Judge Xavier Rodriguez
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Emergency Motions
Adjournments
- Trial date modification requests must be in writing before discovery deadline.
- Trial continuance requests must be in writing with opposing counsel conference; hearing if no agreement.
- Trial date modification requests must be in writing with opposing counsel conference.
- +3 more
Request must include
- Failure to serve a defendant within 90 days will trigger a notice to show cause why the case or defendant should not be dismissed.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits4 rules
Without leave of Court, any brief or memorandum less than 30 pages may be submitted.
- Brief
- Fewer than 30 pages
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Any brief or memorandum less than 30 pages may be submitted.
- Brief
- Fewer than 30 pages
Counsel are normally afforded 20-30 minutes per side to make an opening statement.
Judge conducts principal voir dire; attorneys get 20 minutes for follow-up questions.
Court's wording
The Judge will conduct the principal voir dire. Attorneys may submit written questions in advance. On completion of the general voir dire, the Judge typically allows attorneys to ask follow-up questions (a time limit of 20 minutes per side is usually imposed).
Document Format Requirements10 rules
Exhibits are to be placed in three-ring binders. The binders should be labeled with the style of the case, case number, and whether the binder is “Plaintiff’s Exhibit Notebook” or “Defendant’s Exhibit Notebook.” The first page in the binder should have the style of the case, case number, and “Plaintiff’s/Defendant’s Exhibit Notebook.” The next page should be the exhibit index. Each exhibit should be tabbed for ease of locating that exhibit. Special exhibit labels are not necessary; you may use the standard “Plaintiff/Defendant Exhibit” labels. Provide one set of exhibits for the judge and one set for use by witnesses on the witness stand.
- Binding
- Three-ring binder
Formatting
- •Binders must be labeled with case style, number, and party designation
- •First page must contain case information and notebook designation
- •Exhibit index required as second page
- •Each exhibit must be tabbed
- •Standard 'Plaintiff/Defendant Exhibit' labels acceptable
Tardiness. Attorneys talking too fast and upsetting the Court Reporter. Not immediately notifying the Court that a motion is unopposed (or that portions of a motion are uncontested).
Formatting
- •Avoid tardiness
- •Speak at appropriate pace for Court Reporter
Court accepts electronic trial exhibits for JERS system.
Formatting
- •Electronic format required for JERS system
- •Instructions available separately
Court's wording
The court has the ability to receive all trial exhibits in electronic format. The jury is then able to review the admitted exhibits during deliberations using the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS). Instructions on how to submit exhibits in the appropriate electronic format may be found here.
Judge conducts principal voir dire; attorneys may submit written questions and ask 20-minute follow-up questions.
Formatting
- •Judge conducts principal voir dire
- •20-minute limit for attorney follow-up questions
Court's wording
The Judge will conduct the principal voir dire. Attorneys may submit written questions in advance. On completion of the general voir dire, the Judge typically allows attorneys to ask follow-up questions (a time limit of 20 minutes is usually imposed).
Yes. Documents may be submitted in Word.
- File type
- Word
Counsel are normally afforded 20-30 minutes to make an opening statement.
Attorneys are required to wear standard business attire. For men, this includes a coat and tie. Otherwise, see Local Rule AT-5.
Formatting
- •Standard business attire required
Trial will normally convene at 9:00 a.m. and adjourn around 5:00 p.m., recessing for lunch between 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.
If a motion or response contains numerous exhibits, consider delivering a "hard copy" to Chambers. Briefs or motions on CD with hyperlinks to cases or exhibits are also accepted. To the extent possible, scanned documents should be made searchable through optical character recognition (OCR) before electronic filing.
Formatting
- •OCR recommended for scanned documents
Document Filing Requirements55 rules
Nongovernmental corporate parties must file Rule 7.1 disclosure statement with first filing and supplement if information changes.
Court's wording
Any nongovernmental corporate party must file its Fed. R. Civ. P. 7.1 Disclosure Statement with its first appearance, pleading, petition, motion, response, or other request addressed to the court. If any required information changes, any nongovernmental corporate party must promptly file a supplemental statement.
If not already exchanged, the parties must serve the Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures on each other no later than 14 days from the date this Order is signed.
