Southern District of Texas Courtesy Copy Requirements

CRITICAL

No courtesy copies are required for pleadings filed in CM/ECF.

The Court does not require courtesy copies of pleadings filed in CM/ECF.

CRITICAL

Two paper copies of exhibits are required at hearings, to be handed to the courtroom deputy shortly before the hearing starts.

Two paper copies of exhibits are required by the Court at the hearing, and may be handed up to the courtroom deputy shortly before the start of the hearing.

CRITICAL

The Court does not require courtesy copies.

The Court does not require courtesy copies.

CRITICAL

Motions to consolidate must be filed in the oldest case with a courtesy copy to each affected court.

Be filed only in the oldest case with a courtesy copy furnished to the other affected courts.

CRITICALCivil cases

A courtesy copy of the non-paper exhibit must be mailed to the Court at the following address: Law Clerk to Judge Alfred H. Bennett United States District Court 515 Rusk St., Room 8624 Houston, TX 77002

A courtesy copy of the non-paper exhibit must be mailed to the Court at the following address: Law Clerk to Judge Alfred H. Bennett United States District Court 515 Rusk St., Room 8624 Houston, TX 77002

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copy of non-paper exhibit must be mailed to the Court's specified address.

A courtesy copy of the non-paper exhibit must be mailed to the Court at the following address: Law Clerk to Judge Alfred H. Bennett United States District Court 515 Rusk St., Room 8624 Houston, TX 77002

CRITICALCivil cases

Two copies of each party’s exhibits in notebooks must be provided to the court at trial start.

Counsel for each party shall provide the court with two (2) copies of that party’s exhibits in notebooks at the beginning of trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each party must provide two copies of exhibits in notebooks to the court at trial start.

Counsel for each party shall provide the court with two (2) copies of that party’s exhibits in notebooks at the beginning of trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Counsel filing a sole-emergency motion must email a courtesy copy to the Case Manager upon filing.

If only one side feels it is an emergency, please file a motion for an emergency/expedited hearing. Email a courtesy copy to the Case Manager, who will then provide it to Judge for consideration.

CRITICALCivil cases

Upon settlement, parties must file a Notice of Settlement and email a courtesy copy to the Case Manager.

If the parties have settled the case, they must file a Notice of Settlement on the record and email a courtesy copy to the Case Manager.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copy of Proposed Jury Instructions must be emailed to the Case Manager prior to docket call.

Prior to the docket call, each party must email the Case Manager a courtesy copy of the Proposed Jury Instructions in Microsoft Word format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copy of Proposed Jury Instructions must be emailed to Case Manager before docket call/pretrial conference.

Prior to the docket call or pretrial conference, each party must email the Case Manager a courtesy copy of the Proposed Jury Instructions in Microsoft Word format.

CRITICALCivil cases

Physical courtesy copies are prohibited unless specifically requested by the Court.

Do not submit physical courtesy copies to the Court unless requested.

CRITICALCivil cases

Physical courtesy copies are prohibited unless requested; only expedited or sealed documents may have courtesy copies emailed to the Case Manager.

Do not submit physical courtesy copies to the Court unless requested. The court will request courtesy copies if needed. Courtesy copies of expedited or sealed documents only may be emailed to the Case Manager.

CRITICALCivil cases

Upon settlement, parties must file a Notice of Settlement and email a courtesy copy to the Case Manager.

If the parties have settled the case, they must file a Notice of Settlement on the record and email a courtesy copy to the Case Manager.

CRITICAL

Three copies of joint trial notebook must be delivered by plaintiff/prosecution counsel at least four business days before final pretrial conference or docket call.

Counsel to plaintiff or prosecution must deliver three copies at least four business days prior to the final pretrial conference or docket call in the manner directed in Section 6.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies are required promptly for sealed documents, Joint Pretrial Orders, and trial material; all other filings require courtesy copies only upon request.

Promptly submit a courtesy copy of: o Documents filed under seal regardless of length; and o Joint Pretrial Orders and other trial material. Don’t submit a courtesy copy of any other filing except upon request, regardless of length.

CRITICAL

Parties must submit exhibits on a well-organized USB drive plus three hard copies simultaneously with exhibit lists.

In addition to the lists, each party must simultaneously submit all exhibits on a well-organized USB drive together with three copies in the manner directed in Section 6.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies must be mailed or hand-delivered to the Case Manager with a transmittal letter, which must be served on all parties without attachments and not filed with the Court.

Mail or hand-deliver courtesy copies to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content. Don’t file transmittal letters. Mail or email a copy of such letters without attachments to all other parties.

CRITICAL

A copy of the witness list must be furnished to the court reporter before trial.

Also furnish a copy to the court reporter before trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

The parties must include the attachments to these motions with the paper courtesy copies submitted directly to chambers. The paper courtesy copy should be sent to chambers the same day that the motions are filed electronically.

