Judge Nicola Henry-Taylor
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Motion
- Email • Simultaneously with Service
Motion, Preliminary Objection
- Email • At Least 7 Days Before Presentation
Proceeding
- Email • Simultaneously with Service
- With Scheduled Proceeding
Exhibits
Court-wide
Adjournments
- A party seeking a pretrial deadline extension must notify the Court before the deadline expires, the parties may jointly submit a consent order, and the extension does not become effective unless the Court approves and signs the order.
- Additional time must be requested before the applicable deadline expires, unless a consent order is signed.
- The Court should be notified before a deadline expires whenever possible if the deadline cannot be met.
- +1 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers3 contacts
Other Contacts1 contacts
Document Format Requirements21 rules
4. A proposed order in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
3. A proposed order in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
A. All exhibits must be pre-marked before trial or evidentiary hearings. Rebuttal exhibits do not need to be identified prior to trial.
C. Binders must: 1. Be tabbed; 2. Match the numbering in the exhibit index; and 3. Contain only pre-marked exhibits.
Electronic exhibits must: 1. Be submitted as PDF files, unless the exhibits are audio or video; 2. Be clearly labeled by exhibit number and/or letter(s); and 3. Be listed on the Exhibit Index within the Exhibit Binder.
- File type
- Exhibits
Audio and video files must be playable on standard Windows-based courtroom systems.
All video and audio recordings must be submitted: i. Via email to henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us; and ii. On a USB flash drive, sealed in a large envelope, three-hole punched, and placed in the Exhibit Binder. The envelope must be marked with the exhibit number(s)/letter(s).
All exhibits must be printed for courtroom use, regardless of whether there are submitted electronically. Use of phones to present evidence is strictly prohibited.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •All exhibits must be printed for courtroom use regardless of electronic submission
The Court will not sign boilerplate or conclusory SIJ orders.
Formatting
- •Boilerplate and conclusory SIJ orders will not be signed by the Court
B. Plaintiff/Moving Party shall use numbers (1,2, 3, etc.), unless otherwise specified in a Pretrial Order of Court.
C. Defendant/Non-Moving Party shall use letters (A, B, C, etc.), unless otherwise specified in a Pretrial Order of Court.
H. Large or physical exhibits must also be labeled with the exhibit number.
E. Joint exhibits, when permitted, shall be marked “J-1,” “J-2,” “J-3.”
G. Collective exhibits (e.g., a series of photographs) must be labeled with sub- designations (e.g. 1-A, 1-B, etc. or A-1, A-2, etc.) to allow for separate objections and rulings.
D. Additional Defendants/Third Parties shall use double letters (AA, BB, CC, etc.), unless otherwise specified in a Pretrial Order of Court.
If a party is self-represented and has In Forma Pauperis status, the Court will print exhibits for courtroom use. All other litigants are responsible for printing their own exhibits before the hearing or trial.
Counsel must test the files in advance of trial and coordinate with the Judicial Tipstaff.
1. Any cases that still contain the -007 suffix shall reflect the correct suffix of -011.
Formatting
- •Cases with a -007 suffix must reflect the correct -011 suffix
For cases assigned to Judge Henry-Taylor, the docket suffix should be checked and pleadings updated to reflect the -011 suffix.
Court's wording
E. The docket suffix may begin as -001, but will be changed to -011 if the case is being handled by Judge Henry-Taylor. If your case is assigned to Judge Henry- Taylor, please check the suffix and update pleadings accordingly.
SIJ orders must: 1. Contain specific factual findings; 2. Reflect the evidence; and 3. Be submitted in Word format for editing.
- File type
- Word
Exhibits submitted to the Court shall be in color whenever possible.
Document Filing Requirements37 rules
All filings must include counsel’s or parties: 1. Name; 2. Physical/Mailing Address; 3. Email Address; and 4. Phone Number.
A request for remote appearance must be submitted in writing to chambers and/or by motion, state good cause, address whether the other side objects, and include a proposed order.
