Judge J. Kate Stickles
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Claims Binder
- 1 copy • At Least 14 Days Before Scheduled Hearing
Exhibit
- 2 copies • At Least 24 Hours Before Start of Proceeding
Exhibit Binder
- 2 copies • At Least 24 Hours Before Start of Proceeding
Fee Application Binder
- 1 copy • At Least 14 Days Before Scheduled Fee Hearing
Page & Word Limits2 rules
The discovery-dispute letter seeking relief is limited to five pages.
- Letter
- Up to 5 pages
- Discovery motions
Court's wording
The party seeking relief from the Court shall file, and deliver to chambers, a letter, not to exceed five (5) pages, in lieu of a formal motion, outlining the issues in dispute and its position on those issues.
The opposing party’s discovery-dispute response letter is limited to five pages.
- Response letter
- Up to 5 pages
- Discovery motions
Court's wording
Any party opposing the request for relief shall respond by letter, not to exceed five (5) pages in length, in like fashion, no later than forty-eight (48) hours following receipt of the moving party’s letter.
Document Format Requirements7 rules
Agendas must comply with Del. Bankr. L.R. 9029-3 and Local Form 111.
All pleadings included in a binder must contain either the ECF generated header containing the docket number and date filed or the docket number and date filed inserted on the bottom right-hand corner of the first page.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked index or a single consolidated electronic binder, in a searchable PDF file, containing copies of all fee applications for consideration.
- File type
- Fee application index
- Fee application binder
The emailed claims index or consolidated electronic binder must be a searchable PDF.
- File type
- Claims index
- Claims binder
Court's wording
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked claims index or single consolidated electronic binder, in a searchable PDF file, containing the Objection(s) to Claims and copies of the relevant proofs of claim (with attachments).
Documents filed under seal should be stamped “Filed Under Seal” and printed on color paper.
- Sealed document
Formatting
- •Stamp the document “Filed Under Seal.”
- •Print the document on color paper
If an organizational chart and/or budget is included in the binder, please provide two (2) enlarged copies of each document.
include 4 inches of blank space at the end of the order for the Judge’s signature and date.
Document Filing Requirements27 rules
The motion requesting shortened notice must include the averment of Delaware counsel as required by Del. Bankr. L.R. 9006-1(e).
Agendas for remote proceedings must include the specified Zoom participation and registration language.
Court's wording
Agendas for remote proceedings must include the following: This proceeding will be conducted remotely via Zoom. Please refer to Judge Stickles’ Chambers Procedures (https://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-j-kate-stickles) and the Court’s website (http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/ecourt-appearances) for information on the method of allowed participation (video or audio), Judge Stickles’ expectations of remote participants, and the advance registration requirements. Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. (Prevailing Eastern Time) [the business day before the hearing / one-hour prior to the first-day or emergency hearing] unless otherwise noticed using the eCourtAppearances tool available on the Court’s website.
Counsel responsible for submitting the agenda must consult with other parties in interest to identify any witness(es) that will be presented.
Agendas must contain a hyperlink to all referenced filings.
Each agenda matter must state its status, including whether it is proceeding, continuance and objection status, pertinent information, and expected witnesses and their presenting parties.
Court's wording
The “status” of a matter listed on an agenda must indicate whether the matter is going forward, whether a continuance is requested (and whether such continuance is opposed), whether any or all of the objections have been resolved and any other pertinent status information, including whether the presentation of witness(es) is expected, and, if so, the identity of the witness(es), and the party presenting the witness(es).
Agendas for in-person proceedings must include the specified in-person attendance, remote participation, and registration language.
