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Court Rules

Southern District of New York Service and Proof of Service Rules

94 rules from official source documents

E-service, mail, personal service, proof of service, certificate, and timing requirements.

CRITICALCivil cases

Deadline
45 calendar days

Unless the parties agree otherwise, each party opposing infringement must serve its Invalidity Contentions on all parties no later than 45 days after service of the infringement contentions.

Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, no later than 45 days after service upon it of the Disclosure of Asserted Claims and Infringement Contentions, each party opposing a claim of patent infringement shall serve on all parties its “Invalidity Contentions,” which shall contain the following information:

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Claim construction brief

The plaintiff must serve its opening and reply briefs and the defendant its answering and sur-reply briefs; these briefs are served but not filed.

The Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its opening brief, not to exceed 5,500 words, on _____________. The Defendant shall serve, but not file, its answering brief, not to exceed 8,250 words, on ________________. The Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its reply brief, not to exceed 5,500 words, on _______________. The Defendant shall serve, but not file, its sur-reply brief, not to exceed 2,750 words, on _____________.

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Affidavit

Affidavits of direct trial witness testimony must be served on opposing counsel.

serve on opposing counsel

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
TRO application
Service
Electronic service to all parties

If the party is prepared to seek relief on notice to the adverse party, the party seeking relief should simultaneously file its papers on ECF, serve them on all other parties, and then email Chambers.

If the party is prepared to seek relief on notice to the adverse party, the party seeking relief should simultaneously file its papers on ECF, serve them on all other parties, and then email Chambers.

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Calculation files
Service
Email

Native calculation files supporting default judgment damages must be emailed to Chambers.

iii. if the proposed damages are supported by calculations, native versions of the files with calculations (i.e., versions of the files in their original format, such as in “.xlsx”), which shall be emailed to Chambers;

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICALCivil cases

Non-moving parties electing to amend under Rule 15(a)(1) after motion to dismiss must notify court and adversary within 10 days of motion receipt with intended filing date.

When a motion to dismiss is filed and the non-moving party elects to amend its pleading pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 15(a)(1), the non- moving party must, within 10 days of receipt of the motion, notify the Court and its adversary if it intends to file an amended pleading pursuant to Rule 15(a)(1), and the date by which it will do so.

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Disclosure of asserted claims and infringement contentions

A party claiming patent infringement must serve its Disclosure of Asserted Claims and Infringement Contentions on all parties by the specified deadline, unless the parties agree otherwise.

Unless otherwise agreed to by the parties, no later than ____________, a party claiming patent infringement shall serve on all parties a “Disclosure of Asserted Claims and Infringement Contentions.”

Judge Arun Subramanian

CRITICAL

Applies to
Sentencing submission

A defendant must serve the sentencing submission two weeks before the sentencing date.

A defendant’s sentencing submission must be served two weeks in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge Cathy Seibel

CRITICAL

Applies to
Order to show cause

Counsel must file proof of service of the OSC on the client before the return date.

Before the return date, counsel must file proof of service of the OSC on the client.

Judge Cathy Seibel

CRITICAL

Applies to
Rule 56 1 statement
Service
Electronic service to all parties

In summary-judgment motions, the moving party must provide all other parties an electronic copy of its Rule 56.1 statement, except in pro se cases where a moving or non-moving party lacks access to word processing.

Except in pro se cases where the moving or non-moving party does not have access to word processing, the moving party shall provide all other parties with an electronic copy of the moving party’s Statement of Material Facts Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 56.1.

Judge Cathy Seibel

CRITICAL

Applies to
Sentencing submission

The Government must serve its sentencing submission one week before the sentencing date.

The Government’s sentencing submission must be served one week in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge Cathy Seibel

CRITICAL

Deadline
3 business days
Applies to
Proof of service

Proof of service of the Order to Show Cause and supporting documents must be electronically filed three business days before the return date.

5. Proof of service on the defendant of a copy of the Order to Show Cause and supporting documents must be electronically filed three (3) business days in advance of the return date.