- Document
- Remote appearance request
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Requests for remote appearance require the following: 1. A written request to chambers and/or Motion; 2. A statement of good cause for remote appearance; 3. Confirmation regarding whether the request is opposed by the other side; and 4. A proposed order in Word format.
3. A proposed order in Word format.
Include
- •Proposed order
A. Each party must file a comprehensive Pretrial Statement including: 1. Proposed exhibits; 2. Witness lists; 3. Expert reports; 4. Damages calculations; and 5. Stipulations.
B. Amended Pretrial Statements must contain all of the language from the original pleading.
A. Counsel MUST confer in good faith and submit Joint Points for Charge and a Joint Proposed Verdict Slip.
B. No later than 4:00 p.m. on the day before jury selection, counsel shall submit to Chambers, in editable Word format, the following:
B. Motions in Limine and other pretrial motions shall include a Certificate of Concurrence certifying that counsel has conferred with opposing counsel and stating whether the relief requested is consented to, opposed, or unopposed.
- Document
- Pretrial motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
A. Trial briefs are required when ordered by the Court or pursuant to a Trial Management Order.
C. Counsel shall also submit a single joint proposed verdict slip addressing all claims and defenses, identifying any disputed interrogatories or language with a brief statement of each party’s position.
A. All jury instructions, voir dire questions, and proposed verdict slips must be submitted as directed in the Trial Management Order.
A. Exhibit Binders and Exhibit Lists are required for all trials and hearings.
Every electronic exhibit must be listed on the Exhibit Index within the Exhibit Binder.
- Document
- Electronic exhibit
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
Electronic exhibits must: 1. Be submitted as PDF files, unless the exhibits are audio or video; 2. Be clearly labeled by exhibit number and/or letter(s); and 3. Be listed on the Exhibit Index within the Exhibit Binder.
All Exhibit Binders must include a detailed Exhibit List.
- Document
- Exhibit binder
Must include
- •Exhibit list
3. Including an Exhibit Index that identifies each exhibit by number/letter, whether admitted, rejected, or withdrawn, and a clear and concise description of the exhibits.
- Document
- Exhibit index
Include
- •Exhibit list
4. Include a proposed order; and
Include
- •Proposed order
G. Orders of Court must have the undersigned’s name (The Honorable Nicola Henry-Taylor) listed under the signature line of all proposed orders.
- Document
- Proposed order
- Placement
- Signature block
Must include
- •The Honorable Nicola Henry-Taylor
A. All contested motions must include a certification that counsel conferred or attempted to confer in good faith.
- Document
- Contested motion
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Emergency motions must be labeled “EMERGENCY,” explain the emergency and need for immediate relief, certify efforts to notify all parties, and include a proposed order.
- Document
- Emergency motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Emergency motions must: 1. Be clearly labeled “EMERGENCY”; 2. State the specific nature of the emergency; 3. Explain why immediate relief is necessary; 4. Certify efforts to notify all parties; and 5. Include a proposed order.
Uncontested motions must include certification stating: 1. All parties have been notified; and 2. No party objects.
Parties shall list all proposed exhibits in their Pretrial Statement and shall comply fully with the Court’s Exhibit Section, including advance submission of the required exhibit binder.
Parties must bring sufficient copies of all exhibits they intend to introduce into evidence
All filings must: 1. Comply with landlord-tenant procedural rules; 2. Include complete lease copies where applicable; and 3. Attach payment ledgers or account histories.
B. Final Settlements must include the following language: 1. No further proceedings shall be scheduled for this matter. 2. This is a FINAL Order. Rule 236 Notice to be sent to all parties.
A written Certification of Good-Faith Efforts shall be filed in accordance with the Court’s Pretrial procedures. 2. If the parties enter into a consent order resolving the case, no Certificate of Good Faith efforts is required.
C. Consent Settlement Orders, whether final or interim, must expressly state in the title and/or body of the Order that the Order is entered by consent of all parties and/or their counsel.
