a. Persons Appearing Without An Attorney (Pro Se).
1. Any person representing himself or herself without an attorney must appear
personally for such purpose and may not delegate that duty to any other
person, including a spouse. Any person so representing himself or herself is
bound by these Rules, and by the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal
Procedure. Failure to comply may be ground for dismissal or judgment by
default.
2. Unless the Court orders otherwise, a party who has appeared through counsel
in a proceeding may not thereafter appear or act in his or her own behalf in
the proceeding unless the Court first enters an order of substitution after
notice to the party’s attorney and to all other parties. The Court may in its
discretion hear a party in open court notwithstanding the fact that the party
has appeared or is represented by an attorney.
b. Appearances by phone or video. Upon request (made at least two business days
prior to the hearing date) of any attorney who does not reside on the island of
Saipan, or who is temporarily absent from Saipan, the Court, in its discretion, may
allow an attorney’s or a party’s appearance by telephone or by video-teleconference
(preferred method) for conferences and arguments on motions. Telephone
conferencing is encouraged when that practice will save the attorneys, parties, or
court time and money.
c. Substitutions. When counsel for any party ceases to act for the party, the party
will appear personally or appoint another attorney either: (1) by a written
substitution of attorney signed by the party, the attorney ceasing to act, and the
newly-appointed attorney; or (2) by a written designation filed with the clerk and
served upon the attorney ceasing to act unless counsel of record is deceased, in
which event the designation of new counsel must so state. The authority and
responsibility of counsel of record will continue for other purposes, until the Court
approves the substitution.
d. Withdrawal from Case. An attorney may withdraw from a civil or criminal case
only after order of the Court upon motion and for good cause shown, and after
serving notice upon his or her client and opposing counsel.
e. Proper Attire. All attorneys appearing in open court must be suitably dressed.
Minimum acceptable dress for male practitioners will consist of a jacket, dress
shirt, necktie, dress slacks, socks and shoes. Minimum acceptable dress for female
practitioners will consist of a dress or suit, slacks or skirt and blouse, and shoes.
The Court may refuse to hear attorneys whose appearance does not conform to
this Rule.
