judge console · S.D. Fla.
S.D. Fla. · Judge Lett · Practice Guide

Hon. Enjolique A. Lett

All local rules for S.D. Fla., integrated with this judge's published requirements.

Before You File
Ex parte applications
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Include 'ex parte' in title and explain reasons for ex parte treatment; filing restricted from public view (public docket reflects only that a restricted filing was made) S.D. Fla. L.R. 5.4(d)(1) ↗

Contacting chambers
👤 Judge Lett — standing order

Counsel may contact chambers, including the courtroom deputy and/or the law clerks, about procedures specific to Judge Lett. Chambers will not answer questions regarding substantive matters pertaining to the case or procedures that the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and/or the Local Rules for the Southern District of Florida otherwise govern. Likewise, chambers will not provide advice on legal questions. Absent a true emergency, counsel of record shall not contact chambers to ask questions concerning the status of pending matters. When contacting chambers, please be ready to provide the case number and presiding Judge so that we may better assist you. Except for any confidential statements submitted pursuant to the Court's Order Scheduling Settlement Conference, any communications via email should copy all counsel of record or any pro se parties, as applicable. Any proposed orders or scheduling matters can be communicated via email to Lett@flsd.uscourts.gov.

Drafting the Motion
Length limits — motion, opposition, reply
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule
Motion

20 pages maximum for motion and incorporated memorandum S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(2) ↗

Opposition

20 pages maximum for opposing memorandum S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(2) ↗

Reply

10 pages maximum for reply memorandum S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(2) ↗

Filing & Scheduling
Briefing schedule & hearing date
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule
Notice period

Opposition due 14 days after service; reply due 7 days after opposition S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(c)(1) ↗

Hearing days

No hearing held unless set by the court S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(b)(1) ↗

Proposed orders
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Required for listed routine motions and for all emergency, ex parte, and TRO motions; Word format emailed to chambers per CM/ECF Admin. Procedures §3I(6) S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(a)(2) ↗

The Hearing
Oral argument
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Request hearing within motion or opposition in a separate titled section S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(b)(2) ↗

Discovery
Discovery referral procedure
🏛 S.D. Fla. local rule

Discovery motions may be referred to and heard by the assigned magistrate judge S.D. Fla. L.R. 7.1(b)(3) ↗

Discovery dispute procedure
👤 Judge Lett — standing order

Model A -- No motion without leave. Written discovery motions are not permitted without leave of Court. Court issues standing discovery order upon referral with specific procedures.

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Lett — deviations that burn people
  • - Model A -- Written discovery motions filed without leave will be stricken.
  • - Electronic equipment for hearings: file motion at least 72 hours in advance; schedule equipment test 24 hours before by contacting chambers.
  • - Next-gen lawyers: a party should advise the Court prior to the beginning of the hearing if a lawyer of 5 or fewer years of experience will be arguing the matter. In that event, the Court will allow multiple lawyers to argue on behalf of that party.
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment