PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES OF
MAGISTRATE JUDGE PATRICIA L. DODGE
(Updated as of September 10, 2025)
I. GENERAL MATTERS
A. Communications with the Court
Counsel shall not send letters, motions or briefs to Magistrate Judge Dodge unless
she specifically requests or approves this practice. Requests for the rescheduling of
conferences may be made by telephone to the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, but only if
counsel for all parties are on the line or have expressly authorized counsel for a particular
party to convey the request. Otherwise, such requests are to be made by motion.
B. Communications with Chambers
Counsel may contact Magistrate Judge Dodge’s staff to discuss administrative
matters only.
C. Telephone and Video Conferences
As appropriate, the Court may conduct conferences or other proceedings by
telephone or by video conference. Unless otherwise ordered, settlement conferences,
pretrial conferences and oral arguments typically will not be conducted remotely.
Telephonic conferences will be facilitated through a Court-provided conference line, which
will be supplied by means of a ECF docket entry. If a proceeding is to be conducted via
video conference, Chambers will supply log-in information to counsel and unrepresented
parties in advance of such proceeding.
In addition to Court-scheduled conferences, this Court will also schedule and
conduct a status conference (telephonic or in person) upon request by counsel for the
parties.
D. Pro Hac Vice Admissions
Pro hac vice motions are routinely granted as long as all of the requirements of
Local Rule 83.2.B. are met.
E. Comments to the Media
Attorneys are expected to adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct in all
dealings, including those with the media.
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II. MOTIONS PRACTICE
A. Rule 12 Motions
If a defendant determines that a Rule 12 motion is appropriate, defense counsel
first must meet and confer with plaintiff’s counsel before filing to determine whether any
purported defects with the complaint can be cured. Any motion to dismiss must be
accompanied with a certificate stating that the defendant has made good-faith efforts to
confer with the plaintiff to determine whether the identified pleading deficiencies properly
may be cured by amendment. Rule 12 motions that do not contain the required certification
will be stricken. This requirement applies to all Rule 12 motions, including motions for
judgment on the pleadings under Rule 12(c).
B. Briefs
Motions that seek substantive legal rulings, whether dispositive or non-dispositive,
should be accompanied by a supporting brief. The supporting brief must be filed
contemporaneously with the motion. A brief may be omitted only if (i) the motion is non-
dispositive; and (ii) the motion contains sufficient argument and legal citations to permit
meaningful judicial review.
1. Page Limitations
Supporting and responsive briefs regarding dispositive motions are limited to
twenty-five (25) pages. Supporting and responsive briefs regarding non-
dispositive motions are limited to ten (10) pages. For good cause, parties may
move for leave to exceed these page limitations.
2. Citation to Unpublished Opinions
When citing to unpublished opinions, counsel must use the Westlaw citation
rather than the LEXIS cite.
3. Reply Briefs
Reply briefs and sur-reply are only permitted with leave of court. Any
reply or sur-reply that is filed without leave of court will be stricken. All
reply and sur-reply briefs are limited to five (5) pages.
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4. Font
All motions and briefs shall use a font not smaller than 12.
C. Proposed Orders
In accordance with local rules, all motions shall be accompanied by a proposed
order of court. The order of court shall include language detailing the specific relief sought
rather than merely stating that the motion is “granted.”
D. Chambers Copies of Motion Papers
Courtesy copies of motions and briefs, including exhibits and attachments, are
generally not required if they are available to the Court through ECF. However, if any brief
together with exhibits/attachments exceeds one-hundred (100) pages, counsel must deliver
a hard copy of the brief, exhibits, and attachments to Chambers after electronically filing
so that the ECF header appears on the documents. All hard copies must be bound and loose
pages will be returned to the submitting party for correction. Double-sided printing is
preferred.
E. Scheduling
Unless a separate Order is issued, responses to non-dispositive motions shall be
filed within fourteen (14) days of service, and responses to dispositive motions shall be filed
within thirty (30) days of service.
F. Oral Argument
Oral argument may be scheduled for factually or legally complex matters. A party
may also file a motion requesting oral argument. If the Court determines that oral argument
is appropriate, an order will issue. The parties are also directed to the Statement of the
Court Regarding Courtroom Opportunities for Newer Lawyers i n S e c t i o n V .
G. Evidentiary Hearings
The scheduling of evidentiary hearings is determined on a case-by-case basis.
H. Motions in Limine
The deadline for filing motions in limine and supporting briefs will be set in a
pretrial order. Generally, the Court will rule on these motions prior to trial. Counsel shall
comply with Local Rule 16.1.C.4 with respect to all motions in limine.
