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)
“Judge Pappert may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert encourages parties to address routine discovery disputes through the scheduling of a telephone conference.” · 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)
“The parties, however, shall make a reasonable effort to resolve discovery disputes before seeking Court intervention.” · Policies and Procedures
“In general, Judge Pappert expects counsel to bring matters to his attention only after they have been discussed with opposing counsel.” · 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)
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“In a civil case, counsel for the moving party will be responsible for initiating the telephone conference and contacting Judge Pappert through his Civil Deputy Clerk after all parties are present on the call.” · Policies and Procedures
“Counsel may not use cell phones on any telephone conferences with the Court.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert encourages parties to address routine discovery disputes through the scheduling of a telephone conference.” · Policies and Procedures
Every motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery (p. 29)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(b)
“Counsel and pro se parties may correspond with the Court concerning scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters or to advise the Court that a case has been settled.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert may require the parties to submit a joint letter to chambers explaining the dispute and requested relief prior to any telephone conference.” · 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)
“If a discovery dispute is not resolved following a conference and a motion to compel becomes necessary, the motion and any supporting memorandum, together, shall not exceed 5 pages of double-spaced 12-point font.” · Policies and Procedures
“The responding party may file a response within 5 days, also limited to 5 pages of double-spaced 12-point font.” · 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 are permitted, except for motions in limine.” · Policies and Procedures
“Reply briefs must be filed within seven days of the date that a non-moving party files its opposition brief, may not exceed ten pages, and must be limited to issues newly raised in the opposing party's response.” · Policies and Procedures
“Sur-reply briefs are not permitted unless leave to file is granted upon motion of a party.” · Policies and Procedures
“Failure to comply with any of these requirements may result in the brief or memorandum being stricken from the record and not considered by the Court.” · 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)
“Judge Pappert may hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters or discovery disputes.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert does not reserve certain days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings. Judge Pappert will schedule oral arguments and evidentiary hearings when warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
“If Judge Pappert believes oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, he will schedule it, particularly when it involves a dispositive motion.” · 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).
“Judge Pappert permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“If the Court's intervention is required to resolve a discovery dispute, the Court may impose sanctions in favor of the prevailing party.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Judge Pappert does not reserve certain days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert will schedule oral arguments and evidentiary hearings when warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“The Court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert does not reserve certain days or times for oral arguments or evidentiary hearings.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Pappert will schedule oral arguments and evidentiary hearings when warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
The court may dispose of a motion without oral argument. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“If Judge Pappert believes oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, he will schedule it, particularly when it involves a dispositive motion.” · 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).
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).
“Counsel should advise the Court immediately of any compelling reason justifying an extension or continuance of any scheduled date.” · Policies and Procedures
“Circumstances which do not constitute compelling reasons for the extension of a scheduled date include, but are not limited to, settlement negotiations, scheduling difficulties in the "summer months," counsel's obligations in other cases and not diligently conducting discovery prior to the request for an extension.” · Policies and Procedures
“Such a request may be made by letter, describing in detail the basis for the request, noting the agreement or disagreement of all other counsel and setting forth the period of delay requested.” · 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)
Nothing posted.
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)
“At least three business days prior to the pretrial conference, counsel must submit to chambers a joint report of the Rule 26(f) meeting with a proposed discovery plan.” · Policies and Procedures
“Parties who do not comply will have no voice at the scheduling conference and may be subject to additional sanctions.” · 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).
“Counsel and pro se parties may correspond with the Court concerning scheduling, discovery disputes, routine matters or to advise the Court that a case has been settled.” · Policies and Procedures
“All other communications with the Court should be made by the filing of pleadings, motions, applications, briefs or similar filing permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or the Local Rules of Criminal or Civil Procedure.” · Policies and Procedures
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).
“Any motion for summary judgment filed pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must include a concise statement of material facts, in numbered paragraphs, to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried.” · Policies and Procedures
“Any opposition to a motion for summary judgment must include a concise, paragraph-by-paragraph response to the statement of material facts, setting forth which facts the opposing party contends there is a genuine issue to be tried.” · Policies and Procedures
“The responding party may also set forth, in separate numbered paragraphs, any additional facts which the responding party contends preclude summary judgment.” · Policies and Procedures
“The Court will accept all material facts set forth in the moving party's statement as admitted unless controverted by the opposing party.” · 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).
