Judges' Filing Preferences


District Judges Magistrate Judges

JUDICIAL PREFERENCES FOR ELECTRONICALLY FILED CASES

STANDARD PREFERENCES


The following preferences apply if the judge does not express another preference.


  1. ACCEPTED WORD PROCESSING FORM

    Unless otherwise indicated, documents submitted directly to chambers (i.e., by email) must be in WordPerfect or MS-Word format.

  2. CONVERSION VS. SCANNING

    3. All legal memoranda MUST be converted rather than scanned. The court encourages conversion of other documents (e.g., pleadings), which are not evidentiary attachments (e.g., affidavits, deposition excerpts, exhibits). Evidentiary attachments must be scanned.

  3. COURTESY COPY REQUIREMENT

    4. Send courtesy copies of motions, related memoranda, and attachments if these documents together exceed 25 pages. See Preference 4 for Courtesy Copy Form.

  4. COURTESY COPY FORM

    5. See Preference 3 for when courtesy copy is required.

    * Courtesy copies should be printed after filing in ECF, with the ECF header printed on every    page.
    * If the collective document (e.g., memorandum plus exhibits) exceeds 50 pages, submit it in    bound form with cover.
    * Unless otherwise indicated, the courtesy copies should be delivered to chambers within three    business days of filing or the request for copies.

  5. ATTACHMENTS (Including Exhibits)

    6. * Docket entries for all attachments must include a descriptive name (e.g., "Depos. of Bill Jones,"    not "Exhibit 2"). Attorney User Manual II.B.4.e. and C.5.f.
    * Each attachment (including exhibits) shall be filed as a separate attachment to the main    document.

  6. FORMAT OF FILED DOCUMENTS

    7. * Minimum one-inch margins on all sides.
    * Times New Roman, Arial, or Courier New.
    * Minimum 12-point type for caption, text, and footnotes.
    * Only page numbers and document identification footers may appear in margins or smaller than    12-point type.
    * Double space text except in indented quotations and footnotes.

  7. PRETRIAL BRIEFS

    8. * Send signed paper version of full pretrial brief to chambers.
    * In addition, email copy of full pretrial brief (including voir dire and jury charges) to chambers in    WordPerfect or MS-Word format.
    * Do not file except for voir dire and requests to charge.
    * Reminder: traditional (pen and ink) signatures are required on documents which are not    electronically filed.
    * See Roster Notice for other special pretrial instructions.

  8. PROPOSED ORDERS

    9. * Proposed orders are generally not necessary for simple requests such as extension of a single    deadline;
    * A proposed order which forms part of the motion (e.g. proposed amended scheduling orders)    may be filed as an attachment to the motion in addition to submitting by email;
    * Email proposed order in accepted word processing form to judge's ECF email address (listed    below under Judge-Specific Preferences).
    * Email should indicate if the order was requested or relates to a corresponding motion and    should be copied to opposing counsel.
    * Include the case number and short form of the case name in email subject line.
    * Include a signature, date, and location block.

  9. PROTECTION REQUESTS AND EXTENSIONS OF TIME

    10. * Request for protection must be filed as Notice of Request for Protection from Court Appearance    and must specify dates and reason for request;
    * Request for extension of time must be by motion filed in compliance with Local Civil Rule 6.01    (not via facsimile, email, or telephone).

  10. SIGNATURES

    11. Signatures may appear in any of the forms allowed by the Policies and Procedures and Attorney User Manual for the type document at issue.

  11. SOCIAL SECURITY

    12. In Social Security cases, deliver courtesy copies of the complaint, answer and all briefs/memoranda to the Clerk's office.

  12. COMMUNICATIONS WITH COURT

    13. Communications to the court should normally be in the form of a FILED written communication (i.e., motion, memorandum, status report, or other traditionally filed document). All written communications from Filing Users relating to an action should be filed unless there are grounds for an ex parte communication. Other forms of communication (e.g., facsimile, mail, email, hand delivery, or phone) are prohibited unless expressly authorized by judge-specific preference, local rule, or other specific authorization.

