Electronic Submissions:  All parties, with the exception of pro se parties, shall file all documents, in both civil and criminal matters, via ECF. All papers electronically submitted shall, to the extent possible, be submitted in a text-searchable PDF format.

Courtesy Copies:  Two courtesy copies of the electronically filed/ECF stamped motion papers clearly marked “Courtesy Copy,” shall be mailed to Chambers within seven (7) days the papers are filed on ECF. All exhibits shall be clearly labeled, tabbed and bound. Paperclips, binder clips and rubber bands will not be accepted.

Faxes and/or Emails:  Parties must contact Chambers for approval before faxing or emailing any documents.  There is a three (3) page limit for all faxes unless otherwise approved by Chambers.

Extensions of Time on Consent:  All requests for extensions shall be filed via ECF and be accompanied by a proposed order. Any requests for extensions or adjournments shall indicate whether all parties consent.

Motions for Final Judgment by Default: All motions for final judgment by default pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 55(b)(2) shall include a brief which addresses each of the elements necessary to support the entry of a final judgment by default.

Civil Cases Filed on the Basis of Diversity Jurisdiction, 28 U.S.C. § 1332: Whether or not the Court issues an Order to Show Cause or other Order directing the filing of an amended pleading or removal petition on the issue of jurisdiction, the parties in all diversity cases are required to complete and file a Joint Certification of the Citizenship of the Parties within 30 days of the filing of a Notice of Removal, or where the Complaint is initially filed in this Court, 30 days after an answer, other responsive pleading, or motion has been filed. The Joint Certification is available here: https://www.njd.uscourts.gov/sites/njd/files/OHearnDiversityJurisdictionFormFillable.pdf. Prior to filing a new complaint or removing a case from state court, parties are advised to review the fourth page of the Joint Certification, which sets forth the law on how to properly plead the citizenship of individuals, various entities, and the amount in controversy.

Pretrial Submissions:  All pretrial submissions such as voir dire, jury instructions, and verdict sheets shall be sent via email to Haley_Minix@njd.uscourts.gov in Word format and courtesy copies shall also be provided to Chambers the same day.

Adjournments Requests for Hearings/Conferences:  Communications regarding scheduling and adjournments are handled by the Deputy Clerk, Haley Minix. If an adjournment is being sought, counsel shall first attempt to obtain consent from all parties and provide the Court with new dates upon which all parties are available. Absent exigent circumstances, adjournment requests made less than two days prior will not be granted.

Communications with the Court:  Please do not contact Chambers with legal or procedural questions that are covered by the Local Rules of this Court or the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. 

Communications with law clerks are limited to Chambers’ procedural matters only and not as to any substantive matters.

Oral Argument:  If the Court grants a request for oral argument or determines to hear argument when no request has been made, the parties will be notified via ECF. The Court is more likely to grant oral argument if a party represents, at the time of the filing of the request for argument, that a junior attorney (i.e. less than five years’ experience) will present the argument. A supervising attorney may attend to assist only if necessary.