Henry Lee Adams Jr.
District Judge
The following information was provided in response to a survey prepared by the Federal Court Practice Committee of The Florida Bar. This information is not binding on any judge or court official and may not be relied upon for precedential purposes. Further information may be found in the attachments (sample orders, etc.) referenced at the end of this Guide entry or on the court's website noted below.
Judge
Name of Court:
Middle District of Florida
Location of Chambers:
311 North Hogan Street., Suite 11-200 Jacksonville, Florida 32202-4245
Assigned Courtroom:
10A
Phone:
904-549-1930
Chambers Staff
Judicial Assistant/Secretary:
Mary Oliver
Courtroom Deputy:
Paula Goins
Phone:
904-549-1902
Communication with Chambers
Do you permit contact with chambers regarding questions of procedure?
No
Do you permit contact with chambers regarding the status of pending matters?
Yes
Pretrial Procedure (Criminal)
Do you conduct preliminary pretrial conferences in criminal cases?
No
Do you conduct hearings on pretrial motions to dismiss or to sever?
Yes
What is your policy concerning nolo contendere or Alford pleas?
None
What is your policy as to plea agreements that involve sentencing recommendations?
None
Pretrial Procedure (Civil)
Do you conduct preliminary pretrial hearings, e.g., pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 16?
Yes
If YES, what matters do you typically discuss during preliminary pretrial hearings?
Content of case management report and subjects enumerated in Rule 16 F.R.Civ.P.
Do you have any requirements, beyond those found in the Federal Rules and the Local Rules, as to ex parte temporary restraining orders?
The motions for temporary restraining order is brought to Chambers by the Clerk's office after filing.
Do you hear preliminary injunction motions?
Yes
Should copies of published cases cited in motions and memoranda be forwarded to chambers?
No
Do you regularly set aside time during a given week/month for hearings on motions?
No
Under what circumstances do you allow telephonic hearings?
None
What is your practice concerning oral arguments on referred dispositive motions?
Oral arguments are not regularly provided. A written request for oral arguments should be filed at time of filing motion.
Will you entertain motions in limine prior to trial?
Yes
If YES, how far in advance should they be filed?
15 days before commencement of trial term.
Discovery
Do you routinely refer discovery matters to a Magistrate Judge?
No
Trial
Do you grant specially set trial dates (dates certain)?
No
If YES, under what circumstances will you grant trial dates certain?
Only when there are exceptional circumstances.
If NO, what is your policy regarding notice for trial during a trial docket (e.g., will you give at least 48 hours' notice)?
Counsel should be prepared to proceed with 48 hours notice. However, all efforts are made to provide as much notice as possible.
Do you conduct Daubert hearings prior to trial?
Yes
What, if any, procedural requirements do you have regarding the use of videotapes, trial graphics, depositions, and demonstrations?
Notify courtroom deputy of the proposed use and necessary equipment.
Do you require trial briefs in jury trials?
No
Do you require trial briefs in bench trials?
Yes
If you require trial briefs, when are they due?
Deadline set forth in order entered following pretrial.
Do you have any requirements for trial briefs?
Ten page limitation.
Do you permit counsel to perform voir dire?
No
If NO, can counsel submit proposed voir dire questions?
Yes
If YES, when should such questions be submitted?
Generally 15 days prior to commencement of trial term.
What are your peremptory challenge procedures?
Each side is limited to 3 challenges. In multiple party cases, each side shares the preemptory challenges.
In multiple party cases, do you grant each party three peremptory challenges?
No
Do you impose any standard time limits on counsel's opening statements?
Yes
If YES, what are the time limits?
30 minutes
Can exhibits be used in opening statements?
Yes
Do you permit jurors to take notes?
Yes
Do you permit jurors to ask questions?
No
What, if any, procedures do you have concerning objections at trial?
None
When do you require counsel to file proposed jury instructions?
Generally 15 days prior to commencement of trial term.
When standard jury instructions are available, do you prefer that attorneys submit condensed versions of the standard instructions?
No
Do you require proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed in bench trials?
Yes
If YES, when do you require the proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to be filed?
Generally required within 15-20 days after conclusion of bench trial.
Revised: 06-12-2018