(Reserved) Rule 83.9

LAW STUDENT INTERNSHIP RULES (Amended December 22, 2017) (a) Appearance of Law Student Intern An eligible law student intern may, with the Court's approval, under supervision by a member of the bar, appear on behalf of any person who has consented in writing to the intern's appearance. (b) Requirements of Supervising Attorney The attorney who supervises an intern shall: 1. be a member of the bar of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut; 2. assume personal professional responsibility for the student's work; 3. assist the student to the extent necessary; 4. appear with the student in all proceedings before the Court unless the attorney's presence is waived by the Court; 5. indicate consent in writing to supervise the intern under this Rule. (c) Requirements of Law Student Intern In order to appear pursuant to this Rule, the law student intern shall: 1. be enrolled in good standing in a law school approved by the American Bar Association; 2. have completed legal studies amounting to at least two semesters of credit, or the equivalent if the school is on some basis other than a semester basis; 3. be introduced to the Court by the supervising attorney; 4. not be employed or compensated by a client. This Rule shall not prevent an attorney, legal aid bureau, law school, public defender, or other agency from compensating a law student intern. (d) Privileges of Law Student Intern The law student intern, supervised in accordance with this Rule, may: 1. appear as counsel in Court or at other proceedings when the consents of the client and supervising attorney referred to in subdivisions (a) and (b) of this Rule have been filed, and the Court has approved the intern's request to appear; and 2. prepare and sign motions, petitions, answers, briefs and other documents in connection with any matter in which the law student intern has met the conditions of Rule 83.9(c). Each such document must also be signed by the supervising attorney. RULE 83.10 CIVIL PRO BONO PANEL (Amended July 24, 2019) (a) Assignment Wheel 1. The Clerk will establish a wheel to be used in assigning members of the Bar to provide pro bono representation to indigent persons in civil cases (the “Assignment Wheel”). 2. Any member of the Bar who has appeared as counsel of record in at least one civil action in this Court since January 1, 2015, shall be included in the Assignment Wheel except for (1) an attorney whose principal place of business is outside the District; (2) an attorney who is employed full-time as an attorney for an agency of the United States, a State, or a municipality; (3) an attorney who is employed full-time as an attorney by a not-for-profit legal aid organization; (4) an attorney who has notified the Clerk’s Office in writing that he or she has retired from the practice of law; and (5) an attorney who has notified the Clerk’s Office in writing that he or she has been suspended or resigned from the bar. Any such exempted attorney who has not retired, been suspended, or resigned shall be included in the pool, upon request, by notifying the Clerk’s Office in writing of such request. 3. The Clerk will review and update the Assignment Wheel on a biennial basis. The Clerk will add to the Assignment Wheel any non-exempt member of the Bar who files an appearance in a civil action in this Court within the prior two years and remove from the wheel any individual who has become exempt. (b) The Volunteer Wheel The Clerk will also establish a wheel of Pro Bono Volunteer Attorneys (the “Volunteer Wheel”), which shall be comprised of attorneys who are members of the Bar and who contact the Clerk’s Office in writing to request to be included in the Volunteer Wheel. As set forth below, the Court will use the Volunteer Wheel to make pro bono appointments under this Rule before it uses the Assignment Wheel, and will resort to the Assignment Wheel only when no attorneys on the Volunteer Wheel are available. An attorney on the Volunteer Wheel will be considered available for appointments under this Rule as long as such attorney has filed appearances in no more than two pending cases under this Rule (i.e., cases in which counsel was appointed under this Rule and in which final judgment has not yet been entered). Any attorney who has been placed in the Volunteer Wheel may request in writing to be removed from that Wheel at any time, in which case the attorney shall be removed from the Volunteer Wheel but shall remain in the Assignment Wheel. The Court may remove an attorney from the Volunteer Wheel for good cause. (c) Appointment of Counsel 1. Pro bono counsel may be appointed at the discretion of the presiding judge upon motion or on the initiative of the presiding judge when the judge determines that the appointment will serve the interests of justice based upon factors such as (a) a party’s apparent ability or inability to afford legal counsel, (b) the likelihood that counsel may be secured under alternative fee arrangements, and (c) the apparent merit of the party’s claims or defenses. Newly filed cases in which any party is unrepresented will be evaluated by the presiding judge for appointment of pro bono counsel at an early stage. A status conference may be convened before the entry of a Rule 26(f) scheduling order to assist the presiding judge in making that evaluation. 2. The presiding judge may appoint counsel for a specific limited purpose, such as for settlement purposes only, for the purpose of assisting with a particular pleading or proceeding, for the purpose of facilitating a limited investigation into the legal or factual basis for any claim or defense in order to evaluate the merit of a party’s claims or defenses, or for any other limited purpose the Court finds would serve the interests of justice. The Court’s order appointing counsel for limited purposes shall delineate the extent of counsel’s responsibilities to the client and to the Court. 3. A limited-purpose appointment will be limited to the purpose identified in the order of appointment and will not extend to any other part of the litigation process. Only in the case of a limited purpose appointment, counsel may withdraw from the case by filing a notice of withdrawal upon fulfillment of the purpose for which appointed. The Clerk will then terminate counsel’s receipt of ECF notifications related to the case. 4. Any attorney appointed for a limited purpose specified by the Court may apply at any time for an order appointing the attorney to represent the party for all purposes in the litigation in this Court. 5. The Court considers any attorney appointed under this Local Rule to be a volunteer on behalf of a governmental entity for purposes of the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 (the “Protection Act”), 42 U.S.C. §§ 14501-05, as long as such attorney does not receive an award of compensation for services in excess of $500 per year (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance, approved by the Court under this Local Rule, for expenses actually incurred). (d) Appointment Procedure 1. Upon determining that pro bono counsel should be appointed, the presiding judge will issue an order appointing as pro bono counsel the next attorney whose name is randomly generated by the Volunteer Wheel or, if no attorney from the Volunteer Wheel is available, the Assignment Wheel. 2. The order will be entered on the docket and the appointed attorney and all unrepresented parties and attorneys of record in the case will receive email notification of the appointment from the Court’s electronic filing system. If any unrepresented party will not receive an email notification, the Clerk will cause notice of the order to be mailed. The order appointing the attorney shall indicate that it is made under this Local Rule. (e) Responsibilities of the Appointed Attorney 1. Within 14 days of the entry of an order appointing counsel under this Rule, the appointed attorney shall file and serve an appearance in accordance with L. Civ. R. 5(b). 2. An appointed attorney shall communicate with his or her client before appearing or as soon as practicable thereafter 3. An appointed attorney shall provide an engagement letter to his or her client as soon as practicable following appointment. In addition to including any other language required by law, the engagement letter shall provide that the attorney may not charge for the representation but that, in consideration of the appointed attorney’s legal services, the client agrees that this Court will have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising from the representation, including, without limitation, a grievance or malpractice claim. The appointed attorney shall explain the engagement letter to the client and the letter shall be signed by the attorney and the client. If the appointed attorney wishes to do so, he or she may file the engagement letter on the docket, together with a motion to seal, within 45 days of the entry of an order of appointment under this Rule. 4. By entering an appearance as required by the order of appointment, the appointed attorney incurs no obligation to represent the client in any other matter. (f) Duration of Representation 1. Unless an order of limited appointment is made, an appointed attorney shall represent the party in this Court from the date of appointment until relieved from appointment by the Court or until a final judgment is entered in this Court. 2. If the party desires to take an appeal from a final judgment or appealable interlocutory order, or if such judgment or order is appealed by another party, or if the matter is remanded to an administrative forum, the appointed attorney is encouraged but not required to represent the party on the appeal, and in any proceeding, judicial or administrative, which may ensue upon an order of remand. 3. Where the appointed attorney elects not to represent the party on an appeal or in a proceeding upon remand, the attorney shall advise the party of all required steps to be taken in perfecting the appeal or appearing in the proceeding on remand. Upon request of the self- represented party the attorney shall file the notice of appeal. (g) Relief From Appointments Motions for relief from appointment are disfavored, as the Court views the acceptance of pro bono assignments from time to time as a professional responsibility of the attorneys who are members of its Bar. Any such motion shall comply with Rule 6.2 of the Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct and Local Rule 7(e). Relief from appointment is unlikely to be granted on the grounds that the appointment would be burdensome or interfere with counsel’s other professional obligations where the Court can fashion a case schedule that reasonably mitigates such difficulties. Relief from appointment is also unlikely to be granted on the ground that counsel lacks experience in the area of law involved in the case. In the Court’s experience, even an attorney who is inexperienced or unfamiliar with the subject matter can provide valuable assistance to an unrepresented person. If an attorney is currently engaged in, or has in the previous 12 months completed, a pro bono representation under this rule or a case in this Court in which the attorney was appointed under the Criminal Justice Act, 18 U.S.C. Sec. 3006A, and does not wish to accept a new pro bono assignment, that attorney may file, within 14 days of the entry of the order appointing counsel, a notice so indicating and specifying the docket number of the case in which he or she was appointed. In addition, if an attorney has reached the age of 70 and does not wish to accept the appointment, the attorney may file a notice so indicating. In either case, upon the filing of such a notice, the Court will vacate the order of appointment and will appoint a new attorney from the assignment wheel. (h) Additional Appointments Upon request for good cause shown, the Court may (a) limit the purpose(s) of an appointment and appoint an additional attorney from another firm to serve in a different limited capacity (e.g., sequentially) or (b) appoint an additional attorney from another firm to serve as co-counsel. Nothing in this Local Rule should be construed to prevent an appointed attorney from soliciting another attorney from the same or another firm to appear as co-counsel, except that neither appointed counsel nor co-counsel may limit the purpose of the representation without approval by the Court. (i) Discharge A party for whom an attorney has been appointed may request the discharge of the appointed attorney and appointment of another attorney. Such requests must be made within thirty (30) days after the party's initial consultation with the appointed attorney, or within such additional period as is warranted by good cause. When good cause is shown (e.g., substantial disagreement between the party and the appointed attorney on litigation strategy), the appointed attorney shall be discharged from further representation of the party. In such cases, another attorney may thereupon be appointed by the Court to undertake the representation, in accordance with this rule. The Judge may deny a further appointment in such cases. (j) Complaints or Grievances Against Appointed Counsel 1. Should a party who is represented by counsel appointed under this Rule wish to file a complaint or grievance against appointed counsel for any failure of counsel to comply with his or her professional obligations, including any applicable standard of care or rule of professional conduct, during the representation in this Court, such complaint or grievance shall be filed in this Court within thirty days of the termination of the representation, and shall be served by first-class mail on the appointed attorney. This period may be extended, up to six months from the termination of the representation, by a showing that the party could not have, through the exercise of reasonable diligence, been expected to learn the facts from which the complaint or grievance arises during the representation or within thirty days of its termination. Failure to comply with the time limits set forth in this paragraph shall constitute a waiver of the right to bring a complaint or grievance under this Rule. 2. Any such complaint or grievance shall be filed in the original case, in which counsel was appointed, together with a motion to reopen the case, if it has been closed. Unless and until the Court orders otherwise, the complaint, and the fact of filing the complaint, shall be considered sealed and shall not be a record open to the public. The docket will reflect only the filing of a sealed document and a sealed motion. 3. The attorney against whom such complaint or grievance is filed is not required to respond to such complaint or grievance until after the presiding judge has reviewed it and made a determination that a response is required. 4. The judge will dismiss the complaint or grievance, in whole or in part, without requiring a response if the facts alleged, if accepted as true, fail to state a cognizable claim. In making this evaluation, the judge will consider (a) the Protection Act, (b) the standard of care expected of an appointed lawyer, (c) the rules of professional conduct for lawyers practicing in the District of Connecticut under L. Civ. R. 83.2(a), and (d) the interests of justice. The judge may also dismiss the complaint or grievance in whole or in part without requiring a response if the judge’s own recollection of the earlier proceedings contradicts material facts alleged in the complaint or grievance. 5. If the judge determines that the complaint or grievance warrants a response, the judge will order a response to be made. The judge may thereafter proceed to adjudicate the claim, direct that it be assigned to another judge of this Court, or refer the matter to the Grievance Committee. 6. The Clerk of Court shall ensure that every judgment entered in a case in which an attorney is appointed under this Local Rule, including cases that are settled or withdrawn, includes the following language: Because counsel was appointed in this case under Local Civil Rule 83.10, this Court shall retain jurisdiction to adjudicate any dispute between such counsel and his or her client arising from the representation in this case, including without limitation, a grievance or malpractice claim. (k) Expenses 1. The appointed attorney shall bear any expenses of the litigation (e.g., discovery expenses, expert witness fees, subpoena fees, transcript expenses), unless the attorney has, prior to incurring any such expense, obtained an order from the Court authorizing such expense. Failure to obtain such an order will not bar the appointed attorney from seeking reimbursement pursuant to Rule 83.10(l). Nothing in this Local Rule will be construed to prevent an attorney from reaching agreement with the client for the client to pay an expense. An appointed attorney will have no obligation to bear any litigation expense that the Court has refused to authorize after appropriate application and the client is unable or unwilling to pay, even if the failure to pay that expense will cause the client to be unable to meet a burden of proof with respect to a claim or defense. 2. Upon appropriate application by the appointed attorney the Clerk shall certify those expenses for which the appointed attorney may be reimbursed, in accordance with the procedures utilized in in forma pauperis proceedings, in proceedings under the Criminal Justice Act or other guidelines issued by the Court. Thereafter, the presiding judge may order reimbursement of the expenses of the litigation, as authorized by applicable statute, regulation, rule or other provision of law. 3. A fund shall be kept by the Clerk for the purpose of funding expenses that a party is unable to meet, in whole or in part. This fund shall consist of a portion of the fees collected in connection with applications for admission to the Bar of this Court and motions for admission pro hac vice. The presiding judge shall review all applications of appointed attorneys for advance approval of part or all of a litigation expense and decide whether to authorize the expense and provide for payment from the fund. If the party is subsequently reimbursed for or recovers an expense that had been funded in whole or in part from the Clerk's fund (excluding unallocated settlement payments and damages awards), the party will ordinarily be required to reimburse the fund. (l) Compensation for Services 1. Upon appropriate application by the appointed attorney, the presiding judge may award to the appointed attorney attorney's fees, costs and/or expenses, as authorized by applicable statute, regulation, rule or other provision of law, and as the presiding judge deems just and proper. In deciding whether to award attorney's fees, the presiding judge will consider: (i) the relevant statutes and provisions of law; (ii) the source of the fee award; (iii) the services rendered; (iv) the out-of-pocket costs incurred by the attorney, and (v) any other factors the presiding judge deems appropriate. 2. If the party is able to pay for legal services, upon application of the appointed attorney, the presiding judge may (i) approve a fee arrangement between the party and the attorney, (ii) order fees and expenses to be paid on a specified basis, or (iii) relieve the attorney from the responsibilities of the appointment and permit the party to retain another attorney or proceed without counsel. 3. Nothing in this Local Rule will be construed to prohibit an attorney appointed from the Assignment Wheel from reaching a prospective fee agreement with the client, which may include contingent fees or the right to receive any fee award and which shall comply with state law. Any such agreement shall be submitted for approval to the Court, and may be submitted together with a motion to seal. An appointed attorney may not condition service to the client on the client’s willingness to enter into such an agreement, except as provided in section (l)(2) of this Local Rule. Appointed attorneys are on notice that acceptance of in excess of $500 per year for performing services under this rule may affect their status as a “volunteer” under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997. 42 U.S.C. § 14505(6). . RULE 83.11 PHOTOGRAPHS, RECORDINGS, AND BROADCASTS (Amended January 30, 2024) The taking of photographs or video, the operation of electronic recording equipment by any means, and the broadcasting by any means on any floor of any building on which proceedings of this Court may be held or on which the Clerk’s Office is located, are prohibited, except by the official court reporter or court-operated recording system. The taking of photographs or video of security checkpoints at entrances to this Court is also prohibited. For purposes of this rule: (a) “recording” includes, but is not limited to, making a video or audio record, and using software that converts speech to text, but does not include taking notes by hand or by manual typing on an electronic device; (b) “broadcasting” includes, but is not limited to, the use of videoconferencing software (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet) that allows persons not present in the courtroom to hear or see the proceedings, and the transmission by internet, radio, television, or telephone signal of the proceedings. The presiding judge may, however, permit (1) the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence or the perpetuation of a record, (2) the broadcasting, televising, recording, or photographing of investiture, naturalization, or other ceremonial proceedings, and (3) the creation of a video or audio record of educational programs. The above activities are also permissible in a judge’s chambers at the discretion of the judge and in Clerk’s Office space at the discretion of the Clerk of Court. In addition, the Chief Judge may allow exceptions to this Rule for good cause and with notice to the judges of the Court. RULE 83.12 AUXILIARY ORDERS (Amended December 22, 2017) Orders entered by the Court which affect the procedures or policies of practice before the Court but which do not amend or take the form of a Local Rule, shall be designated as Auxiliary Orders, shall be available in the Clerk's Office, and shall be posted on the Court’s website. RULE 83.13 PROHIBITION ON COUNSEL AS WITNESS (a) Refusing Employment When Counsel May Be Called as a Witness A lawyer shall not accept employment in contemplated or pending litigation if he or she knows or it is obvious that he or she or a lawyer in the same firm ought to be called as a witness, except that he or she may undertake the employment and he or she or a lawyer in his or her firm may testify: 1. If the testimony will relate solely to an uncontested matter. 2. If the testimony will relate solely to a matter of formality and there is no reason to believe that substantial evidence will be offered in opposition to the testimony. 3. If the testimony will relate solely to the nature and value of the legal services rendered in the case by the lawyer or the law firm to the client. (b) Withdrawal as Counsel When the Lawyer Becomes a Witness If, after undertaking employment in contemplated or pending litigation, a lawyer learns or it is obvious that he or she or a lawyer in the same firm ought to be called as a witness on behalf of the client, he or she shall withdraw from the conduct of the trial and the law firm shall not continue representation in the trial, except that the lawyer may continue the representation, and he or she or a lawyer in the law firm may testify in the circumstances enumerated in Rule 83.13(a). If, after undertaking employment in contemplated or pending litigation, a lawyer learns or it is obvious that he or she or a lawyer in the same firm may be called as a witness other than on behalf of his or her client, the lawyer may continue the representation until it is apparent that his or her testimony is or may be prejudicial to the client. (c) Discretion of Court To Provide Relief From This Rule When Lawyer In Same Firm Is Likely To Be A Witness The court may in the exercise of its sound discretion permit a lawyer to act as an advocate in a trial in which another lawyer in the lawyer's firm is likely to be called as a witness if disqualification of the lawyer would work substantial hardship on the client and permitting the lawyer to act as an advocate would not cause prejudice to opposing parties. CIVIL APPENDIX FORM 26(f) REPORT OF PARTIES’ PLANNING MEETING STANDING ORDER ON SCHEDULING IN CIVIL CASES STANDING ORDER REGARDING TRIAL MEMORANDA IN CIVIL CASES STANDING ORDER IN CIVIL RICO CASES STANDING ORDER IN REMOVED CASES ORDER RE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT ORDER REGARDING DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF REGISTRY FUNDS FORM 26(F) REPORT OF PARTIES’ PLANNING MEETING (Amended September 15, 2025) Caption of Case [List all parties] Date Complaint Filed: Date Complaint Served: Date of Defendant's Appearance: Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b), 26(f) and D. Conn. L. Civ. R. 16, a conference was held on [date(s)]. The participants were: ________________________________ for plaintiff [party name] ________________________________ for defendant [party name] I. Certification Undersigned counsel (after consultation with their clients) and any undersigned self- represented parties certify that (a) they have discussed the nature and basis of the parties' claims and defenses and any possibilities for achieving a prompt settlement or other resolution of the case; and (b) they have developed the following proposed case management plan. Counsel further certify that they have forwarded a copy of this report to their clients. II. Jurisdiction A. Subject Matter Jurisdiction [Provide a statement of the basis for subject matter jurisdiction with appropriate statutory citations. If defendant denies plaintiff's allegation of subject matter jurisdiction, defendant must specify the basis for the denial. In cases where the basis for subject matter jurisdiction is diversity of citizenship, if any party is a partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company or corporation, provide the citizenship of each partner, general partner, limited partner and/or member, and if any such partner, general partner, limited partner or member is itself a partnership, limited liability partnership, or limited liability company or corporation, provide the citizenship of each partner and/or member.] B. Personal Jurisdiction [State whether personal jurisdiction is contested and, if it is, summarize the parties' competing positions]. III. Brief Description of Case [Briefly summarize the claims and defenses of all parties and describe the relief sought. If the parties cannot reach agreement on a joint statement, each party must provide a short separate statement. The requirement that the parties briefly summarize their claims and defenses is not intended to be unduly burdensome. The parties are obliged to discuss and consider the nature of their claims and defenses at the planning conference in order to formulate a meaningful case management plan. Moreover, the presiding judge needs to be informed of the nature of the claims and defenses in order to evaluate the reasonableness of that proposed plan. The statement of the parties' claims and defenses, whether set forth jointly or separately, does not preclude any party from raising new claims and defenses as permitted by other applicable law.] A. Claims of Plaintiff/s: B. Defenses and Claims (Affirmative Defenses, Counterclaims, Third Party Claims, Cross Claims)(either pled or anticipated) of Defendant/s: C. Defenses and Claims of Third Party Defendant/s: IV. Statement of Undisputed Facts [The Court expects that in most cases there will be facts that are not genuinely disputed, and urges counsel and self-represented parties to assist the Court in identifying such facts, as part of their obligation to promote the “just, speedy and inexpensive determination of every action.”] Counsel and self-represented parties certify that they have made a good faith attempt to determine whether there are any material facts that are not in dispute. The following material facts are undisputed: V. Case Management Plan: A. Initial Disclosures Initial disclosures will be served by ______________. B. Scheduling Conference 1. The parties [request] [do not request] to be excused from holding a pretrial conference with the Court before entry of a scheduling order pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b). 