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LOCAL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL RULES

United States District Court

Southern District of Ohio

January 1, 2020

www.ohsd.uscourts.gov

INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT ON CIVILITY

LOCAL CIVIL RULES

I. SCOPE OF RULES

1.1 General Provisions

II. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS

3.1 Initial Filings

3.2 Civil Action for False Claims

4.1 Preparation of Process

4.2 Service or Waiver of Process

4.3 Service in In Forma Pauperis or Government-Initiated Cases

4.4 Service in a Foreign Country

5.1 General Format of Papers Presented for Filing

5.2 Certificate of Service: Delivery Electronically

5.3 Statutory Three-Judge Actions

5.4 Filing Discovery Documents

5.2.1 Sealed Documents

III. PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS

6.1 Extensions of Time to Move or Plead

7.1 Procedure for Deciding Motions

7.2 Motions and Other Papers

7.3 Consent to Motions

7.4 Orders

7.1.1 Disclosure Statements and Judicial Disqualification

8.1 Social Security Cases: Service, Answer, Schedule, and Pinpoint Citations

10.1 Procedure for Notification of any Claim of Unconstitutionality

16.1 Pretrial Procedures

16.2 Pretrial Scheduling Orders

16.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

IV. PARTIES

23.1 Designation of “Class Action” in the Caption

23.2 Class Action Allegations

23.3 Motions for Determination as Class Action

V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY

26.1 Form of Discovery Documents

30.1 Depositions Outside of the Southern District of Ohio

36.1 Requests for Admission

37.1 Consultation Among Counsel; Informal Discovery Dispute Conference

38.1 Notation of “Jury Demand” in a Pleading

VI. TRIALS

39.1 Juror Note Taking

41.1 Assignment of Previously Dismissed Action

43.1 Examination of Witnesses

43.2 Attorney Testifying as Witness

45.1 Witness Fees

47.1 Communication with Jurors

VII. JUDGMENT

54.1 Taxation of Costs

54.2 Motions for Attorney’s Fees

55.1 Defaults and Default Judgments

58.1 Entry of Court Orders

VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

65.1 Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions

67.1 Bond Requirements in General

IX. DISTRICT COURT AND CLERK

72.1 Magistrate Judges

72.2 Assignment of Duties to Magistrate Judges

72.3 Effect of Magistrate Judge Ruling Pending Appeal to a District Judge

77.1 Notice of Orders

77.2 Funds

79.1 Custody of Files and Exhibits

79.2 Disposition of Exhibits, Depositions, and Other Materials

79.3 Control of Exhibits

X. VENUE; GENERAL PROVISIONS

82.1 Venue of Actions within the District

83.1 Free Press - Fair Trial Provisions

83.2 Courtroom and Courthouse Security and Decorum

83.3 Admission to the Bar

83.4 Trial Attorney and Co-Counsel

83.5 Signatures on Filings

83.6 Student Practice Rule

LOCAL CRIMINAL RULES

I. SCOPE OF RULES

1.1 General Provisions

1.2 Applicability of the Local Civil Rules

1.3 Local Civil Rules Not Applicable

II. FILING IN CRIMINAL CASES

12.1 Pleadings and Pretrial Motions

12.4.1 Disclosure Statements and Disqualification Requests

III. PROBATION AND SENTENCING

32.1 Presentence Reports

32.2 Revoking or Modifying Probation or Supervised Release

32.3 Production of Probation and Pretrial Services Records; Testimony of Probation

and Pretrial Services Officers

IV. OTHER RULES

49.1 Serving and Filing Papers

57.1 Publicity and Disclosures

57.2 Procedures in Death Penalty Cases

58.1 Forfeiture of Collateral in Lieu of Appearance

83.4 Withdrawal in a Criminal Case

MODEL FEDERAL RULES OF DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT

Rule I Attorneys Convicted of Crimes

Rule II Discipline Imposed by Other Courts

Rule III Disbarment on Consent or Resignation in Other Courts

Rule IV Standards for Professional Conduct

Rule V Disciplinary Proceedings

Rule VI Disbarment on Consent While Under Disciplinary Investigation or Prosecution

Rule VII Reinstatement

Rule VIII Attorneys Specially Admitted

Rule IX Service of Papers and Other Notices

Rule X Appointment of Counsel

Rule XI [Reserved]

Rule XII [Reserved]

Rule XIII Duties of the Clerk

Rule XIV Jurisdiction

Rule XV Effective Date

Introductory Statement on Civility

These Local Rules are designed to make litigation in this District Court efficient, manageable, and

predictable. Yet, because every aspect of the practice of law cannot be regulated by rules, individual

lawyers determine in large measure how they will discharge professional obligations to the Court,

to opposing counsel, and to their clients.

The Model Federal Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement, the Rules of Professional Conduct, and other

rules, such as Fed. R. Civ. P. 11, govern lawyers’ conduct through the imposition of sanctions, but

necessarily set only minimum standards of behavior. Lawyers committed to professionalism must

do more than merely avoid sanctions. They must acknowledge in their behavior that common

courtesy, respect, and personal integrity play an essential role in the administration of justice.

Rather than devising additional Local Rules that attempt to mandate civility and professionalism,

the Judges of this District have concluded that this Statement on Civility is the most appropriate way

to emphasize for our bar and for litigants who come before this Court the ideals that ought to guide

behavior for all those appearing in the Southern District of Ohio. Every lawyer, litigant, and Judge

is entitled to expect, and should be accorded, the courtesy and respect described in this Statement.

1. Common courtesy. In everyday life most people accord each other common

courtesies. Ordinarily these include: politeness in conversation, respect for others’ time

and schedules, and an attitude of cooperation and truthfulness. Involvement in the legal

system does not diminish the desirability of such conduct. An opposing litigant, a lawyer

who represents that litigant, or a Judge who decides an issue has not thereby forfeited the

right to be treated with common courtesy.

2. Respect for the profession. One of a lawyer’s foremost obligations is to serve his or her

client’s interests zealously within the bounds of the law. Yet, this is not a blanket excuse

for disrespectful or obstructionist behavior. Such conduct reinforces the public’s negative

perception of the legal profession. Lawyers who practice the art of making life difficult—

who shade the truth, are deliberately uncooperative in the discovery or trial preparation

process, take extreme or marginally defensible legal positions, or deliberately make litigation

more expensive or time consuming—bring disrepute on the legal profession and harm the

reputation of this Court’s bar in the community. Lawyers engaging in such conduct and

litigants who encourage or tolerate it undermine immeasurably their own standing with

the Court.

3. Respect for the legal system. Those who have chosen to practice law as a profession

have sworn to uphold a legal system that offers all people a fair and just way to resolve

disputes. Inappropriate behavior—treating litigation as a “game” in which the party with

the most overtly aggressive lawyer might prevail regardless of the merits of the case, or

casting aspersions on the fairness or integrity of decisions by Judges or juries when there is

no legitimate basis to do so—brings disrespect upon the legal system as a whole. We

acknowledge that Judges and court staff who are noticeably impatient, impolite, or

disrespectful to lawyers and litigants can cause the same undesirable effect. Lawyers and

the Judges and court personnel of this District Court should all conduct themselves in ways

that do not impugn the integrity and dignity of this Court.

4. Alternative dispute resolution and legal reform. Although dissatisfaction with

litigation and the legal system has existed for centuries, this Court and its bar can lessen

such dissatisfaction by being sensitive to the time and expense factors inherent in each

separate matter in litigation, and by being receptive to cost-effective case management,

including those methods of alternative dispute resolution offered through the Court itself.

More broadly, lawyers should continuously reexamine ways in which the system can be

improved and should advocate, in a respectful and appropriate way, legal reforms to allow

the system in general and this Court in particular to work more fairly and efficiently. Our

Judges remain open to suggestions about procedures in individual cases and improvements

implemented District-wide through these Local Rules.

The overwhelming majority of those who practice before this Court honor the values of

professionalism and civility. This Statement is not so much a plea for a change in behavior as it

is an effort to describe the shared values within this District and to encourage all litigants and

practitioners—resident, nonresident, new, and old—to comport themselves in keeping with the

highest and best traditions of the Southern District of Ohio.

The Judges of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio

LOCAL CIVIL RULES

I. SCOPE OF RULES

1.1 General Provisions

(a) Citation. These Rules may be cited as “S.D. Ohio Civ. R. .”

(b) Effective Date. The effective date of these Rules as amended is January 1, 2020.

States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, unless a Judge orders otherwise

in a given case. These Rules apply to United States courthouses and to the courtrooms,

chambers, and ancillary portions of state courthouses or other buildings while in use by this

Court under agreement with local authorities. Failure to comply with these Rules may

result in the imposition of sanctions.

(d) Relationship to Prior Rules; Actions Pending on Effective Date. These Rules

supersede all previous rules promulgated by this Court. They govern proceedings in this

Court after they take effect except to the extent that in the opinion of the Judge the application

to already pending cases would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which event the

former Rules shall govern.

(1) 1 U.S.C. §§ 1-5 shall, as far as applicable, govern the construction of these Rules.

(2) These Rules shall be construed to achieve the orderly administration of the business

of this Court; to govern the practice of attorneys and parties before this Court; and

to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action.

References to statutes, regulations, or rules shall be interpreted to include revisions

and amendments made subsequent to the adoption of these Rules.

(e) ECF Manual. These Rules, supplemented by the Electronic Filing Policies and

Procedures Manual (the “ECF Manual”), as amended from time to time by the Clerk, govern

use of the Electronic Case Filing (“ECF”) system in this District. Technical terms used in

these Rules have the meaning set out in the ECF Manual.

(f) General and Standing Orders. The general orders of the Court and standing orders of

any Judge, which are available on the Court’s website, may supplement these Rules in any

case. A litigant may obtain a paper copy of each general or standing order, upon request

and without charge, from the Clerk at any location of Court.

II. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION; SERVICE OF PROCESS

3.1 Initial Filings

(a) Civil Cover Sheet. Every complaint or other document initiating a civil action must be filed

electronically using the ECF system unless the filer does not have access to the ECF system

or is a pro se litigant. Filers who do not have access to the ECF system and pro se litigants

may file a complaint or other document initiating a civil action in paper form with the

Clerk. This filing must be accompanied by a completed civil cover sheet on a form available

from the Clerk and on the Court’s website. The civil cover sheet is solely for administrative

purposes, and matters appearing only on the civil cover sheet have no legal effect in the

action. If the complaint or other initiating document is tendered for filing without a

completed civil cover sheet, the Clerk shall file the complaint or other initiating document

and shall give notice of the omission to the filing party that the completed civil cover sheet

must be promptly filed.

