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

Yes, if the question pertains to a procedure that is not addressed in the applicable rules of procedure or administrative orders.

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

Yes. If a matter has been pending a ruling for 30 days or more, it is appropriate to request a status conference.

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

The request for an expedited ruling should be made in the motion, with specificity, or at a hearing on the motion.

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

At least 48 hours (2 business days.)

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

Upon setting a hearing, a courtesy copy of the motion and notice of hearing should be forwarded to chambers.

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Is it appropriate to cite unpublished opinions in motions or memoranda?

Yes, however copies of any unpublished opinion should be provided to the court and opposing counsel.

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

Yes, provided that the copies for opposing counsel are also highlighted.

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

Faxes are accepted upon the condition that a copy of the correspondence or pleading is subsequently mailed or hand-delivered.

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

Yes, as provided for in the Rules of Judicial Administration. The maximum length is 15 minutes. No telephonic hearings are allowed on the Uniform Motion Calendar docket.

Do you have any special procedures for handling emergency motions?

A copy of the emergency motion with supporting affidavits, and attachments must be submitted to my chambers for consideration. If the motion is deemed an emergency, a hearing is scheduled within 3-7 days.

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 - motions in limine may be field and heard up to 30 days before the pre-trial conference.

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?

Hearings on preliminary injunctions, with notice, are not limited to argument of counsel. Any evidence that conforms to the evidence code may be admitted.

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

Mediation is mandatory and can not be waived by the parties, without court order.

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

Trials are only set during a trial term, which may be one or two weeks.

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?

No. A new trial date is scheduled based upon the Court's trial schedule and the availability of counsel and the parties.

Do you require trial briefs in jury trials?

No.

Do you require trial briefs in bench trials?

No.

What are your requirements for trial briefs?

If trial briefs are submitted, they should include legal argument and copies of cases cited therein.

When are trial briefs due?

Trial briefs shall be filed at least 48 hours before the commencement of the 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?

No, they are not required. However, in many cases they are helpful to the Court. Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law should be filed two (2) business days before the trial.

When do you require parties to file proposed jury instructions?

Proposed jury instructions shall be filed on the first day of trial.

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

Yes, unless the parties stipulate to a lesser number of peremptory challenges.

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?

A limited number of demonstrative aids may be used in opening statements, upon prior court approval.

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

No.

Do you conduct evidentiary hearings on experts prior to trial?

Yes, upon motion of a party.

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

The use of these items is governed by the civil rules of procedure, rules of evidence and local rules of this circuit.

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

No speaking objections are allowed.

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

Jurors may submit written questions which are then reviewed by the Court and all counsel. No oral questions are permitted.

Do you allow jurors to take notes during trial?

Yes.

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

A hard copy and computer disk of the jury instructions should be provided to the Court on the first day of trial.

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?

Yes, if the dispute constitutes an emergency. Otherwise a motion should be filed and set for hearing.

Do you have any special procedures during voir dire?

No.

Do you have any special procedures for back striking?

Back striking of potential jurors is allowed until the jury is sworn.

Do you have any advice for new/inexperienced lawyers?

Always be prepared and professional.