3. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS (CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES). The parties and counsel are directed to Local Civil Rule 7-19. Ex parte applications are for extraordinary relief only. Where appropriate, the movant shall serve the opposing party by electronic filing (see Local Rule 5-3.2.1); otherwise, the party seeking relief shall serve by email, fax, or personal service. The party seeking relief must also notify the opposing party that any opposition must be filed no later than 24 hours after service. Absent leave of court, replies are not permitted.

8. APPEARANCE OF COUNSEL (CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES). Lead trial counsel is expected to appear at all conferences and hearings, including motion hearings. Special appearances are not permitted, and only counsel of record may appear. In situations in which one attorney makes a telephone appearance, but his or her co-counsel is present in Court, only one of the two may address the substance of any matter pending before the Court.

29. NO CONTACT WITH CHAMBERS. Parties and counsel shall direct their communications to the CRD rather than chambers. The Courtroom Deputy Clerk ("CRD") reviews emails sent to this address. Neither Judge Staton nor members of chambers staff review these communications directly. Unless counsel or parties have been expressly authorized to communicate with chambers, all appropriate oral and written communications are to be submitted to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

19. SETTLEMENT OF CIVIL CASES. The parties are to advise the Court promptly when a settlement is reached. In an ordinary civil case, upon being advised that the parties have reached a resolution as to all parties and all claims, the Court will issue an order staying all proceedings pending a stipulation of dismissal by the parties. No stay will be issued for "tentative" settlements or settlements "in principle." The parties are expected to finalize the terms of the settlement and file a stipulation of dismissal within thirty days of the entry of the Court's stay order.

8.c. Limitations on Briefing. Limitations on the length of briefs are specified in Local Civil Rule 11-6.1. A certification of compliance is required as set forth in Local Rule 11-6.2. In addition, because reply briefs should by their nature be shorter than motion and opposition briefs, the Court imposes an additional limitation on reply briefs, limiting those to 4,200 words rather than 7,000 words. Only in rare instances and for good cause shown will the Court grant an application to extend these page limitations. No supplemental briefs may be filed without prior leave of court.

8.c. Limitations on Briefing. Limitations on the length of briefs are specified in Local Civil Rule 11-6.1. A certification of compliance is required as set forth in Local Rule 11-6.2.

8.c. Limitations on Briefing. Because reply briefs should by their nature be shorter than motion and opposition briefs, the Court imposes an additional limitation on reply briefs, limiting those to 4,200 words rather than 7,000 words.

7. LENGTH AND FORMAT OF MOTIONS AND PROFFERED EVIDENCE (CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES). Additionally, Local Rule 11-3 governs the format of documents presented to the Court, including the specifications regarding font size (Rule 11-3.1.1) and spacing (Rule 11-3.6). Documents submitted for filing in paper format or as mandatory chambers copies need not be blue-backed in the manner specified in Local Rule 11-3.5.

8.a. Time for Filing and Hearing Motions. Motions shall be filed in accordance with Local Rule 7.

8.a. Time for Filing and Hearing Motions. Motions shall be filed in accordance with Local Rule 7. This Court hears motions on Fridays, beginning at 10:30 a.m. It is not necessary to clear a hearing date with the Court Clerk before filing a motion in a civil motion. Counsel must check the Court's website for Closed Motion Dates.

Yes

Mandatory Chambers Copies. Notwithstanding Local Civil Rule 5-4.5, and in the absence of a case-specific order to the contrary, the Court does not require mandatory chambers copies in any case. This provision applies equally to civil and criminal cases. Additionally, paper copies of documents to be filed under seal (and supporting applications and declarations) need not be provided.

2. PROPOSED ORDERS (ALL REQUESTS FOR RELIEF). Whether related to ex parte applications, stipulations, motions, or any other request for relief, the parties must prepare, lodge and email proposed orders setting forth the relief they seek. See Local Rule 5-4.4. A word processing version of the proposed order must be emailed to the chambers address. See Local Rule 5-4.4.2. Although Local Rule 5-4.4.2 allows for another format, proposed orders emailed to Judge Staton's chambers address must be in Microsoft Word format.

Silent on ecf stamp requirements.

III. FILE A PROPERLY SUPPORTED APPLICATION (L.R. 79-5.2.2(a)). A properly supported application usually consists of five documents: three documents filed publicly and two documents filed non-publicly. Public documents: Application for Leave to File Document Under Seal; Public Redacted Version of the Document to be Filed Under Seal; Proposed Order. Non-public documents: Declaration in Support of Filing Under Seal; Unredacted Version of Document to be Filed Under Seal (confidential portions highlighted in yellow).

5. CIVIL MOTIONS. The Court may resolve civil motions on the parties' written submissions, without oral argument. If the Court does not believe that oral argument will be helpful, the Court will advise the parties in advance. Unless the Court orders otherwise, civil motions will proceed IN PERSON. Telephonic or video conference appearances by counsel are disfavored and require truly exceptional circumstances.

Silent on tentative rulings. Not applicable: federal court does not issue tentative rulings.

Silent on tentative ruling prohibition. Not applicable: federal court does not issue tentative rulings.

Absent extraordinary circumstances, all hearings before the Court are conducted in person. Requests to appear by telephone or Zoom videoconference must be made by filing an application no fewer than five days in advance of the hearing. Sending an email to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk ("CRD") is NOT the proper way to request to appear by telephone or by Zoom and does not excuse the in-person appearance by a party or by counsel.

17. CONTINUANCES IN CIVIL CASES. After the Court issues a scheduling order, continuances in civil cases are granted only upon a showing of good cause. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b)(4). Applications or stipulations for continuances must be supported by detailed declaration attesting to the grounds for continuance. Parties and counsel must in all instances demonstrate good cause; they may not simply stipulate that good cause has been shown. The Court does not modify Scheduling Orders to accommodate mediation or settlement negotiations, which occur in every case.

6.a. Discovery Matters Referred to Magistrate Judge. All discovery matters have been referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge, who will hear all discovery disputes. Any party may move for review and reconsideration of a discovery ruling within fourteen days after such ruling. See Local Rule 72-2.

12. DISCOVERY MOTIONS IN A CIVIL CASE. All discovery motions in civil cases are to be calendared before the magistrate judge. Parties and counsel are directed to the procedures for discovery motions set forth in Local Rule 37 and are advised to consult the procedures page of the magistrate judge assigned to their case. Discovery motions must be filed no later than ten days after the discovery cut-off date.