(b) Related Cases. An initiating party shall identify on the civil cover sheet or other form

provided by the Clerk any previously filed case or cases in the District that the party knows

or believes to be related. After the initial filing of a case, any party may call to the Court’s

attention any related case(s) by filing a notice of related case(s). For purposes of this Rule,

civil cases may be deemed related by the Court if they:

(1) Arise from the same or substantially identical transaction, happening, or event;

(2) Call for a determination of the same or substantially identical questions of law or

fact; or

(3) Would entail a substantial duplication of effort and expense by the Court and the

parties if heard by different Judges; or

(4) Seek relief that could result in a party’s being subject to conflicting orders of this

Court.

not grant any right to any litigant.

3.2 Civil Action for False Claims

Any civil action brought pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 3730(b) (the False Claims Act) shall be

filed in camera along with proof that the United States has been served with a copy of the

complaint. Relator shall notify the Court, under seal, when it has completed written

disclosure to the Government of substantially all material evidence and information the

Relator possesses regarding the claim. Upon receipt of the complaint, the Clerk shall

randomly assign a District Judge and maintain the case under seal until the earlier of (a)

expiration of sixty days after notification of written disclosure has been received by the Court

or any Court-approved extension of time or (b) the Government has made an election

whether to intervene in the action, at which time the Clerk shall notify the assigned Judge

to unseal the case.

4.1 Preparation of Process

Any attorney or party requesting the issuance of any process or initiating any proceeding in

which the issuance of process is required shall prepare all required forms, which include

the following, if needed in a case:

i. Summons or waiver of service forms;

ii. Marshal Service Forms (USM-285);

iii. Seizure warrants;

iv. Subpoenas;

v. Certificates of judgment;

vi. Writs of execution;

vii. Orders of sale;

viii. All process in garnishment or other aids in execution;

ix. Civil cover sheets;

and present the required forms, together with the requisite written request for issuance, at

the office of the Clerk for signature and sealing. Electronic versions of many forms are

available on the Court’s website. The Clerk shall, upon request and subject to current

availability, provide reasonable supplies of all paper forms to any attorney or party.

4.2 Service or Waiver of Process

A plaintiff should ordinarily attempt to obtain a waiver of service of process under Fed. R.

Civ. P. 4(d) before attempting service of process. If a request for waiver is unsuccessful

or is deemed inappropriate, the Court prefers parties to use the methods of service provided

in Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 before using certified mail service under Ohio law. This Rule is confined

to the domestic service of the summons and complaint in a civil action in this Court by

certified mail or ordinary mail, pursuant to the law of Ohio, and is not intended to affect the

procedure for other methods of service permitted by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

or Ohio law. If a party elects to use Ohio certified mail service, it must be done as follows:

(a) The attorney of record or the serving party shall address the envelope to the person to be

served and shall place a copy of the summons and complaint or other document to be served

in the envelope. The attorney of record or the serving party shall also affix to the back

of the envelope the domestic return receipt card, PS Form 3811 (the “green card”) showing

the name of sender as “Clerk, United States District Court, Southern District of Ohio” at

the appropriate address, with the certified mail number affixed to the front of the envelope

and the case number shown in a conspicuous location on the return receipt card. The

instructions to the delivering postal employee shall require the employee to show to whom

delivered, date of delivery, and address where delivered. The attorney of record or the

serving party shall affix adequate postage to the envelope and deliver it to the Clerk who

shall cause it to be mailed.

(b) The Clerk shall enter the fact of mailing on the docket and make a similar entry when the

return receipt is received. If the envelope is returned with an endorsement showing failure

of delivery, the Clerk shall promptly notify, electronically or by regular mail, the attorney

of record or the serving party. The Clerk shall enter the fact of notification on the docket

and shall file the return receipt or returned envelope in the records of the action.

of record or the serving party. If the attorney of record or the serving party, after

notification, files with the Clerk a request for ordinary mail service accompanied by an

envelope containing the summons and complaint or other document to be served with

adequate postage affixed to the envelope, the Clerk shall send the envelope to the defendant

at the address set forth in the caption of the complaint or at the address set forth in

instructions to the Clerk. The attorney of record or the serving party shall also prepare for

the Clerk’s use a certificate of mailing that shall be signed by the Clerk or a Deputy Clerk

and filed at the time of mailing. The attorney of record or the serving party shall also

endorse the answer day (twenty-one days after the date of mailing shown on the

certificate of mailing) on the summons sent by ordinary mail. If the ordinary mail is

returned undelivered, the Clerk shall promptly notify the attorney of record or the serving

party electronically or by mail.

(d) The attorney of record or the serving party shall be responsible for determining whether

service has been made under the provisions of Ohio R. Civ. P. 4.1 and this Rule.

4.3 Service in In Forma Pauperis or Government-Initiated Cases

When the United States Marshal is directed by the Court to serve the summons and

complaint, the Marshal may perform the functions of the “Clerk of Court” for the purpose

of making service as described in Ohio R. Civ. P. 4.1.

4.4 Service in a Foreign Country

A request by a party to the Clerk to serve process in a foreign country by mail under Fed.

R. Civ. P. 4(f)(2)(C)(ii) shall be accompanied by a certificate of the trial attorney or an

affidavit of a party proceeding pro se that the attorney or party has determined that service

by mail is authorized by the domestic law of the country in which service is to be made.

5.1 General Format of Documents Presented for Filing

(a) Form. All pleadings, motions, briefs, and other papers presented to the Clerk for filing

shall be on 8 ½” x 11” wide paper of good quality, flat and unfolded, without backing or

binding, plainly typewritten, printed, or prepared by a clearly legible duplication process,

and double-spaced, except for block-quoted material. Each page shall be numbered

consecutively and shall have appropriate side margins and a top margin of not less than one

inch. All documents filed electronically shall be formatted so that, if printed, they will be

double-spaced, except for block-quoted material, shall have each page numbered

consecutively, and shall have one-inch margins on all sides.

This Rule does not apply to: (1) exhibits submitted for filing, provided that all exhibits

shall be neatly bound and whenever possible reduced or folded to 8 ½” x 11” size, and (2)

forms approved by this Court or approved for use in federal courts generally. Exhibits to

be scanned and uploaded to the ECF system shall not be bound.

Exhibits not attached to pleadings and other papers shall be identified by a cover page or

other appropriate label using the caption of the case, the case number, and other

identification as provided in subsection (b).

(b) Identification. Except for the original complaint, all pleadings, other papers, and exhibits

shall be identified by a title that contains the name and party designation of the person

filing it and the nature of the pleading or paper; for example: “Defendant John Smith’s

Answer to the Amended Complaint,” “Plaintiff Richard Roe’s Answer to Defendant Sam

Brown’s Motion to Dismiss,” “Affidavit of Joan Doe in Support of Motion for Summary

Judgment,” or “Exhibits in Support of Plaintiff John Smith’s Motion for Summary

Judgment.” The names of the District Judge and Magistrate Judge to whom the case has

been assigned shall be placed below the case number in the caption. The case number

format shall be as set forth in the ECF Manual.

all documents shall be filed electronically using the ECF system except that documents

filed by pro se litigants shall be filed on paper. Documents filed electronically shall

conform substantially to the requirements of these Rules and to the format for the ECF

system set out in the most current edition of the ECF Manual.

(d) Consequences of Electronic Filing. Electronic transmission of a document to the ECF

system, together with transmission of a Notice of Electronic Filing from the Court,

constitutes filing of the document for all purposes under the Federal Rules of Civil

Procedure and the Local Rules of this Court and constitutes entry of the document on the

docket kept by the Clerk under Fed. R. Civ. P. 58 and 79. When a document is filed

electronically, the official record is the electronic recording of the document as stored by

the Court, and the filing party is bound by the document as filed unless relief is granted

under subsection (f) of this Rule.

(e) Filing Date and Time. Except in the case of documents first filed in paper form and

subsequently submitted electronically, a document filed electronically is deemed filed at

the date and time stated on the Notice of Electronic Filing from the Court. Filing a

document electronically does not alter the filing deadline for that document. Filing must be

completed before midnight Eastern Time Zone in order to be considered timely filed that

day.

(f) Technical Failures and Inadvertent Filings. A document mistakenly filed under the

wrong case number will be deleted by the Clerk, who will electronically notify the filer.

The document may then be immediately filed in the correct case record without seeking the

consent of opposing counsel or the Court. An untimely filing as the result of a technical

failure or other incorrect filing caused by some other error in using the ECF system may be

corrected upon motion submitted pursuant to S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 7.3(b). In exigent

circumstances, such as where a privileged document is mistakenly filed, relief may be

sought by ex parte contact with a Judge. Counsel and parties should not assume that such

relief is available when deadlines are involved (such as statutes of limitation or deadlines

for appeal).

5.2 Certificate of Service: Delivery Electronically

(a) Certificate of Service. Proof of service of all pleadings and other papers required or

permitted to be served (except in the case of an ex parte proceeding) shall be made in

compliance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(d). Such proof of service shall state the date and manner

of service, including the name of the person(s) served and the address(es) to which service

was directed, and shall be fully stated on or attached to the copy of the pleading or other

document served upon a party or upon the trial attorney of each party.

(b) Delivery Electronically. Any party may make service through the Court’s ECF system

on parties who are registered users of the system as provided in Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(b)(2)(E).

[Local Civil Rule 5.2.1, which relates to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2, follows Local

Civil Rule 5.4]

5.3 Statutory Three-Judge Actions

In any action or proceeding that a party believes is required to be heard by a three-

judge district court, the words “Three-Judge District Court Requested” or the equivalent

shall be included immediately following the title of the first pleading in which the claim

for relief requiring a three-judge court is pleaded. Unless the basis for the request is

apparent from the pleading, it shall be set forth in the pleading or in a brief statement

attached thereto. The words “Three-Judge District Court Requested” or the equivalent on

a pleading is a sufficient request under 28 U.S.C. § 2284.

