Judge A. Richard M. Blaiklock
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Court-wide- Hand Delivery • After Special Judge Qualification
- Prior to Special Judge Qualification
Hearing Outline
Court-wide- 3 copies
Trial Brief
Court-wide- 2 copies
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
The parties agree that discovery dispute Motions (and any accompanying Memoranda and supporting materials) shall not exceed fifteen (15) double-spaced pages.
- Discovery dispute motion
- Up to 15 pages
- Format
- Double-spaced
The parties agree that discovery dispute Motions (and any accompanying Memoranda and supporting materials) shall not exceed fifteen (15) double-spaced pages.
- Discovery dispute motion
- Up to 15 pages
- Memorandum
- Up to 15 pages
- Supporting material
- Up to 15 pages
- Format
- Double-spaced
Document Format Requirements21 rules
When the parties produce hard copy (paper) documents, the paper will be scanned and produced electronically as single page TIFF images, 300 DPI, named the same as their Bates number (Acrobat PDF scans will comply with this requirement).
- Hard copy documents
Formatting
- •Name each produced TIFF image the same as its Bates number
All data transfers need to be done with some sort of Encryption (secure FTP or other mode of encryption such as password protected .ZIP, .RAR files or hard drives).
Formatting
- •Encrypt all data transfers
Produced documents must bear unique Bates identifiers: legible page endorsements for TIFFs, filenames for native files, and labels with at least three letters followed by at least seven numbers.
Formatting
- •Include the Bates number in the filename for documents produced natively
- •Use unique Bates labels
Court's wording
For each Custodial Document, produced as TIFF images, the Producing party should electronically endorse a legible, unique Bates number onto each page at a location that does not obliterate, conceal or interfere with any information from the source document. For documents produced in native format, the Bates number shall be included in the file name of the produced document. Each Producing party should use unique Bates Labels to identify its images and documents. A Bates Label should begin with at least three alphabetical characters and followed by at least seven numbers (e.g., ABC0000001 or ACME00000023 or JUPITER0000004).
For scanned images of hard copy documents, OCR should be performed on a document level and provided in document-level *.txt files named to match the production number of the first page of the document to which the OCR text corresponds. OCR text should not be delivered in the data load file or any other delimited text file.
Formatting
- •Perform OCR on a document-by-document basis
In scanning hardcopy documents, multiple distinct documents should not be merged into a single record, and single documents should not be split into multiple records (i.e., hard copy documents should be logically or physically unitized).
- Hard copy documents
Formatting
- •Do not merge multiple distinct hard-copy documents into a single record
- •Do not split a single hard-copy document into multiple records
Confidentiality branding must follow the protective order or, if the order is silent, be agreed by the parties, with Confidential documents branded “Confidential” in the bottom-left corner of every page.
Court's wording
Confidentiality branding should be applied consistent with the Protective Order. If the Protective Order does not address such branding, then confidentiality branding shall be done by agreement of the parties. As an example, for a Confidential document, the documents shall be branded with “Confidential” in the bottom left corner of each page of the Confidential document.
Produced documents must receive unique Bates identifiers, displayed legibly on each TIFF page and included in native-file names, using labels with at least three letters followed by at least seven numbers.
Court's wording
For each Custodial Document, produced as TIFF images, the Producing party should electronically endorse a legible, unique Bates number onto each page at a location that does not obliterate, conceal or interfere with any information from the source document. For documents produced in native format, the Bates number shall be included in the file name of the produced document. Each Producing party should use unique Bates Labels to identify its images and documents. A Bates Label should begin with at least three alphabetical characters and followed by at least seven numbers (e.g., ABC0000001 or ACME00000023 or JUPITER0000004).
Unless otherwise agreed, each production will include a data load file in Concordance (*.dat) format and an image load file in Opticon (*.opt) format. Load file names should contain the volume name of the production media.
Emails, word processing (e.g., Microsoft Word, WordPerfect), presentations (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint), and PDF files shall be produced as TIFFs.
For scanned images of hard copy documents, OCR should be performed on a document level and provided in document-level *.txt files named to match the production number of the first page of the document to which the OCR text corresponds.
Formatting
- •Perform OCR at the document level
- •Provide document-level TXT files
All provided metadata pertaining to dates and times will be standardized to Eastern Time.
Formatting
- •Standardize all date and time metadata to Eastern Time
As an example, for a Confidential documents, the documents shall be branded with “Confidential” in the bottom left corner of each page of the Confidential document.
Hard-copy documents must be scanned as single-page 300-DPI TIFF images named with their Bates numbers; Acrobat PDF scans are permitted.