Judge Cathy Seibel

CRITICAL

After the signed Order to Show Cause is docketed, the moving party must serve it and its supporting documents on the defendant as directed in the order.

4. After the Judge signs the Order to Show Cause, it will be docketed. The moving party must then serve a copy of the Order to Show Cause, and the supporting documents, on the defendant as directed in the Order to Show Cause

Judge Cathy Seibel

CRITICAL

Opposing parties are not required to serve responsive papers to motions for reconsideration unless directed by Judge McMahon.

The opposing party need not serve any responsive papers (including letters) unless specifically directed to do so by Judge McMahon.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Initial discovery production

The Plaintiff’s Initial Discovery must be provided within 30 days after the Defendant has submitted a responsive pleading or motion, unless the court rules otherwise.

The Plaintiff’s Initial Discovery must be provided within 30 days after the Defendant has submitted a responsive pleading or motion, unless the court rules otherwise.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Initial discovery

Parties must exchange FRCP 26(a) required initial discovery within 30 days of answer on last plaintiff or by case management order date.

Parties must exchange the discovery required under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a) within 30 days after service of the answer on the last plaintiff to be served or by the date specified in a Court-approved case management order.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Counsel must serve 1 pre-marked exhibit set on the adversary at least 5 days before the final pretrial conference.

counsel shall provide one pre-marked set of exhibits for the adversary and two for the Court at least five days before the final pretrial conference.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Motion for default judgment

Default judgment motions must be served on the defendant in the same manner as a summons (same as service of process).

Once a certificate of default has been obtained, serve a copy of the Motion for Entry of a Default Judgment on the defaulting defendant in the same manner as prescribed for service of process. Notwithstanding any provision in Local Civil Rules 55.1 and 55.2, this court REQUIRES that a notice of motion for default judgment be served in the same manner as a summons and contain the following language:

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Motion for reconsideration

Motions for reconsideration must be served using the same method as other motions.

Motions for reconsideration are to be served in the same manner as other motions.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Initial discovery

Defendant must provide initial discovery to Plaintiff within 30 days of submitting a responsive pleading or motion, unless the court orders otherwise.

The Defendant’s Initial Discovery must be provided within 30 days after the Defendant has submitted a responsive pleading or motion, unless the court rules otherwise.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Reply paper

Reply papers, if any, are to be served five days later.

Reply papers, if any, are to be served five days later.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Answering paper

Answering papers must be served 14 days after receipt of moving papers.

Answering papers or motions are to be served fourteen days after receipt of the moving papers.

Judge Colleen McMahon

CRITICAL

Applies to
Sentencing submission

A defendant must serve the sentencing submission eight days before the sentencing date.

A defendant's sentencing submission shall be served **eight (8) days** in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge George B. Daniels

CRITICAL

Applies to
Sentencing submission

The Government must serve its sentencing submission five days before the date set for sentence.

The Government's sentencing submission shall be served **five (5) days** in advance of the date set for

Judge George B. Daniels

CRITICAL

Applies to
Rule 404(b) notice

A Rule 404(b) notice must be served 30 days before trial.

i. Any Rule 404(b) notice shall be served thirty (30) days prior to the commencement of trial.

Judge George B. Daniels

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing submission

Unless the Court orders otherwise, the defendant’s sentencing submission must be served two weeks before sentencing.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a defendant’s sentencing submission shall be served two weeks in advance of the date set for sentencing.

Judge J. Paul Oetken

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing submission

The Government’s sentencing submission must be served one week before sentencing.

The Government’s sentencing submission shall be served one week in advance of the date set for sentencing.

Judge J. Paul Oetken

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Default judgment

All documents supporting a default-judgment request must be personally served on or mailed to the party against whom default judgment is sought.

H. a certificate of service stating that all documents in support of the request for default judgment have been personally served on or mailed to the party against whom default judgment is sought, pursuant to Local Civil Rule 55.2(a)(3).

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Rule 56 1 statement
Service
Electronic service

A counseled party moving for summary judgment must provide all other parties an electronic copy of its Rule 56.1 Statement in a standard word processing format.