5.4 Filing Discovery Documents

(a) When used in a proceeding or ordered by a Judge, deposition transcripts shall be filed

electronically. Pro se litigants must file deposition transcripts on paper. If ordered by a

Judge, deposition transcripts shall also be filed in paper using condensed or “minuscript”®

format and two-sided copying. All deposition transcripts filed with the Clerk must

include any signature page and statement of changes in form or substance made by the

witness pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(e) and the certificate described in Fed. R. Civ. P.

30(f).

(b) Discovery documents that comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and with these

Rules may be used in any action in the manner permitted by rule, statute, or an order made

in the action even if such documents have not been filed with the Clerk.

5.2.1 Sealed Documents

(a) Filing Under Seal. Unless permitted by statute, parties may not file documents under seal

without obtaining leave of Court upon motion and for good cause shown. Upon obtaining

leave of Court, litigants other than pro se litigants must file the documents electronically

using the ECF system as provided in S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 5.1. Pro se litigants who have

obtained leave must follow the procedures set forth in Rule 5.2.1(b). The Court may strike

any document filed under seal if the filing party failed to obtain leave of Court.

(b) Documents Submitted for in Camera Inspection. Unless the Court directs otherwise,

documents submitted for in camera inspection and documents pro se litigants submit for

filing under seal must be submitted to the Clerk in a securely sealed envelope or box. The

face of the envelope or box containing such documents, as well as the first page of each

document, must state that it contains “DOCUMENTS FOR IN CAMERA INSPECTION”

or “DOCUMENTS UNDER SEAL.” The face of the envelope or box shall also contain

the case caption, a descriptive title of the documents (unless such information is to be, or

has been, included among the information ordered sealed), and a reference to the specific

order or statute permitting the documents to be sealed.

III. PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND ORDERS

6.1 Extensions of Time to Move or Plead

(a) Each party to an action may obtain stipulated extensions of time not to exceed a total of

twenty-one days in which to file a motion in response to a pleading or any responsive

pleading. This can be done only by filing with the Clerk a written stipulation between the

parties for such extensions, provided, however, that the aggregate time extended to any

party for all extensions by stipulation during the action shall not exceed a total of twenty-

one days. A stipulation filed with the Clerk shall affirmatively state the new date for

response agreed to by the parties and that no prior stipulated extensions to that party,

together with the stipulated extension then filed, exceed a total of twenty-one days. If no

such stipulation is obtained, or if additional extensions beyond the stipulated periods are

requested, the party desiring an extension must obtain the approval of the Court.

(b) This Rule applies only to extensions of time to plead to a complaint, amended

complaint, counterclaim, or a comparable pleading under Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(a). It does not

permit stipulated extensions of time to respond to motions, Court orders, or other

deadlines. All extensions other than those permitted by this Rule shall be upon motion.

7.1 Procedure for Deciding Motions

(a) No Motion Day. Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 78, the determination of all motions, including

those filed pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56, shall be based upon memoranda filed pursuant to

S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 7.2 and without oral hearings, unless specifically ordered by the Court.

(b) Procedure to Obtain Hearing or Oral Argument

(1) Evidentiary Hearings. Upon the filing of any motion that requires an evidentiary

hearing under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or any provision of law, the

movant shall obtain a date for such hearing. Movant’s counsel shall, to the extent

practicable, consult with opposing counsel to select agreeable dates.

(2) Oral Argument. In all other cases, if oral argument is deemed to be essential

to the fair resolution of the case because of its public importance or the complexity

of the factual or legal issues presented, counsel or a pro se party may apply to the Court

for oral argument. This may be done by including the phrase “ORAL

ARGUMENT REQUESTED” (or its equivalent) on the caption of a motion or on a

memorandum. The ground(s) for any such request shall be succinctly explained. If

the Court determines argument or a conference would be helpful, the Court will

notify all parties.

(3) Urgent Motions. The Court may, for good cause shown, provide for an early

hearing on any motion with or without the filing of memoranda by the parties.

[Local Civil Rule 7.1.1, which relates to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7.1, follows Local

Civil Rule 7.4.]

7.2 Motions and Other Papers

(a) Legal Memoranda

(1) Supporting Memorandum and Certificate of Service. All motions and

applications tendered for filing shall be accompanied by a memorandum in support

thereof that shall be a brief statement of the grounds, with citation of authorities

relied upon. Except in the case of a motion or application permitted by law to be

submitted ex parte, a certificate of service in accordance with S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 5.2

shall accompany all such papers.

(2) Opposing and Reply Memoranda. Any memorandum in opposition shall be filed

within twenty-one days after the date of service of the motion. Failure to file a

memorandum in opposition may result in the granting of any motion that would not

result directly in entry of final judgment or an award of attorneys’ fees. Any reply

memorandum shall be filed within fourteen days after the date of service of the

memorandum in opposition. No additional memoranda beyond those enumerated

are permitted except upon leave of court for good cause shown.

(3) Limitation Upon Length of Memoranda. The Court prefers that memoranda in

support of or in opposition to any motion or application to the Court not exceed

twenty pages. In all cases in which memoranda exceed twenty pages, counsel

shall include a combined table of contents and a succinct, clear, and accurate

summary, not to exceed five pages, indicating the main sections of the memorandum

and the principal arguments and citations to primary authority made in each section,

as well as the pages on which each section and any sub-sections may be found. A

Judge may impose page limitations in any action by standing order.

(b) Citations

(1) Statutes and Regulations. All pleadings, briefs, and memoranda containing

references to statutes or regulations shall specifically cite the applicable statutes or

regulations. United States statutes should be cited by the United States Code Title

and Section number (e.g., 1 U.S.C. § 1).

(2) Preferred Authorities. In citing authorities, the Court prefers that counsel rely

primarily upon cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States, the United

States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (or, in appropriate cases, the Federal

Circuit), the Supreme Court of Ohio, and this Court.

(3) Supreme Court Citations. Citation to United States Supreme Court decisions

should be to the official U.S. Reports, if published. Supreme Court Reporter and

Lawyer’s Edition shall be used when the official U.S. Reports are not yet published.

For more recent decisions, United States Law Week, LEXIS, or Westlaw citations

are acceptable.

(4) Unreported Opinions. If unreported or unofficially published opinions are cited,

copies of the opinions shall be made available upon request by the Court or

opposing counsel.

(5) Pinpoint Citations. Except for Social Security cases, which must comply with

S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 8.1(d), all filings in this Court that reference a prior filing

must provide pinpoint citations to the PageID number in the prior filing being

referenced, along with a brief title and the docket number (ECF No. ___ or Doc.

No. ___) of the document referenced.

requested by the Court in a specific matter, or (2) advising the Court of the settlement of a

pending matter. All other written communications must be by way of formal motion or

memorandum submitted in compliance with these Rules. All letters sent to the Court shall

be contemporaneously served upon opposing counsel unless otherwise ordered by the

Court.

(d) Evidence Supporting Motions - Deadlines. When proof of facts not already of record

is necessary to support or oppose a motion, all evidence then available shall be discussed

in, and submitted no later than, the primary memorandum of the party relying upon such

evidence. Evidence used to support a reply memorandum shall be limited to that needed

to rebut the positions argued in memoranda in opposition. If evidence is not available to

meet this schedule or circumstances exist as addressed by Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(d), counsel shall

consult one another and attempt to stipulate to a joint motion for extension of the schedule

established by this Rule; failing agreement, counsel shall promptly bring the matter to the

attention of the Court. Assignment of any motion for oral argument or a conference with the

Court shall not extend these deadlines for the submission of evidence.

(e) Memoranda Evidence. Evidence shall be presented, in support of or in opposition to any

motion, using affidavits, declarations pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746, deposition excerpts,

admissions, verified interrogatory answers, and other documentary or electronic exhibits.

Unless already of record, such evidence shall be attached to the memorandum or included

in an appendix thereto. Physical evidence that cannot be attached to a memorandum shall

be filed separately with the Clerk. All evidence shall be submitted within the time limit set

forth above.

Evidence submitted, including discovery documents, shall be limited to that necessary for

decision and shall include only essential portions of transcripts or exhibits referenced in the

memorandum.

When a substantial number of pages of deposition transcripts or exhibits must be

referenced for the full and fair presentation of a matter, the parties shall refer in their

memoranda the specific pages at which key testimony is found and ensure that a copy of the

entire transcript or exhibit is timely filed with the Clerk. The parties shall ensure that all

transcripts relied upon include all corrections made by the witness pursuant to Fed. R. Civ.

P. 30(e) and the certification pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(f).

7.3 Consent to Motions

(a) Motions for Extension of Time. Prior to filing any motion for an extension of time, counsel

shall consult with all parties (except prisoners appearing pro se) whose interests might

be affected by the granting of such relief and solicit their consent to the extension. The

motion shall affirmatively state that such consultation has occurred or was attempted in

good faith and shall state whether the motion is unopposed. If the extension is not opposed,

the movant should submit a proposed order to the Court in the form prescribed by S.D.

Ohio Civ. R. 7.4.

(b) Other Motions. A party filing any other type of motion to which other parties might

reasonably be expected to give their consent (such as a motion to amend pleadings, for leave

to file a document instanter, for voluntary dismissal of a complaint or counterclaim, or to

correct an electronic filing involving a technical error in using the ECF system) shall comply

with the procedure set forth in S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 7.3(a) before filing such motion.

7.4 Orders

On all papers requiring the signature of a Judge, such signature shall be identified as

follows:

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

7.1.1 Disclosure Statements and Judicial Disqualification

(a) Parties Required to Make Disclosure. The disclosure requirements set forth in Fed. R.

Civ. P. 7.1 extend to entities appearing amici curiae.

(b) Financial Interest to be Disclosed. In addition to the disclosures required under Fed. R.

Civ. P. 7.1, nongovernmental corporate parties and parties appearing amici curiae shall

disclose the identity of any publicly held corporations or their affiliates that are not parties

to the case or appearing amici curiae that have substantial financial interests in the outcome

of the litigation by reason of insurance, a franchise agreement, or an indemnity agreement.

The nature of that substantial financial interest shall also be disclosed.

(1) The disclosure statement shall be made on a form provided by the Clerk or available

on the Court’s website, or prepared substantially in accordance with the comparable

Form 6CA-1 required by Sixth Circuit Rule 26.1 and available on the website of the

Court of Appeals.