- Hard copy document
Formatting
- •Scan hard-copy documents as single-page TIFF images at 300 DPI
- •Name each scanned image with its Bates number
- •Acrobat PDF scans may satisfy the requirement
Court's wording
When the parties produce hard copy (paper) documents, the paper will be scanned and produced electronically as single page TIFF images, 300 DPI, named the same as their Bates number (Acrobat PDF scans will comply with this requirement).
The Parties shall produce other file types in TIFF format, where possible, and for other file types not suitable for imaging, in a reasonably useable format.
- Other file types
Formatting
- •Produce files unsuitable for imaging in a reasonably usable format
All photographs (e.g., .jpg, .gif) shall be produced as native files with TIFF placeholder images.
- Photograph
Formatting
- •Produce photographs as native files
- •Include TIFF placeholder images
All media files, such as audio and video files, shall be produced as native files with TIFF placeholder images.
- Media file
Formatting
- •Produce media files as native files
- •Include TIFF placeholder images
All spreadsheet (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro, etc.) files shall be produced as native files with TIFF placeholder images.
- Spreadsheet
Formatting
- •Produce spreadsheet files as native files
- •Include TIFF placeholder images
Electronic files will be De-NISTed, removing commercially available operating system and application file information contained on the current NIST file list.
- Electronic stored information
Formatting
- •De-NIST electronic files
Each native-file production must include a TIFF slip sheet and a filename containing the Bates number and, when applicable, the confidentiality designation.
Court's wording
For each native file produced, the production will include a TIFF image slip-sheet indicating the production number of the native file and the confidentiality designation, and stating “File Provided Natively.” The file name of the native will include the Bates number, and if the file is anything other than not confidential, the confidentiality designation must be placed in the file name.
If you are using hard-copy exhibits, please have enough copies for each juror (including alternate), the witness, counsel for all parties, and two for the Court.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Provide a copy for the witness
- •Provide copies for counsel for all parties
- •Provide two copies for the court
If spreadsheet files require redaction, the redacted spreadsheet(s) may be produced as TIFF image(s), if native redaction tools are not available or are costly.
Document Filing Requirements8 rules
Unless otherwise agreed or ordered, the privilege log must contain the listed control, Bates, custodian, communication, file, privilege, redaction, and subject-description fields.
Court's wording
Unless otherwise agreed by the parties or ordered by the Court, the Privilege Log shall contain the following fields: CONTROL NUMBER FIRST BATES LAST BATES CUSTODIAN (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE) DUPLICATE CUSTODIANS (LAST, FIRST, MIDDLE) AUTHOR / FROM RECIPIENT / TO CC BCC DATE SENT / RECEIVED / CREATED FILE NAME FILE TYPE STATUS OF PRIVILEGE DESIGNATION (E.G., ATTORNEY-CLIENT OR WORK PRODUCT) OR BASIS FOR REDACTION FULLY PRIVILEGED OR REDACTED SUBJECT / PRIVILEGE OR REDACTION CLAIM DESCRIPTION
If a party fails to file those lists and exchange the documents by that date, that party will be prohibited from offering any exhibits or presenting any witnesses.
The defendant notice must contain the specified all-capital warning about the deadline to answer or respond and the possible entry of default judgment.
Court's wording
The notice must state in ALLCAPS: EVEN THOUGH THE COURT HAS SET A TRIAL DATE, YOU MUST STILL TIMELY FILE WITH THE COURT A WRITTEN ANSWER TO THE COMLAINT OR OTHERWISE TIMELY FILE A RESPONSE IN WRITING TO THE COMPLAINT WITHIN TWENTY (20) DAYS, COMMENCING THE DAY AFTER YOU RECEIVED A SUMMONS (OR TWENTY THREE (23) DAYS IF THE SUMMONS WAS RECEIVED BY MAIL), OR A JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT MAY BE RENDERED AGAINST YOU FOR THE RELIEF DEMANDED BY PLAINTIFF.
Provide proposed orders for all routine motions.
- Document
- Routine motion
Include
- •Proposed order
To the extent an image is illegible or difficult to read, the Requesting Party may ask to for the document to be rescanned; if rescanning does not resolve the issue, the Requesting Party may ask to see the original document, in which case the original shall promptly be made available by the producing party.
If the motion is unopposed, note that in the title of the motion (e.g., “Unopposed Motion for Enlargement of Time”).
If the motion is time-sensitive, note that in the title of the motion (e.g., “Emergency Motion to Quash”).
There is no need for parties to file any case management orders, in lieu of which the Court will send out this Notice Issued: Trial date is a FIRM trial setting; it will not be continued absent good cause.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Each trial exhibit must be submitted through electronic filing as a separate filing.
Each exhibit is to be individually e-filed.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
For the October 20, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from January 20, 2027 through February 8, 2027.