Any party represented by counsel that moves for summary judgment shall provide all other parties with an electronic copy, in a standard word processing format, of the moving party’s Statement of Material Facts Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 56.1 (“Rule 56.1 Statement”).

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Proposed findings conclusions

In a non-jury case, each party must file and serve proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law when the joint pretrial order is filed.

At the time the joint pretrial order is filed in a non-jury case, each party shall file and serve proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

CRITICALCivil cases

Copies of the letter-motion must be delivered to all counsel simultaneously with the email submission.

Such letter-motions may be emailed to VargasNYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov as text-searchable PDF attachments, with copies simultaneously delivered to all counsel.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Motion in limine

When the joint pretrial order is filed, the parties must file and serve motions on evidentiary issues or other matters that should be resolved in limine.

At the time the joint pretrial order is filed, the parties shall file and serve motions addressing any evidentiary issues or other matters which should be resolved in limine.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

CRITICALCivil cases

After the Court sets a default judgment hearing, plaintiff must serve the motion papers and the Court's order, and file proof of service on ECF as directed.

If the Court issues such an order, the plaintiff must then serve on the party against whom default judgment is sought: (1) the motion for default judgment and supporting papers; and (2) the Court's order setting a date and time for the default judgment hearing. The plaintiff must file on ECF proof of such service on the docket in the manner and by the date specified in the Court's order setting the default judgment hearing.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

CRITICALCivil cases

Plaintiff must serve the default judgment motion and supporting papers and file an affidavit of service on ECF within 14 days of filing the motion.

The plaintiff must serve the motion for default judgment and supporting paperwork on the party against whom the default judgment is sought and file an affidavit of service on ECF within 14 days of filing the motion for default judgment.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Contention interrogatories

Contention interrogatories under Local Civil Rule 33.3(c) must be served no later than 30 days before the close of discovery, and no other interrogatories may be served without the Court's prior express permission.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, contention interrogatories pursuant to Rule 33.3(c) of the Local Civil Rules of the Southern District of New York must be served no later than 30 days before the close of discovery. No other interrogatories are permitted except upon prior express permission of the Court.

Judge Katherine Polk Failla

CRITICAL

Deadline
2 calendar days
Applies to
Sentencing submission

Unless the Court orders otherwise, the defendant must serve the sentencing submission two weeks before sentencing.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a defendant’s sentencing submission shall be served two (2) weeks in advance of the date set for sentencing;

Judge Kimba M. Wood

CRITICAL

Applies to
56.1 statement

Except in pro se cases, the moving party must provide every other party with an electronic copy of its 56.1 Statement.

Except in pro se cases, the moving party shall provide all others parties with an electronic copy of the moving party’s 56.1 Statement.

Judge Kimba M. Wood

CRITICAL

Deadline
1 calendar days
Applies to
Sentencing submission

The Government must serve its sentencing submission one week before sentencing.

The Government’s sentencing submission shall be served one (1) week in advance of the date set for sentencing.

Judge Kimba M. Wood

CRITICAL

After the Judge signs the Order, make two conforming copies, leave one with Chambers, and serve one on the defendant.

After the Judge signs the Order, make two conforming copies of the Order and the attachments. Leave one copy with Chambers, and serve one copy on the defendant.

Judge Kimba M. Wood

CRITICAL

Counsel must simultaneously receive copies of faxed or emailed Chambers communications.

Faxes and email communications to Chambers are permitted only if copies are also simultaneously faxed or emailed to all counsel.

Judge Kimba M. Wood

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing memorandum

A defendant must serve the sentencing submission, including any departure application, two weeks before sentencing.

A defendant's sentencing submission, including any departure application, shall be served two weeks in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge Lewis Kaplan

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing memorandum

The Government must serve its sentencing submission, including any departure application, one week before sentencing.

The Government's sentencing submission, including any departure application, shall be served one week in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge Lewis Kaplan

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Deposition excerpts and synopses

Deposition excerpts offered as substantive evidence and their synopses must be served on opposing counsel.