- Document
- Initial disclosures
Must include
- •Rule 26(a)(1) initial disclosures
Court requires parties to confer and submit proposed scheduling order
Court's wording
The Court will send the parties an order requiring them to confer and submit a proposed scheduling order to the Court. Failure to submit a proposed scheduling order will result in the Court issuing its own order.
The party removing the action from state court should ensure that all documents previously filed in state court are attached to the removal documents. A copy of the state court docket sheet should be included.
- Document
- Removal documents
Should include
- •State court docket sheet
The parties’ Rule 26(f) written report outlining their proposed discovery plan should be filed at the same time the parties submit their proposed scheduling order.
Parties must re-urge any motion that was filed in state court.
Except in categories of proceedings exempted from initial disclosure under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)(E), the parties must, as soon as practicable and in any event at least 21 days before a proposed scheduling order is due, confer to consider all matters required by Rule 26(f).
A Final Joint Pretrial Order is required. A listing of items required to be included are specified in the Scheduling Order.
Throughout the discovery process, counsel must observe the standards of litigation set forth in Local Rule AT-4.
The court will sign voluntary dismissals so long as such dismissals resolve all issues.
Objections to PSIR/Guideline Worksheet first go to Probation Officer, then Sentencing Memorandum if unresolved.
- Document
- Sentencing memorandum
Must include
- •Unresolved objections
- •Authorities relied upon
- •Sentencing recommendations
Court's wording
Objections to the Presentence Investigation Report or Guideline Worksheet shall be submitted to the Probation Officer. If the Probation Officer does not modify the PSIR or Guideline Worksheet and the objection remains unresolved, Counsel shall file a Sentencing Memorandum outlining the unresolved objection, any authorities relied upon and sentencing recommendations for the Court's consideration.
Trial exhibits must be marked and exchanged 3 days before trial, but not delivered to court until trial starts.
- Document
- Trial exhibit
Must include
- •Exhibit number
Court's wording
All exhibits, except those offered solely for impeachment, that a party intends to offer at trial must be marked before trial with an exhibit number, and be exchanged with opposing parties at least 3 days before the date of the trial setting. Unless the court advises the parties otherwise, however, they must not deliver trial exhibits, or the court's copies of such exhibits, to the court before the date the trial actually commences.
As part of the Sentencing Memorandum, counsel may submit exhibits/letters. The Sentencing Memorandum should be filed with the Clerk's Office as least 3 days prior to any sentencing hearing. Counsel shall provide a copy of the Sentencing Memorandum to the U. S. Probation Officer and opposing counsel.
- Document
- Sentencing memorandum
Must include
- •Exhibits or letters
Motions for leave to file an amended pleading should include a redline comparison of the proposed amended pleading against the previous version.
- Document
- Motion to amend
Should include
- •Redline comparison
Depositions must be provided to Courtroom Deputy before trial; objections with authority due 3 business days before trial.
Court's wording
Before trial, counsel must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a copy of all depositions to be used as exhibits at trial. Counsel will designate the portion of any deposition to be read by citing pages and lines. Objections to those portions (citing pages and lines) with supporting authority must be filed at least three (3) business days before trial.
Yes, copies of cases should be attached to briefs or motions, and copies from electronic databases are acceptable with pertinent parts highlighted.
Letter briefs should not be submitted.
• Do not submit a response and a motion together in one document. • Motions to Suppress should contain a background statement of uncontested facts. • Any request that a trial date be modified must be made in writing. • A motion in limine must be confined to matters actually in dispute.
Motions to Dismiss and Motions for Summary Judgment should contain a background statement of uncontested facts.
- Document
- Motion to dismiss
Should include
- •Background statement
Only with permission. The proposed questionnaire should be provided to the Court as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days before trial.
A motion in limine must be confined to matters actually in dispute.
- Document
- Motion in limine
Must include
- •Confined to matters actually in dispute
Do not submit a response and a motion together in one document.
Counsel should thoroughly confer with their clients BEFORE the rearraignment regarding any plea. Plea agreements should be completely signed (and copies provided to the Courtroom Deputy) well in advance of the hearing.
Do not combine a motion to dismiss and an answer in one document.
Yes. Parties may file a motion for leave of court to submit supplemental briefing.
