Category: Northern District Practice Tips

If the brief is more than 10 pages.  See L.R. 7.2(d).

Not without leave of court:  “Except for the motions, responses, replies, briefs, and appendixes required by these rules, a party may not, without the permission of the presiding judge, file supplemental pleadings, briefs, authorities, or evidence.”  See L.R. 56.7.

Briefs cannot exceed 25 pages (excluding table of contents and table of authorities).  Reply briefs cannot exceed 10 pages.  Permission to file a brief containing excess pages will be granted by the presiding judge “only for extraordinary and compelling reasons.”  See L.R. 7.2(c).  Principal summary judgment briefs cannot exceed 50 pages, and summary judgment replies…

Only if directed by the presiding judge:  “Unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge, oral argument on a motion will not be held.”  See L.R. 7.1(g).

14 days from the date the response is filed:  “Unless otherwise directed by the presiding judge, a party who has filed an opposed motion may file a reply brief within 14 days from the date the response is filed.”  See L.R. 7.1(f).

21 days from the date the motion was filed:  “A response and brief to an opposed motion must be filed within 21 days from the date the motion is filed.”  See L.R. 7.1(e).

Generally yes, if it is opposed:  “An opposed motion must be accompanied by a brief that sets forth the moving party’s contentions of fact and/or law, and argument and authorities, unless [the opposed motion is one to amend, for a continuance, to extend time, or to substitute counsel].  A response to an opposed motion must…

“Except for an opposed motion that is submitted on paper, each motion must be accompanied by a proposed order that is set forth separately.  An agreed proposed order must be signed by the attorneys or parties.”  See L.R. 7.1(c).

Motions to dismiss, motions for judgment as a matter of law, motions for judgment on the pleadings, motions for a new trial, and motions for summary judgment.  See L.R. 7.1(h).

If a conference is required in connection with a motion, a certificate of conference must be included.  The certificate of conference must (i) indicate that the motion is unopposed or opposed; (ii) if the motion is opposed, the certificate must state that a conference was held, indicate the date of conference and the identities of…