October 20, 2027 January 20, 2027 February 08, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the July 7, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from October 7, 2026 through October 26, 2026.
July 07, 2027 October 07, 2026 October 26, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the October 6, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from January 6, 2027 through January 25, 2027.
October 06, 2027 January 06, 2027 January 25, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the July 21, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from October 21, 2026 through November 9, 2026.
July 21, 2027 October 21, 2026 November 09, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the May 19, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from August 19, 2026 through September 7, 2026.
May 19, 2027 August 19, 2026 September 07, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the August 4, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from November 4, 2026 through November 23, 2026.
August 04, 2027 November 04, 2026 November 23, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the November 3, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from February 3, 2027 through February 22, 2027.
November 03, 2027 February 03, 2027 February 22, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the December 1, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from March 1, 2027 through March 18, 2027.
December 01, 2027 March 01, 2027 March 18, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the June 23, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from September 23, 2026 through October 12, 2026.
June 23, 2027 September 23, 2026 October 12, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the September 1, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from December 1, 2026 through December 18, 2026.
September 01, 2027 December 01, 2026 December 18, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the September 22, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from December 22, 2026 through January 8, 2027.
September 22, 2027 December 22, 2026 January 08, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the August 18, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from November 18, 2026 through December 7, 2026.
August 18, 2027 November 18, 2026 December 07, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the November 17, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from February 17, 2027 through March 8, 2027.
November 17, 2027 February 17, 2027 March 08, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the January 13, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from March 10, 2026 through April 30, 2026.
January 13, 2027 March 10, 2026 April 30, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the March 10, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from June 10, 2026 through June 29, 2026.
March 10, 2027 June 10, 2026 June 29, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the February 24, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from May 25, 2026 through June 11, 2026.
February 24, 2027 May 25, 2026 June 11, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the February 10, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from May 11, 2026 through May 28, 2026.
February 10, 2027 May 11, 2026 May 28, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the April 21, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from July 21, 2026 through August 7, 2026.
April 21, 2027 July 21, 2026 August 07, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the December 15, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from March 15, 2027 through April 1, 2027.
December 15, 2027 March 15, 2027 April 01, 2027
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the January 27, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from April 27, 2026 through May 14, 2026.
January 27, 2027 April 27, 2026 May 14, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the May 5, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from August 5, 2026 through August 24, 2026.
May 05, 2027 August 05, 2026 August 24, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the April 7, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from July 7, 2026 through July 24, 2026.
April 07, 2027 July 07, 2026 July 24, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the June 2, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from September 2, 2026 through September 21, 2026.
June 02, 2027 September 02, 2026 September 21, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
For the March 24, 2027 bench trial, the filing window runs from June 24, 2026 through July 13, 2026.
March 24, 2027 June 24, 2026 July 13, 2026
Civil cases · Court notice
Page 1 | Bench Trial Filing Windows
In streamlined collection cases, witness and exhibit lists must be filed no later than two weeks before trial.
Witness (with contact information) and exhibit (detailing specific documents, not categories) lists are to be filed (and documents provided to opposing party) no later than two weeks prior to the trial date.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
Proposed trial exhibits must be filed five days before trial.
Proposed exhibits must be filed five (5) days before trial.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Pretrial and dispositive motions must be filed sufficiently before trial to permit timely opposition and court review.
Any pre-trial or dispositive motions are to be filed sufficiently in advance of the trial date to allow the opposing party to file responses within the timeframes permitted by the Indiana Trial Rules, and for the Court to have time to rule on any such motions.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Proof of service of summons must be provided by the trial date or the action may be dismissed under Trial Rule 41(B) or 41(E).
Failure to provide proof of service of a summons by the trial date will result in dismissal under Trial Rule 41(B) or 41(E).
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
After a defendant files an appearance, the plaintiff must promptly provide notices of the trial date and witness-and-exhibit deadline and file proof of that notice with the court.
Upon proper filing of an appearance by a defendant, Plaintiff is ordered to promptly provide Defendant with: (1) notice of the trial date; and (2) notice of the witness and exhibit deadline as set forth above; and (3) to promptly file proof thereof with the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
In streamlined collection cases, the underlying exhibit documents must be provided to the opposing party no later than two weeks before trial.
Witness (with contact information) and exhibit (detailing specific documents, not categories) lists are to be filed (and documents provided to opposing party) no later than two weeks prior to the trial date.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
For responsive non-privileged documents containing redactions, the parties must produce all unredacted content and corresponding text or OCR.
Where a responsive and non-privileged document contains both redacted and non-redacted content, the parties shall produce the remainder of the non-redacted portions of the document and the text/OCR corresponding to the non-redacted portions.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 9. REDACTIONS
Each redaction must be clearly identified on the document, state the redaction and its basis, and be reflected in metadata identifying both the presence of redactions and their basis.
