Judge Yvonne Y. Ho
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
- 2 copies • Per Section 7 B 4
Proposed Jury Charge, Verdict Form
Adjournments
- Party agreements or joint motions for continuances or extensions are not binding; continuances are granted only at the Court's discretion.
- Parties may extend discovery beyond the scheduling order deadline by agreement without court permission.
- The Court will not continue a previously scheduled trial setting unless counsel has commenced trial in another court.
- +6 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Clerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Primary briefs cannot exceed 6,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 2,500 words. The word count limit includes headings and footnotes, but excludes the caption of the case, title of the document, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, and certificates.
- Brief
- Up to 6,500 words
- Reply
- Up to 2,500 words
Excluded from word count
- •Caption
- •Table of contents
- •Table of authorities
- •Signature block
- •Certificates
Primary briefs cannot exceed 6,500 words, and reply briefs are limited to 2,500 words. The word count limit includes headings and footnotes, but excludes the caption of the case, title of the document, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, and certificates.
- Brief
- Up to 6,500 words
- Reply brief
- Up to 2,500 words
Excluded from word count
- •Caption
- •Table of contents
- •Table of authorities
- •Signature block
- •Certificates
Document Format Requirements14 rules
All briefs must be in 13-point proportionately spaced font for text, with 12-point font for footnotes, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and full-justified.
- Font size
- 13 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- 1 inch
- Brief
Formatting
- •12-point font for footnotes
- •Proportionately spaced font
- •Full-justified text
Minimize your use of footnotes. Do not put citations to authorities or exhibits in footnotes. Those must be in the body of the document.
Formatting
- •Minimize use of footnotes
All exhibits must be pre-marked with the party's name, case number, and exhibit number.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Pre-mark each exhibit with the party's name
- •Pre-mark each exhibit with the case number
- •Pre-mark each exhibit with the exhibit number
All briefs must be in 13-point proportionately spaced font for text, with 12-point font for footnotes, double-spaced with one-inch margins, and full-justified. Minimize your use of footnotes. Do not put citations to authorities or exhibits in footnotes. Those must be in the body of the document.
- Font size
- 13 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- 1 inch
- Brief
Formatting
- •12-point font for footnotes
- •Full-justified text
- •Minimize use of footnotes
Every requested instruction, definition, and question must be numbered and substantiated (in footnotes) with authority. Identify any modifications to language from pattern jury charges.
- Proposed jury charge
Formatting
- •Every requested instruction, definition, question numbered
- •Substantiated with authority in footnotes
- •Identify modifications to pattern jury charges
Disputed jury instructions must be formatted in bold, underline, or italics (no contrasting color) and include footnotes identifying requesting party and opposition basis.
Formatting
- •Disputed instructions must be bold, underlined, or italics (no contrasting font color)
Court's wording
Every disputed instruction, definition, or question must be set out in bold type, underlined text, or italics (not in a contrasting font color). For all disputed items, include footnotes that identify (a) which party is requesting them; and (b) the opposing party’s basis for disputing their inclusion.
Email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form, in Microsoft Word. See supra § 1(e).
- File type
- Word
- Proposed jury charge
- Verdict form
printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs
Formatting
- •Printed double-sided
- •Binders of 4 inches or less
- •Index and corresponding tabs
All exhibits must be pre-marked with the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number.
proposed jury instructions, definitions—with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority
- Proposed jury instructions
Formatting
- •Each instruction and definition numbered
- •Presented on a separate page
- •Supported by citations to authority
Every disputed instruction, definition, or question must be set out in bold type, underlined text, or italics (not in a contrasting font color).
Formatting
- •A contrasting font color may not be used to designate disputed items
the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following, printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs
- Trial notebook
- Exhibit binder
Formatting
- •Printed double-sided
The offering party must mark its own exhibits before trial to include the party's name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit.
with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority
Document Filing Requirements74 rules
Applications for immediate relief will be presented to the Court by the Case Manager only after counsel has either (1) affirmed that the opposing party has been contacted, and that both parties can be available for a conference before the Court, or (2) provided an explanation of why such contact has not been made.
Motions for admission pro hac vice must include an averment that counsel have familiarized themselves with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures.
No separate memorandum of law. All motions must include the arguments and relief sought. Do not file a separate memorandum of law.
