Judge Angel Kelley
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Judges
Kelley, Angel
Federal Judicial Service
Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts.
Nominated by Joe Biden on May 12, 2021, to a seat vacated by Douglas P. Woodlock;
Confirmed by the Senate on September
14, 2021, and received commission on September 15, 2021.
Education
Colgate University, BA 1989
Georgetown University Law Center, JD 1992
Temple University School of Law, LL.M 2003
Courthouse
Boston Courthouse
John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 2300
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
Courtroom
8, 3
rd
floor
John J. Moakley Federal
Courthouse - Boston, MA
Courtroom Technology
Contact the courtroom clerk regarding the use of technology in the courtroom. View
our
courtroom technology
page for
more information on the technology that is available.
Internet access is available upon request and with the consent of the presiding
Judge.
Click here
for more information.
Clerkship Applications
District Judge Angel Kelley posts clerkship openings for particular terms on OSCAR. The next available opening is to begin in April 2026.
Candidates should have at least three years of work experience by the start of their clerkship. Applicants should provide three references and two letters of recommendation. The references/recommenders may overlap. Candidates of all backgrounds, including those with diverse life experiences, are encouraged to apply. Individuals with prior clerkship experience are also encouraged to apply. This clerkship will be up to 24 months.
Please apply by sending paper applications to:
Chambers of Hon. Angel Kelley
U.S. Courthouse
One Courthouse Way
Boston, MA 02210
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application, please email:
[email protected]
Internships
Law students interested in an internship with District Judge Angel Kelley should provide a cover letter, resume, undergraduate transcript, law school transcript (if available), and (1) writing sample to Chambers. If applicants submit an application and grades for a term later become available, applicants should update their application with a new transcript
Candidates of all backgrounds, including those with diverse life experiences, are encouraged to apply. Full-time interns are preferred, though applicants may apply for part-time positions during the fall and spring semesters. All fall and spring semester interns are expected to work at least 24 hours per week, preferably as three 8-hour days. Internships are in-person, not remote. Judge Kelley generally accepts internship applications during the following periods; however, interviews will occur on a rolling basis:
Fall Internships: March 1 – May 15
Spring Internships: August 1 – October 15
Summer Internships: December 1 – January 31
Please apply by emailing applications to:
[email protected]
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application, please email:
[email protected]
Staff
Standing
Orders
Judicial Forum
Survey
Staff
Chambers Procedures/Standing Orders/Sample Orders
Standing
Order – Scheduling and Sample Scheduling Order
Standing
Order – General Motion Practice
USDC Judicial Forum Survey
Civil - Case Management
Q1: Do you have any specific
scheduling order or any particular topics that
counsel must address in the joint statement in addition
to/or in lieu of the topics required to be
addressed
under Local Rule 16.1(D) for the initial scheduling
conference?
A1: Parties should address the topics listed
in the Court’s standing order regarding scheduling practices. A
sample
scheduling order is attached thereto. In addition to proposed
dates for discovery and dispositive motion deadlines, the
parties should indicate whether they consent to trial by
magistrate judge.
Q2: If you have a specific
scheduling order, please attach your order.
A2:
Standing
Order – Scheduling and Sample Scheduling Order
Q3: Do you have any additional
requirement(s) as to the attorneys'
obligation
that they confer with their client(s) about case budget and
ADR pursuant to Local Rule 16.1(D)(3)?
A3: No.
Q4: What, if any, inquiries do
you make about settlement prospects and/or
interest in mediation at the initial scheduling conference?
A4: The Court inquires generally whether the
parties have discussed possible settlement. The Court also
inquires whether the
parties are interested in referral to the court’s mediation
program.
Q5: What, if any inquiries do
you make about the liklihood of trial at the
initial scheduling conference?
A5: The Court will inquire generally about
the likelihood of trial the first time it sees the parties.
Q6: What schedule do you set at
the initial scheduling conference?
A6:
Typically, the Court will issue a scheduling order addressing
fact and expert discovery, dispositive motions, and the
date of the next status conference. Prior to the scheduling
conference, the parties are directed to consult and submit
an agreed-upon pretrial schedule no later than 7 days before the
scheduling conference. If the Court finds that the
parties’ proposed deadlines are reasonable or require only minor
adjustments, it may enter a scheduling order in lieu of
holding the scheduling conference.
Q7: After the initial
scheduling conference, do you hold status
conferences?
A7: Yes.
Q8: If so, when do you hold
status conferences?
A8: The Court will schedule a status
conference near the close of fact discovery and may also
schedule a conference during
the discovery period to ensure the case is progressing.
Q9: If so, what issues do you
address at status conferences?