A. Lenders must provide: 1. Updated reinstatement quotes; 2. Loss mitigation records; and 3. Payment histories.
Homeowners must provide specified financial, hardship, related-case, and loss-mitigation documentation.
Court's wording
B. Homeowners must provide: 1. Income statements; 2. Tax returns; 3. Proof of hardship; 4. Related court documentation from Orphan’s Court, Family Court, and/or Bankruptcy cases; and 5. Loss mitigation application materials.
C. Orders to Settle and Discontinue must include the following language: 1. The reason why the matter is being discontinued. 2. The matter is DISCONTINUED WITHOUT PREJUDICE. 3. No further proceedings shall be scheduled for this matter.
Any settlement must be written, signed by all parties, submitted to the court for approval, and filed with the Department of Court Records.
Court's wording
A. If the parties reach a resolution, they must prepare a settlement agreement and submit it to the Court. B. Any settlement must be: 1. Written; 2. Signed by all parties; 3. Presented to the Court for approval; and 4. Filed with the Department of Court Records.
4. Any holds for conciliation shall be removed by the Department of Court Records.
5. This is a FINAL Order. Rule 236 Notice to be sent to all parties.
Alternative service requires a motion supported by an Affidavit of Due Diligence.
All Petitions for SIJ Findings must: 1. Identify clearly that SIJ findings are sought; 2. Include factual allegations supporting dependency or custody; 3. Allegations of abandonment, abuse, and/or neglect; 4. Attach relevant supporting documentation; and 5. Be verified by the Petitioner.
SIJ orders must: 1. Contain specific factual findings; 2. Reflect the evidence; and 3. Be submitted in Word format for editing.
The meet-and-confer certification must identify conference dates, summarize the efforts made, and state whether an agreement was reached.
- Placement
- Certificate section
Court's wording
B. The certification must: 1. Identify the date(s) of the conference; 2. Summarize efforts made, such as through letters, emails, or phone calls; and 3. State whether an agreement was reached.
B. If a Response to a Motion is filed, it must: 1. Conform to any requirements within the Allegheny County Local Rules; 2. Admit or deny factual allegations; 3. Clearly identify contested issues; and 4. Include supporting documentation.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Every motion must be filed with the Department of Court Records before presentation; emailing the motion to chambers does not constitute filing.
All motions must be filed with the Department of Court Records (DCR) before presentation. Sending or emailing the Motion to chambers is not the same as filing with DCR.
Page 30 | I. FILING AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
For Housing Court LT jury and non-jury trials, a Motion in Limine must be filed no later than 10 business days before trial.
i. For Housing Court (LT-) Jury and Non-Jury trials: 1. The deadline to file is no later than (10) business days prior to trial.
Page 18 | PART 10. PRETRIAL PROCEDURES — V. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Responses to a Motion in Limine in Housing Court LT jury or non-jury trials must be filed no later than five business days before trial.
2. Responses shall be filed no later than five (5) business days prior to trial.
Page 18 | PART 10. PRETRIAL PROCEDURES — V. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Responses in jury cases are due by 9:00 a.m. on the day before jury selection, and responses in non-jury cases are due by 9:00 a.m. on the day before trial begins.
2. Responses shall be filed no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day before jury selection. If the matter is a non-jury trial, Responses shall be filed no later than 9:00 a.m. on the day before trial begins.
Page 19 | PART 10. PRETRIAL PROCEDURES
The filing deadline is 12:00 p.m. on the first business day after entry of the Trial Management Order.
1. The deadline to file is no later than 12:00 p.m. on the first business day following the entry of the Trial Management Order.
Page 19 | PART 10. PRETRIAL PROCEDURES
All objections to deposition testimony or video depositions must be identified, conferred upon, and resolved by noon on the day before jury selection.
B. All objections to deposition testimony or video depositions shall be identified, conferred upon, and resolved no later than 12:00 p.m. on the day before jury selection.