  13. HEARINGS

    14. Oral argument on motions is granted on a case-by-case basis. See Local Civil Rule 7.08, DSC. Counsel should advise the court if they believe oral argument would be particularly helpful in a given matter.

  14. OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG LAWYERS

    15. The court is aware of a trend today in which fewer cases go to trial, and in which there are generally fewer speaking or "stand-up" opportunities in court, particularly for young lawyers (i.e., lawyers practicing for less than seven years). The court strongly encourages litigants to be mindful of opportunities for young lawyers to conduct hearings before the court, particularly for motions where the young lawyer drafted or contributed significantly to the underlying motion or response. The court understands that there may be circumstances where having a young lawyer handle a hearing might not be appropriate - such as where no young lawyers were involved in drafting the motion, or where the motion might be dispositive in a "bet-the-company" type case. Even so, the court believes it is crucial to provide substantive speaking opportunities to young lawyers, and that the benefits of doing so will accrue to young lawyers, to clients, and to the profession generally. Thus, the court encourages all lawyers practicing before it to keep this goal in mind.

JUDGE-SPECIFIC PREFERENCES

Chief Judge R. Bryan Harwell

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 2317, Florence, SC 29503

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    3. Courtesy Copy Requirement: Do not send courtesy copies of any documents unless specifically requested.
    7. Pretrial Briefs: Follow Standard Preference except do not send a signed paper version of the pretrial brief to chambers. Email copy of full pretrial brief (including voir dire and jury charges) to chambers in WordPerfect or Word format.
    8. Proposed Orders: Follow Standard Preference except do not file proposed orders as attachments to any motions.

Judge David C. Norton

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 835, Charleston, SC 29402

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    13. Hearings: Consideration of Arguments - The court routinely schedules hearings on substantive motions. The court will not consider arguments raised at hearings that were not included in the parties' briefs nor will the court consider any new arguments raised in a reply brief.

Judge Richard M. Gergel

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P. O. Box 835, Charleston, SC 29402

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    7. Pretrial Briefs: Please see Special Instructions.
    9. Protection Requests and Extensions of Time: Please see Special Instructions.

Judge J. Michelle Childs

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address:
          U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    3. Courtesy Copy Requirement: Follow Standard Preference except submit only one courtesy copy of any filed document that exceeds 25 pages.
    8. Proposed Orders: All proposed orders should be emailed to Chambers in both WordPerfect/MS Word and PDF format.

Judge Timothy M. Cain

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 315 South McDuffie Street, 1st Floor, Anderson, SC 29624

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.

Judge Mary Geiger Lewis

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    3. Courtesy Copy Requirement: Follow Standard Preference. IN ADDITION: Send a courtesy copy of any filed document that exceeds 25 pages. For matters that are referred to a Magistrate Judge, courtesy copies of dispositive motions and responses that exceed 25 pages are to be sent to Judge Lewis in addition to the Magistrate Judge. Unless specifically requested to do so by chambers, Judge Lewis requests that courtesy copies in prisoner litigation (whether state or federal habeas, 1983, or Bivens actions) no longer be sent to chambers.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies in bound form with exhibits indexed and tabbed. For trial purposes, two bound copies of exhibits are required.
    12. Communications With Court: Follow Standard Preference. In addition, no motions relating to discovery shall be filed until counsel have consulted and attempted to resolve the matter as required by Local Civil Rule 7.02 and have had a telephone conference with Judge Lewis in an attempt to resolve the matter informally. The request for a telephone conference should be made within the time limit prescribed by local rule for filing such a motion. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via e-mail to [email protected]. The parties shall set forth their respective positions in their request.

Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 835, Charleston, SC 29402

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    3. Courtesy Copy Requirement: Do not send courtesy copy of any documents unless specifically requested.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies in bound form with exhibits indexed and tabbed. For trial purposes, two bound copies of all exhibits are required.
    9. Protection Requests and Extensions of Time: Follow standard practice except in criminal cases. Counsel are advised that during the portion of criminal cases when speedy trial is an issue, the Court may not be able to grant protection for scheduled hearings. Counsel must either file a motion to continue including the specific language that the defendant is aware of his/her speedy trial rights and agrees to waive them for purposes of a continuance, or arrange for another attorney to appear on the defendant's behalf. Counsel are further advised that a written plea agreement does not stop the speedy trial clock; only the taking of a plea before a Judge has that effect.
    12. Communications With Court: Follow Standard Preference. IN ADDITION, Motions are required to be filed prior to sending a proposed order to the ECF box, unless the proposed order was requested by the Judge or is pursuant to a Joint Rule 26(f) report. In addition, prior to filing motions relating to discovery, the attorneys are required to have a telephone conference with Judge Hendricks. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via e-mail to [email protected] with dates and times available for all parties.

    Please send all emails regarding criminal cases to [email protected] rather than to individual chambers' staff, and please make sure to include the defendant's name and criminal case number in the subject line.

Judge Donald C. Coggins, Jr.

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 201 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies over 50 pages in bound form with exhibits indexed and tabbed. For trial purposes, two bound copies of all exhibits are required.
    9. Protection Requests and Extensions of Time: Motions for extension of time should not be filed on the date of the current deadline. Motions filed on the date of the current deadline will be denied barring a showing of extraordinary circumstances.
    12. Communications With Court: Follow Standard Preference. In addition, no motions relating to discovery shall be filed until counsel have consulted and attempted to resolve the matter as required by Local Civil Rule 7.02 and have had a telephone conference with Judge Coggins in an attempt to resolve the matter informally. The request for a telephone conference should be made within the time limit prescribed by local rule for filing such a motion. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via e-mail to [email protected]. The parties shall set forth their respective positions in their request.


Judge Sherri A. Lydon

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies over 50 pages in bound form with exhibits indexed and tabbed.
    8. Proposed Orders: Follow Standard Preference except do not file proposed orders as attachments to any motions.
    9. Protection Requests and Extensions of Time: Motions for extension of time should not be filed on the date of the current deadline. Motions filed on the date of the current deadline will be denied barring a showing of extraordinary circumstances.
    12. Communications With Court: Follow Standard Preference. In addition, no motions relating to discovery shall be filed until counsel have consulted and attempted to resolve the matter as required by Local Civil Rule 7.02 and have had a telephone conference with Judge Lydon in an attempt to resolve the matter informally. The request for a telephone conference should be made within the time limit prescribed by local rule for filing such a motion. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via email to [email protected]. The parties shall set forth their respective positions in their request.

Judge Joseph Dawson, III

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 2317, Florence, SC 29503

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies over 50 pages in bound form with exhibits indexed and tabbed.
    8. Proposed Orders: Follow Standard Preference except do not file proposed orders as attachments to any motions.
    9. Protection Requests and Extensions of Time: Motions for extension of time should not be filed on the date of the current deadline. Motions filed on the date of the current deadline will be denied barring a showing of extraordinary circumstances.
    12. Communications With Court: Follow Standard Preference. In addition, no motions relating to discovery shall be filed until counsel have consulted and attempted to resolve the matter as required by Local Civil Rule 7.02 and have had a telephone conference with Judge Dawson in an attempt to resolve the matter informally. The request for a telephone conference should be made within the time limit prescribed by local rule for filing such a motion. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via email to [email protected]. The parties shall set forth their respective positions in their request.

Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr.

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.

Judge Henry M. Herlong, Jr.

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing Address: U.S. District Court, 300 East Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies contemporaneously with the filing of the document in CM/ECF. Submit all courtesy copies exceeding 25 total pages in bound form or notebook with exhibits indexed and tabbed.