2. The parties prefer that a scheduling conference, if held, be conducted [in person] [by telephone]. C. Early Settlement Conference 1. The parties certify that they have considered the potential benefits of attempting to settle the case before undertaking significant discovery or motion practice. Settlement [is likely] [is unlikely at this time] [may be facilitated by use of the following procedure]: ___________________________________________________. 2. The parties [request] [do not request] an early settlement conference. 3. The parties prefer a settlement conference, when such a conference is held, with [the presiding judge] [a magistrate judge] or [a parajudicial officer (attorney appointed by the court on a pro bono basis)]. 4. The parties [request] [do not request] a referral for alternative dispute resolution pursuant to D. Conn. L. Civ. R. 16 and 28 U.S.C. § 651. D. Joinder of Parties, Amendment of Pleadings, and Motions Addressed to the Pleadings The parties have discussed any perceived defects in the pleadings and have reached the following agreements for resolution of any issues related to the sufficiency of the pleadings. 1. Plaintiff(s) should be allowed until [date] to file motions to join additional parties and until [date] to file motions to amend the pleadings. Motions filed after the foregoing dates will require, in addition to any other requirements under the applicable rules; a showing of good cause for the delay. 2. Defendant(s) should be allowed until [date] to file motions to join additional parties and until [date] to file a response to the complaint, or any amended complaint. Motions filed after the foregoing dates will require, in addition to any other requirements under the applicable rules, a showing of good cause’ for the delay. E. Discovery a. Recognizing that the precise contours of the case, including the amounts of damages at issue, if any, may not be clear at this point in the case, in making the proposals below concerning discovery, the parties have considered the scope of discovery permitted under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1). At this time, the parties wish to apprise the Court of the following information regarding the “needs of the case” : Plaintiff’s Position: Defendant’s Position (if different): b. The parties anticipate that discovery will be needed on the following subjects: [list each of the principal issues of fact on which discovery will be needed; a statement that, e.g., “discovery will be needed on liability and damages” is insufficient]. c. All discovery, including depositions of expert witnesses pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(4), will be commenced by [date] and completed (not propounded) by [date]. d. Discovery [will] [will not] be conducted in phases. e. If discovery will be conducted in phases, describe each phase and state the date by which it will be completed by f. The parties anticipate that the plaintiff(s) will require a total of ____ depositions of fact witnesses and that the defendant(s) will require a total of ____ depositions of fact witnesses. The depositions will commence by [date] and be completed by [date]. g. The parties [will] [will not] request permission to serve more than 25 interrogatories. h. Plaintiff/s [intend] [do not intend] to call expert witnesses at trial. Defendant/s [intend] [do not intend] to call expert witnesses at trial. i. Parties will designate all trial experts and provide opposing counsel with reports from retained experts pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on any issues on which they bear the burden of proof by [a date not later than 3 months before the deadline for completing all discovery]. Depositions of any such experts will be completed by [a date not later than 2 months before the deadline for completing all discovery]. j. Parties will designate all trial experts and provide opposing counsel with reports from retained experts pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(2) on any issues on which they do not bear the burden of proof by [a date not later than 1 month before the deadline for completing all discovery]. Depositions of such experts will be completed by [a date not later than the discovery cutoff date]. k. A damages analysis will be provided by any party who has a claim or counterclaim for damages by [date]. l. Undersigned counsel (after consultation with their respective clients concerning computer-based and other electronic information management systems, including historical, archival, back-up and legacy files, in order to understand how information is stored and how it may be retrieved) and self-represented parties have discussed the disclosure and preservation of electronically stored information, including, but not limited to, the form in which such data shall be produced, search terms and/or other techniques to be used in connection with the retrieval and production of such information, the location and format of electronically stored information, appropriate steps to preserve electronically stored information, and the allocation of costs of assembling and producing such information. [The parties agree to the following procedures for the preservation, disclosure and management of electronically stored information [OR the parties have been unable to reach agreement on the procedures for the preservation, disclosure and management of electronically stored information. Following is the position of each party:] [SPECIFY]. m. Undersigned counsel (after consultation with their clients) and self-represented parties have also discussed the location(s), volume, organization, and costs of retrieval of information stored in paper or other non-electronic forms. The parties agree to the following procedures for the preservation, disclosure and management of such information [OR: The parties have been unable to reach agreement on the procedures for the preservation, disclosure and management of such information. Following is the position of each party]: [SPECIFY]. n. Undersigned counsel and self-represented parties have discussed discovery procedures that minimize the risk of waiver of privilege or work-product protection, including the method and timing of the production of a privilege log and the procedures for asserting privilege claims after production. Specifically, if a producing party withholds production of any records on the basis of privilege, within [X] days of production, the producing party shall provide a privilege log. Further, the parties agree to the following procedures for asserting claims of privilege after production [OR] The parties have been unable to reach agreement on the procedures for asserting claims of privilege after production. Following is the position of each party: [SPECIFY]. F. Other Scheduling Issues The parties propose the following schedule for addressing other issues pertinent to this case [e.g., class certification, claim construction]: G. Summary Judgment Motions: Summary judgment motions, which must comply with Local Rule 56, will be filed on or before [date]. H. Joint Trial Memorandum The joint trial memorandum required by the Standing Order on Trial Memoranda in Civil Cases will be filed by [date]. VI. TRIAL READINESS The case will be ready for trial by [date]. As officers of the Court, undersigned counsel agree to cooperate with each other and the Court to promote the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of this action. Plaintiff By ___________________________ Date: _____________________________ Defendant By ___________________________ Date: _____________________________ The undersigned self-represented parties certify that they will cooperate with all other parties, counsel and the Court to promote the just, speedy and inexpensive determination of this action. Plaintiff __________________________ Date: _____________________________ Defendant ________________________ Date: _____________________________ CIVIL STANDING ORDERS STANDING ORDER ON SCHEDULING IN CIVIL CASES (Amended July 30, 2018) 1. Order on Pretrial Deadlines. Except in cases exempted by D. Conn. L. Civ. R. 16, the Clerk, acting pursuant to the authority of the Court, shall enter in each civil action an Order on Pretrial Deadlines, which Order shall contain the deadlines listed in paragraph 2 of this Standing Order. The Clerk shall enter the Order at the time of the filing of the complaint, and the Order shall control the course of the action until a further Scheduling Order is issued pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 16(b) and D. Conn. L. Civ. R. 16. 