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I. Motions for Reconsideration
Motions for reconsideration must be filed within seven days of the order at issue.
J. Motions to Seal
All motions to seal any document or proceeding must set forth the specific factual
and legal basis and necessity for sealing under prevailing law. Any order sealing any matter
is subject to being vacated upon the motions of any party, any interested person, or by the
Court on its own motion. Absent exceptional circumstances, any proposed Order must
include this language: “This Order may be vacated and sealing lifted for cause shown upon
the motion of any party or other person with a recognized interest, or after due notice by
the Court upon the Court’s own motion.” The parties are reminded that all proceedings in
federal court are presumptively open to the public, including those in which “sealed”
material may be discussed.
III. CIVIL CASES
A. Pretrial Procedures
1. Local Rule 16.1
The Court uses a standard case management order form based on Local Rule
16.1.
2. Conferences
a. Initial Case Management Conferences
Magistrate Judge Dodge will issue an order setting the date for the initial
case management conference after the filing of an answer by all
defendants or after resolution of a Rule 12(b) motion. Prior to the
conference, the parties shall meet and confer and then file a report
pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f), the form of which is set forth in the
Appendix to the Local Rules. Trial counsel shall attend the initial case
management conference.
b. Post-Discovery Conferences
A post-discovery conference will be scheduled promptly after the close
of discovery. Trial counsel must attend. Counsel shall be prepared to
discuss all other pretrial deadlines.
c. Settlement Conferences
Magistrate Judge Dodge requires trial counsel and their clients, or
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persons with authority, including insurance companies, to attend all
settlement conferences. In the event that counsel has full authority to
negotiate a settlement, the client may be permitted to participate by
telephone or video conference on an as-needed basis.
d. Other Conferences
Additional case management or status conferences may take place at
counsel’s request or at the Court’s discretion.
3. Settlement
The Court will explore the possibility of resolving the case short of
continued litigation at every conference and at each stage of the litigation.
With the exception of social security appeals, petitions for habeas corpus
and prisoner civil rights cases, all cases are required to participate in the
Court’s ADR program pursuant to Local Rule 16.2. Absent good cause
shown, the ADR process shall occur within sixty (60) days of the Initial
Scheduling Conference. If the parties have a good faith belief that
additional time is required, however, the Court will entertain a motion to
extend the deadline.
4. Extensions and Continuances
Requests for extensions of time and continuances shall be presented by
written motion, contain supporting facts and indicate the position of
opposing counsel. Reasonable extensions generally will be granted.
Counsel are advised that untimely requests for continuances (for example,
on or after a court-ordered deadline) without a showing of good cause are
strongly disfavored.
5. Objections/Placing Proceedings on the Record
If counsel at any time has an objection to any procedure, ruling or other
action of the Court, counsel should make an immediate objection by
written motion or otherwise on the record at the earliest practicable time.
If no court reporter is present and counsel has an objection(s), or otherwise
desires the proceeding be on the record for any reason, counsel has the
right to and should request a court reporter to be present and thereafter
place the objection(s) or proceedings on the record. Counsel may request
at any time that any proceeding or matter be placed on the record.
6. Consultation by Counsel/Attendance of Necessary Counsel
All parties (other than those proceeding pro se) shall be represented at any
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conference by counsel who is a member of the Bar of this Court (or, who
has been or will be admitted specially), has entered an appearance, and is
sufficiently familiar with all legal and factual matters involved in the
action to allow counsel to meaningfully and fully participate in the
proceedings. At any conference, counsel shall be prepared to discuss in
detail and argue any pending motions, and to discuss settlement. Counsel
are expected to confer with one another prior to any conference with the
Court to review any issue which may be raised at such conference and to
provide their respective positions on all such matters.
B. Discovery Matters
1. Length of Discovery Period and Extensions
Generally, one-hundred fifty (150) days are allowed for discovery
although Magistrate Judge Dodge will solicit input from counsel regarding
the anticipated length of discovery required. Counsel must comply with
the provisions of Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 generally and must file the written
report required by Rule 26(f) prior to the initial case management
conference. The parties are encouraged to abide by discovery deadlines
and only request extensions when they are absolutely necessary. Any
request for an extension must be made in a reasonable time frame prior to
the deadline. Untimely requests are strongly disfavored.
2. Expert Witnesses
Expert reports and discovery may be deferred until after dispositive
motions upon agreement of the parties and the Court.
