All local rules for E.D. Pa., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
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.
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 ↗
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.
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
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 order required with every motion E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(a) ↗
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.
Oral argument at court's discretion; no automatic right E.D. Pa. L.R. 7.1(f) ↗
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.
Discovery disputes referred to assigned magistrate judge E.D. Pa. L.R. 72.1 ↗
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.