Judge Tanya S. Chutkan
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:

Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Pretrial Order, Jury Instructions
- 2 copies • Hand Delivery
Binding: Tabbed Three Ring
Pretrial Statement
- 2 copies
- 2 copies • Hand Delivery

Communication
Chambers
Page & Word Limits6 rules
Absent agreement of the parties or Order of the Court to the contrary, the parties shall be limited to no more than ten (10) depositions and no more than twenty-five (25) interrogatories per side.
one omnibus motion per side of not more than twenty (20) pages raising all issues in limine shall be filed with the court and served on opposing counsel no later than [Date]
- Motion in limine
- Up to 20 pages per side
oppositions of not more than fifteen (15) pages shall be due not later than [Date]
- Opposition
- Up to 15 pages
oppositions of not more than fifteen (15) pages shall be due not later than [Date].
- Opposition
- Up to 15 pages
Motions in limine limited to 20 pages, oppositions to 15 pages, with specific deadlines.
- Motion in limine for attorneys
- Up to 20 pages per side
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Court's wording
All evidence that a party plans to offer at trial under Fed. R. Evid. 404(b) must be disclosed to all other parties by no later than [Date]. Motions in limine should be fully briefed at the time of filing of the parties’ Joint Pretrial Statement. Accordingly, one omnibus motion per side of not more than twenty (20) pages raising all issues in limine shall be filed with the court and served on opposing counsel no later than [Date]; oppositions of not more than fifteen (15) pages shall be due not later than [Date]. A party may not file a reply without first requesting leave of the court.
Absent agreement of the parties or Order of the Court to the contrary, the parties shall be limited to no more than ten (10) depositions and no more than twenty-five (25) interrogatories per side.
Document Format Requirements4 rules
The Joint Pretrial Statement shall be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, in Microsoft Word format, with margins of no less than one (1) inch.
- File type
- Word
- Font
- Times New Roman
- Font size
- 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- At least 1 inch
- Pretrial statement
Exhibits must be listed in Joint Pretrial Statement to be admitted. Challenged exhibits require submission of two copies in separate three-ring binders at time of filing.
- Binding
- Three-ring binder
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Two copies required for challenged exhibits
Court's wording
No exhibit will be admitted at trial unless it is listed on the Joint Pretrial Statement. Each listed exhibit will be presumed authentic and admissible at trial unless a written objection specifying the specific basis of the objection is made in the Joint Pretrial Statement. If there are objections to an exhibit listed in the Joint Pretrial Statement, the exhibit shall be produced at the time the Joint Pretrial Statement is submitted. Two copies of the challenged exhibits shall be submitted to the court in separate three ring
the proposed instructions shall be formatted so that each individual instruction begins a new page
The Joint Pretrial Statement shall be double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font, in Microsoft Word format, with margins of no less than one (1) inch.
- File type
- Word
- Font
- Times New Roman
- Font size
- 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- At least 1 inch
- Pretrial order
Document Filing Requirements30 rules
Settlement authority individuals must be present or available by phone for pretrial conference.
Court's wording
A Pretrial Conference will be held at [TIME] on [DATE], in Courtroom 9. Counsel are instructed that individuals with settlement authority must be present or available by telephone during the pretrial conference.
Parties must meet and confer before pretrial conference to prepare Joint Pretrial Statement and discuss settlement.
Court's wording
Prior to the pretrial conference the parties shall meet and confer for the purpose of preparing the Joint Pretrial Statement and discussing the prospects for settlement. To the extent possible, the parties shall conduct a face-to-face meeting. The parties are directed to confer in good faith and Counsel for Plaintiff shall file a Joint Pretrial Statement pursuant to Local Civil
Non-compliance with Pretrial Order may result in sanctions including fines, striking submissions, dismissal, or public admonishment.
Court's wording
Failure to comply with the requirements and deadlines established in this Pretrial Order may result in sanctions including, but not limited to, fines payable to the Clerk of the Court, a court order striking untimely or non-compliant pretrial submissions and pleadings, dismissal of claims/defenses, and/or public admonishment of counsel. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(f); Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(b)(2)(A)(ii)–(vii); Gregory P. Joseph, Sanctions: The Federal Law of Litigation Abuse 598 (5th ed. 2013) (“The primary purpose for imposing Rule 16(f) sanctions is deterrent: to insure expeditious and sound management of the preparation of cases for trial. Secondarily, sanctions are awarded to compensate parties for inconvenience and expense incurred because of an opponent's noncompliance.”).
No party may call at trial any witness the party has not listed in the Joint Pretrial Statement (except those called for impeachment purposes).
Challenged exhibits must be produced with Joint Pretrial Statement in two copies.
