Judge Staci Williams
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
Filings > 25 pages
- Hand Delivery • 3 Business Days Before Hearing
- Three Business Days Before Hearing
Video Deposition Designations
Adjournments
- A Motion for Continuance should be filed as far in advance of trial as possible and be specific as to why a continuance is needed. If discovery has not been conducted, the parties must explain why and how such discovery is material to the case. Continuances will not be granted due to a party’s failure to schedule mediation prior to the trial date. Each request for continuance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, even if the motion is agreed to by all parties.
Request must include
Communication
Clerk, Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements5 rules
Please submit all media exhibits, such as audio recordings, videos, etc., on a thumb drive, or on an SD card, in .wav or .mp3 format ONLY.
Please submit paper exhibits, such as color photos, emails, letters, reports, etc., that are expected to be presented to the Court Reporter, on a thumb-drive, or on an SD card, in .pdf format ONLY.
- File type
- Exhibits
Please have all exhibits marked numerically or letters prior to going on the record.
fact and conclusions of law before the trial. These documents also should be emailed in WORD format to the Court Coordinator at 101court@dallascounty.org
- File type
- Word
- Jury instructions
- Proposed findings conclusions
Media exhibits, such as audio recordings, videos, etc., should be submitted on a thumb-drive, or on an SD card, in .wav, .mp3 or .mpeg formats ONLY.
Document Filing Requirements19 rules
Rule 106 motions for substituted service must be accompanied by an affidavit detailing service efforts, attempts, persons present, and proof of residence.
Court's wording
All motions for substituted service under Rule 106 must be accompanied by an affidavit that includes the following information: 1. All efforts taken to verify that defendant actually lives or works at the subject address; 2. Each attempt at service, with date(s) and time(s); 3. Identity of persons who were present at the subject address and what was said; and 4. A printout of some public record or PublicData.com or similar online database confirming that the person to be served actually resides at the address at which service is being attempted.
Each motion must comply with the Certificate of Conference requirements of the Dallas County Local Rules.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
All motions must be accompanied by a proposed order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
In multi-party cases, a motion for non-suit must identify the non-suiting party and the parties remaining in the active case.
Trial announcements are required even with a pending continuance motion and must state readiness, estimated trial length, and number of witnesses.
Court's wording
Trial announcements must be made, even if there is a pending Motion for Continuance. The trial announcement should state, ready or not ready. If ready, the announcement should provide the number of hours/days it will take to try the case and the number of witnesses etc.
Counsel withdrawing from a case must advise a corporate entity of its right to object and that only a Texas-licensed attorney may represent it in Court.
Court's wording
If counsel wishes to withdraw from a case, this Court strictly enforces Rule 10 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rule 4.02. o Contemporaneous with advising the corporate entity of its right to object to the withdrawal of counsel, counsel must advise the corporate entity that only an attorney licensed by the State of Texas can represent the corporate entity’s interest in Court.
The return of service must include a statement specifying the date and result of each mailing, both by certified mail and by regular first-class mail.
Court's wording
3. The return of service shall include a statement specifying the date of mailing and the result of the mailing by certified mail, and the date of mailing and result of same by ===== PAGE 2 ===== regular first-class mail (i.e., whether the envelope was returned by the post office, the green card was returned signed,
4. A copy of any envelope or green card returned by the post office shall be attached to the return of service.
It is highly recommended that all Rule 106 Motions be accompanied by the attached proposed form order. Failure to do so may delay the court’s granting of an otherwise proper motion.
The affidavit may include a statement of license plates in the driveway, and statements by neighbors or residents must include the declarant's full name and description.
Court's wording
This can also include a statement identifying license plates of cars in the driveway and attaching a printout of license plates registered to the person to be served. Statements by neighbors or by people residing in the abode must include the full name of the person and a description.
The Court requests that parties provide a proposed order which provides the relief counsel is requesting from the Court.
Include
- •Proposed order
Cases relied upon should be attached to the brief with relevant provisions highlighted.
Expedited hearing requests must explain the need, available dates/times for all parties, and time needed.
Court's wording
If there is a need for an expedited hearing, be prepared to explain the need for the "expedited" hearing, the dates, and times all parties are available for an expedited hearing, and the amount of time needed for such hearing.
If the continuance is granted, the parties must submit a revised scheduling order based on the new trial date.