3. Discovery/Deposition Disputes
The Court’s practice regarding discovery disputes is set forth in a case
management order that is issued after the Rule 16 conference. Counsel are
encouraged but not required to contact Chambers when a discovery dispute
arises so that it may be promptly addressed without the need for a written
motion or response. Counsel must meet and confer in an effort to resolve
a discovery dispute prior to bringing a discovery issue to the Court’s
attention. All written motions must be accompanied by the certification
required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 37(a)(1). With respect to
discovery disputes that arise during a deposition, counsel may but are not
required to jointly call the Court to resolve the matter at that time.
4. Stay of Discovery
The filing of a motion to dismiss or other dispositive motion generally will
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not stay discovery. Participation in an ADR process will not stay
discovery. A stay of discovery may be sought by motion but will be granted
only if the right to relief is clear or some other compelling reason exists.
5. Limitations on Discovery
The Court follows the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure regarding this
matter and does not impose additional restrictions or limitations.
C. Preliminary Injunctions
Either upon consent of the parties or referral by a District Court Judge to Magistrate
Judge Dodge, a briefing schedule will be issued and a hearing date will be scheduled.
Requests for and the use of expedited discovery are considered on a case-by-case basis.
D. Motions for Summary Judgment
Unless the parties are otherwise directed by the Court, motions for summary
judgment and responses in opposition thereto must comply with the requirements of LCvR
56. A party’s failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the motion for summary
judgment being decided against the party’s position. Supporting and opposing briefs shall
include a statement of facts that summarizes the facts relevant to that party’s position.
E. Trial Procedures
1. Compliance with Local Rule 16.1 C
The content of pretrial statements shall comply with LCvR 16.1 C.1.
2. Scheduling of Cases
For cases in which the parties have consented to jurisdiction before
Magistrate Judge Dodge, a date certain will be given for trial following
the resolution of any Rule 56 motions or, if none are filed, at the post-
discovery status conference. Vacation schedules and conflicts with the
personal/professional obligations of counsel, parties and witnesses will
be accommodated whenever possible. The Court must be notified of any
conflicts as soon as possible.
3. Trial Hours/Days
Generally, cases will be tried Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m., with one 15-minute break in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Modification of this schedule will be considered as appropriate.
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Magistrate Judge Dodge will meet with counsel before and after the trial
day to discuss trial/evidentiary issues.
4. Trial Briefs
Trial briefs are not required but are encouraged and should not exceed
fifteen (15) pages. The filing date for the briefs will be set in a pretrial
order.
5. Motions in Limine
The filing date for motions in limine will be set in the pretrial order.
6. Voir Dire
The filing date for proposed voir dire questions will be set in the pretrial
order. Counsel may submit proposed voir dire as a supplement to the
standard voir dire set forth in LCvR 47 for the Court’s consideration. The
Court will conduct the voir dire.
7. Use of Courtroom Technology
The parties are required to use trial presentation and courtroom
technology. Should the parties require training or other information on
the use of courtroom technology, the parties may contact the Court’s
Courtroom Deputy. The parties are welcome to contact Chambers to
schedule a time to visit the courtroom and review the available
technology.
8. Notetaking by Jurors
The Court generally allows jurors to take notes unless counsel articulates
a valid objection prior to the commencement of trial.
9. Side Bars
Side bars will be permitted but only when necessary. Counsel should
anticipate matters to be discussed outside of the jurors’ presence and raise
them either at the beginning or end of each trial day.
10. Examination of Witnesses Out of Sequence
The Court will permit examination of a witness out of sequence, either
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within the party’s own case or within an opposing party’s case, if a
scheduling conflict exists.
11. Opening Statements and Summations
There are no court-imposed time limits on opening statements and
closing arguments. Defense counsel may defer opening statements.
12. Examination of Witnesses or Argument by More than One Attorney
One attorney for each party shall conduct an examination of any witness
and may argue any motion or point. However, the parties are also
directed to the Statement of the Court Regarding Courtroom
Opportunities for Newer Lawyers below.
13. Examination of Witnesses Beyond Direct and Cross
Redirect and recross of a witness will be permitted but may not exceed
the scope of the immediately preceding line of questions. The Court
does not typically permit any further examination.
14. Videotaped Testimony
Magistrate Judge Dodge has no special procedures or requirements with
respect to the use or admission of videotaped testimony. However,
counsel should inform the court in advance of trial of the intention to use
such evidence, so that the procedures to be utilized may be discussed.
15. Reading of Material into the Record
The Court has no special practice with regard to reading deposition
testimony, stipulations and the like into the record. It will be considered
on a case-by-case basis.