- Document
- Joint pretrial statement
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
If there are objections to an exhibit listed in the Joint Pretrial Statement, the exhibit shall be produced at the time the Joint Pretrial Statement is submitted. Two copies of the challenged exhibits shall be submitted to the court in separate three ring
No exhibit will be admitted at trial unless it is listed on the Joint Pretrial Statement.
No party may call at trial any witness the party has not listed in the Joint Pretrial Statement (except those called for impeachment purposes).
Objections not in JPTS are waived except for Rules 402/403.
Court's wording
Objections not disclosed in the Joint Pretrial Statement, except those pursuant to Fed. R. Evid. 402 and 403, shall be deemed waived, unless such failure to timely object is excused by the court for good cause shown.
Demonstrative/physical/videotape evidence must be described in JPTS.
Court's wording
Describe all demonstrative, physical and/or videotape evidence that will be used at trial. Such evidence listed in the Joint Pretrial Statement shall be deemed potentially admissible at trial, unless an objection is made in the Joint Pretrial Statement, along with the specific basis for the objection and supporting legal authority.
Identify each deposition or portion thereof, by page and line numbers, that the party intends to offer in evidence. All cross-designations under Fed. R. Evid. 106 must be identified as well.
Objections to deposition testimony must be in JPTS with basis and authority.
Court's wording
Designated or cross-designated deposition testimony will be deemed potentially admissible at trial, unless an objection is made in the Joint Pretrial Statement. The objecting party must note the basis for the objection, as well as provide supporting authority.
Each party that anticipates offering more than five (5) exhibits as substantive evidence shall pre-mark such exhibits in advance of trial, using exhibit labels and lists available from the Clerk of the Court. The court will provide up to 100 labels; if a party needs more labels, that party must use labels of the same type as those supplied by the court.
Any objections to deposition testimony shall be accompanied by excerpts from the depositions, including the testimony to which the objection relates.
JPTS must separately list each damage element and monetary amount.
Court's wording
Set forth separately each element of damages and the monetary amount claimed (including prejudgment interest, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees). Do not include amounts claimed for intangible damages. Set forth all other types of relief sought against any party.
In non-jury cases, the parties must submit detailed proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with supporting authorities.
- Document
- Non-jury case
Must include
- •Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law
- •With supporting authorities
Any objections shall be listed immediately following the voir dire question, jury instruction, or verdict question. The objecting party shall specifically identify the objectionable portion of the voir dire question, instruction, or verdict form, along with the basis of the objection and citations to supporting legal authority. Any objections to the verdict form shall be accompanied by a proposed alternative form.
List the number of days estimated for trial, and set forth any scheduling problems with witnesses.
Voir dire objections and proposals required with supporting authority
Court's wording
In jury cases, the parties also must submit (b) Any objections or proposed additions to Judge Chutkan’s standard voir dire, including i. the voir dire questions on which the parties agree; and ii. the voir dire questions on which the parties disagree, with specific objections noted below each disputed question and supporting legal authority (if any);
In jury cases, the parties also must submit (d) a proposed verdict form, as well as proposed special interrogatories (if any), that includes a date and signature line for the jury foreperson.
- Document
- Jury case
Must include
- •Proposed verdict form
In jury cases, the parties also must submit (a) Any waiver of a jury trial;
- Document
- Jury case
Must include
- •Waiver of jury trial
In non-jury cases, the parties must submit detailed proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with supporting authorities.
Proposed jury instructions with citations and formatting required
- Document
- Jury case
Must include
- •Proposed jury instructions
Court's wording
In jury cases, the parties also must submit (c) A list of proposed jury instructions, followed by the text of each proposed instruction, as well as the specific source and citation for the proposed instructions (e.g., Standardized Civil Jury Instruction for the District of Columbia 2.01: Evidence in the Case) or, for modified or new instructions, specific supporting legal authority. Any variations or alterations of standard jury instructions shall be so noted and the proposed instructions shall be formatted so that each individual instruction begins a new page. Additionally, the parties shall indicate i. the instructions on which the parties agree; and ii. the instructions on which the parties disagree, with specific objections noted below each disputed instruction and supporting legal authority (if any);
In jury cases, the parties also must submit (a) Any waiver of a jury trial; (b) Any objections or proposed additions to Judge Chutkan's standard voir dire... (c) A list of proposed jury instructions... (d) a proposed verdict form
Joint Pretrial Statement must include list of parties and counsel with contact information and lead counsel names.
Court's wording
In accordance with Local Civil Rule 16.5(b), the Joint Pretrial Statement must include the following: 1. Parties and Counsel: List names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all counsel on whose behalf the Joint Pretrial Statement is filed. In addition, provide the names of lead counsel who intend to try the case. List names and addresses of all parties.