Submit to the Court and serve on opposing counsel, but shall not electronically file, all deposition excerpts which will be offered as substantive evidence, as well as a one-page synopsis of those excerpts for each deposition.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Direct testimony affidavits

Affidavits constituting the direct testimony of trial witnesses must be served on opposing counsel.

Submit to the Court and serve on opposing counsel, but shall not electronically file, copies of affidavits constituting the direct testimony of each trial witness, except for the direct testimony of (1) an adverse party, (2) a person whose attendance is compelled by subpoena, or (3) a person for whom the Court has agreed to hear direct testimony live at the trial.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Rule 56 1 statement
Service
Electronic service to all parties

The summary judgment movant must provide all other parties an electronic Microsoft Word copy of its Rule 56.1 statement, and opposing parties must reproduce each entry directly beneath it.

Any party moving for summary judgment shall provide all other parties with an electronic copy, in Microsoft Word format, of the moving party's Statement of Material Facts Pursuant to Local Rule 56.1. Opposing parties shall reproduce to each entry directly beneath it.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing submission

A defendant must serve the sentencing submission two weeks before the sentencing date.

A defendant's sentencing submission shall be served two weeks in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge P. Kevin Castel

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing submission

The government must serve its sentencing submission one week before the sentencing date.

The government's sentencing submission shall be served one week in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge P. Kevin Castel

CRITICALCriminal cases

The Government must serve its sentencing submission on the defendant and email it to Chambers no later than one week before sentencing.

The Government’s sentencing submission shall be served on the defendant and e-mailed to Chambers no later than one week before the date set for sentencing.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Temporary restraining order

Where the motion is made on notice to the other parties, the moving party should simultaneously serve the documents on any party that will not receive electronic service via the ECF system.

Where the motion is made on notice to the other parties, the moving party should simultaneously serve the documents on any party that will not receive electronic service via the ECF system.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCriminal cases

Deadline
2 calendar days

Unless the Court orders otherwise, the defendant must serve the sentencing submission on the Government and email it to Chambers no later than two weeks before sentencing.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a defendant’s sentencing submission shall be served on the Government and e- mailed to Chambers no later than two weeks before the date set for sentencing.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing submission

A defendant must serve the sentencing submission, including supporting letters, two weeks before sentencing.

A defendant’s sentencing submission, including letters on the defendant’s behalf, shall be served two weeks in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICAL

Applies to
Notice

A party filing one of the specified motions must provide the pro se party with the notices required by Local Civil Rule 12.1 or 56.2.

Parties who file a motion to dismiss, a motion for judgment on the pleadings, or a motion for summary judgment must provide the pro se party with a copy of the notices required under Local Civil Rules 12.1 or 56.2.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICAL

Applies to
Pretrial statement

A pro se plaintiff must serve the Pretrial Statement on all defendants or, if represented, their counsel.

The pro se plaintiff shall file an original, plus one courtesy copy, of this Statement with the Pro Se Office and serve a copy on all defendants or their counsel if they are represented.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCriminal cases

Applies to
Sentencing submission

The Government must serve its sentencing submission one week before sentencing.

The Government’s sentencing submission shall be served one week in advance of the date set for sentence.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICAL

A submission without proof that the pro se party was served will not be considered.

Submissions filed without proof of service that the pro se party was served will not be considered.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICAL

Counsel must serve a pro se party with a paper copy of every electronically filed document and file a separate Affidavit of Service.

Counsel in pro se cases must serve a pro se party with a paper copy of any document that is filed electronically and must file with the Court a separate Affidavit of Service.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Motion for default judgment

Plaintiff must serve default judgment motion and hearing order on defendant, then file proof of service per court order specifications.

If the Court issues such an order, the plaintiff must then serve on the party against whom default judgment is sought: (1) the motion for default judgment and supporting papers; and (2) the Court’s order setting a date and time for the default judgment hearing. The plaintiff must file proof of such service on the docket in the manner and by the date specified in the Court’s order setting the default judgment hearing.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCourt noticeNotice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it

Applies to
Notice of motion
Service
Electronic service

Motions for reconsideration must be served within 14 days of the entry of the challenged court order, unless otherwise provided.