A9: The Court addresses any outstanding fact
discovery to be complete; the parties’ plans for expert
discovery; whether the
parties anticipate filing dispositive motions; and whether the
parties would like a referral to the court’s mediation
program. If the parties do not anticipate filing dispositive
motions and do not seek to mediate, the Court may set a
trial date.
Civil - Discovery
Q10: Other than the
requirements under Local Rule 16.1(D) for addressing
certain discovery topics in the parties' joint statement,
what, if any, discovery issues do you like
counsel
to be prepared to address at the initial scheduling
conference?
A10: The Court recognizes that, in some
cases, resolution of one or more preliminary issues may remove a
significant
impediment to settlement or otherwise expedite resolution of the
case. Counsel are encouraged to confer with one another
to resolve or narrow any such discovery issue prior to raising
it to the Court. Any stipulations resolving such issues
or appropriate motions seeking a ruling from the Court should be
filed at the earliest stage possible in the litigation.
Q11: What, if any, issues
related to electronically stored information
should counsel be prepared to address at the initial
scheduling conference?
A11: The Court expects counsel to consult
about any such issues and raise them to the Court only as
needed.
Q12: If the parties intend to
file a proposed protective order, do you
require any particular format and/or a specific time for
doing so?
A12: The Court encourages counsel to file a
proposed protective order at the earliest possible time.
Q13: Under what circumstances
would you consider a bifurcation of discovery?
A13: The Court may consider a bifurcation of
discovery if the parties propose such an approach in their joint
proposed
schedule.
Q14: Given the new requirement
under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1) regarding the
proportionality of the scope of discovery, what, if any
inquiry do you make about this issue at the
initial
scheduling conference?
A14: The Court expects counsel to consult
about any such issues and raise them to the Court only as
needed.
Q15: Other than the requirement
that the parties confer in good faith to
narrow the issues before filing any discovery motion under
Local Rule 37.1(A), what, if any, additional
requirements do you make of counsel before considering
discovery motions?
A15: Further details regarding the Court’s
expectations as to discovery motions are set out in the Court’s
standing order
regarding motion practice.
Q16: Typically, do you resolve
discovery motions or do you refer them to
the
magistrate judge?
A16: The Court often resolves discovery
motions but may also refer them to the magistrate judge.
Q17: Do you typically hold a
hearing on discovery?
A17: The Court evaluates whether a discovery
motion would benefit from a hearing on a case-by-case basis.
Q18: Please describe your
general practice regarding the resolution of
discovery motions.
A18:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q19: Under what circumstances
will you consider emergency motions regarding
discovery matters?
A19: The Court expects counsel to consult
about any such issues and raise them to the Court only as
needed.
Q20: Do you have any particular
practices or requirements about expert
disclosures?
A20: No.
Q21: What, if any, expert
discovery deadlines do you set at the initial
scheduling conference? When do you typically set a schedule
for the filing of Daubert motions?
A21: The Court sets deadlines for expert
disclosures and depositions, in addition to the close of expert
discovery, at the
initial scheduling conference. The Court may address the
possibility of Daubert motions at the status conference at the
close of fact discovery or at a later status conference, unless
the parties raise it earlier.
Q22: If the case involves a pro
se litigant, do you typically have any
different practices in regard to scheduling conferences,
status conferences or discovery matters?
A22: While the Court encourages the parties
to confer and provide a joint proposed schedule, the Court
understands that this
can be more difficult for pro se litigants. If the parties are
unable to confer and provide a joint proposed schedule,
the Court asks the parties to submit separate proposed
schedules. The Court may schedule more frequent status
conferences to help the parties manage discovery.
Civil - Dispositive Motions
Q23: Other than the presumptive
pages limits for memoranda under Rule
7.1(b), do you have any other requirements or preferences
about the filing of dispositive motions?
A23: The Court’s requirements and
preferences regarding the filing of dispositive motions are
explained in the Court’s
standing order regarding motion practice.
Q24: In connection with
dispositive motions, do you require the filing of
any courtesy copies of exhibits, depositions and/or other
materials in addition to the electronic
versions
that are filed on ECF?
A24: Yes. The requirements for courtesy
copies are explained in the Court’s standing order regarding
motion practice.
Q25: Do you typically allow
reply briefs and/or surreply briefs?
A25: The Court allows reply briefs for
dispositive motions, as explained in the Court’s standing order
regarding motion
practice. The Court does not allow sur-reply briefs.
Q26: If you allow reply and/or
surreply briefs, do you impose a page limit?
A26: Reply briefs are limited to 10 pages.
Sur-reply briefs are not allowed.
Q27: Do you typically hold a
hearing on motions to dismiss?
A27:
The Court evaluates the need for a hearing on motions to dismiss
on a case-by-case basis. While the parties may request
a hearing, the Court may decide the motion on the papers alone.