2. Presumptive Deadlines. Unless otherwise ordered by the presiding Judge, parties in civil cases shall adhere to the following deadlines: (a) All motions relating to joinder of parties or amendment of the pleadings shall be filed within the latest of the following: (i) 35 days after the appearance of the last defendant or (ii) 60 days after the filing of the complaint, the filing of a petition for removal, or the transfer of an action from another District, except that a defendant may file a third-party complaint within 14 days of serving an answer, as permitted by Fed.R.Civ.P. 14(a). (b) The filing of a motion to dismiss shall not result in a stay of discovery or extend the time for completing discovery. (c) Formal discovery pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure may not commence until the parties have conferred as required by Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(f) and Local Civil Rule 16 but the parties may commence formal discovery immediately thereafter without awaiting entry of a scheduling order pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 16(b). Informal discovery by agreement of the parties is encouraged and may commence at any time. Unless otherwise ordered, discovery shall be completed within 6 months after the latest of the following: the filing of the complaint, the filing of a petition for removal, the transfer of an action from another District, or the appearance of the last defendant. (d) Unless otherwise ordered, all motions for summary judgment shall be filed within 35 days after the deadline for completion of discovery. 3. Modification. A Scheduling Order issued pursuant to this Standing Order may be modified by a stipulation signed by all parties and approved by the presiding Judge, or on motion by any party for good cause shown or by the presiding Judge acting sua sponte. The good cause standard requires a particularized showing that the schedule established by this order cannot reasonably be met despite the diligence of the party seeking the extension. STANDING ORDER REGARDING TRIAL MEMORANDA IN CIVIL CASES (Amended October 26, 2017) At the discretion of the presiding Judge, each party may be ordered to prepare and submit, or the parties may be ordered to jointly prepare and submit, a trial memorandum which shall contain the following information: 1. Trial Counsel. List the names, addresses and telephone numbers of the attorneys who will try the case. Trial counsel must attend the pretrial conference unless excused by the Court. 2. Jurisdiction. Set forth the basis for federal jurisdiction. 3. Jury/Non-jury. State whether the case is a jury or court case. 4. Nature of Case. State separately the nature of each cause of action and relief sought. 5. Stipulations of Fact and Law. Prepare a list of stipulations on any issues of fact and/or law as to which the parties have been able to agree. 6. Plaintiff's Contentions. State generally the plaintiff's factual contentions with respect to each cause of action. 7. Defendant's Contentions. State generally the defendant's factual contentions with respect to defenses, counterclaims and setoffs. 8. Legal Issues. List the legal issues presented by the factual contentions of the parties. 9. Voir Dire Questions. For jury cases, attach a list of proposed questions to be submitted to the jury panel. 10. List of Witnesses. Set forth the name and address of each witness to be called at trial, with a brief statement of the anticipated testimony. Witnesses not listed, except rebuttal and impeachment witnesses, will not be permitted to testify at trial, except for good cause shown. 11. Exhibits. Attach a list of all exhibits, with a brief description of each, that each party will offer at trial on the case-in-chief. Exhibits not listed, except rebuttal and impeachment exhibits, will not be admissible at trial except for good cause shown. All objections to designated exhibits, except as to relevance, must be filed in writing, to be resolved between the parties or by Court ruling prior to jury selection. 12. Deposition Testimony. List each witness who is expected to testify by deposition at trial. Such list shall include designation by page references of the deposition transcript which each party proposes to read into evidence. Cross-designations shall be listed as provided by Fed.R.Civ.P. 32(a)(4). The lists shall include all objections to deposition designations. These objections must be resolved between the parties or by Court ruling prior to jury selection. After submission, the Court will permit amendment of the lists only for good cause shown. At the time of trial, the Court will permit reading of testimony from a deposition only in the order in which it was taken. 13. Requests for Jury Instructions. For jury cases, attach requests for the jury charge. 14. Anticipated Evidentiary Problems. Attach memoranda of fact and law concerning evidentiary problems anticipated by the parties. 15. Proposed Findings and Conclusions. For non-jury cases, attach proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. 16. Trial Time. Counsel shall set forth a realistic estimate of trial days required. 17. Courtroom Technology Counsel shall indicate whether they will require the use of courtroom technology during the trial. If such technology will be required, counsel shall specifically indicate in the trial memorandum that the request for such technology will be submitted on the Request for Courtroom Technology Form (located on the Court’s website) at least two weeks prior to the scheduled trial date. Failure to submit the Request Form in a timely manner may preclude the use of such technology. 18. Further Proceedings. Specify, with reasons, the necessity of any further proceedings prior to trial. 19. Election for Trial by Magistrate Judge. The parties shall indicate whether they have agreed to have the case tried by a United States Magistrate Judge, and if so, indicate whether the parties have elected to have any appeal heard by the District Court or by the Court of Appeals. STANDING ORDER IN CIVIL RICO CASES (Amended March 19, 2018) In all civil actions where the pleading contains a cause of action pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §§ 1961–1968 (“RICO”) the party asserting the RICO claim shall file a RICO Case Statement within twenty (20) days of filing the first pleading asserting the RICO claim. Consistent with counsel's obligations under Fed.R.Civ.P. 11 to make a “reasonable inquiry” prior to the filing of the complaint, the RICO Case Statement shall state in detail the following information: 1. The alleged unlawful conduct that is claimed to be in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1962(a), (b), (c) and/or (d). 2. The identity of each defendant and the alleged misconduct and basis of liability of each defendant. 3. The identity of the alleged wrongdoers, other than the defendants listed in response to paragraph 2, and the alleged misconduct of each wrongdoer. 4. The identity of the alleged victims and the manner in which each victim was allegedly injured. 5. A description of the pattern of racketeering activity or collection of unlawful debts alleged for each RICO claim, which shall include the following information: a. The alleged predicate acts and the specific statutes which were allegedly violated; b. The dates of the predicate acts, the participants in the predicate acts, and a description of the facts surrounding the predicate acts; c. If the RICO claim is based on the predicate offenses of wire fraud, mail fraud, or fraud in the sale of securities, the “circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall be stated with particularity.” Fed.R.Civ.P. 9(b). The time, place and contents of the alleged misrepresentations, and the identity of persons to whom and by whom the alleged misrepresentations were made shall be identified; d. Whether there has been a criminal conviction for violation of the predicate acts; e. Whether civil litigation has resulted in a judgment in regard to the predicate acts; f. The manner in which the predicate acts form a “pattern of racketeering activity”; and g. Whether the alleged predicate acts relate to each other as part of a common plan, and if so, a detailed description of the common plan. 6. A detailed description of the alleged enterprise for each RICO claim, which shall include: a. The names of the individuals, partnerships, corporations, associations, or other legal entities, which allegedly constitute the enterprise; b. The structure, purpose, function and course of conduct of the enterprise; c. Whether any defendants are employees, officers or directors of the alleged enterprise; d. Whether any defendants are associated with the alleged enterprise; e. Whether plaintiff contends that the defendants are individuals or entities separate from the alleged enterprise, or that the defendants are the enterprise itself, or members of the enterprise; and f. If any defendants are alleged to be the enterprise itself, or members of the enterprise, an explanation as to whether such defendants are perpetrators, passive instruments, or victims of the alleged racketeering activity. 