Judge Rutherford discourages counsel and self-represented parties from contacting chambers other than through the ECF System. Except in rare emergencies, or unless otherwise directed by the Court, do not email the Court or any court staff. Furthermore, parties may not bring the Court procedural or scheduling questions that can be addressed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Local Civil Rules for the Northern District of Texas, the Court's Scheduling Order, or any prior Court order entered in the case. The Court's staff will not discuss any substantive aspects of a specific case, the status of a pending motion, give legal advice, opine on the Court's preferences in a motion to the Court, or predict what the Court will do on a given matter. If there are extenuating circumstances regarding a pending motion that should be brought to the Court's immediate attention, please electronically file an appropriate notice or request for relief via the ECF System.

Yes

Movants should submit proposed orders via the Court's Electronic Case Filing system.

Parties must not unreasonably file pleadings, motions, or other papers under seal. Rather, the parties must attempt to file unsealed as much of a pleading, motion, or other paper as they reasonably can without undermining the protections conferred by any applicable protective order. Private or sensitive information, including social-security numbers, taxpayer-identification numbers, financial-account numbers, minors' names, and dates of birth, should be redacted from any document filed with the Court.

Judge Rutherford routinely sets discovery motions for hearing on an expedited basis. She allows oral argument on nondiscovery motions on a case-by-case basis. Counsel should advise the Court if they believe oral argument would be particularly helpful in a given matter.