Please have all exhibits marked numerically or with letters prior to going on the record.
Please include case number and style of the case in the subject line. In the body of the email, please also include the date of proceedings and which attorney/party they are being sent for.
Video deposition testimony must be provided to the reporter in MP4 format with an excerpt transcript; deposition testimony in lieu of live testimony requires a complete transcript with page and line designations.
Court's wording
If video deposition testimony will be offered in lieu of live testimony, please provide the reporter with the video cuts in (1) MP4 format and (2) the excerpt deposition transcript that reflects the video cuts. If deposition testimony will be offered in lieu of live testimony, please provide the reporter with the complete transcript with page and line designations.
The Court prefers that the brief be incorporated into the motion.
At pre-trial conferences, you will be dealing with Motions in Limine, witness lists, deposition designations and exhibits. The Court prefers that both sides exchange and discuss these items prior to the hearing and reach any agreements.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All filings must be e-filed; pro se parties may mail or file in person with the District Clerk.
Generally, no. All filings must be e-filed. If a party is pro-se, the filing may be mailed or filed in person with the District Clerk.
Civil cases
Page 3 | PLEADINGS & MOTIONS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The Requesting Party must notify the appointed Umpire within 7 days.
The Requesting Party shall notify the Umpire of this appointment within 7 days and the Umpire decision shall be due 30 days from below date.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Dallas County Umpire Request
A party must file a written objection to an associate judge hearing a trial on the merits within 10 days of receiving notice.
A party must file an objection no later than the 10th day after the date the party receives notice that the Associate Judge will hear the trial.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Omnibus Order of Referral
Daily copy and real-time transcripts must be requested at least 10 days in advance.
NOTE: Daily copy and real-time must be requested at least 10 days in advance and are dependent upon the court reporter’s workload and availability.
Page 1 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTERS’ RECORDS
A party may request a de novo hearing of an associate judge's decision within 7 working days of receiving notice.
However, a party may file a request for a de novo hearing of an Associate Judge's decision within seven working days of receiving notice of said decision.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Omnibus Order of Referral
Non-appeal transcripts have a normal turnaround time of 30 days from the date of the request.
Normal turnaround times for a non-appeal transcript is 30 days from the date of the request.
Civil cases
Page 10 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTER'S RECORD
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Substituted service may be made by leaving copies with anyone over 16 years of age at the address, or by firmly affixing copies to the front door or, if inaccessible, to the front gate of the defendant's last known abode.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that service of process may be made upon the Defendant, either: 1. By leaving a true copy of the citation, with a copy of the Petition,(INSERT OTHER ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS), and this Order authorizing substituted service attached, with anyone over sixteen (16) years of age at, ADDRESS; or 2. By firmly affixing a true copy of the citation, with a copy of the Petition, (INSERT OTHER ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS),and this Order authorizing substitute service attached, to the front door; if the front door is inaccessible, by attaching a true copy of the citation with copy of the Petition ,(INSERT OTHER ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS),and this Order authorizing substitute service attached, to the front gate of Defendant’s last known usual place of abode at ADDRESS.
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
Service is not deemed perfected unless copies are mailed to the defendant by both certified mail (return receipt requested) and regular first-class mail at the authorized address.
1. A copy of the citation, Petition, (INSERT OTHER ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS),and this Order shall be mailed by BOTH certified mail, return receipt requested, AND by regular first-class mail to the Defendant at the same address at which service is authorized above;
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
The return of service shall not be filed until 30 days after mailing or until the process server receives the signed green card back from the post office, whichever is earlier.
2. The return of service shall not be made until thirty (30) days after mailing or until the process server receives back the green card from the post office, whichever date is earlier;
Civil cases
Page 1 | ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
Service of process is deemed complete upon compliance with this order, regardless of whether the defendant signs the certified mail return receipt.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that service of process will be deemed complete upon compliance with this Order, regardless of whether Defendant signs the certified mail return receipt.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
The return of service shall otherwise be made in accordance with Rule 107 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that the return of service of the person executing service pursuant to this Order shall otherwise be made in accordance with Rule 107 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure.
Civil cases
Page 2 | ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR SUBSTITUTED SERVICE
Courtesy Copy Requirements
For Zoom hearings and bench trials, email all exhibits at least 24 hours prior to the proceedings.