Proposed order. All motions, except those for summary judgment, must be accompanied by a separate proposed order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Except for habeas corpus/prisoner petitions and Social Security appeals, all following sections, and in the following order: • table of contents; • table of authorities; • statement of issues; • standard of review; • summary of the argument; • argument, complete with descriptive headings; • a short conclusion stating the precise relief sought; and • certificates, see § 5(a)(v), infra.
Include
- •Table of contents
- •Table of authorities
All filings must include a certificate of service stating the manner that the filing was served on all other parties.
- Document
- All filings
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Certificate of service
A filing that does not include all required certificates will be stricken.
All briefs must include a certificate of compliance that states the number of words in the filing, including headings and footnotes, but excluding the portions of the filing exempted from the word- count limitation.
- Document
- Brief
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Word count
All motions except summary judgment motions must include a certificate of conference stating that counsel and pro se parties conferred and whether the relief is opposed; if no response was obtained, the certificate must detail at least two documented attempts to confer.
- Document
- Motion
- Placement
- Certificate section
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
Except for summary judgment motions, all motions must contain a certificate of conference stating that counsel and pro se parties have conferred regarding the substance of the relief requested, and stating whether the requested relief is opposed. If the movant was unable to obtain a response, the certificate of conference must reflect that the movant made at least two attempts to ascertain whether the relief is opposed and detail the specific attempts to obtain a response (i.e., number of attempts, method of communication used, and date and time of attempts).
Use the form available at https://www.txs.uscourts.gov/sites/txs/files/jdcmp.pdf. All parties must sign the plan, which the plaintiff must file. Include a proposed scheduling order that uses Form A attached to these procedures.
On the same day that the joint pretrial order is filed, each party must file a separate copy of the following documents: exhibit list; objections to another party's proposed exhibits, explaining the basis for the objection; witness list; designations of deposition excerpts; memorandum of law on all contested legal issues; proposed questions for the jury panel; and motions in limine.
- Document
- Trial preparation documents
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Failure to timely file a joint pretrial order will subject counsel and parties to sanctions that could include dismissal for want of prosecution, other relief, or both. This includes parties appearing pro se.
Plaintiff must file the joint pretrial order. If the plaintiff fails to do so, then the defendant must file the defendant's portions of the document in the prescribed format.
Jury charge and verdict form. For jury trials, the parties must file a single, joint proposed jury charge and separate
Every requested instruction, definition, and question must be numbered and substantiated (in footnotes) with authority. Identify any modifications to language from pattern jury charges.
At least four days before the start of trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following, printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs: the joint pretrial order; the parties' exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition designations, and the joint proposed jury charge and verdict form or proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law, whichever is applicable
- Document
- Trial notebooks and exhibit binders
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Non-jury trials. Each party must file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with the joint pretrial order. This document must, at minimum, address (a) the facts and evidence relevant to each cause of action and asserted defense; and (b) the legal authority, complete with citations, supporting the party's positions.
- Document
- Proposed findings conclusions
Must include
- •Legal argument
Separately, each party (or side) must file a memorandum of law that addresses these issues in greater depth.
Each party must attach two copies of a list (see Attachment A for sample form) of all exhibits expected to be offered. Each party must make the exhibits available for examination by the opposing parties.
For jury trials, parties must submit proposed venire questions, proposed jury instructions and definitions with a separate proposed verdict form, and a memorandum of law.
Court's wording
Jury trials. For jury trials, submit the following: (a) proposed questions for the venire panel; (b) proposed jury instructions, definitions—with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority—and a separate proposed verdict form; and (c) memorandum of law.
Non-jury trials. For bench trials, submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Immediate relief applications are presented to Court only after counsel affirms opposing party contact/availability or explains lack of contact.
Court's wording
Applications for immediate relief will be presented to the Court by the Case Manager only after counsel has either (1) affirmed that the opposing party has been contacted, and that both parties can be available for a conference before the Court, or (2) provided an explanation of why such contact has not been made.
Motions to appear pro hac vice must comply with all requirements in Local Rule 83.1(I).
Motions for admission pro hac vice must include an averment that counsel have familiarized themselves with the Local Rules of the Southern District of Texas and these Procedures.
All motions must include the arguments and relief sought. Do not file a separate memorandum of law.
All motions, except those for summary judgment, must be accompanied by a separate proposed order. Do not include the word “proposed” in the title of your proposed order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
iv. Failure to include certificates. A filing that does not include all required certificates will be stricken.
