Southern District of Texas

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At a Glance

Quick-reference summary of the most frequently needed rules for the Southern District of Texas. | Topic | Rule | Key...

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Judge-Specific Procedures

Every SDTX judge has individual procedures that supplement and sometimes modify local rules. Failing to check your...

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Divisions

SDTX is seven divisions spanning from Houston to Brownsville, covering 48 counties. Division assignment determined by...

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Filing & Service

All attorneys must e-file via NextGen CM/ECF. Text-searchable PDF, 5 MB max. Login/password = signature ("/s/" + typed...

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Formatting Requirements

SDTX has minimal district-wide formatting rules — no font or page/word limits in the Local Rules. Double-spaced, 8.5x11,...

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Briefing Schedule & Deadlines

Response due by submission day (21 days from filing). Reply within 7 days from date response filed. District-wide rules...

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Motion Practice

SDTX uses written-motion practice with no automatic oral hearings. Motions automatically submitted 21 days after filing...

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Discovery

SDTX district-wide discovery rules are spare — heavy lifting is the Joint Discovery/Case Management Plan at Rule 16...

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Removal

SDTX sees high removal volume from Texas state courts across 48 counties. LR 81 specifies exactly which documents to...

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Sealing

SDTX addresses sealed filings under LR 83.6. To file a sealed civil action, present application to clerk with complaint...

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