Please email me all exhibits that will be used during the proceedings at least 24 hrs. PRIOR to the beginning of the proceedings.
Page 1 | PROCEDURES FOR ZOOM HEARINGS AND ZOOM BENCH TRIALS
Courtesy copies required for submissions over 25 pages, delivered to the Court no later than 3 business days before the hearing.
The Court requires courtesy copies if the total number of pages of the submission (motion and exhibits) is more than 25 pages. Courtesy copies should be delivered (not emailed) to the Court no later than three (3) business days before the scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | PLEADINGS & MOTIONS
Courtesy copies of documents over 25 pages must be submitted at least three business days before the scheduled hearing.
All courtesy copies of documents more than 25 pages must be submitted no later than three (3) business days before the scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 8 | TRIAL DOCKET
Exhibits for Zoom proceedings must be pre-marked and emailed to the court reporter at least 72 hours prior to the proceedings.
Any exhibits that need to be entered/used during the Zoom proceedings being held must be pre- marked and sent to me at TERRI.ETEKOCHAY@DALLASCOUNTY.ORGAT LEAST 72 hours PRIOR to the proceedings.
Civil cases
Page 9 | COURT REPORTER'S NOTICE TO ATTORNEYS - EXHIBITS
If video depositions will be played, provide designations/depositions in paper format along with the video.
If video deposition excerpts and/or entire video depositions will be played, please provide the designations/depositions in paper format along with the deposition video.
Page 1 | IN-PERSON HEARINGS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS FOR THE REPORTER’S RECORDS
For in-person matters, provide hard copies of all exhibits and digital media on the first day.
If your matter is in person, whether a hearing or trial, please provide hard copies of all exhibits on the first day, as well as any digital media.
Page 1 | IN-PERSON HEARINGS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS FOR THE REPORTER’S RECORDS
For hybrid Zoom pretrial/in-person jury trial, email exhibits and bring hard copies/media on first day of trial.
If your pretrial hearing is on Zoom, but will be in person for a jury trial, please email the exhibits and bring me the hard copies and/or media on the first day of trial.
Page 1 | PROCEDURES FOR ZOOM HEARINGS AND ZOOM BENCH TRIALS
Do not email exhibits if proceedings are in-person only.
I do not need them emailed IF we are only having in-person proceedings.
Page 1 | IN-PERSON HEARINGS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS FOR THE REPORTER’S RECORDS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties must discuss exhibits and motions in limine with opposing side beforehand to seek agreements.
Please discuss those exhibits and any motions in limine with the opposing side beforehand to see if any agreements can be reached that can shorten the pretrial.
Page 1 | PRETRIAL
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A Motion for Continuance should be filed as far in advance of trial as possible and be specific as to why a continuance is needed. If discovery has not been conducted, the parties must explain why and how such discovery is material to the case. Continuances will not be granted due to a party’s failure to schedule mediation prior to the trial date. Each request for continuance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, even if the motion is agreed to by all parties.
A Motion for Continuance should be filed as far in advance of trial as possible and be specific as to why a continuance is needed. If discovery has not been conducted, the parties must explain why and how such discovery is material to the case. Continuances will not be granted due to a party’s failure to schedule mediation prior to the trial date. Each request for continuance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, even if the motion is agreed to by all parties.
Civil cases
Page 6 | TRIALS
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must email trial announcements to the court from Thursday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. before the two-week trial docket.
Parties are expected to make their trial announcements via email at 101court@dallascounty.org , beginning all day on the Thursday before the beginning of the two-week trial docket and continuing until Friday at 11:00 a.m.
Civil cases
Page 8 | TRIAL DOCKET
Transcript requests must be made using the Request for Reporter's Records form and emailed to terri.etekochay@dallascounty.org.
Please download and fill out the “Request for Reporter’s Records” form and email ALL transcript requests to terri.etekochay@dallascounty.org.
Page 1 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTERS’ RECORDS
During a deposition, parties should contact the Clerk and Court Coordinator to reach the Judge immediately for discovery disputes.
During a deposition, the parties should contact the Contact the Clerk at (214) 653-7256 and Court Coordinator via phone 214) 653-6937 and email 101court@dallascounty.org. Specifically state that the parties are in a deposition and need the Judge immediately. The Judge will hear the dispute.
