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 Scott will promptly review the motion and either issue a decision, schedule a phone conference, or order responsive briefing.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott routinely acts upon filed discovery motions without waiting for a response or scheduling 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)
“Judge Scott expects parties to exercise civility and common sense to attempt to resolve discovery disputes on their own.” · Policies and Procedures
“If an unresolvable discovery dispute arises, the aggrieved party must file the following:” · Policies and Procedures
“• A motion that (1) complies with Local Civil Rule 26.1(f) by certifying that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute, and (2) specifies whether the parties request a telephone conference with Judge Scott to resolve the matter;” · 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)
“If an unresolvable discovery dispute arises, the aggrieved party must file the following:” · Policies and Procedures
“• A motion that (1) complies with Local Civil Rule 26.1(f) by certifying that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute, and (2) specifies whether the parties request a telephone conference with Judge Scott to resolve the matter;” · Policies and Procedures
“• A brief of up to five (5) pages that (1) outlines the efforts the parties have made to resolve the dispute and (2) cites any applicable legal authority.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Parties are encouraged to call Chambers when an unresolvable discovery dispute arises; if Judge Scott is available, she may resolve the dispute.” · Policies and Procedures
Every motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governing discovery (p. 29)
Local R. Civ. P. 26.1(b)
“If an unresolvable discovery dispute arises, the aggrieved party must file the following:” · Policies and Procedures
“A motion that (1) complies with Local Civil Rule 26.1(f) by certifying that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute, and (2) specifies whether the parties request a telephone conference with Judge Scott to resolve the matter;” · Policies and Procedures
“A proposed order; and” · Policies and Procedures
“A brief of up to five (5) pages that (1) outlines the efforts the parties have made to resolve the dispute and (2) cites any applicable legal authority.” · 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)
“A motion that (1) complies with Local Civil Rule 26.1(f) by certifying that the parties, after reasonable effort, are unable to resolve the dispute, and (2) specifies whether the parties request a telephone conference with Judge Scott to resolve the matter;” · Policies and Procedures
“A proposed order; and” · Policies and Procedures
“A brief of up to five (5) pages that (1) outlines the efforts the parties have made to resolve the dispute and (2) cites any applicable legal authority.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott routinely acts upon filed discovery motions without waiting for a response or scheduling a telephone conference.” · 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)
“Judge Scott will promptly review the motion and either issue a decision, schedule a phone conference, or order responsive briefing.” · Policies and Procedures
“One reply brief may be filed within fourteen (14) business days of service of the opponent's brief in opposition; parties must seek leave from the Court to file any additional supplemental briefings, and Judge Scott rarely grants such requests.” · Policies and Procedures
“Reply or supplemental briefings must not exceed ten (10) pages and may not simply repeat arguments already made.” · 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 Scott will promptly review the motion and either issue a decision, schedule a phone conference, or order responsive briefing.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott will grant requests for oral argument only if oral argument would illuminate any aspect of the pleadings or briefs.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Parties are encouraged to call Chambers when an unresolvable discovery dispute arises; if Judge Scott is available, she may resolve the dispute.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott usually handles filed motions for expedited discovery at the initial conference or hearing.” · 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).