(2) Although counsel and parties have an obligation to the Court to investigate and

make accurate disclosures under this Rule, these requirements are solely for

administrative purposes, and matters disclosed have no legal effect in the action.

(3) Parties required to file disclosure statements shall do so with their first

appearance, pleading, petition, motion, response, or other filing with the Court. If

the disclosure statement is required to be filed before all relevant facts have been

fully investigated, it shall be specifically noted as potentially incomplete, and

counsel shall thereafter complete the investigation and file a supplemental

disclosure statement. Counsel shall also promptly file a supplemental statement

upon any change in the information that the disclosure statement requires.

(d) Judicial Disqualification. In addition to addressing the corporate affiliations/financial

interests, all counsel shall consider at the earliest opportunity whether there may be any

reason for a Judge of this Court to disqualify himself or herself, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 144

or § 455, and shall advise the Court in writing as early as possible of any such concerns.

8.1 Social Security Cases: Service, Answer, and Schedule

(a) Service. In cases arising under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) or 42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3), the plaintiff

will file a Complaint with the Clerk, along with a Social Security Identification Form

containing the full name and complete Social Security number of the plaintiff, including

that of a minor plaintiff not otherwise identified by his or her full name. If the plaintiff’s

application for Social Security benefits was filed on another person’s wage-record, that

person’s full name and Social Security number shall also be provided. The identifying

information is necessary for the Commissioner to obtain and produce the certified

administrative record. The Social Security Identification Form will be lodged in CM/ECF

as a restricted document and sent via Notice of Electronic Filing to the U.S. Attorney’s

Office for the Southern District of Ohio and Regional Counsel for the Social Security

Administration through the CM/ECF system. After the Administrative Record is filed, the

Clerk shall remove the Social Security Identification Form from the docket.

Service will be considered complete when the CM/ECF system generates electronic service

of the Complaint and Social Security Identification Form on the U.S. Attorney’s Office for

the Southern District of Ohio and Regional Counsel for the Social Security Administration.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and the Regional Counsel for

the Social Security Administration agree not to raise insufficient service as a defense if

service of those documents is made electronically through the CM/ECF system. The

agreement not to raise insufficient service as a defense is intended to more efficiently move

the processing of Social Security disability cases through the litigation life cycle. Nothing

in S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 8.1(a) shall be deemed a waiver of service under Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(d).

Rule 8.1(a) does not apply to any other complaints or claims besides Social Security

disability claims against the Commissioner of Social Security in his or her official capacity

under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) or 42 U.S.C. § 1383(c)(3).

(b) Answer. In all Social Security cases filed under 42 U.S.C. § 405(g) or 42 U.S.C. §

1383(c)(3), the defendant must file and serve on the plaintiff a certified copy of the

administrative record within sixty days after service of the complaint, which copy shall

serve as the answer. The defendant may raise any affirmative defense in a motion to

dismiss, which may be filed instead of or contemporaneously with the administrative

record.

must file and serve a statement of errors setting forth the bases upon which the plaintiff

seeks reversal or remand. Within forty-five days following service of the statement of

errors, the defendant must file and serve a memorandum in opposition to the plaintiff’s

statement of errors. The plaintiff may file and serve a reply memorandum within fifteen

days of service of the defendant’s memorandum in opposition. All briefing must include

references to the administrative record.

(d) Pinpoint Citations. When citing to the administrative record in Social Security cases,

parties must provide pinpoint citations to the administrative record, regardless of whether

a party also chooses to provide PageID citations.

10.1 Procedure for Notification of Any Claim of Unconstitutionality

(a) In any action, suit, or proceeding in which the United States or an agency, officer, or

employee thereof is not a party and in which the constitutionality of an Act of Congress is

drawn into question, or in any action, suit, or proceeding in which a State or any agency,

officer, or employee thereof is not a party and in which the constitutionality of any statute of

that State is drawn into question, the party raising the constitutional issue shall notify the Court

of the existence of the question by checking the appropriate box on the Civil Cover Sheet and

by stating on the pleading that alleges the unconstitutionality, immediately following the title

of that pleading, “Claim of Unconstitutionality” or the equivalent.

(b) Any notice provided under this Rule, or lack of notice, will not serve as a substitute for, or as a

waiver of, any pleading requirement set forth in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or

applicable statutes.

16.1 Pretrial Procedures

Each Judge of the District shall be responsible for determining the procedure and content of

preliminary pretrial conferences, scheduling orders, and pretrial conferences under Fed. R.

Civ. P. 16. In any notice of pretrial conference, the Clerk shall include a specific reference

to the place on the Court’s website where a litigant can find any general or standing order

of any Judge or for any location of court that governs pretrial procedures and the content of

pretrial conferences.

16.2 Pretrial Scheduling Orders

Scheduling orders will be issued in conjunction with preliminary pretrial procedures

established by the Judges of this Court, which normally will be implemented within ninety

days after the filing of an action. In any action assigned to a Magistrate Judge for that

purpose, the Magistrate Judge is empowered to enter scheduling orders under Fed. R. Civ.

P. 16(b) and to modify scheduling orders upon a showing of good cause. Unless otherwise

ordered, the following categories of cases shall be exempt, as inappropriate, from the

requirement that a scheduling order be issued under Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b):

i.Social Security disability matters;

ii.Habeas corpus petitions;

iii.Forfeitures;

iv.Foreclosures in which the United States is the plaintiff;

v.General collection cases in which the United States is a plaintiff;

vi.Actions brought pro se by persons in custody;

vii. An action to enforce or quash an administrative summons or subpoena; and

viii.A proceeding ancillary to a proceeding in another court.

16.3 Alternative Dispute Resolution

(a) Evaluation of Cases for Alternative Dispute Resolution (“ADR”)

(1) Upon request by any party or in its discretion and at such times during the progress

of the case as appear appropriate, the Court may assign any civil case that is not

exempted hereunder for one or more mediation conferences. With the consent of

all parties, the Court will also consider assigning any case for any other type of

dispute resolution process that is an alternative to traditional litigation, including a

summary jury trial.

(2) Litigants shall consider the use of one or more ADR processes at the conference held

pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f). They shall also confer about structuring initial

discovery to focus potential settlement discussions most economically and

efficiently.

(3) The Court will consult with counsel at conferences held pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.

16 about the application of ADR processes to the case. The Court may at any stage

of any case convene a separate conference to be attended by the trial attorney and

each party or their authorized representative to determine whether the issues of the

case, the needs and relationships of the parties, or other factors make further efforts

at ADR appropriate.

(b) Exclusion of Categories of Cases. Unless otherwise ordered in a specific case, the

categories of cases exempted from initial disclosure by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(a)(1)(B) are also

exempt from assignment to mediation administered through this Court. Actions for review

on an administrative record and actions by the United States to recover benefit payments or

collect on student loans guaranteed by the United States may be assigned to such ADR

proceedings as the ADR Coordinator at that location of the Court deems prudent.

(1) In addition to Fed. R. Evid. 408 and any other applicable privilege, pursuant to 28

U.S.C. § 652(d), evidence of conduct or statements made in settlement negotiations

is not admissible to prove liability for or the invalidity of a claim or its amount in the

case in which the settlement negotiations occur. In order to promote candor and

protect the integrity of this Court’s ADR processes, in addition to other protections

afforded by law, all communications made by any person (including, but not limited

to parties, counsel, and Judge or other neutral participants) during ADR

proceedings conducted under the authority of this Court are confidential and are

subject to disclosure only as provided in subsection (c)(3) of this Rule. Any

participant in the process, regardless of whether that participant is a party to the case

in which the ADR proceeding has been attempted or has occurred, may seek an order

to prevent disclosure of any communication deemed confidential by this Rule.

(2) Communications deemed confidential by this Rule include, but are not limited

to, statements or expressive conduct occurring during the ADR proceeding itself,

such as offers to compromise, statements about the value of a case or claim,

statements about the strength or weakness of a claim or defense, and statements

concerning the possible resolution of all or part of a case. Confidential

communications also include communications made in connection with selecting an

ADR process, initiating the process, and selecting or retaining a mediator or other

neutral.

(3) Communication deemed confidential by this Rule may be disclosed, if such

disclosure is not otherwise prohibited by law or court order, only in the following

circumstances:

(A) Following an actual or attempted ADR proceeding, neutrals are

permitted to report to the Court information intended to aid in further

management of the case, including: (i) whether the case has settled

or may settle in the near future without further Court management;

(ii) if the case has not settled, suggestions about case management

(such as the desirability of further pretrial discovery followed by the

scheduling of additional ADR proceedings or followed by rulings on

one or more issues); (iii) information about the parties’ conduct if the

neutral concludes that a party did not participate in good faith in the

ADR proceeding or otherwise violated a court order or Disciplinary

Rule related to the proceeding; and (iv) any other information that the

parties authorize the neutral to communicate to the Court; or

(B) All participants to the ADR process, including parties, counsel, and

neutrals, consent in writing to the disclosure of the communication;

needed in connection with possible sanctions for misconduct

relating to the ADR proceeding; or

(D) The Judge who would otherwise enter judgment in the case or, in the

event of the unavailability of that Judge, the Chief District Judge,

conducts an in camera hearing or comparable proceeding and

determines that evidence of the content of the communication is not

otherwise available and that there is a compelling need for the

evidence that substantially outweighs the policy favoring

confidentiality and determines any of the following: (i) that the

evidence will be used to establish or disprove a claim of criminal or

professional misconduct or malpractice made against a neutral,

counsel, or party relating to the ADR proceeding; (ii) that the

evidence will be used in a proceeding in which fraud, duress, or

incapacity is at issue regarding the validity or enforceability of an

agreement reached during the ADR proceeding; or (iii) that

maintaining the confidentiality of the communication will pose a

significant threat to public health or safety; or

(E) The disclosure is otherwise required by law.

(d) Selection of Mediators and Other Neutrals

(1) Each location of the Court shall maintain and regularly update a roster of

appropriately experienced attorneys willing to serve as volunteer neutrals for the

Court’s ADR programs. A United States Magistrate Judge or Court employee at

each location of the Court shall be designated by the Chief District Judge as the “ADR

Coordinator” to implement, administer, oversee, and evaluate the Court’s ADR

programs at that location and to be primarily responsible for recruiting, screening,

and training attorneys to serve as neutrals for the Court pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §

651(d).

