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Middle District of Florida |
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| Location of Chambers:
United States Courthouse |
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| Phone Number:
904-301-6560 |
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| Assigned Courtroom:
Rm 4D |
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| 1. | Staff: |
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| Judicial Assistant:
Edrie Brown |
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| Courtroom Deputy:
Ray Readdick |
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| Law Clerk(s):
Jodie Hollingsworth |
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| 2. | Is it appropriate to telephone Chambers regarding questions of procedure on pending matters?
Yes
Comments:
To the law clerk on procedural matters. |
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| 3. | Is it appropriate to telephone Chambers regarding the status of pending matters?
No
Comments:
Review the case docket on-line. Then, if necessary call the case manager in the clerk's office. |
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| 4. | Should courtesy copies of pleadings and motions be forwarded to Chambers?
Yes
Comments:
Only in emergency matters where the original was filed electronically. |
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| 5. | When should legal memoranda be filed in support of or in opposition to motions?
Non-standard issues. If you file one, do so at least five days before the hearing. |
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| 6. | a. Should copies of cases cited in motions and memoranda be forwarded to Chambers?
No
Comments:
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| b. If copies of cases are submitted, is it appropriate to highlight portions of cases?
Comments:
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| 7. | a. Is it appropriate to cite unpublished opinions in motions or memoranda?
Yes
Comments:
If you give me a copy. |
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| b. If so, should they be attached to the motions or memoranda?
Yes
Comments:
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| 8. | Under what conditions do you allow telephonic hearings?
On non-evidentiary matters on a case by case basis. |
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| 9. | a. What do you consider to be an emergency matter?
Submit motion and certificate of necessity and judge will review. |
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| b. How does one request emergency relief?
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| 10. | a. Would you entertain motions in limine prior to trial?
Yes
Comments:
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| b. If you will consider motions in limine prior to trial, how far in advance should they be filed?
As far in advance as possible. |
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| 11. | What are your procedures concerning ex parte temporary restraining orders?
We follow the procedures set forth in the local rules and bankruptcy rules. |
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| 12. | a. What is your policy/practice regarding the use of alternative dispute resolution devices such as court-annexed, non-binding arbitration and mediation, and do you have a preferred method of alternative dispute resolution?
Mediation (but not non-binding arbitration) is encouraged. I will readily grant motions by either party seeking mediation. |
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| b. Will you refer settlement negotiations to another bankruptcy judge?
Yes
Comments:
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| 13. | When a dispute arises during a deposition, is it appropriate to call Chambers to seek an immediate ruling?
Yes
Comments:
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| 14. | a. Do you grant trial dates certain?
Yes
Comments:
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| b. If not, what is your policy regarding notice of being called for trial during a trial docket (e.g., 48 hours)?
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| 15. | Do you require trial briefs?
Yes
Comments:
For any trial scheduled for over three hours. |
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| 16. | Do you require proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed?
Yes
Comments:
If I elect to have the parties submit briefs or memoranda of law in lieu of oral argument at the conclusion of a trial or hearing, I require proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. |
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| 17. | Should trial briefs and/or proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law be submitted to Chambers on a computer disk?
No
Comments:
E-mail the document in microsoft word to my law clerk at Jodie_Hollingsworth@flmb.uscourts.gov |
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| 18. | Do you prefer opening statements?
Yes
Comments:
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| 19. | Do you conduct Daubert hearings prior to trial?
Comments:
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| 20. | What is your procedure for the use of videotapes, trial graphics, depositions, and demonstrations?
The procedure must be arranged in advance with the courtroom administrator on a case by case basis. |
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| 21. | For which matters is the use of negative notice acceptable?
See Local Rule 2002-4. |
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| 22. | How does a litigant obtain a hearing date?
File a motion and the Court will schedule a hearing. |
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| 23. | How does one know if a hearing is to be evidentiary (if Fed.R.B.P. 9014(e) has not been implemented)?
An evidentiary hearing will be noticed as evidentiary. Otherwise, hearings are deemed preliminary. |
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| 24. | What are your requirements for proposed orders?
See Local Rule 9072-1 and my practice guidelines on the Court's web-site at www.flmb.uscourts.gov. |
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| 25. | Do you have a policy on continuances and enlargements of time (e.g., hearing required)?
No |
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| 26. | Under what circumstances do you require the debtor's attendance at a hearing?
When the debtor is subpoenaed, ordered by the Court, or required by local rule. |
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| 27. | Do you grant pro hac vice admission on oral request at hearings?
I deal with such requests on a case by case basis. |
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| 28. | What is your practice or policy when counsel fails to serve opposing parties with motions within the times set forth in the rules or your orders?
I deal with it on a case by case basis. |
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| 29. | What is your practice or policy when counsel fails to provide opposing counsel with copies of proposed exhibits prior to hearing or trial?
I deal with it on a case by case basis. |
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| 30. | Please indicate any pet peeves of which you would like the Federal Bar to be aware.
An attorney's failure to let his or her client know that a hearing has been resolved and that the client need not attend the hearing. |
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