The parties must include the attachments to these motions with the paper courtesy copies submitted directly to chambers. The paper courtesy copy should be sent to chambers the same day that the motions are filed electronically.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copy to chambers required for pleadings filed within 5 days of a scheduled motion hearing.

If a motion hearing is scheduled and a pleading is filed within 5 days of the scheduled hearing, counsel shall deliver a courtesy copy to chambers.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copies of exhibits must be assembled in loose-leaf notebooks with tabs, labeled covers, max 3-inch depth, with 2 copies due at trial.

Any courtesy copies of the exhibits shall be assembled in loose-leaf notebooks with a numbered sticker on each document. Such number shall also appear on a tab extending beyond the right side of the notebook. Each notebook shall be labeled on the outside cover with the name of the offering party, the case style, and the case number. Each notebook shall not exceed three (3) inches in depth. The offering party shall provide two courtesy copies of this notebook for use by the Court, at the time of trial.

CRITICAL

Two copies of documents filed during or within seven days prior to trial must be ready for the Court.

Have ready for the Court two copies of documents filed during or within seven days prior to trial or hearing.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies are required only for trial exhibits or deposition excerpts with objections, which must be highlighted.

Do not provide courtesy copies to the Court except for the following: • Trial Exhibits to which objections have been lodged; and • Trial Deposition excerpts when objections have been lodged. Highlight the objections and the questions/answers to which those objections are directed.

CRITICAL

Only copies of exhibits with objections must be provided to the Court within seven calendar days of the Joint Pretrial Order being filed.

Do not provide copies of all exhibits to the Court. Instead, provide only copies of exhibits to which objections are lodged no later than seven calendar days after the Joint Pretrial Order is filed.

CRITICAL

Civil plaintiffs and criminal prosecution/defense must submit Word versions of jury instructions by email to the Case Manager.

Court copies. In civil cases, counsel for Plaintiff must also submit a Word version by email to the Court’s Case Manager. In criminal cases, counsel for Prosecution and Defense must each also submit a Word version by email.

CRITICAL

Counsel must submit a Word version of proposed findings to the Case Manager by email, with requirements varying by case type.

Court copies. In civil cases, counsel for Plaintiff must also submit a Word version by email to the Case Manager. In criminal cases, counsel for Prosecution and Defense must each submit a Word version by email.

CRITICAL

Delivery. Electronic copies should be sent to the Court’s case manager via email. Hard copies should be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content.

Delivery. Electronic copies should be sent to the Court’s case manager via email. Hard copies should be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content.

CRITICAL

Delivery. Electronic copies should be sent to the Court’s case manager via email. Hard copies should be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content.

Delivery. Electronic copies should be sent to the Court’s case manager via email. Hard copies should be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies are required only for trial exhibits with objections and trial deposition excerpts with objections, with objections highlighted.

When required. Do not provide courtesy copies to the Court except for the following: • Trial Exhibits to which objections have been lodged; and • Trial Deposition excerpts when objections have been lodged. Highlight the objections and the questions/answers to which those objections are directed.

CRITICAL

Witness lists must be submitted per Section 19 and a copy furnished to the court reporter before trial.

Court copies. Follow Section 19 regarding submission of witness lists. Also furnish a copy to the court reporter before trial.

CRITICAL

Only copies of exhibits to which objections are lodged must be provided to the Court within seven calendar days after the Joint Pretrial Order is filed.

Do not provide copies of all exhibits to the Court. Instead, provide only copies of exhibits to which objections are lodged no later than seven calendar days after the Joint Pretrial Order is filed.

CRITICAL

Two copies of documents filed during or within seven days prior to trial must be ready for the Court.

Have ready for the Court two copies of documents filed during or within seven days prior to trial or hearing.

CRITICAL

For emergency motions, file via CM/ECF then email a copy to the Case Manager immediately; extension motions are not emergencies.

Emergency motions. File emergency motions on the CM/ECF system. Then send a copy by email directly to the Case Manager so that it quickly reaches the Court’s attention. Motions for extension of deadlines are not emergencies.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Courtesy hard copy required for all filings 20+ pages, filed same day as electronic filing to District Clerk's Office.

The parties shall submit a courtesy hard copy to the District Clerk’s Office of all filings, including any attachments, that are 20 pages or longer. Stated differently, any single submission containing a motion, brief, and attachments that together contain a total of 20 pages or more must be filed both electronically and in courtesy hard copy directly to the District Clerk’s Office. Both the courtesy hard copy and the electronic filing must be filed on the same day.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Counsel must send a hard copy courtesy copy of emergency motions directly to the Case Manager in addition to electronic filing.

In addition to any filing or electronic filing of emergency motions, counsel shall send a courtesy hard copy of emergency motions directly to the Case Manager so that they quickly reach the Court’s attention.

CRITICAL

Two copies of the Joint Trial Notebook and each party’s exhibits must be submitted to the Court at least 4 business days before the first day of trial.

The Court requires 2 copies of a Joint Trial Notebook and each party’s exhibits be submitted to the Court at least 4 business days prior to the first day of trial.