Civil cases
Page 3 | DISCOVERY
Contact the Clerk at (214) 653-7256 to schedule a hearing or place a motion on the Agreed Submission Docket.
Please contact the Clerk at (214) 653-7256 to schedule a hearing on a motion or to indicate that the parties have agreed to submit the motion on the Agreed Submission Docket.
Civil cases
Page 4 | PRE-TRIAL HEARINGS/HEARING DOCKET
Telephone appearances arranged via the Court Coordinator; telephonic hearings only permitted if no evidence or testimony will be presented.
Appearances by telephone should be arranged through the Court Coordinator via email at 101court@dallascounty.org. Telephonic hearings are only permitted if neither evidence nor testimony will be presented.
Civil cases
Page 4 | PRE-TRIAL HEARINGS/HEARING DOCKET
Counsel should notify the reporter as soon as possible if an accelerated or regular appeal will be filed so an invoice can be sent.
If an accelerated appeal or regular appeal will be filed, please let me know as soon as possible so that the appropriate invoice can be sent over.
Civil cases
Page 10 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTER'S RECORD
All transcript requests must be submitted via the Request for Reporter's Record form emailed to the court reporter.
Please download and fill out the "Request for Reporter's Record" form and email ALL transcript requests to me at TERRI.ETEKOCHAY@DALLASCOUNTY.ORG
Civil cases
Page 10 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTER'S RECORD
For status of motions, check online or email the court at 101court@dallascounty.org.
Check online at https://courtsportal.dallascounty.org/DALLASPROD/Home/Dashboard/29. Email the court: 101court@dallascounty.org
Civil cases
Page 3 | PLEADINGS & MOTIONS
fact and conclusions of law before the trial. These documents also should be emailed in WORD format to the Court Coordinator at 101court@dallascounty.org
fact and conclusions of law before the trial. These documents also should be emailed in WORD format to the Court Coordinator at 101court@dallascounty.org
Civil cases
Page 6 | TRIALS
If the pre-trial conference is expected to last longer than 1 hour, the parties should email the court coordinator at 101court@dallascounty.org and request a pre-trial conference.
If the pre-trial conference is expected to last longer than 1 hour, the parties should email the court coordinator at 101court@dallascounty.org and request a pre-trial conference.
Civil cases
Page 6 | TRIALS
Counsel should test presentation equipment compatibility in advance and email the court for technical issues.
Counsel are strongly urged to test their equipment for compatibility with the system well in advance of a hearing or trial. Please email the court at 101court@dallascounty.org
Civil cases
Page 7 | Audio/Visual Equipment
Contact the Clerk at (214) 653-7256 to schedule or cancel a hearing.
Contact the Clerk at (214) 653-7256 to SCHEDULE or CANCEL a HEARING.
Civil cases
Page 8 | TRIAL DOCKET
The Court maintains a wheel for court-appointed ad litems. Individuals wishing to serve as ad litem should send a resume and letter explaining their experience to 101court@dallascounty.org
The Court maintains a wheel for court-appointed ad litems. Individuals wishing to serve as ad litem should send a resume and letter explaining their experience to 101court@dallascounty.org
Civil cases
Page 8 | TRIAL DOCKET
Contact the Court Coordinator at (214) 653-6937 to schedule a trial.
Contact the Court Coordinator at (214) 653-6937 to schedule a TRIAL.
Civil cases
Page 8 | TRIAL DOCKET
Counsel should email the court reporter to arrange submission of exhibits too large for email transmission.
If there is an exhibit that is unable to be transmitted via email due to size, please email me so we can discuss how best to submit it.
Civil cases
Page 9 | COURT REPORTER'S NOTICE TO ATTORNEYS - EXHIBITS
Counsel should notify the reporter as soon as possible if real-time, daily copies, or rough drafts may be needed.
If you think you may need real-time, daily copies or rough drafts, please notify the reporter as soon as possible.
Civil cases
Page 10 | REAL-TIME/DAILY COPIES
Counsel should notify the reporter prior to the proceedings if an expedited hearing transcript will be needed.
If you believe a hearing transcript will need to be expedited, please inform the reporter, where possible, PRIOR to the proceedings.
Civil cases
Page 10 | TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS FOR THE REPORTER'S RECORD