UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS
STANDING ORDER RE: COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES
FOR RELATIVELY INEXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS
SAYLOR, J.
Courtroom opportunities for relatively inexperienced attorneys, particularly those who
practice at larger firms, have declined precipitously across the nation in recent years. That
decline is due to a variety of factors, but has been exacerbated by the proliferation of rules and
orders requiring the appearance of “lead” counsel in many court proceedings.
In an effort to counter that trend, the undersigned District Judge, as a matter of policy,
strongly encourages the participation of relatively inexperienced attorneys in all court
proceedings. Such attorneys may handle not only relatively routine matters (such as scheduling
conferences or discovery motions), but may also handle, where appropriate, more complex
matters (such as motions for summary judgment or the examination of witnesses at trial). The
following cautions, however, shall apply.
First, even relatively inexperienced attorneys will be held to the highest professional
standards with regard to any matter as to which experience is largely irrelevant. In particular, all
attorneys appearing in court are expected to be appropriately prepared, regardless of experience.
For example, any attorney who is arguing a motion for summary judgment is expected to be
thoroughly familiar with the factual record and the applicable law.
Second, all attorneys appearing in court should have a degree of authority commensurate
with the proceeding that they are assigned to handle. For example, an attorney appearing at a
scheduling conference ordinarily should have the authority to propose and agree to a discovery
schedule and any other matters reasonably likely to arise at the conference.
Third, relatively inexperienced attorneys who seek to participate in evidentiary hearings
of substantial complexity, such as examining a witness at trial, should be accompanied and
supervised by a more experienced attorney, unless leave of Court is granted otherwise.
Counsel are encouraged to seek additional guidance from the Court in particular cases
concerning the scope or application of this policy.
So Ordered.
/s/ F. Dennis Saylor
F. Dennis Saylor IV
United States District Judge
Dated: August 12, 2014
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