CRITICAL

Fax or email delivery of documents to Chambers is prohibited unless the Court provides specific authorization.

Do NOT fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies of documents 50 or more pages (including exhibits and attachments) must be promptly delivered to the Houston Clerk’s Office.

documents fifty (50) pages or more in length (including exhibits and attachments)

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies of documents for matters being heard by the Court must be delivered to the Houston Clerk’s Office within three days of filing.

documents pertaining to matters being heard by the Court within three days after the document is filed

CRITICALCivil cases

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii)

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii)

CRITICALCivil cases

Letters to Court may be hand-delivered, mailed, or emailed with copies to all parties; discovery/scheduling letters must be filed in docket.

Letters to the Court may be hand-delivered, sent by First Class Mail to Chambers, or transmitted by email, with copies to all parties served prior to or at the time of filing. See addresses above. Letters concerning discovery and scheduling matters must be filed in the docket.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Exhibit and witness lists (originals plus two copies each) must be provided to the Court at evidentiary hearings.

If an evidentiary hearing is necessary, the Court will notify the parties in advance. Exhibit and witness lists (the originals and TWO (2) copies of each) shall be provided to the Court at the hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Witness lists require original filing per Local Rules and 2 courtesy copies to the Court at trial or hearing for distribution.

Witness List for live witnesses (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website). Original must be filed in accordance with Local Rules; two (2) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

CRITICALCriminal cases

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Copy of emergency motion must be sent to Chambers after electronic filing, matter brought to Court’s attention promptly.

A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after their electronic filing. Counsel should bring the matter to the Court’s attention promptly.

CRITICALCivil cases

Fax and email delivery of documents to Chambers are prohibited unless authorized by the Court.

Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

A courtesy copy of every opposed motion and its response must be forwarded to chambers.

C. A courtesy copy of all opposed motions and responses thereto shall be forwarded to chambers.

CRITICAL

Pleadings submitted by counsel during the course of a trial should be presented in duplicate (original for filing and copy for the Court) to the Case Manager.

Pleadings submitted by counsel during the course of a trial should be presented in duplicate (original for filing and copy for the Court) to the Case Manager.

CRITICAL

Moving party must provide 2 courtesy copies of Responsive Brief and exhibits to the Court.

The moving party is to provide the Court with two (2) courtesy copies of the Responsive Brief and exhibits.

CRITICAL

Counsel must provide the Case Manager with a copy of any deposition to be used at trial before trial begins.

Before trial, counsel must provide the Case Manager with a copy of any deposition to be used at trial.

CRITICAL

Moving party must provide 2 copies of Reply Brief and exhibits to the Court.

The moving party is to provide the Court with two (2) copies of the Reply Brief and exhibits.

CRITICAL

Emergency motions require a courtesy copy to Chambers Room 3716 on the day of filing, with double-sided printing recommended.

A. All emergency motions should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. Double sided printing for the courtesy copy is recommended.

CRITICAL

Counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with three (3) copies of that party's exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

Counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with three (3) copies of that party's exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICAL

Moving party must provide 2 copies of Opening Brief and exhibits binders to the Court.

The moving party is to provide the Court with 2 copies of the binders containing their Opening Brief and exhibits.

CRITICAL

All emergency motions should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. Double sided printing for the courtesy copy is recommended.

All emergency motions should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. Double sided printing for the courtesy copy is recommended.

CRITICAL

Each party must provide the Court with a courtesy copy of exhibits and exhibit lists. The presiding judge’s preferred format for Exhibit Lists is available on the Court’s website at www.txs.uscourts.gov under Court Procedures.

Each party must provide the Court with a courtesy copy of exhibits and exhibit lists. The presiding judge’s preferred format for Exhibit Lists is available on the Court’s website at www.txs.uscourts.gov under Court Procedures.

CRITICAL

B. Any document with an appendix or set of exhibits that totals more than 50 pages should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. The document and exhibits should be hole punched, bound, and tabbed in a binder type notebook. Double sided printing is recommended.

B. Any document with an appendix or set of exhibits that totals more than 50 pages should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. The document and exhibits should be hole punched, bound, and tabbed in a binder type notebook. Double sided printing is recommended.

CRITICAL

Voluminous exhibits require two courtesy copies with only relevant pages; original agreed exhibits tendered to Clerk at trial start.

If exhibits are voluminous, provide only specific pages that pertain to the issues on the two courtesy copies. The original exhibits that are agreed upon by the parties, should be ready to be tendered to the Clerk of the Court at the beginning of trial.

CRITICAL

Any document with an appendix or set of exhibits that totals more than 50 pages should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. The document and exhibits should be hole punched, bound, and tabbed in a binder type notebook. Double sided printing is recommended.

Any document with an appendix or set of exhibits that totals more than 50 pages should be sent to Chambers Room 3716 the day of filing. The document and exhibits should be hole punched, bound, and tabbed in a binder type notebook. Double sided printing is recommended.