(2) ADR Coordinators may coordinate scheduling, training of neutrals, and other features

of this Court’s ADR program with comparable state court ADR programs or bar

association programs.

(3) Volunteer mediators for ADR programs administered by the Court shall be

appointed by the ADR Coordinator from the lists maintained at the location of

the Court where the case is pending. Counsel are encouraged to consult about the

selection of a mediator and to propose the appointment of someone having

familiarity with the subject matter of a particular case when that is deemed likely

to improve the ADR process.

(4) Before accepting appointment in any ADR proceeding conducted under the

authority of this Court, the neutral shall make inquiry reasonable under the

circumstances to determine whether there are facts that a reasonable person would

consider likely to affect his or her impartiality, including personal or financial

interest in the outcome of the proceeding, or existing or past relationships with a

party, counsel, or a significant, foreseeable witness to the dispute. The neutral shall

consider the factors set forth in 28 U.S.C. § 455. The neutral shall decline to

participate in circumstances likely to be considered to affect impartiality, and if in

doubt, shall disclose facts known or learned to all counsel and pro se parties as soon

as is practical.

(5) In unusually complex cases or in other situations in which service as a neutral is

anticipated to impose a significant time demand, parties are permitted (but not

required) to agree among themselves and with the assigned neutral (other than a

Magistrate Judge) to reasonably compensate such neutral. If the parties have

memorialized such an arrangement in writing, the Court may enter such orders as

are just to enforce such a written agreement.

(e) Remedies and Procedures Not Specified in this Rule

(1) This Court, or any Division or location of this Court, may by general order provide

supplemental procedures for ADR that are not inconsistent with this Rule and

applicable law.

(2) Any Judge presiding in a civil case may, in that case, enter such orders as are

lawful, just, and appropriate to administer fairly an ADR program suitably tailored

to it.

(3) Mediators and other neutrals used in ADR proceedings conducted by this Court

shall control the proceedings before them.

(4) Any breach or threatened breach of the confidentiality provisions of this Rule

and any refusal to attend and participate in good faith by a party or counsel shall be

reported to the presiding Judges who may, after notice, impose sanctions or make

such other orders as are just.

IV. PARTIES

23.1 Designation of “Class Action” in the Caption

A complaint or other pleading asserting a class action shall prominently include in its title

the designation “Class Action.”

23.2 Class Action Allegations

A complaint or other pleading asserting a class action shall contain sufficient allegations to

identify the class and the claim as a class action, including, but not limited to:

(a) The approximate size and definition of the alleged class;

(b) The basis upon which the party or parties maintaining the class action or other parties claimed

to be representing the class are alleged to be adequate representatives of the class;

(d) The grounds upon which it is alleged that the claims or defenses of the representative parties

are typical of the claims or defenses of the class; and

(e) Allegations intended to support findings required by the respective subsections of Fed. R.

Civ. P. 23(b)(1), (2), or (3).

23.3 Motions for Determination as Class Action

In all cases with class action allegations, the parties shall include in their Fed. R. Civ. P.

26(f) report proposed deadlines for completing discovery relevant to those allegations and

for filing a motion to certify a class, as well as a proposed date for the class action

determination. No motion to certify a class shall be filed before the Rule 26(f) conference

except by agreement of the parties or order of the Court.

V. DEPOSITIONS AND DISCOVERY

26.1 Form of Discovery Documents

(a) Parties responding or objecting to discovery requests shall quote each such interrogatory

or request in full immediately preceding the statement of any answer, response, or objection

thereto. A privilege log shall list documents, electronically stored information,

communications, or tangible things withheld in an organized and logical order and must

contain sufficient information to enable an opposing party and the Court to evaluate the

applicability of the claimed privilege or protection.

(b) The parties shall number each interrogatory, request, answer, response, or objection

sequentially, regardless of the number of sets of interrogatories or requests, throughout the

entire course of the action.

30.1 Depositions Outside of the Southern District of Ohio

Any motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(d) and any proceeding under Fed. R. Civ. P. 30(b)

initiated or arising during the process of taking depositions outside of the Southern District

of Ohio will be initiated or filed in this District and disposed of by the Judge responsible

for discovery. This Rule applies to proceedings initiated by a party to the action involved

and does not apply to such proceedings initiated by a deponent (not a party or officer or

employee of a party or member of a partnership party). Although Fed. R. Civ. P. 30 extends

the option to apply to the District Court in the district where the deposition is being taken

and that option may not be denied by this Rule, application in such other districts generally

tends to increase unduly that other district’s work and to disrupt this Court’s scheduled

deadlines. Proceedings initiated in other districts in violation of this Rule may be subject

to 28 U.S.C. § 1927 or other applicable sanctions.

36.1 Requests for Admission

Unless there has been agreement of the responding party or leave of Court has first been

obtained, no party shall serve more than forty requests for admission (including all

subparts) upon any other party.

37.1 Consultation Among Counsel; Informal Discovery Dispute Conference

Objections, motions, applications, and requests relating to discovery shall not be filed in this

Court under any provision in Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 or 37 unless the parties have first exhausted

among themselves all extrajudicial means for resolving their differences. After

extrajudicial means for the resolution of differences about discovery have been exhausted,

in lieu of immediately filing a motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26 or 37, any party may first

seek an informal telephone conference with the Judge assigned to supervise discovery in

the case.

38.1 Notation of “Jury Demand” in a Pleading

If a party demands a jury trial by endorsing it on a pleading, as permitted by Fed. R. Civ. P.

38(b), a notation shall be placed on the front page of the pleading immediately following the

title of the pleading, stating “Demand for Jury Trial” or an equivalent statement. This

notation will serve as a sufficient demand under Fed. R. Civ. P. 38(b).

VI. TRIALS

39.1 Juror Note Taking

The Court in its discretion may allow jurors to take notes of the testimony and to take such

notes into the jury room during deliberations. When jurors are told that they may take notes,

the Court may instruct them that notes are for their personal use only, that they are not

required to take them, that no one but the juror taking the notes will review the notes, that

the notes will be destroyed at the end of the case, and that they should leave the notes face

down on their seats during breaks and at the end of each day. When the jury is discharged,

all jurors’ notes shall be collected by a Court employee and destroyed without review of

the notes.

41.1 Assignment of Previously Dismissed Action

If an action is filed or removed to this Court and subsequently discontinued, dismissed

without prejudice, or remanded to a state court and is then subsequently refiled or removed,

the new case shall be assigned or transferred to the same District Judge and Magistrate

Judge who were assigned the initial case. Counsel or a pro se party shall be responsible for

bringing to the attention of the Court by notation on the civil cover sheet or otherwise any

relationship between a new case and an earlier one. The Chief District Judge has

authority, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 137, to approve such exceptions to this assignment policy

as are in the interests of justice.

43.1 Examination of Witnesses

At the trial or hearing of an issue of fact, only one attorney for each party shall examine or

cross-examine any witness, unless otherwise permitted by the Court.

43.2 Attorney Testifying as Witness

If any attorney anticipates that he or she or a member of the attorney’s firm may be required

to testify as a witness under circumstances that would not require disqualification as

counsel under the applicable Rule of Professional Conduct, the attorney shall immediately

notify the Court and opposing counsel in writing and set forth: (1) the issues on which the

attorney or a member of the attorney’s firm may be required to testify, and (2) a general plan

for handling the testimony.

45.1 Witness Fees

The fees and mileage of witnesses shall be advanced by the party on whose behalf the

witness is subpoenaed, subject to recovery as costs at the end of the case if permitted by

applicable law.

47.1 Communication with Jurors

No attorney, party, or anyone acting as agent or in concert with them connected with the

trial of an action shall personally, or acting through an investigator or other person, contact,

interview, examine, or question any juror regarding the verdict or deliberations of the jury

in the action except with leave of the Court.

VII. JUDGMENT

54.1 Taxation of Costs

If the prevailing party intends to file a bill of costs, the party must do so within forty-five

days from the entry of judgment unless a statute or Court order provides otherwise. A

bill of costs must be prepared on Form AO 133, which is available on the Court’s

website, or in substantially similar form. The bill of costs must be verified in

accordance with 28 U.S.C. § 1924. The Clerk shall tax costs after all parties have had an

opportunity to be heard on the bill of costs pursuant to the briefing schedule provided in

S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 7.2. The Clerk may defer taxation of costs pending appeal.

54.2 Motions for Attorney’s Fees

(a) Unless a statute or court order provides otherwise, a motion for attorney’s fees under Fed.

R. Civ. P. 54 must be filed not later than forty-five days after the entry of judgment.

(b) An attorney seeking fees awarded under 42 U.S.C. §§ 406(b) or 1383(d) of the Social

Security Act must file a motion for fees no later than forty-five days after entry of judgment

or the date shown on the face of the social security certificate award (notice of award),

whichever is later.

55.1 Defaults and Default Judgments

(a) If a party makes proper service of a pleading seeking affirmative relief but, after the time for

making a response has passed without any response having been served and filed, that party

does not request the Clerk to enter a default, the Court may by written order direct the party

to show cause why the claims in that pleading should not be dismissed for failure to

prosecute.

(b) If a party obtains a default but does not, within a reasonable time thereafter, file a motion

for a default judgment, the Court may by written order direct the party to show cause why

the claims upon which default was entered should not be dismissed for failure to prosecute.

P. 41 or otherwise, to dismiss a case or one or more claims or parties for failure to prosecute.

58.1 Entry of Court Orders

(a) All orders, decrees, judgments, and proceedings of the Court filed in accordance with these

Rules using the ECF system will constitute entry on the docket kept by the Clerk under

Fed. R. Civ. P. 58 and 79. All signed orders shall be filed electronically. Any order filed

electronically without the original signature of a Judge has the same force and effect as if

the Judge had affixed his or her signature to a paper copy.

(b) A Filing User submitting a document electronically that requires the signature of a Judge

shall promptly deliver the document in such form as the Court requires.

VIII. PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES AND SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS

65.1 Temporary Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions

(a) Procedure for Hearing. In most cases, the Court will not hear or rule on any motion

for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction until after the Court holds an

informal preliminary conference with all parties to determine what additional proceedings

are necessary. The movant shall obtain, from the office of the Judge to whom the action is

assigned, a date and time for the informal conference and shall immediately notify counsel

for the adverse party, if known, or if not known, the adverse party, that the application has

been filed or is to be filed and the date, time, and location of the conference. The trial

attorney shall also comply with the service requirements of subsection (b).