All motions except summary judgment must include a certificate of conference; if no response obtained, certificate must detail at least two attempts to confer.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
i. Certificate of conference. Except for summary judgment motions, all motions must contain a certificate of conference stating that counsel and pro se parties have conferred regarding the substance of the relief requested, and stating whether the requested relief is opposed. If the movant was unable to obtain a response, the certificate of conference must reflect that the movant made at least two attempts to ascertain whether the relief is opposed and detail the specific attempts to obtain a response (i.e., number of attempts, method of communication used, and date and time of attempts).
ii. Certificate of service. All filings must include a certificate of service stating the manner that the filing was served on all other parties.
- Document
- Filing
Must include
- •Certificate of service
All briefs must include a word-count compliance certificate stating the number of words, including headings and footnotes, excluding exempt portions.
- Document
- Brief
Must include
- •Word count
Court's wording
iii. Certificate of compliance with word-count limitation. All briefs must include a certificate of compliance that states the number of words in the filing, including headings and footnotes, but excluding the portions of the filing exempted from the word- count limitation. See supra § 5(a)(4)(ii).
motions in limine.
objections to another party’s proposed exhibits, explaining the basis for the objection;
exhibit list;
The joint pretrial order must be filed by the deadline specified in the Court’s scheduling order.
designations of deposition excerpts;
witness list;
memorandum of law on all contested legal issues;
Responses to motions in limine must be filed no later than seven days after the joint pretrial order is filed.
proposed questions for the jury panel;
Plaintiff must file the joint pretrial order. If the plaintiff fails to do so, then the defendant must file the defendant’s portions of the document in the prescribed format.
For jury trials, the parties must file a single, joint proposed jury charge and separate order.
For non-jury trials, each party must file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with the joint pretrial order, addressing specified content.
Court's wording
Non-jury trials. Each party must file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law with the joint pretrial order. This document must, at minimum, address (a) the facts and evidence relevant to each cause of action and asserted defense; and (b) the legal authority, complete with citations, supporting the party’s positions.
Include a brief agreed statement of the case that the Court may read to the jury panel to ascertain whether the panel is acquainted with the facts or parties to the case. Include names, dates, and places.
List any pending motions, as well as the responses, replies, or objections.
In separate paragraphs, state concisely what each party claims.
Briefly explain why the Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of the case and the parties. Identify any unresolved jurisdictional questions.
List the parties and their respective counsel. Include the addresses, email address, and telephone numbers of counsel or any pro se parties.
The offering party must mark its own exhibits before trial to include the party’s name, case number, and exhibit number on each exhibit.
(c) memorandum of law.
- Document
- Memorandum of law
Include
- •Memorandum of law.
State whether any party is filing a motion in limine.
Non-jury trials. For bench trials, submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Provide the following information: (a) whether this is a jury or non-jury trial; (b) the probable length of trial; and (c) the availability of witnesses.
(b) proposed jury instructions, definitions—with each instruction and definition numbered, presented on a separate page, and supported by citations to authority—and a separate proposed verdict form;
(a) proposed questions for the venire panel;
- Document
- Proposed venire questions
Include
- •Proposed questions for the venire panel
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All documents must be filed electronically through CM/ECF, except unrepresented parties without CM/ECF access may file in person at the Clerk's Office.
All documents must be filed through the District Court's Case management/Electronic Case Filing ("CM/ECF") System. See Southern District Local Rule 5.1 and the District's Administrative Procedures for CM/ECF (available at www.txs.uscourts.gov). Parties who do not have counsel and are not granted access to CM/ECF may file their documents in person, at the Clerk's Office.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Applications for immediate relief must be filed electronically through CM/ECF.
Applications for immediate relief must be filed electronically through the CM/ECF system.
Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
In exceptional circumstances, copies of urgent documents may be hand-delivered to the Clerk's Office during regular business hours or emailed to the Case Manager.
In exceptional circumstances, copies of urgent documents can be hand-delivered to the Clerk's Office during regular business hours (see Emergencies, § 2 infra) or emailed to the Case Manager.
Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Responses to motions in limine are due no later than seven days after the joint pretrial order is filed.
Responses to motions in limine must be filed no later than seven days after the joint pretrial order is filed.
Page 11 | Other required documents
The joint pretrial order must be filed by the deadline specified in the Court's scheduling order.