Unless otherwise provided by the court or by statute or rule (such as Fed. R. Civ. P. 50, 52, and 59), a notice of motion for reconsideration must be served within 14 days after the entry of the court’s order being challenged.

Judge Ronnie Abrams

CRITICALCourt noticeNotice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it

Applies to
Rule 56 1 statement

When all parties are represented by counsel, the moving party for summary judgment must provide an electronic copy (standard word processing format) of their Statement of Material Facts to all other parties.

In any case where all parties are represented by counsel, any party moving for summary judgment must provide all other parties with an electronic copy, in a standard word processing format, of the moving party’s Statement of Material Facts.

Judge Ronnie Abrams

CRITICALCourt noticeNotice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it

Service
Electronic service

For civil motions not under Rule 6.1(a) and not habeas petitions, opposing papers must be served within 14 days of moving papers service.

(b) On all civil motions, petitions, and applications, other than those described in Rule 6.1(a), and other than petitions for writs of habeas corpus, (1) the moving papers must be served by the moving party on all other parties that have appeared in the action, (2) any opposing or response papers must be served within 14 days after service of the moving papers, and (3) any reply papers must be served within seven days after service of the answering papers. In computing periods of days, refer to Fed. R. Civ. P. 6.

Judge Ronnie Abrams

CRITICALCourt noticeNotice of rule changes; check the effective date before relying on it

Service
Electronic service

For motions under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26-37 and 45(d)(3), opposing papers must be served within 7 days of moving papers service, replies within 2 days of answering papers service; compute days per Fed. R. Civ. P. 6.

(a) On all motions and applications under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 through 37 and 45(d)(3), (1) all motion papers must be served by the moving party on all other parties that have appeared in the action, (2) any opposing or response papers must be served within seven days after service of the moving papers, and (3) any reply papers must be served within two days after service of the answering papers. In computing periods of days, refer to Fed. R. Civ. P. 6.

Judge Ronnie Abrams

CRITICAL

Applies to
Order to show cause

After the Judge signs the Order to Show Cause, serve a conforming copy of the Order and supporting papers on the defendant by FRCP 4(e)(2) methods, a previously approved alternative method, or another method explained in the attorney affidavit.

After the Judge signs the Order to Show Cause, serve a conforming copy of the Order and the supporting papers on the defendant by the following methods of service: A. one of the methods described in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(e)(2), B. any alternative method previously approved by the Court in this case, or C. other alternative method explained in the attorney affidavit.

Judge Vernon S. Broderick

CRITICALCivil cases

Default-judgment applications must provide reasonable notice by an authorized method, with specified methods for domestic and international parties.

Applications for default judgments must comply with Local Civil Rule 55.1 and 55.2 and must provide reasonable notice to the party against whom default shall be entered by: 1. First-class mail or courier, if the party is domestic; 2. Courier, if the party is international; or 3. Any method authorized by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

Judge Victor Marrero

CRITICAL

After the Order to Show Cause is signed and docketed, a copy must be served on defendant(s) as directed.

After Judge Briccetti signs and dockets the Order to Show Cause, serve a copy of the Order and attachments on defendant(s) as directed.

Judge Vincent L Briccetti

CRITICAL

Applies to
Statement of material facts
Service
Electronic service to all parties

Moving parties in summary judgment cases with all counsel must provide electronic word-processing copy of Statement of Material Facts to other parties.

As required by Local Civil Rule 56.1(e), in any case where all parties are represented by counsel, any party moving for summary judgment must provide all other parties with an electronic copy, in a standard word processing format, of the moving party’s Statement of Material Facts.

Judge Vincent L Briccetti

CRITICAL

Service
Email

In addition to being filed in the normal manner, voir dire questions, joint requests to charge, and a joint verdict form should be emailed to Judge Briccetti’s law clerk.

In addition to being filed in the normal manner, voir dire questions, joint requests to charge, and a joint verdict form should be emailed to Judge Briccetti’s law clerk.