Page 22 | VI. DEPOSITIONS
Unresolved deposition objections must be narrowly identified in writing, supported by each party's position and authority, and submitted to Chambers by noon on the day before jury selection.
C. Any unresolved objections shall be narrowly identified in writing, accompanied by each parties position and supporting authority, and submitted to Chambers by that deadline.
Page 22 | VI. DEPOSITIONS
Electronic submission does not extend the exhibit submission deadline specified in the Pretrial Order.
Exhibits must still be submitted by the deadline specified in the Pretrial Order, even if given leave to submit the exhibits electronically.
Page 25 | PART 12. EXHIBITS, III
The exhibit custodian must file all accepted, rejected, and withdrawn exhibits with the Department of Court Records within five business days after the proceeding concludes and the record closes.
2. Filing all accepted, rejected, and withdrawn exhibits with the Department of Court Records within five (5) business days of the proceeding's conclusion and closure of the record; and
Page 28 | PART 12. EXHIBITS
Post-trial motions under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 227.1 must be filed within ten days of the verdict or decision.
Post-Trial Motions under Pa.R.C.P. 227.1 must: 1. Be filed within ten (10) days of the verdict or decision;
Page 29 | II. FILING POST-TRIAL MOTIONS
Responses to post-trial motions must be filed within the timeframe established by local rule or court order.
Responses to Post-Trial Motions must be filed within the timeframe set by local rule or Court order.
Page 29 | IV. RESPONSES
When transcripts are needed, a transcript request must be filed promptly with the Court Reporter’s Office.
If transcripts are needed, a request must be filed promptly with the Court Reporter’s Office.
Page 29 | III. TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Delays attributable to counsel do not extend briefing deadlines.
Any delays attributable to counsel may not extend briefing deadlines.
Page 29 | III. TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Proof of service must be included with the motion filing.
Proof of service must be included.
Page 30 | I. FILING AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
A motion must be served on all parties at the same time it is filed.
The motion must be served on all parties contemporaneously with filing.
Page 30 | I. FILING AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS
Motions to Withdraw as Counsel must state whether the client consents, provide the client’s last known contact details, identify upcoming deadlines and proceedings, certify compliance with Pa.R.C.P. 1012, and be personally served when required.
A. Motions to Withdraw as Counsel must: 1. State whether the client consents; 2. Provide the client’s last known address, phone number, and email address; 3. Identify all upcoming deadlines and proceedings; 4. Certify compliance with Pa.R.C.P. 1012; and 5. Be personally served on the client when required.
Page 31 | Withdrawal of Counsel
Service in an SIJ matter must comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Service must comply with the Rules of Civil Procedure.
Page 39 | PART 17. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) PROCEDURES
If opposing parties cannot be located after reasonable efforts, counsel must submit and file an affidavit explaining the efforts made to locate and serve them.
If, after reasonable efforts, counsel cannot locate the opposing party(ies), counsel shall submit and file an Affidavit of Due Diligence explaining their efforts to locate and effectuate service on the opposing party(ies).
Page 39 | PART 17. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) PROCEDURES
Counsel must serve all parties when requesting transcripts.
Counsel must serve all parties.
Page 29 | III. TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
Counsel must send the court-created Teams/Zoom link to the opposing party by letter and file the letter with the other exhibits.
Counsel shall provide the opposing party the Teams/Zoom Link created by the Court. 1. The link must be sent via a letter and filed with other exhibits.
Page 39 | PART 17. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) PROCEDURES
Counsel may optionally send the court-created Teams/Zoom link electronically by email, direct message, or WhatsApp.
Counsel may also send the link electronically through email, direct message, and/or WhatsApp.
Page 39 | PART 17. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) PROCEDURES
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies must be emailed at the same time the document is served on the opposing party.
B. They must be sent via email simultaneously with serving the document upon the opposing party.
Page 12 | PART 6. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Courtesy copies are required for any proceeding scheduled before Judge Henry-Taylor.