CRITICAL

Three tabbed copies of each party's exhibits in an indexed notebook must be provided to the Court.

Counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with three (3) copies of that party's exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCivil cases

Joint Pretrial Order due per docket call or 10 days before trial; plaintiff's counsel must deliver courtesy copy to Case Manager.

The Joint Pretrial Order is due per docket call instructions or 10 days prior to trial. Plaintiff=s counsel is responsible for insuring that a Joint Pretrial Order is timely prepared and a courtesy copy delivered to the Case Manager. A form Joint Pretrial Order is attached. The form Order may be modified as needed for a particular case.

CRITICALCivil cases

Documents filed during trial must be submitted to the Case Manager in duplicate.

C. Filing of Documents. Documents submitted for filing during the course of trial will be submitted to the Case Manager in duplicate.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies required for proposed voir dire questions.

THREE (3) courtesy copies of any proposed voir dire questions.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Parties must promptly forward courtesy copies to Chambers of documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven days after the document is filed; absent compliance, the Court will not consider documents filed within seven days of a court appearance.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any court appearance.

CRITICALCivil cases

Plaintiff must deliver one courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order with all attachments to Chambers upon filing.

Plaintiff must deliver to Court’s Chambers a courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order with all attachments.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after electronic filing, and counsel should bring the matter to the Court's attention promptly.

A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after their electronic filing. Counsel should bring the matter to the Court's attention promptly.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Two tabbed and indexed copies of exhibits required for the Court.

Counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with two (2) copies of that party=s exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Each party must provide the Court with two copies of its exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

Counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with two (2) copies of that party=s exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies of exhibit lists must be provided to the Court at trial or evidentiary hearing.

Exhibit List (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website). Original must be filed in accordance with Local Rules; three (3) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Copy of emergency motion must be sent to Chambers after electronic filing; matter brought to Court's attention promptly.

A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after their electronic filing. Counsel should bring the matter to the Court’s attention promptly.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Courtesy copies of documents exceeding 10 pages (including exhibits/attachments) must be promptly delivered to Chambers; failure to comply results in Court not considering documents filed within 7 days of a court appearance.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copies required promptly for documents over 10 pages (including exhibits/attachments) and documents for matters to be heard within 7 days of filing; email and fax prohibited unless authorized.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the documents are filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any Court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies are required for any proposed voir dire questions.

THREE (3) courtesy copies of any proposed voir dire questions.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Exhibit and witness lists must be provided to the Court at the hearing in the original plus three copies.

Exhibit and witness lists (the originals and THREE (3) copies of each) shall be provided to the Court at the hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies of witness lists for live witnesses must be provided to the Court at trial or evidentiary hearing.

Witness List for live witnesses (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website). Original must be filed in accordance with Local Rules; three (3) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must provide the Court with two complete sets of exhibits for trial use, formatted in a tabbed and indexed notebook.

D. Copies of Exhibits. The parties must provide the Court with two (2) complete sets of exhibits for use at trial in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Counsel must provide three courtesy copies of any proposed voir dire questions in addition to filing the original.

Counsel must file an original copy of any proposed voir dire questions according to Local Rules. Counsel must also provide THREE (3) courtesy copies of any proposed voir dire questions.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy copies required for documents over 10 pages (including exhibits/attachments) and documents for matters to be heard within 7 days of filing; fax/email prohibited unless authorized.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the documents are filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any Court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Two tabbed and indexed copies of each party’s exhibits must be provided to the Court.

Counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with two (2) copies of that party=s exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Courtesy copies of documents over 10 pages (including exhibits/attachments) must be sent promptly to Chambers.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments

CRITICALCriminal cases

(ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed.

(ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after electronic filing, with prompt notice to the Court.

A copy of emergency motions must be sent directly to Chambers after their electronic filing. Counsel should bring the matter to the Court’s attention promptly.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must submit two tabbed, indexed sets of exhibits to the Court for use at trial.

The parties must provide the Court with two (2) complete sets of exhibits for use at trial in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies of the exhibit list must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

Exhibit List (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website). Original must be filed in accordance with Local Rules; three (3) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Exhibit and witness lists must be provided to the Court at evidentiary hearings with 3 copies each plus the original.

Exhibit and witness lists (the originals and THREE (3) copies of each) shall be provided to the Court at the hearing.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies of the exhibit list must be provided to the Court at trial or hearing.

three (3) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Parties must promptly forward courtesy copies to Chambers of all documents exceeding 10 pages (including exhibits and attachments); if not followed, the Court will not consider documents filed within seven days of a court appearance, and copies may not be faxed or emailed to Chambers absent specific authorization.