Judge Vincent L Briccetti

CRITICALCivil cases

Service
Email to all parties

Copies of the completed form must be sent to all other parties simultaneously with its email to the Court.

Counsel of record for each party must complete and sign this form and email it to the Court at Moses_NYSDChambers@nysd.uscourts.gov, with copies sent simultaneously to all other parties, no later than one week (seven calendar days) before the parties’ scheduled settlement conference.

Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses

CRITICAL

Service
Mail to all parties

Each party must file an original Pretrial Statement with the Pro Se Office, serve a copy on all other parties or their counsel, and the original must indicate the date the copy was mailed.

The party must file an original Pretrial Statement with the Pro Se Office and serve a copy on all other parties or their counsel if represented. The original Pretrial Statement must indicate the date a copy was mailed to the other party or that party's attorney.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

CRITICAL

Service
Mail to all parties

If any other party is not an ECF user, a pro se party must send copies of any filing to that party and include proof of service.

If any other party is not a user of the ECF System (e.g., if there is another pro se party in the case), a pro se party must send copies of any filing to the party and include proof of service affirming that he or she has done so.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

CRITICAL

Applies to
Submission

Counsel must provide pro se litigants with printed copies of any cited decisions reported exclusively in computerized databases, as required by Local Civil Rule 7.2.

As required by Local Civil Rule 7.2, counsel must provide a pro se litigant with printed copies of decisions cited in any submission that are reported exclusively in computerized databases.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

CRITICAL

Service
Mail to court

Pro se parties must mail all communications with the Court to the Pro Se Intake Unit at 500 Pearl St., Room 230, New York, NY 10007.

By Standing order, a pro se party must mail all communications with the Court to the Pro Se Intake Unit located at 500 Pearl St., Room 230, New York, NY 10007.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

CRITICAL

A party receiving a Third Party production must provide a copy to all other parties.

Any party that receives a production from a Third Party must provide a copy of that production to all other parties in this action.

Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave

CRITICAL

Counsel must give pro se litigants printed copies of cited decisions that are unreported or available only in computerized databases.

As required by Local Civil Rule 7.2, counsel must provide a pro se litigant with printed copies of decisions cited in any submission that are unreported or reported exclusively on computerized databases.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

CRITICAL

Applies to
Notice

When a dismissal or pleadings-judgment motion against a pro se litigant refers to matters outside the pleadings, counsel must serve and file the Local Civil Rule 12.1 notice.

Where a party moves to dismiss or for judgment on the pleadings against a pro se litigant and refers to matters outside the pleadings, counsel must serve and file the notice set forth in Local Civil Rule 12.1.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

CRITICAL

A pro se party must send each filing to any party who is not an ECF user and include proof of service.

If any other party is not a user of the ECF system (e.g., if there is another pro se party in the case), a pro se party must send copies of any filing to the party and include proof of service affirming that he or she has done so.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

CRITICAL

Service
Electronic service to all parties

Unless the Court orders otherwise, communications are docketed upon receipt, and docketing constitutes service on every ECF user.

Unless the Court orders otherwise, all communications with the Court will be docketed upon receipt; such docketing shall constitute service on any user of the ECF system.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

CRITICAL

The party must file the original Pretrial Statement with the Pro Se Office and serve a copy on every other party or represented party’s counsel.

The party must file an original Statement with the Court’s Pro Se Office and serve a copy on all other parties or their counsel if represented.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Initial requests for production

Initial Rule 34 document requests must be served by the deadline set in the order, ordinarily no more than 30 days after the Initial Pretrial Conference absent exceptional circumstances.

Initial requests for production of documents pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 34 shall be served no later than ___________________. [Absent exceptional circumstances, a date not more than 30 days following the Initial Pretrial Conference.]

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Temporary restraining order motion

For a TRO motion made on notice, the moving party should simultaneously serve the documents on any party who will not receive ECF electronic service.

Where the motion is made on notice to the other parties, the moving party should simultaneously serve the documents on any party that will not receive electronic service via ECF.