7. Whether plaintiff contends that the pattern of racketeering activity and the enterprise are separate or have merged into one entity. 8. The alleged relationship between the activities of the enterprise and the pattern of racketeering activity, including a description of the manner in which the racketeering activity differs, if at all, from the usual and daily activities of the enterprise. 9. The benefits, if any, the alleged enterprise receives or has received from the alleged pattern of racketeering. 10. The effect of the activities of the enterprise on interstate or foreign commerce. 11. If the complaint alleges a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(a), provide the following information: a. The identity of the individual(s) who received the income derived from the pattern of racketeering activity or through the collection of an unlawful debt; and b. The use or investment of such income. 12. If the complaint alleges a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(b), describe in detail the acquisition or maintenance of any interest in or control of the alleged enterprise. 13. If the complaint alleges a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(b), provide the following information: a. The individuals who are employed by or associated with the enterprise; and b. Whether the same entity is both the liable “person” and the “enterprise” under § 1962(c). 14. If the complaint alleges a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d), describe in detail the alleged conspiracy. 15. The alleged injury to business or property. 16. The direct causal relationship between the alleged injury and the violation of the RICO statute. 17. The damages sustained for which each defendant is allegedly liable. 18. A description of other federal causes of action alleged in the complaint, if any, and citation to the relevant statutes. 19. A description of all pendent state claims alleged in the complaint, if any. 20. Any additional information plaintiff feels would be helpful to the Court in processing the RICO claim. STANDING ORDER ON REMOVED CASES (Amended December 19, 2022) All parties removing actions to this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1441 shall, no later than seven (7) days after filing a notice of removal, file and serve a signed statement that sets forth the following information: 1. The date on which each defendant first received a copy of the summons and complaint in the state court action. 2. The date on which each defendant was served with a copy of the summons and complaint, if any of those dates are different from the dates set forth in item 1. 3. In an action in which jurisdiction is based on diversity under 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a), a party or intervenor must, unless the court orders otherwise, file a disclosure statement. That statement must name and identify the citizenship of every party. If any party is a partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or other unincorporated association, the statement must provide citizenship information about that party’s members. If any party is a corporation, the statement must provide that party’s state or other jurisdiction of incorporation and its principal place of business. The statement shall be filed when the action is filed in or removed to federal court and when any party is added to the action, or when another later event occurs that could affect the court’s jurisdiction under § 1332(a). 4. If removal takes place more than thirty (30) days after any defendant first received a copy of the summons and complaint, the reasons why removal has taken place at this time. 5. The name of any defendant served prior to the filing of the notice of removal who has not formally joined in the notice of removal and the reasons why any such defendant did not join in the notice of removal. 6. For each party, list the name and firm name of all counsel of record for that party or state that the party is self-represented. At the time a removal notice is filed with the Clerk of this Court, the removing party shall also file with the Clerk a separate notice, entitled “Notice of Pending Motions,” specifying any pending motions that require action by a Judge of this Court and attaching a true and complete copy of each such motion and all supporting and opposition papers. NOTICE TO COUNSEL RE LOCAL RULE 5(b) To ensure that our records are complete and to ensure that you receive notice of hearings and any court rulings, PLEASE FILE AN APPEARANCE with this office in accordance with Local Rule 5(b) of the Local Rules of Civil Procedure for the District of Connecticut. Counsel for the removing defendant(s) is responsible for immediately serving a copy of this notice on all counsel of record and all self-represented parties at their last known addresses. ORDER RE: DISCLOSURE STATEMENT (Amended December 19, 2022) Any non-governmental corporate party to an action in this court, or any non-governmental party who seeks to intervene, shall file a statement identifying all its parent corporations and listing any publicly held company that owns 10% or more of the party’s stock. A party shall file the statement with its initial pleading filed in the court and shall supplement the statement within a reasonable time of any change in the information. Citizenship of Parties in Diversity Cases Parties or intervenors in a diversity case: in an action in which jurisdiction is based on diversity under 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a), a party or intervenor must, unless the court orders otherwise, file a disclosure statement. In addition to the information set forth above (if applicable), the statement must name and identify the citizenship of every party. If any party is a partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, or other unincorporated association, the statement must provide citizenship information about that party’s members. If any party is a corporation, the statement must provide that party’s state or other jurisdiction of incorporation and its principal place of business. The statement shall be filed when the action is filed in or removed to federal court and when any party is added to the action, or when another later event occurs that could affect the court’s jurisdiction under § 1332(a). Counsel for plaintiff(s) or removing defendant(s) shall be responsible for serving a copy of this order upon all parties to the action. ORDER REGARDING DEPOSIT AND INVESTMENT OF REGISTRY FUNDS (Amended November 1, 2024) The Court, having determined that it is necessary to adopt local procedures to ensure uniformity in the deposit, investment, and tax administration of funds in the Court’s Registry, IT IS ORDERED that the following shall govern the receipt, deposit, and investment of registry funds: I. Receipt of Funds A. No money shall be sent to the Court or its officers for deposit in the Court’s registry without a court order signed by the presiding judge in the case or proceeding. B. The party making the deposit or transferring funds to the Court’s registry shall serve the order permitting the deposit or transfer on the Clerk of Court. C. Unless provided for elsewhere in this Order, all monies ordered to be paid to the Court or received by its officers in any case pending or adjudicated shall be deposited with the Treasurer of the United States in the name and to the credit of this Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2041 through depositories designated by the Treasury to accept such deposit on its behalf. II. Investment of Registry Funds A. Where, by order of the Court, funds on deposit with the Court are to be placed in some form of interest-bearing account or invested in a court-approved, interest-bearing instrument in accordance with Rule 67 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Court Registry Investment System (“CRIS”), administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts under 28 U.S.C. § 2045, shall be the only investment mechanism authorized. B. Interpleader funds deposited under 28 U.S.C. § 1335 meet the IRS definition of a “Disputed Ownership Fund” (DOF), a taxable entity that requires tax administration. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, interpleader funds shall be deposited in the DOF established within the CRIS and administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, which shall be responsible for meeting all DOF tax administration requirements. C. The Director of Administrative Office of the United States Courts is designated as custodian for all CRIS funds. The Director or the Director’s designee shall perform the duties of custodian. Funds held in the CRIS remain subject to the control and jurisdiction of the Court. D. Money from each case deposited in the CRIS shall be “pooled” together with those on deposit with Treasury to the credit of other courts in the CRIS and used to purchase Government Account Series securities through the Bureau of Public Debt, which will be held at Treasury, in an account in the name and to the credit of the Director of Administrative Office of the United States Courts. The pooled funds will be invested in accordance with the principles of the CRIS Investment Policy as approved by the Registry Monitoring Group. E. An account will be established in the CRIS Liquidity Fund titled in the name of the case giving rise to the deposit invested in the fund. Income generated from fund investments will be distributed to each case based on the ratio each account’s principal and earnings has to the aggregate principal and income total in the fund after the CRIS fee has been applied. Reports showing the interest earned and the principal amounts contributed in each case will be prepared and distributed to each court participating in the CRIS and made available to litigants and/or their counsel. F. For each interpleader case under 28 U.S.C. § 1335, an account shall be established in the CRIS Disputed Ownership Fund, titled in the name of the case giving rise to the deposit invested in the fund. Income generated from fund investments will be distributed to each case after the DOF fee has been applied and tax withholdings have been deducted from the fund. Reports showing the interest earned and the principal amounts contributed in each case will be available through the FedInvest/CMS application for each court participating in the CRIS and made available to litigants and/or their counsel. On appointment of an administrator authorized to incur expenses on behalf of the DOF in a case, the case DOF funds should be transferred to another investment account as directed by court order. III. Fees and Taxes A. The custodian is authorized and directed by this Order to deduct the CRIS fee of an annualized 10 basis points on assets on deposit for all CRIS funds, excluding the case funds held in the DOF, for the management of investments in the CRIS. According to the Court’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, the CRIS fee is assessed from interest earnings to the pool before a pro rata distribution of earnings is made to court cases. B. The custodian is authorized and directed by this Order to deduct the DOF fee of an annualized 20 basis points on assets on deposit in the DOF for management of investments and tax administration. According to the Court’s Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, the DOF fee is assessed from interest earnings to the pool before a pro rata distribution of earnings is made to court cases. The custodian is further authorized and directed by this Order to withhold and pay federal taxes due on behalf of the DOF. IV. Transition From Former Investment Procedure A. The Clerk of Court is further directed to develop a systematic method of redemption of all existing investments and their transfer to the CRIS. B. Deposits to the CRIS DOF will not be transferred from any existing CRIS Funds. Only new deposits pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1335 from the effective date of this order will be placed in the CRIS DOF. C. Parties not wishing to transfer certain existing registry deposits into the CRIS may seek leave to transfer them to the litigants or their designees on proper motion and approval of the judge assigned to the specific case. D. This Order supersedes and abrogates all prior orders of this Court regarding the deposit and investment of registry funds. E. The effective date of this order is, April 1, 2017, the date the CRIS DOF begins accepting deposits. STANDING ORDER RE: INITIAL DISCOVERY DISCLOSURES (Effective November 20, 2018) This Order shall be entered in any case in which a self- represented inmate in the custody of the Connecticut Department of Correction (“DOC”) files suit against one or more employees of the State of Connecticut relating to events occurring during plaintiff’s incarceration. The Order shall be entered upon the filing of an Initial Review Order ordering service of the Complaint. ORDER The Complaint has been reviewed by the Court, and an Initial Review Order has been filed, allowing the Complaint to proceed to service of process on defendant(s). In order to assist in the efficient prosecution of this matter, the Court hereby enters the following Order: 1. MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BY PLAINTIFF Within 45 days from the appearance of any defendant, the self-represented plaintiff shall provide the following materials to counsel for the defendant(s): • A list of any witnesses believed to have relevant information regarding the claims in the Complaint. • A damages analysis, that is, a statement of any money damages claimed and the basis for such claims. The damages analysis must state the type of harm the plaintiff suffered, and the basis for any demand for financial compensation for the harm. • A statement of any non-monetary relief sought by plaintiff. • Copies of any grievances, complaints, notices, reports or correspondence in plaintiff’s possession that relate to the claims in the Complaint. 2. MATERIALS TO BE PROVIDED BY DEFENDANT(S) Within 45 days from the appearance of a defendant, counsel for that defendant shall provide the following materials to the self-represented plaintiff: • A list of any witnesses believed to have relevant information regarding the claims in the Complaint. • Copies of any grievances, complaints, notices, reports filed by the plaintiff, or correspondence from the plaintiff, in the possession of any individual defendant or the DOC that relate to the claims in the Complaint. • Copies of any incident reports, reports of investigation, disciplinary reports, or similar reports relating to the claims in the Complaint. • If the Complaint includes a claim relating to medical treatment, physical injuries, medication, mental illness, or other medical issues (whether physical or psychological), a copy of the plaintiff’s DOC medical records for the relevant time period set forth in the Complaint and/or the Initial Review Order. If redactions are made to any materials disclosed, the disclosure must be accompanied by a privilege log indicating the basis for the redactions. 3. PRESERVATION OF EVIDENCE Counsel for the defendants shall immediately confer with any individual defendants and with staff at the correctional facility or facilities at which the events underlying the claims in the Complaint occurred and direct the defendants and staff to preserve any video recordings, whether made by stationary, surveillance, or handheld cameras, and any photographs, that may have captured the events giving rise to the Complaint. Failure to preserve relevant video recordings or photographs may result in the imposition of sanctions. Such materials need not be produced at this time, but must be preserved. 4. OBJECTIONS If either party seeks to be relieved from any of the requirements of this Order, a motion explaining the relief sought and the basis for that relief must be filed by the plaintiff within ten days of the docketing of this Order, and must be filed by a defendant within ten days of the appearance of that defendant’s counsel. 5. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES If a defendant asserts any affirmative defenses related to(a) failure to exhaust administrative remedies; (b) jurisdiction; or (c) release of the claims at issue; counsel for that defendant shall file a notice with the Court within 45 days of the appearance of the defendant, describing the defenses. LOCAL RULES FOR MAGISTRATE JUDGES RULE 72.1 GENERAL JURISDICTION AND DUTIES OF MAGISTRATE JUDGES (Amended September 10, 2020) The following general jurisdiction and duties shall be exercised by each Magistrate Judge appointed by the Court: (A) The Magistrate Judge shall have jurisdiction over the entire District, with such official station as is fixed by the order of appointment. (B) The Magistrate Judge shall perform all duties authorized by 28 U.S.C. Section 636(a), including, but not limited to, the exercise of all powers and duties previously conferred or imposed upon United States Commissioners, and may also conduct extradition proceedings, and exercise misdemeanor trial and sentencing jurisdiction under 18 U.S.C. Section 3401. (C) The Magistrate Judge shall have authority to assist the Judges of this Court in the conduct of civil and criminal proceedings in all respects contemplated by 28 U.S.C. Section 636(b)–(c), including, but not limited to, exercise of the following duties: (1) The review and any necessary hearing of, and issuance of recommended