- Document
- Supplemental briefing
May include
- •Motion for leave
Exhibits returned at trial conclusion; counsel must sign inventory and preserve exhibits for appeal.
Court's wording
At the conclusion of trial, the Courtroom Deputy will approach counsel and return all exhibits. Counsel will be required to sign an Inventory of Exhibits. Counsel are responsible for maintaining exhibits in an unaltered and safe manner for appeal.
Deposition procedures require 3 business days for objections and copies to Courtroom Deputy.
Court's wording
The Court will accept the parties' agreement to use a deposition at trial even though the witness is available. Otherwise, parties must follow Fed. R. Civ. P. 32. Before trial, counsel must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a copy of all depositions to be used as exhibits at trial. Counsel will designate the portion of any deposition to be read by citing pages and lines. Objections to those portions (citing pages and lines) with supporting authority must be filed at least three (3) business days before trial. Use of videotape depositions is permitted to the extent the parties agree on admissibility or edit to resolve objections.
For individuals, pleading residence is insufficient; the notice of removal must plead their citizenship.
“A party seeking to establish diversity jurisdiction must specifically allege the citizenship of every member of every LLC or partnership involved in a litigation.”
In a diversity removal, the removing party must properly plead all parties’ citizenship to demonstrate complete diversity.
Court's wording
If this case has been removed on the basis of diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, the removing party has the burden to demonstrate that there is complete diversity by properly pleading the citizenship of all parties.
When members or partners are themselves entities or associations, citizenship must be traced through however many layers of members/partners there are until arriving at the entity that is not a limited liability entity or partnership and identifying its citizenship status.
Any motion filed in the state court before removal that still requires resolution in this Court must be re-filed as a new motion in this Court.
The advisory must state whether the case was removed from one of the listed counties and, if not, identify the county of removal.
Court's wording
(d) Was this case removed from one of the following counties: Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Real, or Wilson. If no, state what county it was removed from.
(a) The date on which the removing party was served with a summons and petition. If the Notice of Removal is filed more than thirty days after this date, explain why. If removal is based on “other paper,” identify the paper (provide it if not already provided) and state the date on which it was received.
The removing party must allege both a corporation’s state of incorporation and its principal place of business.
(c) Identify any defendant who had been served prior to the time of removal who did not formally join in the notice of removal and the reasons therefor (provide copies of written consents, if any, if not already on file).
(b) Identify whether any defendants who had been served prior to the time of removal are citizens of Texas.
Unnecessary discovery or unreasonable delay may subject the infracting party to sanctions and the payment of costs.
Counsel for all parties and all pro se parties should cooperate fully in the discovery process and make all reasonable discovery available to the requesting party. Excessive discovery or resistance to reasonable discovery will not be tolerated.
Counsel for all parties and all pro se parties should cooperate fully in the discovery process and to make all reasonable discovery available to the requesting party. Excessive discovery or resistance to reasonable discovery will not be tolerated. Throughout the discovery process, counsel must observe the standards of litigation set forth in Local Rule AT-4. Unnecessary discovery or unreasonable delay may subject the infracting party to sanctions and the payment of costs.
- Document
- Discovery
Must include
- •Reasonable discovery
Parties should exchange demonstrative aids intended for jury use.
Court's wording
To avoid bench conferences in a jury trial, the Court recommends that parties exchange any item that a party intends to use in the presence of the jury as a demonstrative aid, regardless whether the party intends to move its admission in evidence.
If the members of an LLC or partners of a partnership are unknown to the removing party even after a diligent investigation, the removing party may allege its citizenship on information and belief.
The Court will not sua sponte remand on the basis of a procedural defect.
Court encourages filing stipulated order under Rule 26(c) regarding inadvertent production of privileged documents.
Court's wording
The Court encourages the parties to consider filing a proposed agreed order, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c), that a party does not waive the attorney-client privilege or the attorney work- product privilege by inadvertently producing privileged or work-product documents.
The court will approve, in most instances, an agreed modification. If it is not agreed to, the opposing party should file a response to any motion to modify.
Preliminary/ intermediate status conferences after scheduling order; final pretrial conference 10 days before trial
Court's wording
After a scheduling order is issued, the judge will conduct a preliminary pretrial conference or intermediate status conferences. A final pretrial conference will usually be conducted approximately ten (10) days prior to the date that trial is expected to begin.