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Interrogatories

Initial interrogatories under Local Rule 33.3(a) must be served by the deadline set in the order, ordinarily no more than 30 days after the Initial Pretrial Conference absent exceptional circumstances.

Interrogatories pursuant to Local Rule 33.3(a) shall be served no later than ___________________. [Absent exceptional circumstances, a date not more than 30 days following the Initial Pretrial Conference.]

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas

WARNINGCivil cases

Plaintiff's counsel (or Defendant's counsel in removed actions) must promptly distribute copies of the Notice of Initial Pretrial Conference to all parties.

Plaintiff’s counsel (or, in removed actions, Defendant’s counsel) is responsible for promptly distributing copies of the Notice to all parties.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Motion

Motions addressing evidentiary issues must be filed and served at the time the joint pretrial order is filed in a jury case.

File and serve motions addressing any evidentiary issues or other matters

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

WARNINGCivil cases

When a TRO motion is made on notice, the moving party should simultaneously serve documents on any party that will not receive electronic service via ECF.

Where the motion is made on notice to the other parties, the moving party should simultaneously serve the documents on any party that will not receive electronic service via ECF.

Judge Jennifer L. Rochon

WARNINGCivil cases

Applies to
Hipaa medical records release

If applicable, plaintiffs must provide HIPAA-compliant medical records release authorizations to defendants by the deadline set in the Case Management Plan (date left blank in the form).

[If applicable] The plaintiff(s) shall provide HIPAA-compliant medical records release authorizations to the defendant(s) no later than ________________________________.

Judge Katherine Polk Failla

WARNING

The initial pretrial conference notice will be available on ECF, and plaintiff’s counsel must distribute it to all parties.

The Notice of Initial Pretrial Conference will be made available on ECF and the plaintiff’s counsel will be responsible for distributing copies to all parties.

Judge Kimba M. Wood

WARNING

Applies to
Proposed case management plan
Service
Mail to opposing party

The pro se party should submit the Proposed Case Management Plan for Pro Se Cases to the Pro Se Intake Unit and the represented party should submit it via ECF and simultaneously mail a copy to the pro se party.

The pro se party should submit the Proposed Case Management Plan for Pro Se Cases to the Pro Se Intake Unit and the represented party should submit it via ECF and simultaneously mail a copy to the pro se party.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

WARNING

Hand-delivered mail should be left with the Court Security Officers at the Worth Street entrance of 500 Pearl Street and may not be brought directly to Chambers.

Hand-delivered mail should be left with the Court Security Officers at the Worth Street entrance of 500 Pearl Street and may not be brought directly to Chambers.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

WARNING

Submissions requiring immediate attention should be hand-delivered to the Pro Se Intake Unit.

Submissions requiring immediate attention should be hand-delivered to the Pro Se Intake Unit.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

WARNING

Service
Electronic service to all parties

A nonincarcerated pro se party may opt into electronic service instead of regular mail by filing the specified consent and registration form.

Any nonincarcerated pro se party who wishes to receive documents in their case electronically (by email) instead of by regular mail may consent to electronic service by filing a Pro Se (Nonprisoner) Consent & Registration Form to Receive Documents Electronically, available in the Pro Se Intake Unit or at https://nysd.uscourts.gov/node/845.

Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo

INFO

Service
Electronic service

Pro se parties are encouraged, but not required, to consent to electronic service using the Court's form.

Pro se (unrepresented) parties are encouraged to consent to electronic service (via the Consent to Electronic Service form available on the Court’s website).

Judge Cathy Seibel

INFO

Service
Electronic service to all parties

Pro se communications with the Court are docketed upon receipt, and that docketing constitutes service on any ECF system user, unless the Court orders otherwise.

Unless the Court orders otherwise, all communications with the Court will be docketed upon receipt; such docketing shall constitute service on any user of the ECF system.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Scheduling order

Once the filings are approved as to form and the Court issues its order, a copy of the scheduling order must be served on the opposing party and proof of service filed.

Once the filings are approved by the Clerk of Court as to their form, the Court will issue a order, including serving a copy of the scheduling order onto the opposing party and filings proof of service.

