Category Archives: Northern District Practice Tips

“Unless exempted by LR 83.11 [which deals with attorneys appearing on behalf of the United States Justice Department or the Attorney General of the State of Texas], local counsel is required in all cases where an attorney appearing in a case … Continue reading →

“Unless the presiding judge otherwise directs, during a trial or hearing, attorneys must:  (a) stand when making objections or otherwise addressing the presiding judge; (b) use the lectern while examining or cross-examining witnesses; (c) when examining a witness, refrain from … Continue reading →

Not without the presiding judge’s permission:  “A party, attorney, or representative of a party or attorney, shall not, before or after trial, contact any juror, prospective juror, or the relatives, friends, or associates of a juror or prospective juror, unless … Continue reading →

It depends on your presiding judge’s requirements, which can be found here.

“Unless the presiding judge otherwise directs, all sealed documents maintained on paper will be deemed unsealed 60 days after final disposition of a case.  A party that desires that such a document remain sealed must move for this relief before … Continue reading →

“A party may file under seal any document that a statute or rule requires or permits to be so filed.”  “If no statute or rule requires or permits a document to be filed under seal, a party may file a … Continue reading →

Typically, one per party:  “Unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge, or permitted by law, a party may file no more than one motion for summary judgment.”  See L.R. 56.2(b).

A motion for summary judgment must, (i) on the first page, under the heading “summary,” contain a concise statement that identifies the elements of each claim or defense as to which summary judgment is sought, (ii) contain the legal and/or … Continue reading →

Typically, 14 days after the clerk enters judgment:  “A party awarded costs by final judgment or by judgment that a presiding judge directs be entered as final under Fed. R. Civ. P. 54(b) must apply to the clerk for taxation … Continue reading →

File a motion for continuance:  “A motion for continuance of a trial setting must be signed by the moving party as well as by the party’s attorney of record.  Unless the presiding judge orders otherwise, the granting of a motion … Continue reading →