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

No.

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?

If a motion involves an issue which needs an expedited ruling, it is best to point this out at the time of the motion hearing.

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

One week.

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

Yes, copies should be filed simultaneously with the notice of hearings.

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

Yes

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Is it appropriate to cite unpublished opinions in motions or memoranda?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

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, however a hard copy is preferable.

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

Typically, telephonic hearings should be limited to fifteen minutes and non-contested matters.

Do you have any special procedures for handling emergency motions?

Emergency motions should be filed with the Clerk and then a copy with a cover letter hand-delivered to my judicial assistant.

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, If the motions are not heard prior to the pre-trial, then hearing time will be scheduled at pre-trial.

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?

Whether or not evidence is received during a temporary injunction hearing is dependent upon the issues in the case. The best practice is for counsel to discuss the issues and jointly calendar ample time for the court to consider both argument and evidence if needed.

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

All cases must be mediated before trial.

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

* All cases are initially placed on a trial block. If a case is not reached during the initial trial block, then it will be given priority consideration for trial on the next available block.

If the case is not reached during the scheduled trial 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?

* See above.

Do you require trial briefs in jury trials?

No. If the issues require a trial brief then the parties are typically advised of this requirement at the pre-trial conference.

Do you require trial briefs in bench trials?

No.

What are your requirements for trial briefs?

N/A

When are trial briefs due?

N/A

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?

No.

When do you require parties to file proposed jury instructions?

On the first day of trial.

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

The number of peremptory challenges is dictated by the rules of civil procedure.

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

No.

Can exhibits be used in opening statements?

Demonstrative aides can be used during opening statements.

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

No.

Do you conduct evidentiary hearings on experts prior to trial?

Frye hearings may be conducted prior to trial in some instances.

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

Procedural requirements may vary depending upon the issues in the case. Consequently, the requirements are addressed at the pre-trial conference.

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

--

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

Yes.

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?

No.

Do you have any special procedures during voir dire?

The procedures for voir dire are addressed at the pre-trial conference.

Do you have any special procedures for back striking?

No.

Do you have any advice for new/inexperienced lawyers?

Preparation, professionalism and candor will take you far.