The redaction shall be clearly indicated on the face of the document, with each redacted portion of the document stating that it has been redacted and the basis for the redaction, and a metadata field shall indicate that the document contains redactions and the basis for the redaction (e.g., “A/C Privilege”).
Civil cases
Page 1 | 9. REDACTIONS
Redactions must be clearly marked on the document, identify the redaction basis, and be recorded in a metadata field.
The redaction shall be clearly indicated on the face of the document, with each redacted portion of the document stating that it has been redacted and the basis for the redaction, and a metadata field shall indicate that the document contains redactions and the basis for the redaction (e.g., “A/C Privilege”).
Civil cases
Page 1 | 11. REDACTIONS
Requests to seal information from public access must comply with Access to Court Records Rule 6.
Requests to seal information from public access must conform with Access to Court Records Rule 6.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 9. CONFIDENTIALITY
Permitted redactions include privacy, privilege, unrelated material, confidentiality, and other categories agreed to by the parties.
The parties agree to the use of the following redactions: privacy, privilege, unrelated to subject matter, confidentiality, and any other per agreement of the parties.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 9. REDACTIONS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before seeking judicial relief from a discovery dispute, the parties must meet by phone, Webex, or in person unless the other party ignored meeting requests or the situation is genuinely time-sensitive.
With that in mind, if there are discovery disputes: (a) the parties must have a phone call/Webex/in person meeting to discuss the issues before any party seeks relief from the Court (the exception being a party who ignores requests for such a call/Webex/meeting or in genuinely time-sensitive situations);
Civil cases
Page 1 | Discovery
If parties are unable to agree after a meeting in person or by phone, the parties will then ask for a short virtual or telephonic meeting with the judge to try resolve the dispute before filing a written motion.
If parties are unable to agree after a meeting in person or by phone, the parties will then ask for a short virtual or telephonic meeting with the judge to try resolve the dispute before filing a written motion.
Civil cases
Page 1 | 14. EFFECT OF PROTOCOL AND DISPUTES
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A streamlined-pathway trial date is firm and will not be continued absent good cause.
There is no need for parties to file any case management orders, in lieu of which the Court will send out this Notice Issued: Trial date is a FIRM trial setting; it will not be continued absent good cause.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
Chambers Communication Rules
A filing made the day before or day of a hearing must be emailed to the court with time-sensitive or high-importance subject notation.
If you file something the day before or the day of a hearing, email the pleadings/filings to the Court (to both mcourts-d11@indy.gov and megan.wright@indy.gov) with “time sensitive” notation in the subject line of the email and tag it “high important” so it arrives in red.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions
You should also email the motion to Court staff at mcourts-d11@indy.gov with it tagged “high importance” or with “time sensitive” or similar notation in the subject line.
You should also email the motion to Court staff at mcourts-d11@indy.gov with it tagged “high importance” or with “time sensitive” or similar notation in the subject line.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions
If you have a last minute settlement, email megan.wright@indy.gov and the court’s general email, mcourts-D11@indy.gov and call the Court to give verbal notice.
If you have a last minute settlement, email megan.wright@indy.gov and the court’s general email, mcourts-D11@indy.gov and call the Court to give verbal notice.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Trial
Parties are encouraged to call the court after making an emergency filing.
Calling the Court (317-327-3260) to let staff know emergency filing has been made is also encouraged.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Motions
Time-sensitive inquiries should be submitted by email with a time-sensitive subject-line notation and followed by a telephone call to the court.
For any time-sensitive inquiries, email court staff with a note in the subject line that the issue is time sensitive, and call the Court’s phone number.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
A party needing immediate court intervention during a deposition must call the court and request a prompt call with the judge.
If that happens—and the Court’s expectation is that disputes that require immediate court involvement are few and far between—the parties are to call the Court (317-327-3260) to ask for a prompt call with the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Discovery
Questions about hearing transcripts should be emailed to Court Reporter Megan Wright.
Any questions regarding hearing transcripts should be directed to Court Reporter Megan Wright at megan.wright@indy.gov.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
Non-emergency questions should be submitted to the court by email, with a response goal of within 24 hours.
If you have any questions of the Court, the best way to get an answer to non-emergency inquiries (we strive to respond within 24 hours) is to email the Court at mcourts-d11@indy.gov.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
Parties are encouraged to permit junior lawyers to argue motions and handle witnesses or trials and may request a hearing for that purpose in writing.
The Court encourages the parties to have junior lawyers argue motions and/or handle witnesses/trials. If a party wants a motion set for in-person or remote hearing so that a junior lawyer can argue it, they can request that of the Court in writing.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Courtroom Practices and Procedures