Court's wording
Agendas for in-person proceedings must include the following: This proceeding will be conducted in-person. All counsel and witnesses are expected to attend unless permitted to appear remotely via Zoom. Please refer to Judge Stickles’ Chambers Procedures (https://www.deb.uscourts.gov/judge-j-kate-stickles) and the Court’s website (http://www.deb.uscourts.gov/ecourt-appearances) for information on who may participate remotely, the method of allowed participation (video or audio), Judge Stickles’ expectations of remote participants, and the advance registration requirements. Registration is required by 4:00 p.m. (Prevailing Eastern Time) [the business day before the hearing / one-hour prior to the first-day or emergency hearing] unless otherwise noticed using the eCourtAppearances tool available on the Court’s website.
Counsel must email chambers the Notice of Completion of Briefing containing hyperlinks to all relevant pleadings.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked claims index or single consolidated electronic binder, in a searchable PDF file, containing the Objection(s) to Claims and copies of the relevant proofs of claim (with attachments).
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver one (1) physical binder containing the relevant documents.
Counsel must email chambers the Exhibit List containing hyperlinks to all exhibits.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver two (2) physical binders containing the relevant documents.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked index or a single consolidated electronic binder, in a searchable PDF file, containing copies of all fee applications for consideration.
In addition, witnesses must be noted on the hearing agenda.
and attach a redline revised proposed order reflecting all revisions to the proposed order originally submitted with the pleading.
The filing must contain the identity of each witness and the scope of the testimony.
Orders must reference the related docket number(s) in the case caption
- Document
- Order
- Placement
- Caption
Must include
- •Case number
When submitting a revised proposed order under CoC, the CoC must state whether the revised form of order has been reviewed and approved by all parties affected by the order and the U.S. Trustee
If a matter has settled or otherwise been resolved, counsel must file a notice of settlement or notice of adjournment of trial.
The foreign currency must also be adequately identified (e.g., “pesos” is insufficient, but “Mexican Pesos” or “MXN” is sufficient).
Any foreign language document offered by a party in a case must be accompanied by an English language translation and a certificate of translation.
For budgets and financial statements, the U.S. Dollar-converted budget or statement shall be appended to any foreign-currency version and specify the exchange rate and date of conversion.
Any monetary figure reported in a currency other than U.S. Dollars that is submitted to the Court must be accompanied by the value of such monetary figure in U.S. Dollars as of a specified date and exchange rate.
A pleading citing a ruling not readily available on Lexis or Westlaw must attach a copy of that ruling as an exhibit.
Court's wording
When filing a pleading that cites to a ruling that is not readily available on Lexis or Westlaw (e.g., transcripts containing bench rulings), a copy of the ruling must be attached to the pleading as an exhibit.
All estate professionals’ fee applications should be scheduled on the same hearing date designated for consideration of fee applications.
Parties intending to introduce exhibits at a contested hearing must be prepared to provide copies to the Court and all relevant parties.
When a movant intends to present a revised proposed order in court, counsel should endeavor to provide both clean and redline versions.
Court's wording
If a movant intends to present a proposed order to the Court that contains revisions to the proposed order originally submitted with the pleading, counsel for the movant must endeavor to provide the Court the revised clean and redline form of order at least two (2) hours prior to the hearing.
Parties to an adversary proceeding or contested matter that will involve discovery and the presentation of evidence are encouraged to submit a proposed joint Pretrial Order consistent with Del. Bankr. L.R. 7016-2(d).
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Proposed orders must be uploaded electronically for processing.
Proposed orders must be uploaded electronically for processing.
Page 5 | D. Presentation of Proposed Orders
Exhibits to proposed orders must be uploaded separately using the “Attachments to Document” designation.
Exhibits to a proposed order must be uploaded separately as “Attachments to Document.”
Page 5 | D. Presentation of Proposed Orders
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Counsel seeking an expedited hearing must file the motion for shortened notice concurrently with the underlying motion for substantive relief.
To request an expedited hearing, counsel must file a motion for shortened notice concurrent with filing the underlying motion seeking substantive relief.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
The hearing agenda will be filed by noon Eastern Time two business days before the hearing.