The joint pretrial order must be filed by the deadline specified in the Court's scheduling order.
Page 11 | Required Pretrial and Trial Materials - Joint pretrial order
Trial notebooks and exhibit binders must be jointly submitted at least four days before the start of trial.
At least four days before the start of trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following
Page 12 | Trial notebooks and exhibit binders
Written objections to exhibits, supported by authority, must be filed at least 7 days before trial or listed exhibits may be offered in evidence.
Unless the Court otherwise directs, a party may offer in evidence any exhibits listed in the joint pretrial order unless the opposing party has filed specific written objections supported by authority at least 7 days before trial.
Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
All dispositive and non-dispositive motions, except motions in limine, must be filed by the motions deadline set in the scheduling order.
All dispositive and non-dispositive motions (except motions in limine) are due by this date
Page 16 | 4. Motions Deadline (Proposed Scheduling Order, Form A)
The plaintiff is responsible for filing the joint pretrial order by the court-set deadline.
The plaintiff is responsible for filing the pretrial order on this date.
Page 17 | JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER
Motions in limine must be filed by the same deadline as the joint pretrial order.
Motions in limine must also be filed by this date.
Page 17 | JOINT PRETRIAL ORDER
Exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order may be admitted at the Court's discretion unless written objections supported by authority are filed at least 7 days before trial.
At the Court's discretion, exhibits listed in the final Joint Pretrial Order may be admitted into evidence unless the opposing party files written objections, supported by authority, at least 7 days before trial.
Page 19 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
Objections to proposed video designations must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
Objections to the proposed designations (citing pages and lines) must include supporting authority must be filed at least 7 days before trial.
Page 20 | Witnesses
Urgent documents delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business day.
Documents delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business day.
Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Following the Court's examination, each side usually will be allowed to examine the panel briefly, provided that the proposed voir dire questions were properly and timely submitted on the same date as the joint pretrial order. See supra § 7(b)(i).
Following the Court's examination, each side usually will be allowed to examine the panel briefly, provided that the proposed voir dire questions were properly and timely submitted on the same date as the joint pretrial order. See supra § 7(b)(i).
Page 14 | 10. Voir Dire
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Counsel who require authentication of an opposing party's exhibits must give written notice to the opponent by the Local Rules deadline.
Counsel requiring authentication of an opposing party's exhibits must notify the opponent in writing within the time required by the Local Rules.
Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
Exhibits must be exchanged between the parties/counsel before the joint pretrial order is filed.
Exhibits must be exchanged between the parties/counsel before the joint pretrial order is filed.
Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
A party requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is listed and made available, or the failure may be deemed an admission of authenticity.
All parties requiring authentication of an exhibit must notify the offering counsel in writing within 7 days after the exhibit is listed and made available to opposing parties. Failure to do so may be deemed an admission of authenticity. See S.D. Tex. L.R. 44.1.
Page 19 | Exhibits and Exhibit Lists
Copies of urgent documents hand-delivered or emailed to the Court must be transmitted to all counsel of record.
Copies of any such documents must be transmitted to all counsel of record.
Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
A party requesting joinder must furnish a copy of the scheduling order to any newly added parties.
Party requesting joinder will furnish a copy of this scheduling order to new parties.
Page 16 | 1. Amendments to Pleadings and Addition of New Parties (Proposed Scheduling Order, Form A)
Additional trial witnesses must be reported to opposing counsel with names, addresses, and testimony subject matter as soon as known, except purely rebuttal or impeaching witnesses whose necessity or testimony could not reasonably have been anticipated before trial.
If any other witnesses are to be called at trial, their names, addresses, and the subject matter of their testimony must be reported to opposing counsel as soon as they are known. This restriction does not apply to a purely rebuttal or impeaching witness, but only if that witness's necessity or testimony could not reasonably have been anticipated before trial.
Page 20 | Witnesses
Courtesy Copy Requirements
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.
Page 13 | 9. Trial exhibits
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).
Page 12 | Required Pretrial and Trial Materials
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A party may provisionally file a document under seal only if it contemporaneously submits a motion for leave to file under seal, with the Court later deciding whether the document remains sealed.
Any party who wishes to file any document under seal may do so provisionally, but the party must also contemporaneously submit a motion requesting leave to file the document under seal. Upon resolving the motion for leave to file under seal, the Court will determine whether the document should remain under seal, either in whole or part.