16. Exhibits
All exhibits must be listed in the Pretrial Narrative Statements. Unless
otherwise ordered, Plaintiff(s) shall use numbers; defendant(s) shall use
letters. The parties are expected to comply with Local Rule 16.1.C.5 by
exchanging exhibits prior to the final pretrial conference, unless
otherwise ordered by the Court, and should be prepared to indicate a
position at the final pretrial conference with regard to the authenticity and
admissibility of the opponent’s exhibits. All exhibits shall be marked
before trial. Exhibits may be introduced out of sequence.
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Counsel shall obtain the Court’s approval in advance for use of any visual
aid(s) during opening statements. Otherwise, visual aids are permitted
during trial and should be marked and offered into evidence as with any
other exhibit.
Counsel for each party will be expected to provide two (2) tabbed exhibit
binders to the Court and one (1) binder for each opposing party in
advance of trial.
17. Directed Verdict Motions
Magistrate Judge Dodge does not have any special requirements beyond
those set forth in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Motions may be
made orally or in writing.
18. Jury Instructions and Verdict Forms
The Court requires counsel to confer and submit a single set of agreed
upon jury instructions and a proposed verdict form. To the extent that the
parties cannot agree on a particular instruction or form, the various
versions proposed by the parties and/or any objections shall be included
where appropriate in the document. The date and details for filing same
will be set in a pretrial order. The Court will hold charging conference at
which time counsel will receive the final charge and verdict form to be
given to the jury.
19. Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
In any non-jury trial, Magistrate Judge Dodge requires the submission of
proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The filing date will be
established by order.
20. Offers of Proof
Generally, offers of proof should not be required since the Court sets
aside time before and after a trial day to discuss trial/evidentiary matters
with counsel. Should the need arise during trial, however, the Court does
not impose any restrictions.
21. General Courtroom Rules
Magistrate Judge Dodge will not tolerate any demonstration of hostility,
discrimination or bias of any kind. Counsel shall conduct themselves with
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courtesy and civility at all times. All parties and party representatives are
also expected to conduct themselves in a similarly appropriate manner.
F. Jury Deliberations
1. Written Jury Instructions
Each juror will be given a written copy of the jury instructions.
2. Exhibits in the Jury Room
All admitted exhibits will be given to the jury for use in deliberations as
long as counsel agrees upon the exhibits that are provided.
3. Jury Requests to Read Back Testimony or Replay Tapes During
Deliberations
Where appropriate, and after conferring with counsel, Magistrate Judge
Dodge will permit the reading back of testimony to the jury.
4. Jury Questions
Jury questions must be in writing. The Court will discuss the question with
counsel and arrive at a satisfactory instruction/response.
5. Availability of Counsel During Jury Deliberations
Trial counsel need not remain in the courtroom during deliberations but
must be available by telephone and able to return to the courthouse within
a reasonably short period of time.
6. Interviewing the Jury
Magistrate Judge Dodge will inform the jurors that they may speak to
counsel but are not required to do so. Counsel shall not approach any juror
until the Court has met with the jury and dismissed them.
IV. CRIMINAL CASES
Criminal cases before Magistrate Judge Dodge are limited to petty offenses,
misdemeanor charges and preliminary criminal proceedings (e.g., arraignment, detention
hearings and initial appearances). Counsel must be prepared and have conferred with their
client prior to scheduled criminal proceedings.
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V. STATEMENT REGARDING COURTROOM OPPORTUNITIES FOR
NEWER LAWYERS
Courtroom opportunities for relatively new attorneys, particularly those who practice at
larger firms or in more complex areas of the law, have declined precipitously in recent
years.
The Court encourages the active participation of such attorneys in all court proceedings.
Based on my experience, these newer lawyers are more than up to the task, and they can
effectively handle not only relatively routine matters (such as discovery motions), but
also, where appropriate, more complex matters (such as motions for summary judgment
or the examination of witnesses at trial).
In an effort to increase advocacy opportunities for newer lawyers, with notice in advance,
the Court will consider relaxing the usual requirement that only a single lawyer may present
an argument and will allow a more experienced lawyer to “back up” a newer lawyer in the
examination of witnesses so long as doing so will not unduly prolong the proceeding, not
prejudice the opposing party, and not result in undue “double dipping.” Such new lawyers
who actively participate in evidentiary hearings, including examining a witness at trial,
should be accompanied and supervised by a more experienced attorney.
Of course, even relatively inexperienced attorneys will be held to the same 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.
Further, all attorneys appearing in court should have a degree of authority commensurate
with the proceeding that they are assigned to handle. By way of example only, an attorney
appearing at a scheduling conference ordinarily must have the full authority to propose
and agree to a discovery or trial schedule and any other matters reasonably likely to arise
at the conference, to address and argue any then-pending motion, and to discuss the status
of any settlement discussions.
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