The link will be provided on the hearing agenda, which will be filed on or before 12:00 p.m. (Prevailing Eastern Time) two (2) business days prior to the hearing.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
Agendas must be filed and emailed, and hearing binders delivered to chambers, by noon Eastern Time two business days before the hearing.
Agendas must be filed and e-mailed, and hearing binders delivered, to chambers by noon (Prevailing Eastern Time) two (2) business days before the scheduled hearing.
Page 3 | B. Hearing Agendas
The opposing party must respond to the discovery-dispute letter within 48 hours after receiving it.
Any party opposing the request for relief shall respond by letter, not to exceed five (5) pages in length, in like fashion, no later than forty-eight (48) hours following receipt of the moving party’s letter.
Page 5 | F. Pretrial and Trial Procedures
Parties intending to call witnesses at a hearing must file notice of that intention at least 48 hours before the hearing.
If parties intend to call witnesses at a hearing, they must file their intention to do so at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing.
Page 5 | E. Witnesses and Exhibits
Movant’s counsel should endeavor to provide the Court clean and redline revised orders at least two hours before the hearing.
counsel for the movant must endeavor to provide the Court the revised clean and redline form of order at least two (2) hours prior to the hearing.
Page 5 | D. Presentation of Proposed Orders
Service and Proof of Service Rules
When emailing the motion to shorten notice, counsel must copy opposing counsel and the U.S. Trustee.
In addition to being filed on the docket, the motion to shorten notice must be e-mailed to chambers, copying opposing counsel and the U.S. Trustee.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Counsel must deliver two physical first-day hearing binders containing the relevant documents.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver two (2) physical binders containing the relevant documents.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Counsel must deliver one physical hearing binder containing the relevant documents.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver one (1) physical binder containing the relevant documents.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Two physical exhibit binders must be delivered to chambers at least 24 hours before the proceeding starts.
In addition, two (2) physical binders containing the relevant exhibits must be delivered to chambers at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the proceeding.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
The listed hard-copy binders must be submitted to chambers during business hours.
The following hard copy binders must be submitted to chambers during business hours:
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
One physical binder containing the fee applications for consideration must be delivered to chambers at least 14 days before the scheduled fee hearing.
In addition, one (1) physical binder containing the fee applications for consideration must be delivered to chambers at least fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled fee hearing.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
One physical claims binder containing the claim objections and relevant proofs of claim with attachments must be delivered to chambers at least 14 days before the hearing.
In addition, one (1) physical binder containing the Objection(s) to Claims and copies of the relevant proofs of claim (with attachments) must be delivered to chambers at least fourteen (14) days prior to the scheduled hearing.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Two physical binders containing the relevant pleadings must be delivered to chambers.
In addition, two (2) physical binders containing the relevant pleadings must be delivered to chambers.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
If an organizational chart and/or budget is included in the binder, please provide two (2) enlarged copies of each document.
If an organizational chart and/or budget is included in the binder, please provide two (2) enlarged copies of each document.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Unless otherwise directed, parties must deliver two hard copies of each exhibit to chambers at least 24 hours before the proceeding begins.
Unless otherwise directed, the Court requires two (2) hard copies of each exhibit delivered to chambers at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the start of the proceeding.
Page 5 | E. Witnesses and Exhibits
Chambers does not require a physical CNO/CoC binder.
Chambers does not require a physical CNO/CoC Binder.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
An opposing party must respond by letter, limited to five pages, within 48 hours after receiving the moving party’s letter.
Any party opposing the request for relief shall respond by letter, not to exceed five (5) pages in length, in like fashion, no later than forty-eight (48) hours following receipt of the moving party’s letter.
Page 5 | F. Pretrial and Trial Procedures
A party seeking relief over an unresolved discovery matter must file and deliver to chambers a letter of no more than five pages outlining the disputed issues and its position, in lieu of a formal motion.