Judge Cameron McGowan Currie

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    4. Courtesy Copy Form: Follow Standard Preference except submit all courtesy copies over 50 pages in bound form with exhibits indexed and tabbed.
    7. Pretrial Briefs: Follow Standard Preference except email copy of full pretrial brief (including voir dire and jury charges) to chambers in Word format and the full pretrial brief should be filed and served.
    8.

    Proposed Orders: Follow Standard Preference, except do not include signature or date block on proposed order.


Judge Margaret B. Seymour

    Email address for Proposed Orders:  
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    3. Courtesy Copy Requirement: Follow Standard Preference except submit courtesy copies of any filed document that exceeds 25 pages. Courtesy copies should be mailed to the Charleston location: US District Court, 85 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
    7. Pretrial Briefs: Follow Standard Preferences except do not send a paper version of the pretrial brief to chambers and do not file voir dire and requests to charge
    12. Written Communications: Follow standard preference with respect to typical case filings. Correspondence addressed to Judge Seymour is discouraged, but if unavoidable should be sent to Judge Seymour's filingdocs box and not filed.

Judge Terry L. Wooten

    Email address for Proposed Orders:  
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.


Magistrate Judge Thomas E. Rogers, III

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 2317, Florence, SC 29503

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.

Magistrate Judge Paige Jones Gossett

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.

Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.

Magistrate Judge Kevin F. McDonald

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 250 East North Street, Greenville, SC 29601

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    8. Proposed Orders: Follow Standard Preference, except do not include signature or date block on proposed order.

Magistrate Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 250 East North Street, Greenville, SC 29601

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    9. Protection Requests and Extensions of Time: Motions for extension of time should not be filed on the date of the current deadline. Motions filed on the date of the current deadline will be denied barring extraordinary circumstances.

Magistrate Judge Kaymani D. West

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, 401 West Evans Street, Florence, SC 29501

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.


Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, Meeting Street at Broad, Charleston, SC 29401

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    9. The parties are to notify the Court when they have agreed to extend the time to respond to a pleading pursuant to Local Civil Rule 12.01. This notification should be sent to chambers informally, by emailing [email protected].
    12. Communications With Court: Prior to filing motions relating to discovery, the attorneys are required to have a telephone conference with Judge Baker. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via e-mail to [email protected] with dates and times available for all parties. This requirement is waived when any party is proceeding pro se.

Magistrate Judge Molly H. Cherry

    Email address for Proposed Orders: [email protected]
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 835, Charleston, SC 29402

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    12. Communications With Court: In addition to the standard preferences, no motions relating to discovery shall be filed until counsel have consulted and attempted to resolve the matter as required by Local Civil Rule 7.02 and, in matters where a duty to consult exists, have had a telephone conference with Judge Cherry in an attempt to resolve the matter informally. The request for a telephone conference should be made within the time limit prescribed by local rule for filing such a motion. Attorneys should send a request for a telephone conference via email to [email protected] with dates and times on which all are available.

Magistrate Judge Robert L. Buchanan, Jr.

    Email address for Proposed Orders:
    Mailing address: U.S. District Court, P.O. Box 463, Aiken, SC 29802

    Standard Preferences apply unless otherwise indicated below.
    10. Filings in Central Violations Bureau (CVB) cases heard in Columbia made by an ECF registered e-filer may be "s/" signed and submitted via email to [email protected]. Please include "CVB" in the subject line. The Clerk of Court is authorized to serve orders and notices in CVB cases heard in Columbia on attorneys via email. Filings made by non-ECF registered Special Assistant US Attorneys in CVB cases heard in Columbia must be hand-signed and filed in the traditional method. In time sensitive situations, filings made by non-ECF registered Special Assistant US Attorneys in CVB cases heard in Columbia may be scanned and emailed to the Court at [email protected], provided that the filer has contacted the clerk's office to request/receive permission to do so and the original document is promptly submitted to Clerk's Office either via postal mail or hand delivery.