“Judge Scott will promptly review the motion and either issue a decision, schedule a phone conference, or order responsive briefing.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott routinely acts upon filed discovery motions without waiting for a response or scheduling a telephone conference.” · Policies and Procedures
The court may dispose of a motion without oral argument. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“Judge Scott will grant requests for oral argument only if oral argument would illuminate any aspect of the pleadings or briefs.” · Policies and Procedures
Any interested party may request oral argument on a motion. (p. 18)
Local R. Civ. P. 7.1(f)
“Parties may request oral argument in their motions.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott will grant requests for oral argument only if oral argument would illuminate any aspect of the pleadings or briefs.” · 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 Scott holds Rule 16 Pretrial Conferences in person at Chambers.” · Policies and Procedures
“If the attorneys in attendance do not have full authority to negotiate a case's settlement, then the client or a representative who can authorize settlement must be available by telephone for the entirety of the Rule 16 conference.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Judge Scott strongly encourages counsel to consider including junior attorneys for portions of oral argument where appropriate.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Continuance requests for motions and discovery deadlines, hearings, and trial must be filed in the form of a motion and must include a proposed order.” · Policies and Procedures
“Joint continuance requests must be filed as an unopposed motion.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott seldom grants continuances that will alter (1) motion deadlines in which oral argument has been scheduled or (2) trial dates.” · Policies and Procedures
“Such continuance requests must be made at least fourteen (14) business days before the applicable deadline or trial date, and they must provide good cause.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott no longer permits changes to operative deadlines to be filed as joint stipulations.” · 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)
“A party that fails to participate in good faith in the Rule 26(f) meeting, report, or revision requests will have no voice at the initial Rule 16 conference.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Multiple plaintiffs or multiple defendants must file joint motions with their co-parties, unless there are conflicts in their position.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Any dispositive motion and its supporting memorandum of law must not exceed twenty (25) pages.” · Policies and Procedures
“If a filing exceeds these page limits due only to the size of pictures or charts embedded within the filing, then the party may file the oversize brief and must certify that that is why the brief is oversize.” · Policies and Procedures
“Otherwise, parties must seek leave from the Court to file an oversize brief at least three (3) business days prior to a filing deadline.” · Policies and Procedures
“One reply brief may be filed within fourteen (14) business days of service of the opponent's brief in opposition; parties must seek leave from the Court to file any additional supplemental briefings, and Judge Scott rarely grants such requests.” · Policies and Procedures
“Reply or supplemental briefings must not exceed ten (10) pages and may not simply repeat arguments already made.” · Policies and Procedures
“These factual statements must be brief and nonargumentative and cannot be used to evade page-limit requirements for briefs; factual statements do not count towards the 25-page limit for briefing unless there are substantial argumentative passages.” · 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.
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).
“A statement of facts must accompany a moving party's motion for summary judgment.” · Policies and Procedures
“The parties may jointly file a statement of stipulated material facts.” · Policies and Procedures
“Alternatively, the moving party may file proposed undisputed material facts.” · Policies and Procedures
“Regardless of which option the parties choose, the moving party must file that initial statement of material facts as a separate document with the moving party's Rule 56 motion.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“These factual statements must be brief and nonargumentative and cannot be used to evade page-limit requirements for briefs; factual statements do not count towards the 25-page limit for briefing unless there are substantial argumentative passages.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Each fact must be in a separately numbered paragraph and accompanied by pinpoint citations that cite not only the relevant exhibit, but the relevant page and line number of that exhibit.” · Policies and Procedures
“Unless the parties file joint stipulated material facts, the nonmoving party must respond to each numbered material fact by either (1) stating that the fact is undisputed, (2) explaining exactly how it is disputed and providing appropriate citations, or (3) explaining why the fact is immaterial to resolution of any claim with appropriate citations.” · Policies and Procedures
“The nonmoving party may also provide additional undisputed material facts; the movant may respond to these facts in kind in a document separate from any reply brief.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“If there are any evidentiary issues that may be key to the resolution of a motion for summary judgment, parties may file motions to preclude such evidence as separate motions at the same time as their motion or response.” · Policies and Procedures
“Judge Scott may consider the evidentiary motion jointly with the motion for summary judgment, or she may hold the motion under advisement until the case approaches trial.” · Policies and Procedures
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Parties are encouraged to submit a joint appendix with the moving party's briefings.” · Policies and Procedures
“If that is not practical, then the parties may file separate appendices, with the following restrictions: (1) the moving party must submit documents in their full relevant context rather than excerpts of documents, and (2) the responding party must cite to the moving party's appendix wherever possible and is encouraged to mark exhibits as a continuation of the moving party's appendix pages or exhibit numbers.” · 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).
“Daubert motions must be filed as soon as practicable, but no later than seven (7) days before a scheduled final pretrial conference.” · Policies and Procedures
“If a party's motion for summary judgment, or an opposition thereto, is based in whole or in part on an argument that expert testimony is not admissible, then the party must raise such argument in a contemporaneous Daubert motion.” · 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.
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
Nothing posted.