The party seeking relief from the Court shall file, and deliver to chambers, a letter, not to exceed five (5) pages, in lieu of a formal motion, outlining the issues in dispute and its position on those issues.
Page 5 | F. Pretrial and Trial Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
The motion to shorten notice must be emailed to chambers with opposing counsel and the U.S. Trustee copied.
In addition to being filed on the docket, the motion to shorten notice must be e-mailed to chambers, copying opposing counsel and the U.S. Trustee.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked claims index or single consolidated searchable PDF binder containing the claim objections and relevant proofs of claim with attachments.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked claims index or single consolidated electronic binder, in a searchable PDF file, containing the Objection(s) to Claims and copies of the relevant proofs of claim (with attachments).
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver two physical first-day hearing binders containing the relevant documents.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver two (2) physical binders containing the relevant documents.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Counsel must email chambers a Notice of Completion of Briefing containing hyperlinks to all relevant pleadings.
Counsel must email chambers the Notice of Completion of Briefing containing hyperlinks to all relevant pleadings.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Counsel must email chambers an Exhibit List containing hyperlinks to all exhibits.
Counsel must email chambers the Exhibit List containing hyperlinks to all exhibits.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked index or single consolidated searchable PDF binder containing all fee applications for consideration.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked index or a single consolidated electronic binder, in a searchable PDF file, containing copies of all fee applications for consideration.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver one physical hearing binder containing the relevant documents.
Counsel must email chambers a hyperlinked hearing agenda and deliver one (1) physical binder containing the relevant documents.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
Should counsel find that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter, the parties shall contact chambers to advise of the dispute, unless a pretrial order provides otherwise.
Should counsel find that they are unable to resolve a discovery matter, the parties shall contact chambers to advise of the dispute, unless a pretrial order provides otherwise.
Page 5 | F. Pretrial and Trial Procedures
Parties must immediately inform chambers in writing of circumstances they believe may suggest or require an adjournment or other change to the trial schedule.
Parties must also immediately advise chambers, in writing, of any occurrence or circumstance which the parties believe may suggest or necessitate the adjournment or other modification of the trial schedule.
Page 6 | F. Pretrial and Trial Procedures
Parties must notify chambers as soon as possible if a matter settles and no Pretrial Order will be filed.
Parties must notify chambers as soon as possible if a matter has settled and a Pretrial Order will not be filed.
Page 6 | F. Pretrial and Trial Procedures
Do not contact the Court to confirm remote appearance registration.
Please do not contact the Court to confirm registration.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
Parties anticipating more time or a contested evidentiary hearing for an omnibus hearing should contact chambers in advance to arrange scheduling.
Omnibus hearings are scheduled for one hour. If parties anticipate requiring additional time and/or a contested evidentiary hearing, please contact chambers in advance to make the necessary scheduling arrangements.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
Counsel should contact chambers to schedule a First Day Hearing after all first day filings are docketed.
To schedule a First Day Hearing, counsel should contact chambers after all first day filings are docketed.
Page 2 | A. Manner of Hearings and Other Proceedings
Chambers should be contacted if there will be a delay in submitting agendas or hearing binders.
Please contact chambers if there will be a delay.
Page 3 | B. Hearing Agendas
Counsel should contact chambers to discuss modifying the exhibit-binder procedure if the exhibits are voluminous.
If the exhibits are voluminous, counsel should contact chambers to address modification of this procedure.
Page 4 | C. Submission of Hard Copy Binders to Chambers
A CNO or CoC and related documents may be emailed to chambers when filed.
A CNO or CoC and any related documents may be emailed to chambers upon filing.
Page 5 | D. Presentation of Proposed Orders
Parties may inquire about the status of a matter pending decision or under advisement after a reasonable time under the circumstances.
Parties are invited to inquire, after a reasonable time under the circumstances of the matter at issue, into the status of a matter pending decision or taken under advisement.
Page 6 | H. Matters Under Advisement