Parties may agree to mediation at any time; court appoints mediator if parties cannot agree
Court's wording
At any time the parties believe it may be beneficial to participate in a non-binding mediation, they may agree to do so. Parties are encouraged to agree upon a mediator. If the parties cannot agree to a mediator, the Court will appoint a mediator.
The parties must advise the district clerk of their respective positions concerning referring the case to a magistrate judge for jury or nonjury trial by consent, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 636(c).
Motions in limine and objections to exhibits will be heard and ruled upon at that time.
Pleas of guilty and motions for appointment, withdrawal or substitution of counsel may be referred.
All parties should comply with the General Order of Discovery. In addition, parties are encouraged to also use the discovery checklist provided by Local Rule CR-16.
A general scheduling order and trial date is entered by the Court immediately after the case has been assigned to Chambers.
Demonstrative aids for jury should be exchanged to avoid bench conferences.
Court's wording
To avoid bench conferences during a jury trial, the Court recommends that parties exchange any item that a party intends to use in the presence of the jury as a demonstrative aid, regardless of whether the party intends to move its admission in evidence.
Court accepts electronic trial exhibits via JERS system for jury review.
- Document
- Trial exhibit
Include
- •Electronic format
Court's wording
The court has the ability to receive all trial exhibits in electronic format. The jury is then able to review the admitted exhibits during deliberations using the Jury Evidence Recording System (JERS). Instructions on how to submit exhibits in the appropriate electronic format may be found here.
Before doing so, the removing party should consult the sources at its disposal, including court filings and other public records to ensure good faith pleading.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The required supplement must be filed electronically.
The supplement is to be filed electronically
Civil cases
Page 1 | NOTICE TO REMOVING DEFENDANT(S)
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
If citizenship has not been properly pleaded, the removing party must amend or supplement the notice of removal within 14 days of the Order.
The removing party shall ensure that they have properly pled the citizenship of all parties in this case as outlined below, and shall file an amended notice of removal or supplement their original notice of removal within 14 days of this Order if they have not.
Civil cases
Page 1 | NOTICE TO REMOVING DEFENDANT(S)
Removing parties must electronically supplement the record within 14 days with all state-court pleadings and the complete state-court file, including the docket sheet.
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1447(b) and the Fact Sheet for Judge Xavier Rodriguez (available at https://www.txwd.uscourts.gov), if not already done, the removing party(ies) shall, within fourteen days of this Order, supplement the record with all state court pleadings. The supplement is to be filed electronically and shall include a copy of the complete file, including the docket sheet, in this cause from the court from which this case was removed.
Civil cases
Page 1 | NOTICE TO REMOVING DEFENDANT(S)
The removing party must submit an advisory answering the listed questions within seven days.
SUBMIT AN ADVISORY TO THE COURT WITH ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS WITHIN 7 DAYS:
Civil cases
Page 2 | NOTICE TO REMOVING DEFENDANT(S)
Plaintiffs must move to remand based on procedural defects within 30 days after the notice of removal is filed.
Plaintiff(s) must file a motion to remand based on any procedural defects in removal within thirty days of the filing of the Notice of Removal. 28 U.S.C. § 1447(c).
Civil cases
Page 2 | NOTICE TO PLAINTIFF(s)
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Plaintiff must serve any defendant who has not yet been served, including the removing defendant, under Rule 4.
If any Defendant has not yet been served (including the removing Defendant), Plaintiff must serve them pursuant to Rule 4.
Civil cases
Page 2 | NOTICE TO PLAINTIFF(s)
Rule 4 applies to service of process in a civil action after removal from state court.
Rule 4 applies to a civil action after it is removed from state court.
Civil cases
Page 2 | NOTICE TO PLAINTIFF(s)
Failure to serve a defendant timely may result in dismissal under Rule 4(m).
Failure to timely serve a defendant may result in dismissal pursuant to Rule 4(m).
Civil cases
Page 2 | NOTICE TO PLAINTIFF(s)
Filing Fees and Waivers
IFP applications are referred to a Magistrate Judge for disposition of the fee waiver, appointment of counsel, and e-filing permission, with a recommendation on dismissal under §1915(e)(2).