decision on, any motion for injunctive relief, to suppress evidence, to permit or to refuse class action maintenance, to dismiss or for summary judgment, or any other similar application in civil or criminal cases potentially dispositive of a claim or defense; (2) The review, any necessary hearing, and determination of nondispositive motions, including, but not limited to, those relating to discovery and other matters of procedure; (3) The review and any necessary hearing of, and issuance of recommended decision on, any prisoner petitions challenging conditions of confinement and any applications for post-conviction relief, such review process to the extent pertinent to include also the issuance of preliminary orders and the conduct of incidental proceedings; (4) The conduct of pretrial conferences; and (5) Service as a special master in any appropriate proceedings on order of reference, and a special master reference may be made by consent of the parties without regard to the limiting provisions of Rule 53(b), Fed.R.Civ.P.; trial or other disposition of a civil case by the Magistrate Judge on consent of the parties is further expressly authorized in accordance with 28 U.S.C. Section 636(c) and L.R. 73 infra. (D) The Magistrate Judge shall have authority to perform such additional miscellaneous duties as are contemplated by the laws of the United States, rules of procedure governing District Courts, and local court rules and plans, and may also be assigned such other additional duties, not inconsistent with the Constitution and laws of the United States, as the Court may hereafter require. RULE 72.2 REVIEW (Amended March 19, 2018) (a) The Magistrate Judge's written ruling, pre-trial conference order, or decision or report including proposed findings of fact and recommended conclusions of law, shall be filed with the Clerk, and the Clerk shall forthwith mail a copy to each party who does not receive electronic notice thereof. Any party wishing to object must, within fourteen (14) days after filing of such order or recommended ruling file written objection which shall specifically identify the ruling, order, proposed findings and conclusions, or part thereof to which objection is made and the factual and legal basis for such objection. A party may not thereafter assign as error a defect in the Magistrate Judge's order to which objection was not timely made. Any party receiving notice of an order or recommended ruling from the Clerk by mail shall have five (5) additional days to file any objection. (b) In the event of such objection, in matters acted on by the Magistrate Judge in an advisory capacity, such as under Rule 72.1(C)(1) or (3), supra, the Judge ultimately responsible shall make a de novo determination of those portions of the proposed decision to which objection is made, and may accept, reject, or modify the recommended ruling in whole or in part. Such independent determination may be made on the basis of the record developed before the Magistrate Judge, and need not ordinarily involve rehearing, although further evidence may also be received in the reviewing Judge's discretion. Absent such objection, the Judge ultimately responsible may forthwith endorse acceptance of the proposed decision; but the Judge, in an exercise of discretion, may afford the parties opportunity to object to any contemplated rejection or substantial modification of the proposed decision. In matters determined by the Magistrate Judge for the Court, such as under Rule 72.1(C)(2) or (4), supra, the reviewing Judge on timely objection shall set aside any order found to be clearly erroneous or contrary to law, and may, absent such objection, reconsider any matter sua sponte. (c) Review of special master proceedings shall be in accordance with Rule 53, Fed. R. Civ. P., to the extent applicable. In civil cases referred to the Magistrate Judge for trial by the parties' consent, appeals shall be taken as provided by Rule 4, Fed. R. App. P, in accordance with 28 U.S.C. Section 636(c). Appeals in misdemeanor cases shall conform to the requirements of 18 U.S.C. Section 3402 and the Rules of Procedure for Trial of Misdemeanors before Magistrate Judges. RULE 73 CIVIL TRIAL JURISDICTION (Amended March 19, 2018) (A)(1) Each Magistrate Judge may exercise case-dispositive authority in a civil case on the specific written request of all parties, as permitted by 28 U.S.C. § 636(c)(1), provided the District Judge assigned to the case approves. (2) When a civil action is commenced, the Clerk shall promptly notify the parties that they may request referral of the case to a Magistrate Judge for disposition pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 636(c), subject to the approval of the District Judge to whom the case is assigned. The Clerk shall inform the parties that their consent to such a referral must be voluntary and that they are free to withhold consent without adverse consequences. The parties' agreement to such a reference is to be communicated in the first instance to the Clerk by written stipulation, which shall be forwarded to the assigned District Judge for discretionary consideration. (B)(1) A direct appeal to the Court of Appeals shall be taken in the same manner as from any other judgment or reviewable order of this Court. (2) The scope of an appeal to the referring Judge shall be the same as on an appeal from a judgment of this Court to the Court of Appeals; such appeal shall be taken as herein provided, subject on prompt application to such modification of time limits and procedures in a particular case as may be found appropriate by the Judge in the interest of justice. Dismissal of the appeal may be directed for failure to comply with this Local Rule 73 or related court orders. (3) Appeal to the referring Judge shall be taken by filing a notice of appeal with the Clerk within thirty (30) days after entry of the Magistrate Judge’s judgment, or within sixty (60) days after such judgment's entry if the United States or any officer or agency thereof is a party; if a timely notice of appeal is filed, any other party may file a notice of appeal within fourteen (14) days thereafter. The Clerk shall forthwith mail copies of a notice of appeal to all other parties who do not receive electronic notice of filing. Any attendant stay application shall be made to the Magistrate Judge in the first instance. The record on appeal shall consist of the original papers and exhibits filed with the Clerk, the docket and any transcript of proceedings before the Magistrate Judge. Within ten (10) days after filing the notice of appeal, the appellant shall make arrangements in the first instance for the production of any transcript deemed necessary. Within thirty (30) days after the notice of appeal is filed, the appellant's brief shall be served and filed; the appellee's brief shall be served and filed within thirty (30) days thereafter. Absent scheduling of oral argument on the Judge's own initiative, the appeal may be decided on the papers unless good cause for allowance of oral argument is shown by written request submitted with the brief. (C) These provisions shall be construed to promote expeditious, inexpensive and just decision, and are subject to any controlling uniform procedures for such appeals as may be adopted hereafter by rule or statute. LOCAL RULES OF CRIMINAL PROCEDURE RULE 1 SCOPE OF RULES (Amended December 12, 2025) (a) Title and Citation These Rules shall be known as the Local Criminal Rules of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. They may be cited as D. Conn. L. Cr. R. ____ and referred to as “L.Cr. R. ___,” or “Local Rule ___,” or L.R. ___” where the meaning is clear. (b) Effective Date These rules, as amended from time to time, shall govern the conduct of all criminal proceedings in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut. (c) Applicability of Local Civil Rules The following Local Civil Rules shall apply in criminal proceedings: 1(c) (Definitions), 5(a) (E- filing), 5(c) (Proof of Service), 7(a)1 and 2 (Motion Procedures), 7(b) (Motions for Extension of Time), 7(c) (Motions for Reconsideration), 7(d) (Reply Memoranda), 7(e) (Withdrawals of Appearances), 10 (Preparation of Pleadings), 11 (Motions for Attorneys’ Fees and/or Sanctions), 47(a) (Examination of Jurors), 54 (Taxation of Costs), 80 (Court Reporters), 83.1 (Admission of Attorneys), 83.2 (Discipline of Attorneys), 83.5 (Secrecy of Jury Deliberations and Grand Jury Proceedings), 83.6 (Removal of Papers and Exhibits), 83.9 (Law Student Internship Rules), 83.11 (Photographs, Recordings, and Broadcasts), 83.12 (Auxiliary Orders) and 83.13 (Prohibition on Counsel as Witness). (d) Types of Proceedings All criminal proceedings requiring judicial action which do not commence with an indictment or information shall be denominated special proceedings. Such proceedings shall include, but not be limited to, the determination of all matters relating to proceedings before the grand jury, motions pursuant to Rule 41, Fed. R. Crim. P., made before indictment; and proceedings pursuant to the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2510–20.