or requested via formal motion.
Discovery disputes referred to assigned magistrate judge E.D. Pa. L.R. 72.1 ↗
Judge Wells expects the parties to resolve most discovery disputes without court intervention, per Local Rule 26.1(f). If this is not possible, counsel should request a telephone conference by letter or initiate a joint telephone conference call. It should be noted that a telephone conference is not encouraged if pro se are litigants involved. In appropriate cases, Judge Wells will convene discovery conferences in chambers. Judge Wells may initiate a discovery conference sua sponte. Furthermore, she broaches settlement negotiations at any stage of litigation.