(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)
“Local counsel must file a motion for pro hac vice admission of another attorney.” · DOCUMENT: Policies and Procedures (https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/sites/paed/files/documents/procedures/scopol.pdf, fetched 2026-10-15)
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
“The motion must specify (1) the attorney's admissions, (2) why the party desires that attorney to participate in litigation, and (3) why that attorney is particularly qualified to represent the party.” · DOCUMENT: Policies and Procedures (https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/sites/paed/files/documents/procedures/scopol.pdf, fetched 2026-10-15)
“Additionally, counsel must comply with instructions in the Clerk's Office forms (available on the Court's website https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/sites/paed/files/documents/forms/app_x.pdf).” · DOCUMENT: Policies and Procedures (https://www.paed.uscourts.gov/sites/paed/files/documents/procedures/scopol.pdf, fetched 2026-10-15)
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.
Email is the preferred method of communication. All general inquiries, including questions about these policies, may be emailed to Chambers_of_Judge_Kai_Scott@paed.uscourts.gov. Communications regarding cases must be made through filing a pleading, motion, or application through Electronic Case Filing (ECF) whenever possible. Email correspondence regarding cases is permitted in the following situations: - To advise the Court of unanticipated schedule changes (less than seven (7) business days in advance of a deadline) or schedule changes due to personal or medical issues that counsel does not wish to file on the docket. - To promptly advise the Court that a case has been settled. Court staff have no authority to give advice on substantive or procedural matters.
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) ↗
One reply brief may be filed within fourteen (14) business days of service of the opponent's brief in opposition; parties must seek leave from the Court to file any additional supplemental briefings, and Judge Scott rarely grants such requests. Reply or supplemental briefings must not exceed ten (10) pages and may not simply repeat arguments already made.
If any attorney for a party, or a pro se party, has used Artificial Intelligence ("AI") in the preparation of any complaint, answer, motion, brief, or other paper, filed with the Court, and assigned to Judge Kai N. Scott, MUST, in a clear and plain factual statement, disclose that AI has been used in any way in the preparation of the filing, and CERTIFY, that each and every citation to the law or the record in the paper, has been verified as accurate. Policies § II.B.2 -- Use of Artificial Intelligence ("AI") ↗
A courtesy copy must be submitted only if (1) there are large attachments to a motion or (2) a document is filed under seal. A filing has large attachments if the appendices or exhibits attached to the filing exceed 50 pages or there are five (5) or more exhibits.
A courtesy copy must be submitted only if (1) there are large attachments to a motion or (2) a document is filed under seal. A filing has large attachments if the appendices or exhibits attached to the filing exceed 50 pages or there are five (5) or more exhibits. The courtesy copy of a filing with large attachments must be submitted to Judge Scott's Chambers as a binder with tabbed exhibits and an exhibit index.
(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) ↗
Parties are not permitted to file documents under seal without leave of the Court, unless an emergency arises. Judge Scott will permit parties to file documents under seal or with redactions only after a showing of good cause or presentation of an enforceable private confidentiality agreement contracted prior to litigation. Parties cannot stipulate to sealing documents to avoid showing good cause. All proposed sealing orders must contain language to this effect: "The Court reserves its inherent power to modify the terms of this Order and permit the disclosure of information in the interest of justice." If the Court orders that a document be filed under seal, a redacted copy of the document must be filed within 14 days, unless the Court's order specifies otherwise, or redaction would render the document unreadable.
A statement of facts must accompany a moving party's motion for summary judgment. The parties may jointly file a statement of stipulated material facts. Alternatively, the moving party may file proposed undisputed material facts. Regardless of which option the parties choose, the moving party must file that initial statement of material facts as a separate document with the moving party's Rule 56 motion. Each fact must be in a separately numbered paragraph and accompanied by pinpoint citations that cite not only the relevant exhibit, but the relevant page and line number of that exhibit. Unless the parties file joint stipulated material facts, the nonmoving party must respond to each numbered material fact by either (1) stating that the fact is undisputed, (2) explaining exactly how it is disputed and providing appropriate citations, or (3) explaining why the fact is immaterial to resolution of any claim with appropriate citations. Parties are encouraged to submit a joint appendix with the moving party's briefings. Source ↗