Donald Lynn Graham
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:
Southern District of Florida
Location of Chambers:
United States District Court Wilkie D. Ferguson Jr. United States Courthouse 400 North Miami Avenue, Chambers 13-4, Miami, FL 33128
Assigned Courtroom:
13-4, 13th Floor
Phone:
(305) 523-5130
Chambers Staff
Judicial Assistant/Secretary:
Gina Wong
Phone:
(305) 523-5130
Courtroom Deputy:
Clara Foster
Phone:
(305) 523-5135
Court Reporter:
Carleen ("Carly") Horenkamp
Phone:
(305) 523-5138
Docket Clerk:
CM/ECF Help Desk
Phone:
(888) 318-2260
Communication with Chambers
Do you permit contact with chambers regarding questions of procedure?
Yes
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?
Yes
If YES, what matters do you typically discuss during a preliminary pretrial conference?
Category III, IV, V, or multi-defendant cases.
Do you conduct hearings on pretrial motions to dismiss or to sever?
Yes
What is your policy as to plea agreements that involve sentencing recommendations?
A plea is scheduled at calendar call or in advance if parties agree on a date certain within the trial period. Generally, the Court follows Administrative Order 95-02 regarding sentencings.
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?
Status conferences are scheduled approximately one (1) month after a responsive pleading and/or answer has been filed by the defendant.
Do you have any requirements, beyond those found in the Federal Rules and the Local Rules, as to ex parte temporary restraining orders?
Movants are normally required to serve the opposing party prior to ruling on the request for temporary restraining order. In some instances, matters are referred to the Magistrate Judge.
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
What is your practice concerning oral arguments on referred dispositive motions?
Oral argument on dispositive motions are rarely presented.
Discovery
Do you routinely refer discovery matters to a Magistrate Judge?
Yes
When a dispute arises during a deposition, is it appropriate to call your chambers (if the case has been referred for discovery) to seek an immediate ruling?
Yes
Trial
Do you grant specially set trial dates (dates certain)?
Yes
If YES, under what circumstances will you grant trial dates certain?
With reference to criminal proceedings, criminal cases under categories III, IV, V, and/or multi-defendant cases may be granted trial dates certain. Civil proceedings are rarely granted trial dates certain.
If NO, what is your policy regarding notice for trial during a trial docket (e.g., will you give at least 48 hours' notice)?
The Court attempts to give at least 24 hours notice, however, counsel should be prepared to be called for trial at any time during the trial period.
Do you conduct Daubert hearings prior to trial?
Yes
Do you require trial briefs in jury trials?
No
Do you require trial briefs in bench trials?
No
Do you permit counsel to perform voir dire?
Yes
If YES, what guidelines or restrictions must counsel follow when conducting voir dire?
Time limitations are imposed.
If YES, when should such questions be submitted?
N/A
What are your peremptory challenge procedures?
Parties alternate exercising preemptory challenges.
In multiple party cases, do you grant each party three peremptory challenges?
No
If NO, do you limit each side (i.e., plaintiff/defense) to a total of three peremptory challenges to be shared?
No.
Do you impose any standard time limits on counsel's opening statements?
Yes
If YES, what are the time limits?
Twenty (20) to thirty (30) minutes, however, the parties may request additional time.
Can exhibits be used in opening statements?
Yes
Do you permit jurors to take notes?
Yes
Do you permit jurors to ask questions?
Yes
What, if any, procedures do you have concerning objections at trial?
Parties are to stand and announce a short legal basis for the objection. Speaking objections are not allowed.
When do you require counsel to file proposed jury instructions?
Twelve days prior to trial period.
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?
Twelve (12) days prior to trial period.
Attachments
Revised: 06-12-2018