judge console · S.D.N.Y.
S.D.N.Y. · Judge Hellerstein · Practice Guide

Hon. Alvin K. Hellerstein

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

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

Affidavit with good and specific reasons required; state if prior application made. Local Civil Rule 6.1(d) ↗

Contacting chambers
👤 Judge Hellerstein — standing order

§1.C: C. Telephone Calls. Phone calls are not permitted (i) to seek adjournments, (ii) for inquiries as to the status of a pending motion, (iii) for oral interpretation or clarification of written orders, or (iv) to seek guidance on procedures that are governed by these Individual Rules, the Local Rules of this Court, or the Federal Rules.

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

Memoranda of law in support of or in opposition to a motion limited to 25 pages; reply memoranda limited to 10 pages S.D.N.Y. L.R. 7.1(b) ↗

Opposition

8,750 words maximum for opposition brief. Local Civil Rule 7.1(c) ↗

Reply

3,500 words maximum for reply brief. Local Civil Rule 7.1(c) ↗

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

Opposition due 14 days after service; reply due 7 days after opposition. Local Civil Rule 6.1(b) ↗

Hearing days

Silent on fixed motion hearing days. The joint local rules establish no motion-day calendar. LCR 7.1 governs motion practice (content, formatting, and briefing deadlines) but sets no court hearing dates; any hearing is scheduled at each judge's discretion per their individual practices. Local Civil Rule 7.1 ↗

Proposed orders
🏛 S.D.N.Y. local rule

Proposed orders, judgments, and decrees must be presented as directed by the ECF rules published on the website of each respective court. Local Civil Rule 77.1 ↗

Filing under seal
👤 Judge Hellerstein — standing order

§4.A: A. Protective Orders. Court records and docket sheets are to be accessible to the public, and enjoy a presumption of openness to public inspection. The presumption is rebuttable upon demonstration that “closure is essential to preserve higher values and is narrowly tailored to serve that interest.” Bernstein v. 7 Bernstein Litowitz Berger & Grossmann LLP, 814 F.3d 132, 144 (2d Cir. 2016) (quoting In re N.Y. Times Co., 828 F.2d 110, 116 (2d Cir.1987)). No protective order shall be submitted that provides for sealing of documents or other information in connection with a submission to the Court, except following a motion supported by competent evidence showing that sealing is essential to preserve higher values and is narrowly tailored to serve that interest. All protective orders shall comply with this entire Rule 4, and are subject to ongoing review and reexamination by the Court.

The Hearing
Oral argument
🏛 S.D.N.Y. local rule

Motions are decided on submission unless the court schedules oral argument; contact chambers to request oral argument S.D.N.Y. L.R. 7.1(b) ↗

Discovery
Discovery referral procedure
🏛 S.D.N.Y. local rule

Must first request informal conference by letter before filing discovery motion. Local Civil Rule 37.2 ↗

Discovery dispute procedure
👤 Judge Hellerstein — standing order

§2.E: E. Disputes. Unless directed otherwise, counsel shall describe their disputes in a single letter, jointly composed. Separate and successive letters will be returned, unread. Strict adherence to the meet and confer rule is required and should be described in the joint submission as to time, place and duration, naming the counsel involved in the discussion. The Court will not resolve disputes not brought to its attention in conformity with this rule. 4 F. Courtesy Copies. Parties shall send to Chambers one courtesy copy of all pleadings, motions, and supporting papers, except motions for admission pro hac vice. In the event of an especially voluminous submission, and only with written approval from Chambers, parties may submit their exhibits by CD. In any event, courtesy copies are to be submitted without plastic covers.

Know Before You Go
👤 Judge Hellerstein — deviations that burn people
  • [RSRCH synthesis] Hard copy required for ALL letters to Chambers (§1.A -- unusual). Phone calls prohibited for adjournments, status inquiries, procedural guidance, and legal advice (§1.C). No pre-motion conference; letter motions and oppositions not accepted (§2.B -- unusual). No page limits imposed on briefs (§2.C -- unusual for SDNY). Joint discovery dispute letters only -- separate letters returned unread (§2.E). Conferences generally Fridays 10am after Answers filed (§2.A, remote). DO NOT call Chambers about adjournments or to confirm receipt (§1.D.i). ECF letters also require hard copy to Chambers by mail or fax (§1.B.ii).
content assembled from published local rules & standing orders · click any section in the rail for the full treatment