Judge Nelson S. Roman

CRITICALCivil cases

Moving parties must serve Rule 56.1 Statements electronically in Microsoft Word format to all other parties.

Any party moving for summary judgment shall provide all other parties with an electronic copy, in Microsoft Word format, of the moving party’s Statement of Material Facts Pursuant to Local Rule 56.1.

Judge Paul Engelmayer

CRITICALCivil cases

Applies to
Affidavit

Affidavits must be served on opposing counsel at the time of joint pretrial order filing.

serve on opposing counsel, copies of affidavits constituting the direct testimony of each trial witness

Judge Paul Engelmayer
Common questions about Southern District of New York service and proof of service rules

What rule applies to serving the opposing party in Southern District of New York?

Judge Colleen McMahon: Details: recipient: the opposing party. Opposing parties are not required to serve responsive papers to motions for reconsideration unless directed by Judge McMahon.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 15, section 5. Motions for Reconsideration

Judge Kimba M. Wood: Details: recipient: the opposing party. After the Judge signs the Order, make two conforming copies, leave one with Chambers, and serve one on the defendant.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 17, section Default Judgment Procedure

Judge Paul Engelmayer: Details: recipient: the opposing party. The Government must serve its sentencing submission on the defendant and email it to Chambers no later than one week before sentencing.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 4, section 7. Sentencing, B. Sentencing Submissions

6 more rules answer this question.

What rule applies to serving all parties in Southern District of New York?

Judge Arun Subramanian: Details: recipient: all parties, timing: 45 calendar days after service. Unless the parties agree otherwise, each party opposing infringement must serve its Invalidity Contentions on all parties no later than 45 days after service of the infringement contentions.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 4, section Invalidity Contentions

Judge Jeannette A. Vargas: Details: recipient: all parties, timing: at filing. Copies of the letter-motion must be delivered to all counsel simultaneously with the email submission.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 17, section Submission by Email

Judge Kimba M. Wood: Details: recipient: all parties, timing: at filing. Counsel must simultaneously receive copies of faxed or emailed Chambers communications.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 5, section Faxes and Email Communications

5 more rules answer this question.

What rule applies to service for initial discovery production in Southern District of New York?

Judge Colleen McMahon: Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: after filing. The Plaintiff’s Initial Discovery must be provided within 30 days after the Defendant has submitted a responsive pleading or motion, unless the court rules otherwise.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 28, section ANNEX B – INITIAL DISCOVERY PROTOCOLS

What rule applies to service for initial discovery in Southern District of New York?

Judge Colleen McMahon: Parties must exchange FRCP 26(a) required initial discovery within 30 days of answer on last plaintiff or by case management order date.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 18, section VII. Pretrial and Trial Rules and Procedures A. Discovery Schedule

1 more rule answers this question.

What rule applies to service for sentencing submission in Southern District of New York?

Judge George B. Daniels: Details: recipient: all parties, timing: before hearing. A defendant must serve the sentencing submission eight days before the sentencing date.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 6, section V. CRIMINAL SENTENCINGS

Judge Cathy Seibel and Judge P. Kevin Castel: Details: timing: before hearing. A defendant must serve the sentencing submission two weeks before the sentencing date.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 14, section ATTACHMENT B — PROCEDURES FOR SENTENCINGS

Judge J. Paul Oetken: Details: timing: before hearing. Unless the Court orders otherwise, the defendant’s sentencing submission must be served two weeks before sentencing.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 4, section 8. Sentencing — B. Sentencing Submissions

8 more rules answer this question.

What rule applies to service for order to show cause in Southern District of New York?

Judge Cathy Seibel: Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: timing: before hearing. Counsel must file proof of service of the OSC on the client before the return date.

Judge Vernon S. Broderick: Details: recipient: the opposing party. After the Judge signs the Order to Show Cause, serve a conforming copy of the Order and supporting papers on the defendant by FRCP 4(e)(2) methods, a previously approved alternative method, or another method explained in the attorney affidavit.

View ruleOfficial source Source: page 13, section Motions