The parties must forward promptly to Chambers courtesy copies of (i) all documents that exceed ten (10) pages in length, including exhibits and attachments, and (ii) documents pertaining to matters to be heard by the Court within seven (7) days after the document is filed. Unless this rule is followed, the Court will not consider any documents filed within seven (7) days of any court appearance. Do not fax or email copies of documents to Chambers unless specifically authorized to do so by the Court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Three courtesy copies of the witness list must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

Witness List for live witnesses (see attached form, also available on the Court’s website). Original must be filed in accordance with Local Rules; three (3) courtesy copies must be provided to the Court at the trial and/or hearing for distribution to all parties.

CRITICAL

Emergency motions must be filed via CM/ECF, then a copy emailed to Case Manager upon filing; extension motions are not considered emergencies.

File emergency motions on the CM/ECF system. Then send a copy by email directly to the Case Manager so that it quickly reaches the Court’s attention. Motions for extension of deadlines are not emergencies.

CRITICAL

Electronic copies should be sent to the Court’s case manager via email. Hard copies should be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content. Do not file transmittal letters. Mail or email a copy of such letters without attachments to all other parties.

Electronic copies should be sent to the Court’s case manager via email. Hard copies should be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of the Case Manager with a transmittal letter specifying the content. Do not file transmittal letters. Mail or email a copy of such letters without attachments to all other parties.

CRITICAL

Joint trial notebook required; plaintiff/prosecution counsel must deliver three copies at least four business days before final pretrial conference or docket call.

Confer, prepare, and provide a joint trial notebook. Include each party’s materials paired together in the order listed above. In civil cases, include the Joint Pretrial Order as the first item. Counsel to plaintiff or prosecution must deliver three copies at least four business days prior to the final pretrial conference or docket call in the manner directed in Section 6.

CRITICAL

Each party must submit all exhibits on a well-organized USB drive plus three paper copies per court copy rules.

Court Copies: Follow Section 19 regarding submission of all exhibit lists. In addition to the lists, each party must simultaneously submit all exhibits on a well-organized USB drive together with three copies in the manner directed in Section 6.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies must be submitted if required, following directions in Section 6.

i. Court Copies: Submit courtesy copies if required and as directed in Section 6.

CRITICALCivil cases

Do not provide the Court copies of all exhibits; provide copies only of exhibits with objections lodged within seven calendar days after the Joint Pretrial Order is filed.

Do not provide copies of all exhibits to the Court. Instead, provide only copies of exhibits to which objections are lodged no later than seven calendar days after the Joint Pretrial Order is filed.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Counsel must send a courtesy copy of emergency motions directly to chambers.

Counsel shall send a courtesy copy of emergency motions directly to chambers so that said motions expeditiously reach the Court.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Filings with 50 or more pages (including attachments) require a courtesy hard copy to the District Clerk’s Office, submitted the same day as the electronic filing.

If a filing, including attachments, contains 50 pages or more, the party shall submit the filing electronically and submit a courtesy hard copy to the District Clerk’s Office. Both the electronic filing and the courtesy filing must be filed on the same day.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Exhibit and witness lists must be provided to the Court in 2 copies each at the hearing.

Exhibit and witness lists (2 copies each) must be provided to the Court at the hearing.

CRITICALCivil cases

Counsel must submit a tabbed binder with motion papers and highlighted authorities at least 7 days before a contested motion hearing.

At least 7 days before a contested motion hearing, counsel for both parties must submit a tabbed binder containing: (1) A copy of the motion in dispute. (2) Any brief or memorandum submitted in support or opposition to the motion; and (3) Copies of each authority cited, with relevant sections highlighted in yellow. Binders are to be mailed or personally delivered directly to chambers.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Expert reports, exhibit lists, and witness lists must be provided to the Court in 2 copies each before trial.

Expert and agent reports, exhibit, and witness lists (2 copies each) must be provided to the Court before trial.

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must submit 3 hard copies of documents filed just before or during trial to the Judicial Assistant.

E. Last-minute filings. If counsel files documents just before or during trial, that party must submit 3 hard copies of the filing to the Judicial Assistant.

CRITICALCivil cases

Counsel must submit a tabbed binder with motion, briefs, and highlighted authorities 7 days before contested motion hearings, mailed or hand delivered to chambers.

At least 7 days before a contested motion hearing, counsel for both parties must submit a tabbed binder containing: (1) A copy of the motion in dispute. (2) Any brief or memorandum submitted in support or opposition to the motion; and (3) Copies of each authority cited, with relevant sections highlighted in yellow. Binders are to be mailed or personally delivered directly to chambers.

CRITICAL

Counsel and pro se parties must deliver chambers copies of all instruments filed within 3 days of a conference or hearing; non-compliance results in the instrument not being considered.

Counsel and all parties appearing pro se will deliver to chambers copies of all instruments filed within 3 days of any conference or hearing. Unless this rule is complied with the court will not consider any instrument filed within 3 days of any court appearance.

CRITICAL

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during trial should be submitted to the Case Manager or the law clerk present in the courtroom.

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during trial should be submitted to the Case Manager or the law clerk present in the courtroom.

