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 Schmehl will hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters, discovery disputes, and substantive motions.” · 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)
“Counsel for all parties are strongly encouraged to resolve discovery disputes by themselves.” · Policies and Procedures
“In general, Judge Schmehl 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 the event that a discovery dispute requires court intervention, the party contemplating a motion shall seek a telephone conference with the court before filing any motion.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the telephone conference fails to resolve the discovery dispute, the party seeking relief will be permitted to file an appropriate discovery motion.” · Policies and Procedures
Every motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery (p. 29)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(b)
“In the event that a discovery dispute requires court intervention, the party contemplating a motion shall seek a telephone conference with the court before filing any motion.” · Policies and Procedures
“The motion shall not exceed five pages, shall not contain exhibits, and shall not include a memorandum of law.” · Policies and Procedures
“Email is preferred for most written correspondence with chambers, and the address is Chambers_of_Judge_Jeffrey_L_Schmehl@paed.uscourts.gov.” · 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)
“The motion shall not exceed five pages, shall not contain exhibits, and shall not include a memorandum of law.” · Policies and Procedures
“The responding party may file a response within five days.” · Policies and Procedures
“This response should also be limited to five pages and shall not include exhibits or a brief or memorandum of law.” · 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, addressing only issues raised in the brief in opposition and not repeating arguments in the brief, may be filed within seven days of service of the opponent's brief in opposition and shall be limited to ten pages.” · Policies and Procedures
“No further briefs may be filed.” · 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 Schmehl will hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters, discovery disputes, and substantive motions.” · Policies and Procedures
“Hearings and argument are scheduled when warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Judge Schmehl permits telephone conferences to resolve disputes during depositions in cases where the deposition would otherwise have to be adjourned.” · Policies and Procedures
“Expedited discovery will be discussed and, when appropriate, ordered at the conclusion of the pre-hearing conference.” · 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).
“Judge Schmehl does not set aside certain days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings.” · Policies and Procedures
“Hearings and argument are scheduled when warranted.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Judge Schmehl does not set aside certain days or times for oral argument, motions, or evidentiary hearings.” · Policies and Procedures
“Hearings and argument are scheduled 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 the judge believes oral argument will be helpful in deciding a matter, he will schedule it, particularly when it involves a dispositive motion.” · Policies and Procedures
“The ultimate decision as to the necessity of oral argument rests with the judge, and not all requests for oral argument will be granted.” · 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
“The ultimate decision as to the necessity of oral argument rests with the judge, and not all requests for oral argument will be granted.” · 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).
“Judge Schmehl will hold telephone conferences to resolve scheduling matters, discovery disputes, and substantive motions.” · Policies and Procedures
“The court will notify counsel of the date and time for the telephone conference.” · 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).
“Unless there is good cause to justify a change, the parties are expected to adhere to the dates contained in scheduling orders.” · Policies and Procedures
“Continuance requests must be put in writing via email only.” · Policies and Procedures
“The parties shall not file motions seeking continuances of deadlines.” · Policies and Procedures
“The court will grant a continuance or extension based on a stipulation of all parties if the continuance or extension does not affect the discovery cutoff or trial date.” · Policies and Procedures
“If a continuance or extension will affect the discovery cutoff or trial date, counsel should make a written request via email which sets forth the basis for the continuance or extension and indicates whether the other party or parties agree to or oppose the request.” · 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)
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).
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).
“Along with any motion for summary judgment, the parties must file a joint stipulation listing all of the material facts on which the parties can agree.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Schmehl expects parties opposing summary judgment motions to cooperate in preparing such stipulations.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Along with any motion for summary judgment, the parties must file a joint stipulation listing all of the material facts on which the parties can agree.” · Policies and Procedures
“They must only consist of uncontested facts agreed upon between the relevant parties.” · 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).
“Such stipulations must not include tracked changes or markups.” · 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).
“The parties should then address in their briefs any other facts that could not be agreed upon because they are in dispute as to either correctness or materiality, or because one party simply asserts they should not be in dispute, but extensive factual disputes may lead to denial of summary judgment motions.” · 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.
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)
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)
Standing Order (Feb. 13, 2023); LCvR 83.5.2(b); form
“Moving counsel shall also indicate that the filing fee has been paid.” · 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 moving for the pro hac vice admission of an attorney must file a motion setting forth the attorney's admission, the reason why the party desires the attorney to participate, and why the attorney is especially qualified to do so.” · Policies and Procedures
“The form application provided by the Clerk is inadequate.” · Policies and Procedures
“Moving counsel shall also indicate that the filing fee has been paid.” · 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)
Nothing posted.
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)
Nothing posted.
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)
Nothing posted.
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.
Correspondence with the Court: Law clerks have no authority to grant continuances or to give advice on substantive or procedural matters. Therefore, unless contacted by a law clerk, counsel should not communicate with the law clerk. Telephone inquiries regarding civil and criminal cases should be directed to Brian R. Dixon, Deputy Clerk, at 610-320-5099. Email is preferred for most written correspondence with chambers, and the address is Chambers_of_Judge_Jeffrey_L_Schmehl@paed.uscourts.gov. Faxes are not accepted.
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) ↗
Any brief or memorandum should be limited to twenty-five pages.
Reply and Surreply Briefs: Reply briefs, addressing only issues raised in the brief in opposition and not repeating arguments in the brief, may be filed within seven days of service of the opponent's brief in opposition and shall be limited to ten pages. No further briefs may be filed.
Courtesy copies shall not be provided to chambers unless the exhibits are voluminous or the case is sealed. Prior to sending courtesy copies, counsel shall contact chambers via email to determine whether courtesy copies are necessary.
Courtesy Copies: Courtesy copies shall not be provided to chambers unless the exhibits are voluminous or the case is sealed. Prior to sending courtesy copies, counsel shall contact chambers via email to determine whether courtesy copies are necessary. If advised by chambers that the Court requires courtesy copies, counsel shall mail them to The Gateway Building, 201 Penn Street, 5th floor, Reading, Pennsylvania, 19601.
(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) ↗
Confidentiality Agreements: The court will only approve confidentiality or sealing orders for good cause shown.
Rule 56 Motions: Along with any motion for summary judgment, the parties must file a joint stipulation listing all of the material facts on which the parties can agree. Such stipulations must not include tracked changes or markups. They must only consist of uncontested facts agreed upon between the relevant parties. Judge Schmehl expects parties opposing summary judgment motions to cooperate in preparing such stipulations. The parties should then address in their briefs any other facts that could not be agreed upon because they are in dispute as to either correctness or materiality, or because one party simply asserts they should not be in dispute, but extensive factual disputes may lead to denial of summary judgment motions. Source ↗