All requests and written communication with chambers should be made through an appropriate ECF filing. Requests for relief should almost always be made by motion. E-mail (murphy_chambers@paed.uscourts.gov) or other written communication is permitted only when directed or because of a scheduling emergency.

Page limits, absent leave: - Opening brief: 25 pages or 6,250 words - Response/opposition: 25 pages or 6,250 words - Reply: 10 pages or 2,500 words Counsel may exceed the page limits (e.g., to include figures or diagrams) without leave if an appropriate word count certification is included.

Opening brief: 25 pages or 6,250 words • Response/opposition: 25 pages or 6,250 words • Reply: 10 pages or 2,500 words

Reply briefs are encouraged where thought to be helpful; may be filed without leave; and must be filed no later than 7 days after the opposition brief. Judge Murphy may decide a motion at any time after the opposition is filed.

Yes

For any dispositive motion or brief (e.g., Civil Rule 12, 50, 56) or responsive brief that includes exhibits, counsel must send (by e-mail or file transfer service) a PDF courtesy copy to chambers (murphy_chambers@paed.uscourts.gov). The PDF copy should: - be as-filed, i.e., with the ECF notations at the top of each page; - include the main documents and all exhibits in one single PDF file; - use PDF bookmarks for exhibits and for sections in longer documents; - be text-searchable, including exhibits; and - have a file name that reflects the case number, docket number(s), and a description. Do not send paper courtesy copies to chambers unless requested.

Proposed orders should be filed on ECF along with the relevant request for relief, except that complex proposed orders, such as scheduling orders in patent cases or lengthy discovery orders, should also be e-mailed to chambers in Word version to facilitate editing.

Judge Murphy will not enter a discovery protective order on confidentiality in a civil case unless statutorily required or for demonstrated good cause, but will enforce private confidentiality agreements as a matter of contract law. ... Unless it is an emergency, documents may not be filed under seal in a civil case absent leave. Before attempting to file documents under seal, parties should carefully consider whether the purportedly confidential information could simply be omitted, redacted, or made available upon request because it is unessential. That often-overlooked approach avoids the need to justify sealing. For example, complaints should almost never be filed under seal. A party seeking to file documents under seal should follow this procedure: (i) Well ahead of any applicable deadline, move to file under seal, proposing sealed material as narrowly as possible and articulating good cause consistent with applicable precedent. The motion to file under seal should be filed on the public docket by ECF. Any unredacted documents accompanying the motion should be contemporaneously e-mailed to chambers. The moving party should indicate the consent of opposing counsel. (ii) If the motion to file under seal is granted, file the complete, unredacted versions of the documents under seal by ECF on the docket (observing appropriate deadlines). Consistent with representations made when seeking leave to file under seal, and any related order, counsel should highlight the non-public portions of sealed documents. (iii) Within 30 days of the filing under seal (or as otherwise ordered), file thoughtfully and narrowly redacted, public versions of the same documents by ECF on the docket. Documents filed under seal should be filed appropriately using ECF. Any documents filed under seal should also be sent to chambers in the same manner as courtesy copies (see section 10, below). Paper copies will not be accepted.

Oral argument. We order argument on motions when it will be helpful. Requests for argument will almost certainly be granted when the request indicates that a junior lawyer will have a speaking role. Thoughtful illustrative aids (timelines, highlighted copies of key documents, photographs, etc.) are very welcome. Slides containing caselaw quotations are of little value.

Requests for extensions of time must be made by motion or stipulation filed by ECF (and not sent to the Clerk of Court, e-mailed to chambers, or requested by telephone). Such requests -- even if joint or unopposed -- must show good cause for proposed extension. Lack of diligence generally defeats good cause. Trial dates certain will not be continued absent an emergency on the criminal docket or a truly extraordinary justification. All requests must be made at least 7 days before the closest relevant deadline or, if made within 7 days, must further justify the last-minute request.

When ripe for resolution, discovery disputes must be presented by an appropriate motion. The motion (and any opposition) must include a detailed and specific proposed order setting forth the precise relief requested; only for the simplest of motions is it sufficient to merely state that the motion is granted. Lack of specificity may bar relief. Local Rule 26.1(g) will be enforced promptly whenever applicable. Otherwise, Judge Murphy will typically order expedited opposition briefing and a conference.