CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: On March 24, 2020, Chief Judge Wolfson signed Standing Order 2020-04, extending “all filing and discovery deadlines in civil matters that currently fall between March 25, 2020 and April 30, 2020” by forty-five (45) days. The order is self-executing and all applicable deadlines are extended 45 days. If any party believes there is cause to relax the order, they may make a letter application on notice to their adversary and the judge will address it accordingly.  Alternatively, the parties may stipulate to a briefing schedule sooner than the 45-day extension and submit the appropriate stipulation/order to the judge for consideration.

All Submissions: All submissions, including pleadings and correspondence, must be electronically filed via CM/ECF. Filings and submissions will not be accepted via fax or e-mail except as provided herein.

Pro se Filings: All filings by pro se litigants shall be mailed to or filed directly with the Clerk's Office. Documents mailed to the courthouse must be addressed to the Clerk's Office, NOT Judge Martinotti.

CM/ECF Filings: Pleadings, motions, and letters must be filed in searchable PDF format. Supporting documents, such as exhibits, may be filed in non-searchable PDF format.

Proposed Orders: If any relief is being sought, the CM/ECF filing must be accompanied by a proposed order in searchable PDF format.

Confidential Information: Any letter to be filed under seal or containing confidential or sensitive information may be e-mailed to chambers at njdnef_martinotti@njd.uscourts.gov as a PDF attachment with permission from the Court.

Courtesy Copies: Courtesy copies are no longer required, unless a motion is: (1) filed under seal; or (2) supported by exhibits exceeding 50 pages. Only in those instances shall the parties file one unredacted paper copy of any proposed orders, motion papers, briefs, and accompanying exhibits by regular mail to chambers, clearly marked “Courtesy Copy.” Paper submissions should be single-sided and should not be bound by plastic or velo-binding. Courtesy copies of letter correspondence are not permitted; all letter correspondence must be electronically filed via CM/ECF.

Communications With Chambers: Calls to chambers are permitted only in urgent situations that require immediate attention. All other communication with chambers shall be electronically filed via CM/ECF. Parties appearing pro se must file all documents, applications, and motions directly with the Clerk’s Office. E-mails to chambers at njdnef_martinotti@njd.uscourts.gov will be accepted in lieu of phone calls. E-mails may not contain substantive content regarding a case. Any substantive content received via e-mail without consent of chambers will be ignored.

Extensions of Time and Adjournments: If consented, may be done by consent order via CM/ECF. If not consented, follow the regular motion procedure. To adjourn a previously scheduled appearance, obtain consent from your adversary and provide chambers with new dates with CM/ECF, or contact the appropriate courtroom deputy as set forth below.

Appearances: Notice of any scheduled appearance, including but not limited to status conferences, settlement conferences, and oral arguments, will be posted on the docket. Where counsel is scheduled to appear in-person, all clients or representatives with settlement authority must be available by phone unless otherwise directed by chambers. The Court expects counsel to appear at least 15 minutes prior to any appearance.

Scheduling: For Trenton cases, please contact Dana Sledge-Courtney at the following email address: dana_sledge-courtney@njd.uscourts.gov, which is the preferred method. For Newark cases, please contact Lissette Rodriguez. Also, a detailed voice message may be left on her contact number, which is listed above.

Press Protocol: 

1. Compliance with the Judge, U.S. Marshals Service, Court Security Officers, and Court Staff is required at all times. They are charged with enforcing the Court Rules and ensuring Court Security, and any instruction from them supersedes the following rules.

2. Photography, use of audio or video recording devices, and use of broadcasting or televising devices are prohibited in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto.

3. Electronic devices having a primary function of wireless communication, including but not limited to cell phones, laptops, and tablets, are permitted in the courtroom but must be rendered inoperable. They need not be turned off, but they must be silenced and may not be used to transmit or broadcast audio or visual feeds, updates, or messages in any form. They may be used for the purpose of note-taking only.

4. Members of the press shall have their credentials visible at all times and, if necessary upon request, shall present them to Court staff for documentation.

5. Any persons in violation of these rules will have their devices confiscated and risk being removed from the courtroom or courthouse at the discretion of the Judge, U.S. Marshals Service of Court Security Officers.

6. If you would like more information, the rules governing media coverage and possession and use of electronic equipment can be found under Local Civil Rules 401.1 and 501.1, available on the Court's website. Any other specific requests or inquiries can be emailed directly to chambers at njdnef_martinotti@njd.uscourts.gov