(b) Form of and Service of Motions. Motions for temporary restraining orders or

preliminary injunctions shall be made in pleadings separate from the complaint and in

accordance with this Rule. Motions shall be accompanied by a certificate of the trial

attorney or other proof satisfactory to the Court that: (1) the motion and all other filings in

the action have been served upon the adverse party’s attorney, if known, or if not known,

then the adverse party; (2) reasonable efforts to accomplish the service of the motion and

other filings have been made; or (3) the reasons, in affidavit form, why such service cannot

or need not be made or be required.

is not reasonably available to act upon a motion that requires immediate attention, the

movant shall request the Clerk to assign the matter, temporarily, to another Judge who is

available and who consents to hear the matter. The assignment of any matter in this manner

shall not constitute a permanent reassignment of the action from the originally assigned

Judge.

67.1 Bond Requirements in General

In all civil actions and criminal proceedings, the Clerk shall accept as surety, upon bonds and

other undertakings, a surety company approved by the Treasury Department, cash, or an

individual personal surety residing within this District. Unless otherwise ordered by the

Court, any personal surety must qualify as the owner of real estate within this District equal

in value to the full net value of the face amount of the bond. Attorneys or other officers of

this Court shall not serve as sureties.

IX. DISTRICT COURT AND CLERK

72.1 Magistrate Judges

All Magistrate Judges may perform any of the duties authorized by 28 U.S.C. § 636(a), (b),

or (c). All Magistrate Judges are specially designated within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. §

3401(a) to try persons accused of and to sentence persons convicted of misdemeanor

offenses. All Magistrate Judges are specifically designated within the meaning of 28 U.S.C.

§ 636(c)(1) to conduct any and all proceedings in jury or non-jury civil matters, to order entry

of judgment, and to adjudicate any post-judgment matters.

72.2 Assignment of Duties to Magistrate Judges

Individual District Judges at each location of the Court may, in their discretion, request

Magistrate Judges to perform such duties as are not inconsistent with the Constitution and

laws of the United States. Nothing in this Rule shall prevent a District Judge from filing

orders establishing procedures governing the formal reference of cases to Magistrate Judges

by individual District Judges or the District Judges of a particular location of this Court.

72.3 Effect of Magistrate Judge Ruling Pending Appeal to a District Judge

When an objection is filed to a Magistrate Judge’s ruling on a non-case dispositive motion,

the ruling remains in full force and effect unless and until it is (1) stayed by the Magistrate

Judge or a District Judge, or (2) overruled by a District Judge.

77.1 Notice of Orders

Immediately upon the entry of an order or judgment in a proceeding on the ECF system,

the Clerk will transmit to Filing Users in the case, in electronic form, a Notice of Electronic

Filing. Electronic transmission of such Notice constitutes the notice required by Fed. R.

Civ. P. 77(d). In accordance with the Federal Rules of Procedure, the Clerk shall give

notice in paper form to a person who has not consented to electronic service.

77.2 Funds

(a) Certified Checks. The Clerk or the Marshal may require that any check tendered for

any payment be certified before acceptance.

(b) Registry Funds. Funds deposited in the Registry of the Court shall be held in the

following manner:

(1) In the absence of any order to the contrary, in a checking account maintained by the

Clerk in an approved depository.

(2) Upon request of an interested party and upon approval of a Judge of this Court,

specific funds shall be deposited by the Clerk in an interest-bearing account in an

institution where such accounts are insured by an agency of the United States or in

obligations of the United States with the interest to be accumulated for the benefit

of the ultimate owners of the funds as determined by order of the Court; provided,

however, that no order that requires the Clerk to make a deposit of funds in an

interest-bearing account shall become effective until the order is personally served

upon the Clerk or upon the Deputy Clerk in charge of the office of the Clerk at the

location of Court where the action is pending.

(3) In lieu of depositing funds in the Registry of the Court, an interested party may

apply to the Court for appointment of escrow agents. With court approval, such

agents may deposit funds in a financial institution in an interest-bearing account

insured by an agency of the United States and provide for the disposition of interest

earned on such funds.

be assessed a charge against interest income earned at the rate established by the Judicial

Conference of the United States so administered by the Administrative Office of the United

States Courts. This fee is assessed regardless of the nature of the case underlying the

investment. The Clerk shall collect such fee at the time funds are disbursed by order of this

Court, without further order or direction. This Rule is inapplicable to funds for which a fee

has been collected by a prior method and is inapplicable to cases in which funds were

invested outside the scope of Fed. R. Civ. P. 67 prior to December 1, 1990.

79.1 Custody of Files and Exhibits

Originals of papers filed with this Court shall not be withdrawn from the files, except upon

order of the Court.

79.2 Disposition of Exhibits, Depositions, and Other Materials

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, counsel shall retrieve exhibits or other materials

filed in an action or offered into evidence within six months after final termination of the

action. The Clerk shall dispose of all such material at the expiration of the retrieval period.

79.3 Control of Exhibits

Unless otherwise ordered, any weapon, controlled substance, or item of substantial value

that is introduced as evidence during a hearing or trial shall be returned each evening for

safe keeping to the agent or party introducing such evidence. It is the responsibility of the

agent or party to maintain such evidence in a secure manner during the trial and while any

appeal is pending or until S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 79.2 has been satisfied.

X. VENUE; GENERAL PROVISIONS

82.1 Venue of Actions within the District

(a) Scope of this Rule. The filing of actions properly venued within this District shall be

governed by the following rules, subject to the jurisdictional and venue requirements of all

statutes, both general and specific.

(b) Location of Court. For venue purposes, the area served by each location of Court consists

of the following counties:

Eastern Division: Columbus: Athens, Belmont, Coshocton, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette,

Franklin, Gallia, Guernsey, Harrison, Hocking, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox,

Licking, Logan, Madison, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum,

Noble, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Ross, Union, Vinton, and Washington.

Eastern Division: Steubenville: The Jury Plan of the District provides that a District Judge

may try a case in the Eastern Division in Steubenville or any other location

in the counties of Belmont, Guernsey, Jefferson, Harrison, Monroe, Morgan,

Noble, or Washington, with prospective jurors to be drawn from the

aforementioned eight counties.

Western Division: Cincinnati: Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Hamilton, Highland,

Lawrence, Scioto, and Warren.

Western Division: Dayton: Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery, Preble,

and Shelby.

shall be filed at the location of Court that serves a county in which at least one defendant

resides.

(d) Corporate Residence, Venue When Indeterminate. A corporation that is deemed to

reside in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1391(c) is further deemed to reside in that

county in which its principal place of business within the District is located, or, if none, in

that county with which it has the most significant contacts. If such a corporation’s county

of residence cannot be determined under this Rule, an action against such corporation shall

be filed at a location of Court determined in accordance with the following Rules, in order

of preference: (1) a county in which a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise

to the claim occurred or a substantial part of the property that is the subject to the action is

located; or (2) any location of Court.

(e) Nonresident Defendant(s). If no defendant is a resident of this District, an action shall

be filed at the location of Court serving a county in which a substantial part of the events or

omissions giving rise to the claim occurred or a substantial part of the property that is the

subject of the action is located.

(f) Habeas Corpus Actions. A habeas corpus action shall be filed at the location of Court

that serves the county in which the state-court judgment that is the subject of the habeas

petition was filed.

83.1 Free Press - Fair Trial Provisions

(a) Disclosure of Information by Court Personnel. No employee of this Court may disclose

any information relating to a pending proceeding before this Court that is not part of the

public records of this Court. This Rule specifically prohibits the disclosure of information

concerning grand jury proceedings, in camera proceedings, and proceedings held in

chambers.

(b) Orders in Special Cases. This Court may in appropriate cases issue special orders

governing any conduct likely to interfere with the rights of the parties to a fair trial.

83.2 Courtroom and Courthouse Security and Decorum

(a) No person may, without permission of the Court, use any device to make an audio or visual

recording on any floor of a United States courthouse where judicial proceedings are being

conducted or within courtrooms, chambers, or ancillary portions of state courthouses or

other buildings while in use by this Court under agreement with local authorities or transmit

the audible or visual content of any judicial proceeding to any other person. Persons in

possession of any device capable of making or transmitting audio or video to another

person must, upon entering a building in which judicial proceedings are being conducted

by this Court, surrender such device to security personnel upon request and retrieve the

device upon leaving the building.

(b) Subject to subsection (e) of this Rule, persons other than criminal defendants in the custody

of the United States Marshal entering any courthouse being used by this Court are

permitted to keep in their possession electronic devices commonly used to conduct business

activities (including but not limited to cellular phones, smartphones, tablets, and laptop

computers) even if such devices are capable of audio or visual recording. Security

personnel may inspect any electronic device brought into a courthouse and may take

possession of a device if, upon inspection, the possession or use of such specific electronic

device is deemed a security concern.

in the courthouse so long as such use complies with subsection (a) of this Rule and does not

disrupt courtroom or other official proceedings by emitting an audible signal or otherwise.

(d) Unless expressly permitted by the presiding Judge, no electronic device that might be

used to record deliberations or communicate outside the jury room (including without

limitation laptop computers and other mobile electronic devices) may be taken into a jury

room during jury deliberations.

(e) The Courthouse Security Committee for each United States courthouse may promulgate

such further requirements and restrictions as are deemed necessary and that are consistent

with this Rule. Nothing herein shall limit the discretion of a Judge to permit special

arrangements or to order specific requirements or restrictions on the possession or use of

electronic devices in connection with a particular case before that Judge.

(f) Firearms. No person, with the exception of employees of the United States Marshal and

case agents, may enter or remain in any courtroom or hearing room of this Court, or any

Clerk’s Office, while in possession of a firearm or other deadly weapon. All other persons

in possession of firearms or other deadly weapons shall leave such weapons in the care and

custody of the United States Marshal in his or her office prior to entering or remaining in

any courtroom or hearing room in this District or any Clerk’s Office. This Rule is

applicable regardless of whether the Court is in session.