Page 7 | 5. Motion Practice — c. Sealed documents
Parties may provisionally file documents under seal if contemporaneously submitting a motion for leave to seal; court determines final seal status and may direct filing of public redacted version.
Any party who wishes to file any document under seal may do so provisionally, but the party must also contemporaneously submit a motion requesting leave to file the document under seal. Upon resolving the motion for leave to file under seal, the Court will determine whether the document should remain under seal, either in whole or part. 2. Redacted versions. Where warranted, the Court may direct a party to file a public, redacted version of the document.
Page 7 | Sealed documents
The Court may direct a party to file a public, redacted version of a sealed document where warranted.
Where warranted, the Court may direct a party to file a public, redacted version of the document.
Page 7 | 5. Motion Practice — c. Sealed documents
Filing Bundling Requirements
All motions in limine must be filed along with the Joint Pretrial Order.
(Note that all motions in limine must filed along with the Joint Pretrial Order.)
Page 20 | Additional Required Attachments
Parties must jointly submit two sets of specified trial materials 4 days before trial, printed double-sided, in 4-inch or less binders with index and tabs.
At least four days before the start of trial, the parties must jointly submit two sets of each of the following, printed double-sided, placed in binders of 4-inches or less, and complete with an index and corresponding tabs: • the joint pretrial order; • the parties’ exhibit lists, witness lists, deposition designations, and the joint proposed jury charge and verdict form or proposed findings of fact or conclusions of law, whichever is applicable; and
Page 12 | Required Pretrial and Trial Materials
All motions in limine must be filed with the Joint Pretrial Order.
Note that all motions in limine must filed along with the Joint Pretrial Order.
Page 20 | Additional Required Attachments
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
If the parties cannot reach an agreement on discovery or scheduling issues despite conferring in good faith, they may seek a conference with the Court by filing a joint letter—labeled as motion for pre-motion conference—that cannot exceed three pages, identifying the disputes and issues to be addressed. See supra § 1(e). This is not a brief and should not set out case law or argument. The letter also must specify the date, time, and place
If the parties cannot reach an agreement on discovery or scheduling issues despite conferring in good faith, they may seek a conference with the Court by filing a joint letter—labeled as motion for pre-motion conference—that cannot exceed three pages, identifying the disputes and issues to be addressed. See supra § 1(e). This is not a brief and should not set out case law or argument. The letter also must specify the date, time, and place
Page 6 | 5. Motion Practice
Parties may not file discovery or scheduling motions without first engaging in the pre-motion conference process, after which the Court decides whether written submissions are needed.
The Court may opt to resolve the issues based on the letter alone or convene a pre-motion conference to address them. Either way, the Court will determine whether written submissions are necessary and, if so, the schedule for filing them. Parties cannot file motions seeking relief on discovery or scheduling issues without engaging in this pre-motion conference process.
Page 7 | 5. Motion Practice
Responses to motions are due before the motion is submitted on the 21st day after filing, replies are due within 7 days after the response, and further briefing requires leave of court and is disfavored.
Responses to motions, if any, must be filed before the motion is submitted to the Court on the 21st day after the motion is filed. Any reply must be filed no later than seven days after the response was filed. No further briefing is permitted without leave of Court. The Court disfavors requests for further briefing.
Page 9 | 5. Motion Practice
Telephone appearances prohibited at initial pretrial/scheduling conferences; initial conferences held by videoconference unless parties prefer otherwise.
No counsel can appear by telephone at the initial pretrial and scheduling conference. Unless counsel or the parties prefer otherwise, initial conferences will be conducted by videoconference.
Page 5 | Appearances and Conferences
Mandatory pre-motion conference required for discovery/scheduling disputes; joint letter (max 3 pages) must be emailed to Case Manager.
Mandatory pre-motion conference for discovery and scheduling disputes. Most discovery and scheduling disputes can—and should—be resolved by counsel without court intervention. Compromise is encouraged. If the parties cannot reach an agreement on discovery or scheduling issues despite conferring in good faith, they may seek a conference with the Court by emailing the Case Manager a joint letter that cannot exceed three pages, identifying the disputes and issues to be addressed. See supra § 1(e). This is not a brief and should not set out case law or argument. The letter also must specify the date, time, and place of the parties’ discussions, the
Page 6 | Motion Practice
Pre-motion conference required before filing discovery or scheduling motions; court resolves disputed issues, determines need for written submissions, and sets filing schedule.
