For legal professionals, especially those like Roger Nord Lawyer Virginia, navigating court procedures and adhering to judges’ specific requirements is crucial for effective case management. Submitting unnecessary documents not only wastes valuable resources but also burdens the court system. This guide clarifies the requirements for chambers copies in Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ court, ensuring Virginia attorneys are well-informed and compliant.
When Are Chambers Copies Necessary?
Generally, according to Civil Local Rule 5-1(d)(7), you should not submit chambers copies unless explicitly required by the assigned judge’s standing order or specifically requested by the judge. It’s essential to always check the standing orders of the assigned judge, as these can include additional requirements or differ from the local rules. Crucially, a judge’s standing order always supersedes the local rules if there’s any disagreement.
Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ Standing Orders: Key Points for Virginia Lawyers
Judge Gonzalez Rogers has specific standing orders for civil and criminal cases, which Virginia attorneys must carefully follow. These orders outline when and how chambers copies should be submitted to her court.
Standing Order in Civil Cases
- Exemption for Self-Represented Litigants: It’s important to note that these requirements do not apply to self-represented litigants.
- Page Limit: For filings exceeding 15 pages (including exhibits and attachments), a chambers copy is required. This applies to both electronically filed and manually filed documents at the Clerk’s Office.
- Submission Deadline: The chambers copy must be submitted to the Clerk’s Office, clearly marked with the case number and “YGR Chambers Copy,” by 12:00 noon the second business day after the document is filed. Overnight delivery services like Federal Express or UPS are acceptable for submission.
- Formatting Requirements:
- 3-Hole Punch: All chambers copies must be 3-hole punched in the left margin for binder placement.
- Tabs and Fastening: Exhibits must be separated by tabs, and pages within individual documents should be fastened together to distinguish between separate documents. Avoid using bottom tabs as they are not binder-friendly.
- Summary Judgment Motions: For summary judgment motions and oppositions (including briefs, separate statements, declarations, exhibits, and supporting documents), the filing party must provide chambers copies in 3-ring binders with tabs separating documents. Submitting reply documents in binders is optional. This binder requirement does not extend to habeas corpus petitions or summary judgment motions in ERISA or Social Security cases.
- Administrative Motions to Seal: For motions to seal, parties must provide chambers copies of unredacted documents with proposed redactions highlighted. Redacted versions should not be submitted as chambers copies.
- Rejection for Non-Compliance: Chambers copies failing to meet these requirements may be rejected, requiring resubmission.
- Electronic Submissions: For motions with voluminous evidence citations, electronic copies of briefing with hyperlinks to evidence (on flash drives or removable media) are encouraged. Parties can request to submit electronic copies instead of paper copies.
Standing Order re: Pretrial Instructions in Civil Cases
Judge Rogers also has specific requirements for trial readiness filings.
Trial Readiness Filings and Binder
- Joint Trial Readiness Binder: Parties must file the listed documents and deliver two copies of a JOINT TRIAL READINESS BINDER to chambers.
- Binder Deadline: The binder is due by noon, no less than seven (7) days before the Pretrial Conference, giving the Court sufficient preparation time.
- Binder Content: Joint Trial Readiness Binders should contain copies of filed documents, including the ECF header showing the docket number and filing date.
- Updated Documents: Parties are responsible for providing two copies of revised or updated trial documents for insertion into the Court’s Trial Readiness Binders, using labeled tabs to identify additions and updated indexes if applicable.
Motions In Limine
- Separate Binder: Chambers copies for Motions In Limine must be provided in a separate binder titled “MOTIONS IN LIMINE.”
- Binder Collation: Opposition papers should follow motion papers within this binder.
- Binder Deadline: This binder is due no later than noon, seven (7) days prior to the Pretrial Conference.
- Binder Content: Include copies of motions and oppositions with the ECF header showing the docket number and filing date.
Standing Order in Criminal Cases
- General Requirement: Unless specifically ordered otherwise, chambers copies are required for all documents filed in criminal cases, whether electronically or manually.
- Submission Procedure: Submit chambers copies to the Clerk’s Office in an envelope marked with the case number and “YGR Chambers Copy” by 12 noon the second business day after filing. Overnight delivery is acceptable.
- Formatting Requirements: The formatting rules for criminal cases mirror those for civil cases:
- 3-hole punched in the left margin.
- Tabs between exhibits and fastened pages within documents.
- Rejection possible for non-compliant submissions.
Delivery Address
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Conclusion
For attorneys practicing in Virginia, including professionals like Roger Nord lawyer Virginia, understanding and adhering to Judge Gonzalez Rogers’ standing orders regarding chambers copies is essential for smooth court operations and effective legal representation. By carefully reviewing and complying with these requirements, legal professionals can ensure their filings are properly processed and avoid potential delays or rejections. Always consult the most recent standing orders to stay updated on any changes or specific requirements for each case.