83.3 Admission to the Bar

(a) Roll of Attorneys. The permanent bar of this Court consists of those attorneys currently

admitted and those attorneys hereafter admitted, in accordance with these Rules or by order

of this Court, to practice in this Court. Attorneys admitted pro hac vice are not permanent

members of the bar of this Court.

(b) Eligibility. Any member in good standing of the bar of the Supreme Court of Ohio is

eligible for admission as a permanent member of the bar of this Court.

(1) All candidates for admission to the bar of this Court, other than those eligible under

subsections (c)(2) and (c)(3) of this Rule, shall file with the Clerk an application for

admission and evidence of attendance at the Southern District of Ohio Federal

Practice Seminar prescribed by S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 83.3(d). The candidate shall

affirmatively certify that he or she is familiar with the Court’s ECF system.

(2) Applicants in good standing as members of the permanent bar of the United States

District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for at least two years immediately

preceding their application to become members of the bar of this Court are not

required to take the Southern District of Ohio Federal Practice Seminar. Such

applicants must, however, comply with all other requirements of Rule 83.3.

(3) Attorneys for the United States who are authorized by statute to appear in all federal

courts and assistant federal public defenders are permitted to appear in this Court

upon filing an application for admission on the form provided by the Clerk and

providing a current certificate of good standing from the highest court of the State

in which the attorney is admitted to practice. These two groups of attorneys are not

required to take the Southern District of Ohio Federal Practice Seminar or pay the

application fee for admission, but they must register with this Court for electronic

filing.

(d) Federal Practice Seminar. At least twice annually, the Federal Bar Association chapter

at each location of Court shall conduct a Federal Practice Seminar covering civil practice

in this Court including, for example, the following topics: subject matter and personal

jurisdiction, venue, the Civil Justice Reform Act, case management planning, the Federal

Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Evidence, these Local Rules, and such other

topics as the presenters deem advisable.

(e) Motions for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice. In its discretion, the Court may grant leave

to appear pro hac vice to any attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of the

highest court of any State or the District of Columbia. Any attorney seeking this type of

admission must do so by way of a motion filed in each case in which the attorney wishes

to appear. The motion shall (1) be signed by a permanent member of the bar of this Court;

(2) be accompanied by the filing fee prescribed by the Court for pro hac vice admission

except as provided in subsection (g)(4) of this Rule; and (3) be accompanied by an original

certificate of good standing from the highest court of a State or the District of Columbia

(and not from another federal court) that has been issued not more than three months prior

to the date of the motion. If the attorney seeking pro hac vice admission is eligible for

permanent admission to the bar of this Court, the motion shall also be accompanied by a

written affirmation signed by the attorney that he or she will seek permanent admission as

promptly as is practicable. Only one filing fee need be tendered if the attorney is seeking

leave to appear pro hac vice in cases that have been consolidated under Fed. R. Civ. P.

42(a) for all purposes including trial. The names of attorneys who are not members of the

bar of this Court and who have not been admitted pro hac vice may appear on Court filings,

but such attorneys may not sign any document filed with the Court in that case or conduct any

proceeding before the Court or any deposition taken in the case. Their names will also not

appear as counsel on the Court’s docket and they will not receive any notices or mailings

from the Court.

(f) Rights and Responsibilities of Attorneys Admitted Pro Hac Vice. Any attorney

admitted pro hac vice is subject to the same requirements as are permanent members of the

bar of this Court, including those requirements relating to registration for electronic filing.

The Court may, in accordance with governing substantive law, revoke an attorney’s pro

hac vice status at any time. Unless otherwise ordered pursuant to S.D. Ohio Civ. R.

83.4(a), an attorney admitted pro hac vice may not serve as the trial attorney for any party.

(g) Fees

(1) Upon admission or upon application for readmission following disbarment or

suspension from the bar of this Court, an attorney shall pay to the Clerk such fees

as are prescribed by the Judicial Conference of the United States and by order of

this Court. Any fee prescribed by order of this Court shall be paid into the Court’s

Attorney Admission Fund.

(2) Each attorney applying for initial admission to the bar of this Court shall tender

to the Clerk any admission fee prescribed by this Court.

(3) Each attorney previously disbarred or suspended from the bar of this Court shall

tender to the Clerk any fee prescribed for readmission by order of this Court upon

application for readmission to the bar of this Court. Such readmission is subject to

the order for readmission of this Court.

(4) All attorneys seeking admission pro hac vice pursuant to subsection (e) of this

Rule shall tender to the Clerk any fee prescribed for admission pro hac vice by order

of this Court. This fee shall not be collected from attorneys representing

governmental agencies of the United States, members of the Ohio Attorney

General’s Office, assistant federal public defenders, or attorneys employed by the

Ohio Public Defender who appear in either civil or criminal matters.

(5) All such fees collected by the Clerk shall be deposited for the use of the bar and the

Court in the Court’s Attorney Admission Fund to be used for such purposes as inure

to the benefit of the bench and bar in the administration of justice within this District

as determined to be appropriate by the Court.

(h) Disciplinary Enforcement. The conduct of attorneys admitted to practice before this Court,

including attorneys admitted pro hac vice, and the supervision of their conduct by this

Court, is governed by the Model Federal Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement (with the

exception of Rules XI and XII). (See Appendix to these Rules.)

83.4 Trial Attorney and Co-Counsel

(a) Designation and Responsibilities. Unless otherwise ordered, in all actions filed in,

transferred to, or removed to this Court, all parties other than pro se parties must be

represented at all times by a “trial attorney” who is a permanent member in good standing

of the bar of this Court. Each filing made on behalf of such parties shall identify and be

signed by the trial attorney. The trial attorney shall attend all hearings, conferences, and

the trial itself unless excused by the Court from doing so. Admission pro hac vice does

not entitle an attorney to appear as a party’s trial attorney, but the Court may, in its

discretion and upon motion that shows good cause, permit an attorney who has been so

admitted to act as a trial attorney.

(b) Service. All notices and communications from the Court and all documents required to be

served on other parties by these Rules and by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure shall be

served upon the trial attorney. (See also S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 5.2, “Certificate of Service”.)

Trial attorneys are responsible for notifying co-counsel or associate counsel of all matters

affecting the action.

withdraw or a new trial attorney substituted only by filing either a motion under (c)(2) or

notice under (c)(3) of this Rule.

(1) How accomplished. To withdraw from a case, a current trial attorney must file a

motion under (c)(2) of this Rule and obtain a court order granting the motion under

(c)(4) of this Rule or file a notice under (c)(3) of this Rule, if a notice is applicable.

To withdraw as the designated trial attorney but not from the case, a current trial

attorney must file a motion under (c)(2) and obtain a court order granting the

motion under (c)(4) of this Rule or file a notice under (c)(3) of this Rule, if a notice

is applicable. Unless an order to the contrary is issued, the attorney seeking leave

to withdraw shall continue to perform the functions of the trial attorney while the

motion is pending.

(2) Motion. A motion to withdraw shall meet the following requirements: (1) it must

be served upon the client, and the certificate of service must so state; (2) it must

assert that good cause, as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct, exists to

permit the withdrawal; and (3) it must be accompanied by an affidavit or other

evidence supporting the assertion of good cause. If the evidence relied upon in

support of the motion would be detrimental to the client’s interest if disclosed to

the other parties, the withdrawing attorney shall move for an order that the

evidence be submitted ex parte and in camera.

(3) Notice. The current trial attorney may withdraw either from the case or from the

designation as trial attorney by filing a notice that is signed by (1) the current,

withdrawing trial attorney; (2) the client; and (3) a new, substituting trial attorney.

If the substituting trial attorney is a member of the same partnership, legal

professional association, or governmental attorney group as the trial attorney to be

substituted for and the notice affirmatively states that the substitution is made with

the client’s knowledge and consent, the client’s signature is not required. If the

withdrawing trial attorney is a governmental attorney who has undergone a change

in employment status that renders him or her ineligible to continue representing the

governmental parties in the case, a new trial attorney may be substituted through

the filing of a notice that so states, that is signed by new trial counsel, and that

affirmatively indicates that the substitution is made with the client’s knowledge

and consent.

(4) Order on Withdrawal or Substitution. The Court will grant a motion to

withdraw or substitute upon good cause shown and may impose terms or conditions

upon any withdrawal or substitution. The Court will not ordinarily grant a motion

for leave to withdraw until the client has been given an opportunity to respond to

the motion unless the motion demonstrates that the client agrees to the withdrawal

and/or has terminated the services of the withdrawing attorney. The Court will

ordinarily not permit a trial attorney to withdraw from an action within twenty-

one days of trial or the date set for a hearing on any motion for judgment or

dismissal. The substitution of a trial attorney, even if it is allowed within twenty-

one days of a trial or hearing, does not automatically entitle a party to the

postponement of the trial or hearing.

(d) Co-Counsel. Any attorney who has appeared in a case in any capacity other than as trial

attorney is considered to be co-counsel for the party or parties on whose behalf the

appearance has been entered. Co-counsel may withdraw by way of a notice of withdrawal

signed by the withdrawing attorney and by the trial attorney for the party on whose behalf

co-counsel has appeared. By signing such a notice, the trial attorney represents that the

client has authorized the withdrawal. If the trial attorney is unwilling or unable to sign

such a notice, co-counsel who wish to withdraw shall file a motion that complies with

subsection (c)(2) of this Rule.

83.5 Signatures on Filings

(a) Signing of Documents. All documents filed on behalf of a party represented by counsel

shall be signed by one attorney in his or her individual name as the trial attorney referred

to in S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 83.4, followed by the designation “Trial Attorney,” together with

his or her name, full office address, telephone number and area code, and email address.

Ohio Supreme Court Registration numbers shall be included immediately after the name

of Ohio counsel in the signature and address block on all filings. Firm names and the

names of co-counsel may appear on filings for information purposes only.

(b) Filing Users. Attorneys admitted to the permanent bar of this Court may register as Filing

Users of this Court’s ECF system. Those admitted pro hac vice shall unless otherwise

ordered register as Filing Users of this Court’s ECF system pursuant to S.D. Ohio Civ. R.

83.3(f). If the Court permits, a party to a pending proceeding who is not represented by an

attorney may register as a Filing User solely for the purposes of that action. If an attorney

appears on that party’s behalf thereafter, that attorney shall advise the Clerk promptly

following that attorney’s appearance to terminate the party’s registration as a Filing User.