To the extent possible, the disputed issues will be resolved at the pre-motion conference. At the conference, the Court will determine whether written submissions are necessary and, if so, the schedule for filing the submissions. Parties cannot file motions seeking relief on discovery or scheduling issues without engaging in this pre-motion conference process.
Page 7 | Motion Practice
Motion responses due 21 days after motion filing; replies due 7 days after response; no sur-replies permitted without court leave.
e. Deadlines for responses and replies. Responses to motions, if any, must be filed before the motion is submitted to the Court on the 21st day after the motion is filed. Any reply must be filed no later than seven days after the response was filed. No further briefing is permitted without leave of Court. The Court disfavors requests for further briefing.
Page 9 | Motion Practice
The Court may rule on a motion before the response filing deadline expires.
rule on a motion before the deadline for a response has expired.
Page 10 | Motion Practice
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial will not be continued due to witness unavailability; counsel must anticipate witness availability issues.
Trial will not be continued because a witness is unavailable. Counsel must anticipate such possibilities.
Page 5 | 3. Continuances
The Court will not continue a previously scheduled trial setting unless counsel has commenced trial in another court.
Unless counsel has commenced trial in another court, the Court will not continue a previously scheduled trial setting.
Page 13 | 8. Trial Settings
Joint continuance/extension motions are not binding; continuances granted only at Court’s discretion.
Agreements or joint motions among counsel or the parties for continuance or extensions of deadlines are not binding on the Court. Motions for continuance will be granted only at the Court’s discretion.
Page 4 | Continuances
Motions for extension of deadlines are not considered emergencies.
Motions for extension of deadlines, including those specified in the scheduling order, are not emergencies.
Page 4 | Emergencies
Trial settings are firm; continuances rarely granted for discovery disputes.
The Court’s trial settings are usually firm. Continuances will rarely be granted because of discovery disputes.
Page 4 | Continuances
Motions for extension of deadlines, including scheduling-order deadlines, are not considered emergencies.
Motions for extension of deadlines, including those specified in the scheduling order, are not emergencies.
Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
Trial settings are usually firm and continuances are rarely granted due to discovery disputes.
The Court's trial settings are usually firm. Continuances will rarely be granted because of discovery disputes.
Page 4 | 3. Continuances
Party agreements or joint motions for continuances or extensions are not binding; continuances are granted only at the Court's discretion.
Agreements or joint motions among counsel or the parties for continuance or extensions of deadlines are not binding on the Court. Motions for continuance will be granted only at the Court's discretion.
Page 4 | 3. Continuances
Parties may extend discovery beyond the scheduling order deadline by agreement without court permission.
The parties may, by agreement, continue discovery beyond the deadline.
Page 16 | 3. Discovery (Proposed Scheduling Order, Form A)
Chambers Communication Rules
All case-related telephone and email inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager. Do not contact the Court's law clerks or the Judge.
All case-related telephone and email inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager. Do not contact the Court's law clerks or the Judge.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Parties may never request relief by email to the Case Manager; such emails will be disregarded without notice.
Parties cannot, at any time, request relief by email to the Case Manager. Any such emails will be disregarded without notice.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence sent to the Case Manager must copy all counsel or pro se parties on the case to avoid ex parte communications.
All correspondence sent to the Case Manager must cc all counsel or pro se parties on the case. This is necessary to avoid ex parte communications.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
After filing an application for immediate relief, the party must contact the Case Manager to alert the Court.
Upon filing such an application, contact the Case Manager to alert the Court. See supra § 1(e).
Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
Emergency communications alerting the Case Manager must copy opposing parties or their counsel.
Any such communication must cc opposing parties or their counsel.
Page 4 | 2. Emergencies
Parties must email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form in Microsoft Word format.
Email the Case Manager electronic copies of the proposed jury charge and verdict form, in Microsoft Word.
Page 12 | Jury charge and verdict form
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
Page 1 | Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence to the Case Manager must cc all counsel or pro se parties to avoid ex parte communications.
All correspondence sent to the Case Manager must cc all counsel or pro se parties on the case. This is necessary to avoid ex parte communications.
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence with the Court must be sent to Case Manager Rachel Willborg via specified contact details.