Q28: Do you typically hold a
hearing on summary judgment motions?
A28: The Court evaluates the need for a
hearing on summary judgment motions on a case-by-case basis.
While the parties may
request a hearing, the Court may decide the motion on the papers
alone.
Q29: If you typically hold
hearings on dispositive motions, what, if any,
time limits do you impose on counsel for their arguments?
A29:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q30: Under what, if any,
circumstances, would you allow the filing of
post-argument briefs?
A30: The Court may consider the filing of
post-argument briefs, for good cause shown, at the parties’
request.
Civil - Patent Cases
Q31: Do you have any standing
order and/or any particular practice
regarding
the management of patent cases? If so, please describe them.
A31: No.
Q32: If applicable, please
upload your standing order regarding the
management of patent cases.
A32:
Respondent skipped this question.
Q33: Do you have particular
practice about Markman hearings? If so, please
describe them including but not limited to whether you allow
tutorial(s).
A33: No.
Criminal Matters
Q34: Do you handle matters
regarding discovery in criminal cases?
A34:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q35: Do you have any particular
practices as to scheduling in criminal
cases? If so, please describe them.
A35:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q36: If a defendant files a
motion for release and/or modification of
conditions of release after the case has been referred back
to the district judge, is it your typical
practice to resolve the motion or refer it back to the
magistrate judge?
A36:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q37: Do you typically hold a
hearing on motions for review of a detention
order?
A37:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q38: Do you have any particular
practices regarding the filing of
suppression motions or hearings on suppression motions?
A38:
Respondent skipped this
question.
General Trial Practice - Pretrial Matters
Q39: Do you require the filing
of a trial brief?
A39: Yes.
Q40: If you do not require the
filing of a trial brief, under what
circumstances do you think it would be helpful to the Court?
A40:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q41: Do you typically hold an
initial pretrial conference in criminal
cases?
If so, what issues do you want counsel to be able to address
at each conference in addition to those
addressed under Local Rule 117.1(a)?
A41: The Court holds status and pretrial
conferences as needed.
Q42: Do you typically hold an
initial pretrial conference in civil cases?
A42: The Court holds status and pretrial
conferences as needed.
Q43: When do you set a deadline
for the filing of proposed voir dire,
proposed jury instructions and/or special verdict form,
witness and exhibits lists, motions in limine?
Typically, how far in advance of trial are these deadlines?
A43:
Motions in limine and oppositions are due before the pretrial
conference. The pretrial conference generally takes place
2-4 weeks before trial begins. Proposed voir dire, jury
instructions, and special verdict forms are typically due 1-2
weeks before trial.
Q44: Do you require that
proposed voir dire, verdict forms and/or jury
instructions be filed in any particular form (i.e., courtesy
electronic copy to your deputy clerk in
Word or
WordPerfect format, etc.)?
A44: In addition to filing these documents
on the docket, parties should send editable Word versions to the
courtroom clerk.
Q45: Do you set a page limit
for motions in limine? If so, what is it?
A45: The Court generally does not set a page
limit for motions in limine but may do so if necessary.
Q46: Do you typically hear
motions in limine at the final pretrial
conference?
A46: Yes.
Q47: Do you typically resolve
motions in limine at the final pretrial
conference?
A47: It depends. The Court aims to resolve
all motions in limine before jury empanelment.
Q48: Do you typically hear
and/or resolve Daubert motions at the final
pretrial conference?
A48:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q49: Do you require the parties
to provide a courtesy copy of trial
exhibits
to the Court before trial?
A49: Yes.
Q50: If courtesy copies of
trial exhibits are required, when do you require
them?
A50: Courtesy copies of trial exhibits are
due no later than the first day of trial unless the Court
requests otherwise.
Q51: If courtesy copies of
trial exhibits are required, what particular
form
is required?
A51: The Court may request electronic and
paper copies of trial exhibits prior to trial. Counsel should
also confer with the
courtroom clerk regarding the form of exhibits.
Q52: Do you require trial
exhibits to be pre-marked? If so, please describe
your practice?
A52: The pretrial order discusses guidelines
for exhibits, and parties should also confer with the courtroom
clerk.
Criminal - Scheduling Trials
Q53: Typically, when do you set
a trial date in criminal cases?
A53: After receiving the case from the
magistrate judge, the Court typically sets a trial date, if the
parties so request, at
the initial status conference.
Q54: Typically, when do you set
a trial date in civil cases?
A54: The Court typically sets a trial date
at the close of discovery or after a dispositive motion is
resolved.
Q55: What is your typical trial
schedule?
A55: Trial is typically conducted daily from
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until deliberations. The Court meets with
counsel every
day at 8:30 a.m. to resolve evidentiary or other legal issues.