CRITICAL

Chambers copies of all instruments exceeding 15 pages must be delivered within three days of filing.

Copies of all instruments exceeding 15 pages must be delivered to chambers within three days of filing.

CRITICAL

Plaintiff must deliver one courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order with attachments to the court.

Plaintiff must deliver a courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order to the court with all attachments.

CRITICAL

Counsel must provide single copy of deposition excerpts with color-coded highlighting.

Counsel must provide the court with a single copy of any deposition from which excerpts will be used at trial and should use color-coded highlighting to represent each parties’ requested deposition excerpts.

CRITICAL

The court generally does not require courtesy copies of motions or exhibits. However, if the exhibits exceed 50 pages (either singly or in combination), the party must provide the exhibit/exhibits in the form of a single electronic pdf document.

The court generally does not require courtesy copies of motions or exhibits. However, if the exhibits exceed 50 pages (either singly or in combination), the party must provide the exhibit/exhibits in the form of a single electronic pdf document.

CRITICAL

Any submission over 50 pages (including motions, briefs, and attachments) requires one courtesy hard copy to be filed with the District Clerk's Office.

Parties are reminded that any submission - including motions, briefs, and attachments - that is greater than 50 pages in length requires a courtesy hard copy to be filed with the Distict Clerk's Office

CRITICAL

Submissions over 50 pages require a courtesy hard copy filed with the District Clerk’s Office

Parties are reminded that any submission - including motions, briefs, and attachments - that is greater than 50 pages in length requires a courtesy hard copy to be filed with the Distict Clerk’s Office

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies must be promptly submitted for all documents filed under seal, regardless of length.

Documents filed under seal regardless of length;

CRITICAL

Plaintiff or prosecution counsel must deliver three copies of the joint trial notebook at least four business days before the first day of trial.

Counsel to Plaintiff or Prosecution must deliver three copies at least four business days prior to the first day of trial in the manner directed in Section 6.

CRITICAL

In criminal cases, counsel for Prosecution and Defense must each also submit a Word version by email or USB drive.

In criminal cases, counsel for Prosecution and Defense must each also submit a Word version by email or USB drive.

CRITICAL

In civil cases, counsel for Plaintiff must also jointly submit a Word version by email or USB drive.

In civil cases, counsel for Plaintiff must also jointly submit a Word version by email or USB drive.

CRITICAL

In civil cases, counsel for Plaintiff must also submit a Word version by email or USB drive.

In civil cases, counsel for Plaintiff must also submit a Word version by email or USB drive.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies must be promptly submitted for documents related to matters being heard within seven days of filing.

Documents pertaining to matters being heard by the Court within seven days of filing;

CRITICAL

A copy of the witness list must be furnished to the court reporter before trial.

Also furnish a copy to the court reporter before trial.

CRITICAL

Each party must submit all exhibits on a well-organized USB drive along with three copies simultaneously with exhibit lists.

In addition to the lists, each party must simultaneously submit all exhibits on a well- organized USB drive together with three copies in the manner directed in Section 6.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies must be promptly submitted for documents of 50 or more pages, including exhibits.

Documents of fifty pages or more in length, including exhibits;

CRITICAL

Emergency motions require CM/ECF filing plus emailing a copy to the Case Manager; extension motions are not considered emergencies.

Emergency motions. File emergency motions on the CM/ECF system. Then send a copy by email directly to the Case Manager so that it quickly reaches the Court’s attention. Motions for extension of deadlines are not emergencies.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies must be promptly submitted for Joint Pretrial Orders and other trial material.

Joint Pretrial Orders and other trial material.

CRITICAL

Submissions over 50 pages (including motions, briefs, attachments) require a courtesy hard copy filed with the District Clerk’s Office.

Parties are reminded that any submission - including motions, briefs, and attachments - that is greater than 50 pages in length requires a courtesy hard copy to be filed with the Distict Clerk’s Office

CRITICAL

However, if the exhibits exceed 50 pages (either singly or in combination), the party must provide the exhibit/exhibits in the form of a single electronic pdf document. The .pdf document must contain bookmarks identifying each exhibit and bookmarks set to the portions of the document cited or referenced in the motion or brief. Further, when a motion or brief refers only to a small portion of a voluminous exhibit, the party should highlight the referenced portion of the exhibit. Counsel shall also provide a copy of the bookmarked and highlighted .pdf to opposing counsel.

However, if the exhibits exceed 50 pages (either singly or in combination), the party must provide the exhibit/exhibits in the form of a single electronic pdf document. The .pdf document must contain bookmarks identifying each exhibit and bookmarks set to the portions of the document cited or referenced in the motion or brief. Further, when a motion or brief refers only to a small portion of a voluminous exhibit, the party should highlight the referenced portion of the exhibit. Counsel shall also provide a copy of the bookmarked and highlighted .pdf to opposing counsel.

CRITICAL

Plaintiff must provide a courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order with all attachments to the court.