With the exception of those cases listed in paragraph (2) any case in which an application to proceed in forma pauperis has been made shall be referred a Magistrate Judge for the Austin Division for disposition of the application to proceed in forma pauperis, for disposition of any pending motions for appointment of counsel and for permission to file electronically, and for prompt recommendation if it appears from the initial pleadings that the case should be dismissed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e)(2).
Page 1 | Referral of IFP Applications to Magistrate Judge
The IFP referral order does not apply to incarcerated applicants, conditions-of-confinement challenges, habeas petitions, or Social Security Administration appeals.
This Order does not apply to those cases where the applicant (a) is incarcerated, (b) is challenging the conditions of his confinement when he was incarcerated, (c) is seeking habeas relief, or (d) is appealing a decision of the Social Security Administration.
Page 1 | Exceptions to Referral
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies required only for emergency motions.
Only for emergency motions.
Civil cases
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Compliance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 5.2 regarding redaction of certain material is mandatory.
Counsel are reminded that, with regard to any paper that is filed, compliance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 5.2 is mandatory. Accordingly, counsel should ensure that appropriate redactions are made.
Civil cases
Page 2 | REDACTION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Rule 26(f) conference must be held within 14 days, preferably face-to-face unless attorneys are in different cities.
If not already held, the parties must conclude the Rule 26(f) conference no later than 14 days from the date this Order is signed. Unless attorneys reside in different cities, the Court expects that the Rule 26(f) conference will be conducted in a "face-to-face" session.
Civil cases
Page 1 | RULE 26 ATTORNEY CONFERENCE
Twombly motions and motions for more definite statement should be filed sparingly and do not stay discovery unless court orders otherwise.
Twombly motions (motions to dismiss for failure to state a claim) and motions for more definite statement generally lack merit and should be filed sparingly. Because motions under Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(b)(6) and Rule 12(c) have become routine practice, the filing of such motions does not stay discovery and will not otherwise delay progress of the case pending a ruling on the motion, unless the party filing the motion obtains a court order otherwise.
Civil cases
Page 2 | RULE 12 MOTIONS
No conference required on motions except discovery matters; General Order governs discovery.
No, except on discovery matters. The Court enters a General Order regarding Discovery very early in the case. That Order requires various discovery disclosures to be made without the necessity of any written motion. No “routine” discovery motions should be filed, unless the General Order of Discovery has not been complied with.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Procedures Specific to Criminal Cases
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Failure to serve a defendant within 90 days will trigger a notice to show cause why the case or defendant should not be dismissed.
Failure to serve a defendant within 90 days will trigger a notice to show cause why the case or defendant should not be dismissed.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Dismissal of cases for want of prosecution
Trial date modification requests must be in writing with opposing counsel conference.
Any request that a trial date be modified must be made in writing. The opposing side must be conferred with regarding the continuance of a trial. If there is an agreement, the Court normally approves a continuance. If there is no agreement, a response indicating the grounds for opposition should be filed.
Civil cases
Dispositive motions ruled on as far in advance as possible; trial continued if not addressed.
As far in advance as possible, but if the court cannot address the motion, it will usually continue the trial setting.
Civil cases
Trial date modification requests must be in writing before discovery deadline.
Any request that a trial date be modified must be made in writing to the judge before the deadline for completion of discovery.
Civil cases
Yes.
Yes.
Civil cases
Trial continuance requests must be in writing with opposing counsel conference; hearing if no agreement.
Any request that a trial date be modified must be made in writing. The opposing side must be conferred with regarding the continuance of a trial. If there is an agreement, the Court normally approves a continuance. If there is no agreement, a hearing is held.
Civil cases
Extensions to answer complaint require agreed motion; discovery extensions can be stipulated.
Extensions to answer a complaint require an agreed motion and proposed order. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 6. Otherwise, discovery extensions may be stipulated to between the parties without any need for court approval.
