Operating Model

TX-ND operates on a submission-first model across seven divisions.

Operating Model: Submission-First

LR 7.1(g): 'Unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge, oral argument on a motion will not be held.' This is the default -- motions are decided on the papers. Oral argument occurs only when the presiding judge affirmatively directs it.

Seven-Division Structure

The district is divided into seven divisions: Abilene, Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock, San Angelo, and Wichita Falls (28 U.S.C. § 124(a)).

Local Counsel Requirement (LR 83.10)

LR 83.10(a): 'Unless exempted under LR 83.10(c) or by LR 83.11, local counsel is required in all cases where an attorney appearing in a case does not reside or maintain the attorney's principal office in this district. "Local counsel" means a member of the bar of this court who resides or maintains the attorney's principal office in this district. If the presiding judge so orders, local counsel may be subject to requirements such as residing or maintaining the attorney's principal office within a specified distance from the courthouse in which the case is pending.' Since the September 1, 2026 revision, the district-wide rule sets no distance requirement; any distance requirement comes from the presiding judge. LR 83.10(c) adds: 'The presiding judge may exempt a party from the local counsel requirement in a case pending before the judge.' Check the assigned judge's individual practices for any distance requirement.

Appendix Required for Evidence (LR 7.1(i))

Any evidence cited in support of or opposition to a motion must appear in a separate appendix filed as a self-contained document. Appendix pages are numbered sequentially through the entire appendix -- numbering does not restart per document.

AI Disclosure on First Page (LR 7.2(f))

'A brief prepared using generative artificial intelligence must disclose this fact on the first page under the heading "Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence."' A party who files a brief without the disclosure 'certifies that no part of the brief was prepared using generative artificial intelligence' (LR 7.2(f)(3)).

Proposed Order Required (LR 7.1(c))

'Except for an opposed motion that is submitted on paper, each motion must be accompanied by a proposed order that is set forth separately. An agreed proposed order must be signed by the attorneys or parties.'

No Separate Statement of Undisputed Facts

TX-ND does not require a separate statement of undisputed material facts for summary judgment. Instead, under LR 56.3(a)(1) the motion must, 'on the first page, under the heading "summary," state concisely the elements of each claim or defense as to which summary judgment is sought.' Under LR 56.3(b), 'A moving party may satisfy the requirements of subsection (a) of this rule by stating in its motion that each of the required matters will be set forth in the party's brief.' Arguments and authorities go in the brief (filed separately), not the motion itself.