Plaintiff must deliver a courtesy copy of the Joint Pretrial Order to the court with all attachments.

CRITICALCivil cases

Depositions to be considered at a bench trial must be submitted to chambers at least five days before trial.

Any depositions to be considered at a bench trial shall be submitted to chambers at least five (5) days before trial.

CRITICAL

Counsel must provide a tabbed, indexed exhibit notebook to the court and witness.

Counsel for each party shall provide a tabbed and indexed notebook of exhibits for the court and the witness.

CRITICAL

Counsel must provide the court with a single copy of any deposition from which excerpts will be used at trial and should use color-coded highlighting to represent each parties’ requested deposition excerpts.

Counsel must provide the court with a single copy of any deposition from which excerpts will be used at trial and should use color-coded highlighting to represent each parties’ requested deposition excerpts.

CRITICAL

Electronic copies of proposed jury charge and verdict form must be emailed to Case Manager.

Email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form, in Microsoft Word. See supra § 1(e).

CRITICAL

Parties must provide the Court with two complete sets of their trial exhibits.

As noted supra, § 7(b)(4), the parties must provide the Court with two complete sets of their trial exhibits.

CRITICALCivil cases

Nevertheless, parties should submit courtesy hard copies to the Case Manager if any part of a filing is sealed.

Nevertheless, parties should submit courtesy hard copies to the Case Manager if any part of a filing is sealed.

CRITICALCivil cases

In addition to physical or electronic filing, counsel must send a file-stamped courtesy hard copy of emergency motions directly to the Case Manager.

In addition to any physical filing or electronic filing of emergency motions, counsel shall send a file-stamped courtesy hard copy of emergency motions directly to the Case Manager so that they quickly reach the Court’s attention.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Counsel must send a file-stamped courtesy hard copy of each emergency motion directly to the Case Manager in addition to filing it physically or electronically.

D. In addition to any physical filing or electronic filing of emergency motions, counsel shall send a file-stamped courtesy hard copy of emergency motions directly to the Case Manager so that they quickly reach the Court’s attention.

CRITICALCivil cases

Filings over 20 pages require a file-stamped hard copy courtesy copy sent to the Case Manager.

The parties shall submit a file-stamped courtesy hard copy to the Case Manager of all filings, including any attachments, that are greater than 20 pages in length.

CRITICALCivil cases

Where a courtesy copy is required, the courtesy hard copy and the electronic filing must both be filed on the same day.

In cases where a courtesy copy is required, both the courtesy hard copy and the electronic filing must be filed on the same day.

CRITICALCivil cases

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during the trial should be submitted to the Case Manager.

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during the trial should be submitted to the Case Manager.

CRITICALCivil cases

For any deposition proffers and counter-proffers, the party making the proffer will provide a copy of the proffer, counter-proffer and a complete copy of the deposition

For any deposition proffers and counter-proffers, the party making the proffer will provide a copy of the proffer, counter-proffer and a complete copy of the deposition

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must provide the Court a copy of all potential exhibits at the Pretrial Conference.

The parties are to provide the Court a copy of all potential exhibits at the Pretrial Conference.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each party must provide the Court a copy of its exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook, in addition to the original exhibits.

In addition to the original exhibits, counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with a copy of that party's exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCivil cases

Courtesy hard copies and electronic filings must be filed on the same day when possible.

If possible, both the courtesy hard copy and the electronic filing must be filed on the same day.

CRITICALCivil cases

Two copies of documents filed immediately before or during trial should be submitted to the Case Manager.

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during the trial should be submitted to the Case Manager.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A courtesy copy must be made available to the Court for documents exceeding 25 pages.

A courtesy copy must be made available to the Court if it exceeds 25 pages.

CRITICALCivil cases

Emergency motions require a file-stamped hard copy courtesy copy sent to the Case Manager upon filing.

In addition to any physical filing or electronic filing of emergency motions, counsel shall send a file-stamped courtesy hard copy of emergency motions directly to the Case Manager so that they quickly reach the Court’s attention.

CRITICALCriminal cases

A file-stamped courtesy hard copy of any filing, including attachments, longer than 20 pages must be submitted to the Case Manager.

The parties shall submit a file-stamped courtesy hard copy to the Case Manager of all filings, including any attachments, that are greater than 20 pages in length.

CRITICALCivil cases

Counsel must provide the Court with a tabbed, indexed notebook copy of their exhibits.

In addition to the original exhibits, counsel for each party is required to provide the Court with a copy of that party’s exhibits in a properly tabbed and indexed notebook.

CRITICALCriminal cases

Courtesy copy required for proposed voir dire questions and jury instructions exceeding 25 pages.

A courtesy copy must be made available to the Court if it exceeds 25 pages.

CRITICAL

Copies of urgent motions or matters that require prompt court attention may be sent to chambers, as well as filed with CM/ECF, with a transmittal letter stating why the court’s prompt attention is required.