Counsel are hereby notified that a party who does not prevail in a discovery dispute may be ordered to pay the costs involved, including reasonable attorney's fees.
The parties are reminded that the Court does not provide interpreters in civil matters; the parties are to provide interpreters if needed.
The parties shall identify any special considerations for trial, such as accommodations for persons with disabilities, or any other pertinent matters about which the court should be aware.
Trial is hereby set to begin on [DATE], at 9:00 a.m., in Courtroom 9.
The court expects most objections to exhibits to be cured by discussion between the parties, and the parties should stipulate to the admissibility of as many exhibits as possible.
The court urges counsel to be judicious in determining which documents actually are relevant to necessary elements of the case.
Filing & Service rules
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Joint Pretrial Statement requires ECF filing and courtesy copies to chambers.
Counsel for Plaintiff must file the Joint Pretrial Statement (including voir dire questions, proposed jury instructions, and proposed verdict form or proposed findings of fact/conclusions of law) electronically via ECF and submit physical and electronic courtesy copies to chambers.
Civil cases
Page 3 | JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT
Two courtesy hard copies required in 3-ring binders with tab dividers.
Two courtesy hard copies of the Joint Pretrial Statement (including voir dire questions, proposed jury instructions, proposed verdict form or proposed findings of fact/conclusions of law and, to the extent necessary, exhibits) shall be delivered to Judge Chutkan’s Courtroom Deputy not later than [Time] on [Date], in separate three ring binders, with each section separated by labeled tab dividers.
Civil cases
Page 3 | JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT
Electronic copy must be emailed to chambers by specified deadline.
The electronic copy shall be e-mailed to chambers not later than [Time] on [Date].
Civil cases
Page 3 | JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT
Two hard copy courtesy copies of Joint Pretrial Statement required in three-ring binders with tabbed sections.
Two courtesy hard copies of the Joint Pretrial Statement (including voir dire questions, proposed jury instructions, proposed verdict form or proposed findings of fact/conclusions of law and, to the extent necessary, exhibits) shall be delivered to Judge Chutkan's Courtroom Deputy not later than [Time] on [Date], in separate three ring binders, with each section separated by labeled tab dividers.
Civil cases
Joint Pretrial Statement requires both physical and electronic courtesy copies submitted to chambers.
Counsel for Plaintiff must file the Joint Pretrial Statement (including voir dire questions, proposed jury instructions, and proposed verdict form or proposed findings of fact/conclusions of law) electronically via ECF and submit physical and electronic courtesy copies to chambers.
Civil cases
Filing Bundling Requirements
All motions in limine must be bundled into one omnibus motion per side.
one omnibus motion per side of not more than twenty (20) pages raising all issues in limine shall be filed
Civil cases
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Discovery-related motions require a prior telephone conference with the Court and opposing counsel.
Counsel shall not file any discovery-related motion without a prior telephone conference with the Court and opposing counsel.
Civil cases
Page 3 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Discovery motions require prior telephone conference with court and opposing counsel.
Counsel shall not file any discovery-related motion without a prior telephone conference with the Court and opposing counsel.
Civil cases
Page 3 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Discovery disputes require joint email to chambers before telephone conference.
Counsel shall confer in good faith in an effort to resolve any discovery dispute. If counsel are unable to resolve the dispute, they must first JOINTLY submit, via email to chambers, a clear, concise description of the issues in dispute, each party's position on the disputed issues, and the parties' joint availability for an on-the-record telephone conference. The court will then respond as soon as practicable to schedule a telephone conference and provide the parties with call-in information.
Civil cases
Page 3 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES
Replies to motions in limine require court permission.
A party may not file a reply without first requesting leave of the court.
Civil cases
Chambers Communication Rules
Electronic courtesy copy must be emailed to chambers; email must not be used for any other purpose.
The electronic copy shall be e-mailed to chambers not later than [Time] on [Date]. Counsel are admonished NOT to use this e-mail address for ANY other purpose, unless directed to do so by the court.
Civil cases
Email address provided only for Joint Pretrial Statement submissions.
Counsel are admonished NOT to use this e-mail address for ANY other purpose, unless directed to do so by the court.
Civil cases
Page 3 | JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT
If counsel are unable to resolve the dispute, they must first JOINTLY submit, via email to chambers, a clear, concise description of the issues in dispute, each party's position on the disputed issues, and the parties' joint availability for an on-the-record telephone conference.
If counsel are unable to resolve the dispute, they must first JOINTLY submit, via email to chambers, a clear, concise description of the issues in dispute, each party's position on the disputed issues, and the parties' joint availability for an on-the-record telephone conference.
Civil cases
Page 3 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES