Is it appropriate to telephone Chambers regarding questions of procedures on pending matters?

Yes.

Is it appropriate to telephone Chambers regarding the status of pending matters?

Yes.

What can an attorney do to call attention to a pending motion of a particular importance to expedite a ruling?

Write the Court a letter, copy opposing counsel.

How far in advance of a hearing should memoranda be forwarded to Chambers?

Atleast within 3 days before hearing.

Should courtesy copies of pleading and motions be forwarded to Chambers and if so, how far in advance?

Yes, atleast 7 days before hearing.

Should copies of cases cited in motions and memoranda be forwarded to Chambers?

No.

Do you object to cases printed in Westlaw of CD-Rom format rather than copied from a reporter?

No.

Is it appropriate to cite unpublished opinions in motions or memoranda?

Yes, but attach copy.

If copies of cases are submitted, do you accept copies which have portions highlighted by counsel?

Yes.

Is it appropriate to send notices, motions, supporting memoranda and draft orders via fax?

Yes.

Do you allow telephonic hearings and if so, what is the maximum length?

Yes. 10 minutes.

Do you have any special procedures for handling emergency motions?

File original with the Clerk. Clerk will forward tome for immediate consideration.

Will you entertain motions in limine prior to trial and, if so, how far in advance should they be filed and set for hearing?

Yes. 10 days.

In connection with preliminary injunctions, do you limit the hearing to argument of counsel; and if not, what are your procedures for the receipt of evidence during hearing on a preliminary injunction?

Yes, (with affidavits) - If needed, will request testimony.

What is your policy/practice regarding the use of alternative dispute resolution?

All cases referred to Mediation. Other aspects of ADR are encouraged.

Under what, if any, circumstances will you grant trial dates certain?

Date certains are given at pertrial conferences or soon thereafter.

If the case is not reached during the scheduled trail term, will the trial date be automatically rescheduled on your next trial docket? If no, what is your practice of procedure regarding scheduling trials which were not reached on the trial docket?

Yes.

Do you require trial briefs in jury trials?

No.

Do you require trial briefs in bench trials?

Yes.

What are your requirements for trial briefs?

Brevity.

When are trial briefs due?

3 days before trial.

Do you require prepared findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed in bench trials? If yes, when do you require the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed?

Yes. Usually, within 10 days after trial.

When do you require parties to file proposed jury instructions?

3 days before trial.

In multiple party cases, do you grant each party three peremptory challenges?

Yes.

In connection with opening statements, do you have any standard time limits imposed upon counsel? If yes, what are the time limits?

Yes. No more than 30 minutes, with exception of cause shown.

Can exhibits be used in opening statements?

yes, if no question that exhibit will be admitted.

Do you allow Plaintiffs to make a rebuttal during opening statements?

No.

Do you conduct evidentiary hearings on experts prior to trial?

Not usually.

What, if any, procedural requirements do you have relative to the use of videotapes, trial graphics, depositions and demonstrative aids?

None.

What, if any, procedures do you have concerning objections at trial?

Concise statement of legal objection.

Do you permit jurors to ask questions either orally or in writing?

Yes, in writing .

Do you allow jurors to take notes during trial?

Yes.

Should jury instructions also be submitted to Chambers on a computer disk?

Yes.

Should findings of fact and conclusions of law filed in connection with a civil bench trial also be submitted to Chambers on a computer disk?

Yes.

When a dispute arises during a deposition, is it appropriate to call Chambers to seek an immediate ruling?

That's fine.

Do you have any special procedures during voir dire?

Don't argue case.

Do you have any special procedures for back striking?

No.

Do you have any advice for new/inexperienced lawyers?

1. Prepare 2. Prepare