Copies of urgent motions or matters that require prompt court attention may be sent to chambers, as well as filed with CM/ECF, with a transmittal letter stating why the court’s prompt attention is required.

CRITICAL

A courtesy copy of a filing longer than 50 pages should be sent to chambers.

A courtesy copy of a filing longer than 50 pages should be sent to chambers.

CRITICAL

Two copies of exhibits must be provided to the case manager before or during trial, as well as filed on the court CM/ECF system.

Two copies of exhibits must be provided to the case manager before or during trial, as well as filed on the court CM/ECF system.

WARNING

Each party should also submit to the court two tabbed binders containing these filings (one for the judge and one for the clerk), and two separate tabbed binders containing its exhibits.

Each party should also submit to the court two tabbed binders containing these filings (one for the judge and one for the clerk), and two separate tabbed binders containing its exhibits.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Duplicate copies of documents filed within two days before or during trial should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant.

Copies of documents filed within two (2) days prior to and during trial should be submitted to the Judicial Assistant in duplicate.

WARNINGCivil cases

Urgent documents (including letters) may be sent to Chambers via mail, email, or hand delivery with copies to all parties; service copies must be sent to counsel simultaneously with or before court transmission in the same method.

Copies of urgent documents (including letters) may be sent by First Class Mail, emailed, or hand-delivered to Chambers via the Court’s Judicial Assistant, with copies to all parties. (See Emergencies, Section 3 below.) Service copies must be transmitted to all counsel of record simultaneously with or prior to transmission to the Court and in the same manner as transmitted to the Court.

WARNINGCriminal cases

If possible, file the courtesy hard copy on the same day as the electronic filing.

D. If possible, both the courtesy hard copy and the electronic filing must be filed on the same day.

WARNINGCivil cases

The Court may request a courtesy hard copy from any party at any time, and parties should promptly deliver the copy to Chambers.

Additionally, the Court may request a courtesy hard copy of any party at any time and the parties should promptly deliver the copy to Chambers.

WARNINGCriminal cases

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during the trial should be submitted to the Case Manager.

Two copies of documents filed immediately prior to and during the trial should be submitted to the Case Manager.

WARNINGCivil cases

Parties generally should not submit courtesy hard copies to the Case Manager, except when a filing is sealed or the Court requests one.

Generally, parties should not submit courtesy hard copies to the Case Manager.

WARNINGCivil cases

File-stamped courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers (via the Case Manager) after the originals are filed with the Clerk of the Court. Courtesy copies should designate the docket number of the filed document. They should include all exhibits and should not be redacted even if the filed motion is.

File-stamped courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers (via the Case Manager) after the originals are filed with the Clerk of the Court. Courtesy copies should designate the docket number of the filed document. They should include all exhibits and should not be redacted even if the filed motion is.

WARNINGCriminal cases

File-stamped courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers through the Case Manager after the originals are filed.

E. File-stamped courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers (via the Case Manager) after the originals are filed with the Clerk of the Court.

INFO

No courtesy copies are required for pleadings filed electronically in CM/ECF.

The Court does not require courtesy copies of pleadings filed in CM/ECF.

INFO

Courtesy copies of exhibits may be delivered in advance of hearings to the Court’s case manager via hand delivery.

Courtesy copies of exhibits may be delivered in advance of any hearing. Please deliver courtesy copies of exhibits to the Court’s case manager. Courtesy copies may be hand delivered.

INFOCivil cases

Courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to the Case Manager at the time of filing with the Clerk.

Courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to the Case Manager simultaneously with the originals being filed with the Clerk of the Court.

INFOCivil cases

Courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers after the originals are filed with the Clerk.

G. Courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers after originals are filed with the Clerk of Court.

INFOCivil cases

Urgent letters or briefs may be sent to Chambers with a cover letter explaining the need for prompt attention.

Copies of urgent letters or briefs may be sent to Judge Hoyt=s Chambers with a cover letter that specifies why the Court=s prompt attention is required.

INFOCivil cases

File-stamped courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers (via the Case Manager) after the originals are filed with the Clerk of the Court. Obviously, opposing counsel should be copied at the same time unless they are automatically copied electronically. Courtesy copies should designate the docket number of the filed document. They should include all exhibits and should not be redacted even if the filed motion is.

File-stamped courtesy copies of urgent documents may be sent to Chambers (via the Case Manager) after the originals are filed with the Clerk of the Court. Obviously, opposing counsel should be copied at the same time unless they are automatically copied electronically. Courtesy copies should designate the docket number of the filed document. They should include all exhibits and should not be redacted even if the filed motion is.

CRITICAL

Courtesy copies are only required for trial deposition excerpts with objections (highlighted), sealed documents, joint pretrial orders, and other trial material.

When Required: Do not provide courtesy copies to the Court except for the following: • Trial Deposition excerpts when objections have been lodged. Highlight the objections and the questions/answers to which those objections are directed. • Documents filed under seal; and • Joint Pretrial Orders and other trial material.