Current through November 2, 2026

Southern District of Texas

Local rules, motion practice, and judge procedures for S.D. Tex. practitioners.

auto_stories

Orientation

Quick-reference summary of the most frequently needed rules for the Southern District of Texas. | Topic | Rule | Key...

SDTX is seven divisions spanning from Houston to Brownsville, covering 48 counties. Division assignment determined by...

gavel

SDTX uses written-motion practice with no automatic oral hearings. Motions submitted to the judge 21 days after filing —...

search_insights

SDTX district-wide discovery rules are spare — heavy lifting is the Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan at Rule 16...

more_horiz

SDTX sees high removal volume from Texas state courts. LR 81 specifies exactly which documents to attach — and says...

SDTX addresses sealed filings under LR 83.6. To file a sealed civil action, present application to clerk with complaint...

verified

All 39 judges covered

Standing orders, page limits, motion days, and key traps — every active district and magistrate judge in S.D. Tex. View full index →