Q56: In civil cases, do you set
time limits for counsel for opening
statements, the presentation of evidence and/or closing
arguments? If so, please describe your practice?
A56: The Court may set time limits as needed
to ensure that trial progresses as expected and that counsel is
respectful of
the jury’s time.
Criminal - Jury Selection
Q57: Please describe your jury
selection process.
A57: Voir dire will be discussed at the
final pretrial conference.
Q58: Under what circumstances,
if any, have you or would you consider using
a juror questionnaire?
A58: The parties should confer and file a
joint request for the Court’s consideration.
Q59: If you would consider the
use of a jury questionnaire, when and in
what
form should it be proposed?
A59: Any proposed juror questionnaire should
be provided to the Court prior to the start of trial.
Q60: Have you or would you
consider allowing attorney voir dire?
A60:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q61: In civil trials, typically
what number of jurors do you seat?
A61: 12.
Q62: In criminal trials,
typically how many alternate jurors do you
seat?
A62: The Court may impanel up to 6 alternate
jurors, depending on the length of the trial.
General Trial Practice - Trial Practices
Q63: Do you require counsel to
use the podium during openings, examination
of witnesses and/or closings?
A63: No.
Q64: How many rounds of
examination do you typically allow?
A64:
Direct, cross, re-direct, and re-cross examinations are allowed.
Q65: Under what, if any,
circumstances, will you allow a rebuttal case?
A65:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q66: Do you have any
preferences about the use of chalks during openings
and
closings?
A66:
All chalks must be shared with opposing counsel prior to use.
Q67: Do you have any particular
practice in regard to jury charge
conferences? If so, please describe it.
A67: An initial charge conference is held
after the final pretrial conference but prior to the first day
of trial. Further
charge conferences are scheduled as needed.
Q68: Do you provide a written
copy of your jury charge to the jury?
A68: The jury is usually given a written
copy of the substantive jury instructions.
Q69: Will you consider
counsel's proposals of a special verdict form? If
so,
should it be in any particular format?
A69: The Court will consider all proposals
for special verdict forms. The deadline for submission of a
proposed special
verdict form will be stated in the Court’s pretrial order.
Q70: If you have any
preferences or practices about pretrial or trial
matters that has not been solicited by the prior questions,
please describe them here.
A70:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q71: If you have any particular
practices as to bench trials, please
describe them.
A71: The Court generally recommends that
counsel treat the judge, as the factfinder, the same way counsel
would treat a jury
and avoid “document dumps” on the Court without testimony to
explain their significance.
Criminal - Sentencing/Revocation Hearings
Q72: Do you require a
sentencing memorandum in every case?
A72: Yes.
Q73: If you do not require a
sentencing memorandum in every case, when
would
it be helpful to you?
A73:
Respondent skipped this question.
Q74: Under what, if any,
circumstances, would you consider an expedited
sentencing?
A74:
The Court may consider an expedited sentencing if requested.
Q75: Do you have any particular
practices regarding the presentation of
victim impact statements at sentencing?
A75: The Court prefers to receive notice of
a victim impact statement prior to the sentencing hearing. The
deadline for the
government to inform the Court whether a victim impact statement
is anticipated is provided in the Court’s sentencing
order.
Q76: Under what, if any
circumstances, would you consider the postponement
of a sentencing hearing?
A76:
The Court will consider the postponement of a sentencing hearing
when necessary, considering a multitude of factors.
Q77: Do you have any particular
practices as to revocation matters?
A77:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Standing Orders & Miscellaneous Matters
Q78: If your session has any
standing orders, please attach them here.
A78:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q79: Order #2
A79:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q80: Order #3
A80:
Respondent skipped this
question.
Q81: If there is any other
guidance about your court practices and
preferences that you would like to share with counsel that
has not been solicited by any of the prior
questions, please provide it here.
A81:
The only food or beverage permitted in the courtroom is water in
a clear, plastic water bottle.
Post-Pandemic Practices
Q82: As of Fall 2022, are there
any case events that you routinely conduct via Zoom in civil
cases? If so, what are they?
A82:
Respondent skipped this question.
Q83: As of Fall 2022, are there
any case events that you routinely conduct via Zoom in
criminal cases? If so, what are they?
A83:
Respondent skipped this question.
Q84: As of Fall 2022, if there
are case events that you routinely conduct in person that
you would consider conducting via
Zoom, what are those case events and under what
circumstances would you consider conducting them via Zoom?
A84:
All proceedings are scheduled for in-person appearances. If the
parties wish to appear by video conference for status
and scheduling conferences in civil matters, and all parties
assent to such change, they may email the courtroom clerk
to modify the hearing no later than two business days prior to
the scheduled conference.