Civil cases
Chambers Communication Rules
Call chambers or Courtroom Deputy in emergencies
Please call Chambers at (210) 472-6575 or Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov
Civil cases
Page 1 | Contacting the Court
Immediately notify Courtroom Deputy after TRO filing; provide electronic copy to adverse party
After the TRO has been filed with the Clerk's office and the matter has been assigned to this Court's chambers, immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy. Use every reasonable effort to provide notice to the adverse party that the TRO has been filed and provide a copy of the TRO to the opposing party by electronic (e-mail) delivery. Parties should comply with Fed. R. Civ. P. 65 and Local Rules.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
For expedited relief motions, notify Courtroom Deputy immediately after filing and provide copy to opposing party by email.
After the motion has been filed with the Clerk’s office, immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy, Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov. Use every reasonable effort to provide notice to the adverse party that the motion has been filed and provide a copy of the motion to the opposing party by electronic (e-mail) delivery.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Contacting the Court
Emergency contact via phone to Chambers or Courtroom Deputy.
Please call Chambers at (210) 472-6575 or Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Contacting the Court
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez for bringing own equipment at (210) 472-6550 Ext. 5011 or sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Yes, contact should be made with Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Bringing Own Equipment
Email Courtroom Deputy; faxes not accepted
Yes. Email Sylvia Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov. The Court cannot accept faxes.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Contacting the Court
Law clerks may be contacted for procedural questions only
An attorney may address a procedural question that cannot be answered by the federal rules of procedure, local rules, or the judge's scheduling order to the Law Clerk. Please do not call the judge's staff to inquire about substantive issues.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Contacting the Court
Parties may contact court during depositions only for immediate attention
Yes, but only in circumstances that necessitate the Court's immediate attention.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Must immediately notify court when case has been settled.
Not immediately notifying the Court that the case has been settled.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Special practices or procedures
Must immediately notify court when motion is unopposed or portions are uncontested.
Not immediately notifying the Court that a motion is unopposed (or that portions of a motion are uncontested).
Civil cases
Page 10 | Special practices or procedures
Initial pretrial conference scheduled after proposed scheduling order; motion may be filed for immediate conference.
An initial pretrial conference pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16 will be scheduled after the Court receives the parties’ proposed scheduling order. However, if a party believes that a conference with the Court is needed on a more immediate basis to resolve any discovery or case management issues, the party should file a motion with the Court requesting a pretrial conference.
Civil cases
Page 1 | INITIAL PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
Contact Courtroom Deputy Sylvia Ann Fernandez for scheduling matters
Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov
Civil cases
Page 1 | Contacting the Court
The Law Clerk should be notified at (210) 472-6575 immediately upon resolution of the pending motion.
The Law Clerk should be notified at (210) 472-6575 immediately upon resolution of the pending motion.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Contact assigned Law Clerk for expedited hearing requests
Contact the Law Clerk assigned to the case.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Contact assigned Law Clerk for non-substantive matters or case settlements
If an attorney wishes to contact the Court regarding a non-substantive matter or to inform the Court that the case has settled or a pending motion has been resolved, the attorney should contact the Law Clerk assigned to the case.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Contacting the Court
Courtroom Deputy Sylvia Ann Fernandez should be notified prior to the hearing or trial as to what equipment is needed.
Courtroom Deputy Sylvia Ann Fernandez should be notified prior to the hearing or trial as to what equipment is needed.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Facilities and Technology
Court reporter uses Real Time; contact Amber Nino at (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5037 for rough transcripts
Yes. Parties can contact the court reporter, Amber Nino at (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5037.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Facilities and Technology
Courtroom has internet access; arrangements must be made ahead of time
Yes, there is internet access, but arrangements must be made ahead of time.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Facilities and Technology
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez for equipment delivery arrangements
Parties should contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Facilities and Technology
Notify Courtroom Deputy when criminal motion is resolved.
Notify Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Contacting the Court
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Contact Sylvia Ann Fernandez, Courtroom Deputy, (210) 472-6550, Ext. 5011, sylvia_fernandez@txwd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
Page 12 | Contacting the Court
Additional technology details in Courtroom Technology Guidance document.
See Courtroom Technology Guidance.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Additional Technology
Courtroom has white erase board and document presenter, no chart stand, video equipment per guidance.
White Erase Board Yes Chart stand: No Document presenter: Yes Video equipment: See Courtroom Technology Guidance.
Civil cases
Page 14 | Available Equipment