Correspondence with the Court must be sent to the Case Manager as follows: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, TX 77002 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Filing questions must be directed to the Clerk’s Office.
Filing questions should be directed to the Clerk’s Office.
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Parties may not request relief by email to the Case Manager; such emails are disregarded without notice.
Parties cannot, at any time, request relief by email to the Case Manager. Any such emails will be disregarded without notice.
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
All case-related telephone and email inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager. Do not contact the Court’s law clerks or the Judge.
All case-related telephone and email inquiries should be directed to the Case Manager. Do not contact the Court’s law clerks or the Judge.
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone status inquiries about motions or cases.
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone or email inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Urgent documents may be emailed to the Case Manager in exceptional circumstances; copies must be sent to all counsel of record.
In exceptional circumstances, copies of urgent documents can be hand-delivered to the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours (see Emergencies, § 2 infra) or emailed to the Case Manager. Documents delivered or transmitted after 5:00 p.m. may not be reviewed until the next business day. Copies of any such documents must be transmitted to all counsel of record.
Page 4 | Contact with Court Personnel
The Case Manager is prohibited from providing legal advice or predicting Court decisions.
The Case Manager cannot provide legal advice or predict what the Court will do on a given matter.
Page 4 | Contact with Court Personnel
Applications for immediate relief must be filed via CM/ECF, then contact Case Manager with cc to opposing parties/counsel.
Applications for immediate relief must be filed electronically through the CM/ECF system. Upon filing such an application, contact the Case Manager to alert the Court. See supra § 1(e). Any such communication must cc opposing parties or their counsel.
Page 4 | Emergencies
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone or email inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
The Case Manager will not respond to casual telephone or email inquiries about the status of motions or cases.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Out-of-town counsel must email the Case Manager a written request as far in advance as reasonably possible to appear by telephone at conferences or hearings, and accommodation is discretionary.
Out-of-town counsel wishing to appear by telephone at other conferences or hearings must submit a written request by email to the Case Manager as far in advance of the conference as reasonably possible. See supra § 1(e). The Court will accommodate such requests, if feasible. The Court prefers, however, to set dispositive or contested motions for in-person or video hearings.
Page 5 | 4. Appearances and Conferences
Out-of-town counsel must email Case Manager in advance to request telephone appearance at conferences or hearings.
Out-of-town counsel wishing to appear by telephone at other conferences or hearings must submit a written request by email to the Case Manager as far in advance of the conference as reasonably possible. See supra § 1(e). The Court will accommodate such requests, if feasible. The Court prefers, however, to set dispositive or contested motions for in-person or video hearings.
Page 5 | Appearances and Conferences
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
Page 1 | Court Procedures
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725
Inquiries about any case pending before Judge Ho should be directed to: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, Texas 77002 Telephone: (713) 250-5725
Page 1 | Court Procedures
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court's discretion.
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court's discretion.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
All correspondence with the Court must be sent to Case Manager Rachel Willborg at 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525, Houston, TX 77002, or by email to Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov.
Correspondence with the Court must be sent to the Case Manager as follows: Rachel Willborg Case Manager to Judge Yvonne Ho 515 Rusk Street, Room 7525 Houston, TX 77002 Email: Rachel_Willborg@txs.uscourts.gov
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Questions about filing must be directed to the Clerk's Office.
Filing questions should be directed to the Clerk's Office.
Page 3 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
The Case Manager cannot provide legal advice or predict what the Court will do on a given matter.
provide legal advice or predict what the Court will do on a given matter.
Page 4 | 1. Contact with Court Personnel
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court’s discretion.
Email correspondence with the Case Manager may be docketed at the Court’s discretion.
Page 3 | Contact with Court Personnel
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
The Court invites requests for oral hearings on motions and will consider whether a hearing would give a less experienced attorney an opportunity to argue, encouraging senior counsel to give junior attorneys speaking roles.
The Court invites all counsel to request oral hearings on motions. The Court also encourages more experienced counsel and their clients to allow less experienced attorneys to have speaking roles in court, particularly if those attorneys drafted or contributed significantly to the underlying motion or response. When deciding whether to grant a request for an oral hearing on a motion that typically would be resolved on the briefs alone, the Court will take into consideration whether convening a hearing would provide an opportunity for a less experienced attorney to present argument.
Page 10 | 5. Motion Practice