A. Courtesy copies are required for any proceedings scheduled before Judge Henry-Taylor.
Page 12 | PART 6. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Copies of every motion must be sent to both listed chambers email addresses.
D. Copies of all Motions must be sent to both of these emails:
Page 12 | PART 6. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Judge Henry-Taylor requires courtesy copies of all motions and preliminary objections scheduled for General Motions, submitted by email to both listed addresses no later than seven days before the presentation date.
E. Judge Henry-Taylor REQUIRES courtesy copies of all Motions and Preliminary Objections scheduled to be heard at General Motions before her. They must be submitted to henry-taylormotions@alleghenycourts.us AND henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us no later than seven (7) days prior to the presentation date.
Page 31 | General Motions
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
All filings and proceedings must comply with the Case Records Public Access Policy and confidentiality requirements applicable to minors.
All filings and proceedings must comply with the Case Records Public Access Policy and confidentiality requirements for minors.
Page 40 | PART 17. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) PROCEDURES
The court will seal an SIJ order when appropriate.
The Court will seal orders when appropriate.
Page 40 | PART 17. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE (SIJ) PROCEDURES
Filing Bundling Requirements
For self-represented litigants with IFP status or a waiver of filing fees and costs, the Court waives the exhibit binder requirement and accepts exhibits by email.
If a litigant is self-represented, and the litigant has been granted an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) Petition or waiver of filing fees and costs, the Court will waive the exhibit binder expectation and will accept exhibits via email at henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us.
Page 25 | PART 12. EXHIBITS, III
Chambers will provide physical Exhibit Binders to qualifying self-represented litigants upon request made at least 14 days before trial.
Alternatively, Judge Henry-Taylor’s chambers will provide physical binders if requested at least fourteen (14) days in advance of trial.
Page 25 | PART 12. EXHIBITS, III
When an evidentiary issue is anticipated, a party may submit its Motion in Limine with its Pretrial Statement.
3. If there is an anticipated evidentiary issue, parties may submit a Motion in Limine with their Pretrial Statement.
Page 18 | PART 10. PRETRIAL PROCEDURES — V. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Additional time must be requested before the applicable deadline expires, unless a consent order is signed.
If additional time is needed, request it before the deadline expires, or sign a consent order.
Page 8 | PART 3. SOPs “AT A GLANCE”
The Court should be notified before a deadline expires whenever possible if the deadline cannot be met.
If deadlines cannot be met, notify the Court before they expire whenever possible.
Page 8 | PART 3. SOPs “AT A GLANCE”
A continuance must be requested by written motion stating the reason, confirming whether the request is opposed, and including a proposed order.
Requests for continuance (postponement of proceeding) require a written motion stating the following: 1. The reason for the continuance; 2. Confirmation regarding whether the request is opposed by the other side; and 3. A proposed order in Word format.
Page 16 | PART 9. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALL PROCEEDINGS — III. CONTINUANCES
A party seeking a pretrial deadline extension must notify the Court before the deadline expires, the parties may jointly submit a consent order, and the extension does not become effective unless the Court approves and signs the order.
D. Requests for Extension of Deadlines 1. If a deadline extension is needed, the parties must notify the Court before the deadline expires. 2. If both sides agree to the extension, they may submit a Consent Order for the Court’s consideration. 3. The extension is not effective unless and until the Court approves and signs the order.
Page 17 | PART 10. PRETRIAL PROCEDURES — I. PRETRIAL SCHEDULING ORDERS — D. Requests for Extension of Deadlines
Chambers Communication Rules
Emails to the Court must copy every attorney and self-represented litigant.
Always copy every attorney and self represented litigant on Chambers emails to the Court.
Page 7 | PART 3. SOPs “AT A GLANCE”
Motions must be sent to both the motions and chambers email addresses; all other communications go to chambers unless directed otherwise.
Send motions to the Motions AND Chambers email addresses. Send all other communications to the Chambers email address unless otherwise directed.
