Judge Donald L. Graham
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Adjournments
- Discovery extension requests must be made 10 days before deadline; extensions won't affect other deadlines.
Document Format Requirements1 rule
All pleadings must be double-spaced, 12-point font, 1-inch margins, single-sided, and paginated.
- Font size
- 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- 1 inch
Formatting
- •Single-sided
- •Paginated at bottom
Court's wording
In accordance with Local Rule 5.1.a.4, all pleadings, motions, and other papers tendered for filing shall be plainly typed or written on one (1) side with one (1) inch margins on each side and properly paginated at the bottom of each page. In addition, all such papers shall be double-spaced and typed papers shall appear in twelve (12) point font size.
Document Filing Requirements4 rules
Moving party must include opposing parties' positions and detail conference efforts for all motions.
Court's wording
In accordance with Local Rule 7.1.a.3, the moving party must include the position of opposing parties on all appropriate motions. Please indicate with specificity the manner in which reasonable efforts were initiated (via facsimile, e-mail or voice- mail), the dates of such efforts, and the number of times an inquiry and follow up on the response to the inquiry was sought. Failure to comply with Local Rule 7.1.a.3 will likely result in denial of the requested relief.
Proposed order required with all motions, sent via email in WordPerfect or Word format.
- Document
- Motion
Should include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Include a proposed order with all motions in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. The proposed document should be sent separately by e-mail in WordPerfect or Word format. The e- mail subject line and the name of the attachment should include the case number, docket entry number, followed by a short description of the attachment (e.g., xx-CV-xxxxx Order on DE xx) to graham@flsd.uscourts.gov.
For all motions requesting extensions of time, the moving party should type on the middle right hand side of the pleading, the deadline for filing motions, the date of the pretrial conference, calendar call and trial period, if applicable. Also, advise the number of times requests for extensions of time have been filed and whether the motion has been referred to the Magistrate Judge.
Local Rule 7.1.b.4 provides that a “Notification of Ninety Days Expiring” be filed for any motion that has been pending and fully briefed for ninety (90) days. In this Division, if a ripe motion or decision after oral argument or a bench trial is pending for more than forty-five (45) days, please contact Chambers and advise the Judicial Administrator of the pendency of the motion.
Filing & Service rules
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Discovery extension requests must be made 10 days before deadline; extensions won't affect other deadlines.
Any requests to extend the discovery deadline must be made at least ten (10) days before the expiration of the discovery deadline. Generally, the Court will not permit discovery past the discovery deadline, except on occasion at the convenience of the parties and without Court intervention in the resolution of any discovery disputes. Any such accommodation will not result in an extension of the remaining pre-trial deadlines i.e. deadline for filing motions, trial, etc.
Civil cases
Motions for extensions of time will rarely be granted.
The Southern District of Florida is one of the busiest trial courts in the country. In order to resolve your case in a timely manner, please refrain from filing motions for extensions of time. Motions to Extend, Continue or Enlarge will rarely be granted.
Civil cases