“Any motion for summary judgment filed pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must include a concise statement of material facts, in numbered paragraphs, to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried.” · Policies and Procedures
“Any opposition to a motion for summary judgment must include a concise, paragraph-by-paragraph response to the statement of material facts, setting forth which facts the opposing party contends there is a genuine issue to be tried.” · Policies and Procedures
“The responding party may also set forth, in separate numbered paragraphs, any additional facts which the responding party contends preclude summary judgment.” · Policies and Procedures
“Statements of material facts in support of or in opposition to a motion for summary judgment shall include specific references to the parts of the record that support the statements.” · Policies and Procedures
“Failure to cite specifically to the appropriate parts of the record may constitute grounds for denial of the requested relief.” · 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).
“All motions and responses shall include an index which clearly identifies and describes any exhibits.” · 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.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Judge Pappert will rarely, if ever, grant summary judgment in a non-jury case.” · Policies and Procedures
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 accept all material facts set forth in the moving party's statement as admitted unless controverted by the opposing party.” · Policies and Procedures
“Failure to cite specifically to the appropriate parts of the record may constitute grounds for denial of the requested relief.” · 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
“Judge Pappert will deny pro hac vice motions for which no fee is submitted.” · Policies and Procedures
(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
“Counsel seeking admission pro hac vice should use the form available on the Courts website at https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/forms/forms-miscellaneous.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
________________ is DIRECTED to request ECF filing access using their PACER Account1. (p. 1)
Court form (proposed order)
“Any lawyer admitted pro hac vice must register for the Court's CM/ECF system within seven days of the Order.” · Policies and Procedures
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)
“The admission of counsel pro hac vice does not relieve associate local counsel and that attorney moving the admission of responsibility for counsel admitted pro hac vice.” · 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)
“Judge Pappert will deny pro hac vice motions for which no fee is submitted.” · Policies and Procedures
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.
Telephone calls regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Judge Pappert's Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Katie Rolon, at 267-299-7530. Direct communication with law clerks is prohibited.
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) ↗
Absent an order stating otherwise, any brief or memorandum filed in support of or in opposition to a motion must be limited to 25 pages of double-spaced 12-point font, excluding the table of contents, table of authorities, and any attachments or exhibits.
Reply briefs must be filed within seven days of the date that a non-moving party files its opposition brief, may not exceed ten pages, and must be limited to issues newly raised in the opposing party's response. Sur-reply briefs are not permitted unless leave to file is granted upon motion of a party.
Any attorney or pro se party who uses generative artificial intelligence (“A.I.”) to prepare any complaint, answer, motion, brief or other paper filed with the Court shall: (1) disclose that generative artificial intelligence was used to prepare the filing; (2) identify precisely what portion or portions of the document contain the generated content; (3) identify the specific tool used and how it was used; and (4) certify that each any every citation to the law or the record in the filing was verified as accurate in accordance with the obligations set forth in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Failure to do so may result in referral to this Court’s Disciplinary Committee and /or appropriate state bar, striking the filings from the docket, the imposition of monetary sanctions or any other sanction the Court deems appropriate. Policies and Procedures § I.A -- Artificial Intelligence ↗
(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) ↗
Public policy favors transparency in judicial proceedings. Protective orders and confidentiality agreements undermine such transparency and complicate the resolution of cases at both the trial and appellate level. They should be used sparingly and narrowly tailored. The Court will approve protective orders, confidentiality agreements and stipulated protective orders, where absolutely necessary and for good cause shown. No protective order or confidentiality agreement will be approved without language providing that "the court reserves its inherent power to modify the terms of this agreement and permit the disclosure of information where the interest of justice so requires." Except in exceptional circumstances, documents or evidence that form the basis for judgment in a case are unlikely to be protected against disclosure. The fact that the parties have designated materials or information as confidential pursuant to agreement or stipulated order does not mean that the Court will order filings containing such information placed under seal. The public has a presumed right of access to judicial records and documents. Any party wishing to shield such records and documents from public view must prove why the interest in secrecy outweighs the presumption of public access. See Gratz Coll. v. Synergis Educ. Inc., 2015 WL 9582743 (E.D. Pa Dec. 30, 2015).
Any motion for summary judgment filed pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure must include a concise statement of material facts, in numbered paragraphs, to which the moving party contends there is no genuine issue to be tried. Any opposition to a motion for summary judgment must include a concise, paragraph-by-paragraph response to the statement of material facts, setting forth which facts the opposing party contends there is a genuine issue to be tried. The responding party may also set forth, in separate numbered paragraphs, any additional facts which the responding party contends preclude summary judgment. The Court will accept all material facts set forth in the moving party's statement as admitted unless controverted by the opposing party. All motions and responses shall include an index which clearly identifies and describes any exhibits. Judge Pappert will rarely, if ever, grant summary judgment in a non-jury case. Source ↗