Page 8 | PART 3. SOPs “AT A GLANCE”
Chambers must be notified immediately when a case settles or a scheduled proceeding becomes unnecessary.
Notify Chambers immediately when a case settles or a scheduled proceeding is no longer necessary.
Page 8 | PART 3. SOPs “AT A GLANCE”
Interpreter and ADA accommodation requests must be emailed as early as possible before the proceeding to the two listed addresses, and requests for ASL or less commonly spoken languages may need to be made eight weeks in advance.
Requests must be emailed as early as possible before the proceeding to the following: 1. courtaccess@alleghenycourts.us; and 2. Henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us. B. Requests for Interpreters, particularly for American Sign Language (ASL) or a less commonly spoken language, may need to be made as early as eight (8) weeks in advance of a proceeding to ensure interpreter availability.
Page 16 | PART 9. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ALL PROCEEDINGS — II. INTERPRETERS AND ADA ACCOMMODATIONS
Audio and video recordings must be submitted by email to chambers and on a labeled, sealed, three-hole-punched USB flash drive placed in the Exhibit Binder.
All video and audio recordings must be submitted: i. Via email to henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us; and ii. On a USB flash drive, sealed in a large envelope, three-hole punched, and placed in the Exhibit Binder. The envelope must be marked with the exhibit number(s)/letter(s).
Page 26 | PART 12. EXHIBITS, IV. ELECTRONIC EXHIBITS B
Settlement agreements and final consent orders must be emailed to Judge Henry-Taylor's chambers at the stated email address.
D. Settlement Agreements or Final Consent Orders shall be emailed to henry- taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us.
Page 36 | PART 15. HOUSING COURT PROCEDURES — V. SETTLEMENTS — D. Settlement Agreements or Final Consent Orders
Settlement agreements and orders to settle and discontinue must be emailed to Judge Henry-Taylor's chambers.
D. Settlement Agreements and Orders to Settle and Discontinue shall be emailed to henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us.
Page 38 | PART 16. SAVE YOUR HOME (SYH) PROGRAM — V. POST-SYH SETTLEMENT PROCEDURE
Communications sent to individual staff email addresses outside the designated inboxes may not receive a response.
Communications sent to individual staff emails outside the designated inboxes may not be answered.
Page 7 | PART 2. COURT STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Messages to the Housing Court Help Desk should include the sender’s full name, phone number, and case number if applicable.
Please include your full name, phone number, and case number (if applicable) in your messages with the Help Desk.
Page 33 | PART 15. HOUSING COURT PROCEDURES
Parties must give chambers three business days' advance notice before using courtroom technology.
Parties must notify chambers three (3) business days in advance if they intend to use: Screens; Projectors; Audio/video playback; and/or Demonstratives.
Page 41 | PART 18. TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS — I. USE OF COURTROOM TECHNOLOGY
Participants must notify chambers immediately when technology issues occur.
Participants must notify chambers immediately of any technology issues.
Page 41 | PART 18. TECHNOLOGY AND ELECTRONIC MATERIALS — VI. TECHNOLOGY FAILURES
Attorneys appearing from outside Allegheny County must contact Chambers promptly when procedural questions arise.
• Contact Chambers promptly if procedural questions arise.
Page 9 | FOR ATTORNEYS APPEARING FROM OUTSIDE ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Two email addresses are provided for chambers-related communications.
1. henry-taylormotions@alleghenycourts.us; AND 2. Henry-taylorchambers@alleghenycourts.us.
Page 13 | PART 6. COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT
Questions about cases, Housing Court forms, or Housing Court motions may be sent by email to the Housing Court Help Desk or submitted by phone at 412-350-4462.
If you have questions about your case, Housing Court forms, or Housing Court Motions, you may email the Housing Court Help Desk at HCHelpdesk@alleghenycourts.us or call 412-350-4462.
Page 33 | PART 15. HOUSING COURT PROCEDURES