ECF purposes, by “s/” followed by the typed name of the attorney or other Filing User.

Signature in such a manner is equivalent to a hand-signed signature for all purposes,

including Fed. R. Civ. P. 11 or any other rule or statute.

(d) Signature for Another Attorney. When one attorney signs on behalf of another attorney,

the full signature of each must appear; signatures followed by initials are unacceptable

because the Court must be able to determine who actually signed the document (e.g., “s/

Joan Doe by s/ Richard Roe per telephone authorization”).

(e) Unauthorized Use of Passwords Prohibited. No Filing User or other person shall

knowingly permit or cause a Filing User’s password to be used by anyone other than an

authorized agent of the actual Filing User.

83.6 Student Practice Rule

(a) Compliance with Rule. A law student who is employed by or utilized by the Federal

Public Defender or the United States Attorney or their designees, or who is enrolled in a

law school clinical program, may participate as a legal intern in civil and non-felony cases

in this Court subject to his or her compliance with all of the requirements of this Rule.

(b) Eligibility. To be eligible, a student must:

(1) Either

(A) Be certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio as a legal intern; or

(B) Be duly enrolled in a law school approved by the American Bar

Association and have completed at least two-thirds of the requirements

for graduation; and

(2) Have knowledge of the Federal Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, the Federal

Rules of Evidence, the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, and the Rules of this

Court;

(3) Be supervised by a supervising attorney as defined in paragraph (c) of this Rule;

(4) Be certified by the Dean of the law school where the student is enrolled or the

Dean’s designee as being of good character, sufficient legal ability, and adequate

training to fulfill the responsibilities of a legal intern to both the client and the

Court;

(5) Be certified by the Chief District Judge or his/her designee to practice pursuant to this

Rule; and

(6) Decline personal compensation or remuneration of any kind for his or her legal

services other than expenses approved by the supervising attorney. Any application

by or on behalf of the supervising attorney for legal fees must itemize the services

performed and time spent by the legal intern.

and must:

(1) Either

(A) Have faculty or adjunct faculty status at a law school at which a portion

of the supervising attorney’s duties includes supervision of students in

a clinical program; or

(B) Be employed by the United States Attorney or the Federal Public

Defender and have the litigation experience and the time and ability to

supervise a legal intern. Any exception to the requirements of this Rule

must be approved by the Chief District Judge; and

(2) Be present with the student at all times in Court and at other proceedings in which

testimony is taken;

(3) Co-sign all pleadings or other documents filed with the Court and be responsible for

all filings made via the Court’s ECF system;

(4) Assume full personal and professional responsibility for the benefit of the

represented clients for a student’s guidance, for any work undertaken, and for the

quality of the student’s work, and be available for consultation with represented

clients;

(5) Assist and counsel the student in activities mentioned in paragraph (e) of this Rule

and review such activities with the student, all to the extent required for proper

practical training of the student and the protection of the client; and

(6) Supplement oral or written work of the student as necessary to ensure proper

representation of the client.

(d) Certification and Authorization

(1) Student. The student shall apply for certification to practice under this Rule by

filing a “Form for Designating Compliance with the Student Practice Rule for

the Southern District of Ohio.” Alternatively, if the student is a legal intern

certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio, a copy of that certification may be

submitted.

This Court’s certification of a student to practice under this Rule shall be filed with

the Clerk and shall remain in effect for eighteen months. If the student passes the

State Bar Examination, then the certification shall continue until that student is

formally admitted to practice in this Court or until the eighteen months expires,

whichever occurs first. If the student fails the State Bar Examination, his or her

certification to appear in this Court shall expire immediately upon receipt of notice

of failure, and the student shall promptly notify this Court of the failure.

Certification to appear generally may be withdrawn by the Chief District Judge or

his/her designee in the discretion of the Chief District Judge or his/her designee and

without the need to show cause. In a particular case, the certificate may be

withdrawn by the presiding Judge in the discretion of that Judge and without the need

to show cause.

(2) Client and Supervising Attorney Authorization. The student must be authorized

to appear in each case in which he or she participates. A “Client and Supervising

Attorney Authorizations for Appearance by Law Student” form must be completed

and filed in each case.

(e) Activities. A certified student may, under the personal and direct supervision of his or her

supervising attorney:

(1) Represent any client in any civil, administrative, or non-felony criminal case

if the client on whose behalf the student is appearing has consented in writing to

that representation and the supervising attorney has given written approval of that

representation as set forth in paragraph (d)(2) of this Rule; the presiding Judge

retains, however, the authority to limit a student’s participation in any individual

case; and

(2) In connection with matters in this Court, engage in other activities on behalf of the

client under the general supervision of the supervising attorney; a student shall make

no binding commitments on behalf of a client, however, absent prior client and

supervising attorney approval. In any matters, including depositions, in which

testimony is taken, the supervising attorney must accompany the student. The

supervising attorney must read, approve, and co-sign any filings made by the

student. The Chief Judge or his/her designee and the presiding Judge retain the

authority to establish exceptions to such activities.

(3) Prior to oral participation by a certified student in a hearing or trial, the supervising

attorney shall provide the presiding Judge with a written statement of the

anticipated scope of the certified student’s participation.

(4) Because the supervising attorney is the attorney of record, no notice of withdrawal

shall be required to be filed by the law student.

LOCAL CRIMINAL RULES

I. SCOPE OF RULES

1.1 General Provisions

(a) Citation. These Rules may be cited as “S.D. Ohio Crim. R. .”

(b) Effective Date. The effective date of these Rules is January 1, 2020.

1.2 Applicability of the Local Civil Rules

The Local Civil Rules shall apply to criminal actions unless such Rules:

(a) are made inapplicable by S.D. Ohio Crim. R. 1.3;

(b) are applicable, by their terms, to civil actions only;

the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or any controlling statute or regulation of the

United States; or

(d) are made inapplicable by order of the Court or a Judge of this Court.

1.3 Local Civil Rules Not Applicable

The following Local Civil Rules are not applicable in criminal actions unless

otherwise ordered: 1.1(a), 3.1, 3.2, 4.2, 7.1.1, 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 23.1, 23.2, 23.3, 26.1, 30.1,

36.1, 37.1, 38.1, 54.1, 54.2, 55.1, 58.1, 65.1, 82.1.

II. FILING IN CRIMINAL CASES

12.1 Pleadings and Pretrial Motions

(a) The charging documents, including the complaint, information, indictment, and

superseding indictment, shall be filed either in the traditional manner in paper or as a

scanned document that contains an image of any legally required signature. All

subsequent documents shall be filed electronically except as provided in these Rules or as

ordered by the Court.

(b) Subject to restrictions that the Court may impose, a person may review all filings at the

Clerk’s office that have not been sealed.

system, together with transmission of a Notice of Electronic Filing from the Court,

constitutes filing of the document for all purposes under the Federal Rules of Criminal

Procedure and the Local Rules of this Court and constitutes entry of the document on the

docket kept by the Clerk under Fed. R. Crim. P. 49 and 55. When a document is filed

electronically, the official record is the electronic recording of the document as stored by

the Court, and the filing party is bound by the document as filed unless relief is granted

under subsection (f) of S.D. Ohio Civ. R. 5.1.

(d) All orders, decrees, judgments and proceedings of the Court filed in accordance with these

Rules using the ECF system will constitute entry on the docket kept by the Clerk under

Fed. R. Crim. P. 49 and 55.

(e) Related Cases. It is the personal responsibility of the United States Attorney or Assistant

United States Attorney to identify related cases on the “Defendant Information Relative

to a Criminal Action” form (Form AO 257) or other form provided by the Clerk’s Office.

For purposes of this Rule, cases may be deemed related by the Court if they appear to

arise from the same or a substantially identical transactions, happenings, or events,

including any alleged conspiracy. This Rule is intended to provide for the orderly division

of the business of the Court and does not grant any right to any litigant.

12.4.1 Disclosure Statements and Disqualification Requests

(a) No filing is required of individuals who are criminal defendants. Corporate defendants in

criminal cases shall file statements as provided in Fed. R. Crim. P. 12.4. If such a filing

occurs before all facts have been fully investigated, the disclosure statement shall be

expressly noted as potentially incomplete. Counsel shall promptly thereafter investigate

and supplement an incomplete disclosure statement.

(b) Disqualification. In addition to addressing corporate disclosures, all counsel are directed

to consider at the earliest opportunity whether there may be any reason for a Judge of this

Court to disqualify himself or herself pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 144 or § 455 and to advise

the Court in writing as early as possible in the case about any such concerns.

III. PROBATION AND SENTENCING

32.1 Presentence Reports

(a) The defendant or the defendant’s counsel shall advise the Probation Officer whether

counsel wish to receive notice of and a reasonable opportunity to attend any interview of

the defendant.

(b) Within thirty-seven days after a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, signed consent

to conduct a presentence investigation prior to plea, or a verdict of guilty, the Probation

Officer shall disclose the initial presentence investigation report to the defendant’s counsel

and the assigned Assistant United States Attorney. The defendant’s counsel shall

promptly provide one copy to the defendant.

communicate to the Probation Officer and each other any objections they have to the

content either contained in or omitted from the initial report. Such communication may

be oral or written, but the Probation Officer may require that any oral objection be

promptly confirmed in writing. All objections to the presentence report must be clearly

identified in order that they may be resolved to the extent practicable through informal

procedures, including telephone conferences. During the twenty-one days following

disclosure, any written objections must be delivered to the Probation Officer and not to

the Court.

(d) After receiving objections, the Probation Officer shall conduct any necessary investigation

and make revisions to the initial report as he or she deems appropriate. The Probation

Officer shall respond to all unresolved objections. If any party believes that an additional

conference could resolve or narrow any objection, that party shall seek a conference with

the Probation Officer and the other party. Any such conference shall be held within thirty-

one days following disclosure of the initial report. All unresolved objections shall be

memorialized in writing by the objecting party and provided to the Probation Officer

within seven days after the conference.

(e) Following any conference held pursuant to paragraph (d) of this Rule, but not later than

forty-two days following disclosure of the initial report, the Probation Officer shall file

the final presentence investigation report electronically and under seal with the restriction

that the final report can be seen only by the assigned judge and any person that judge

authorizes to see it and disclose the final report to the defendant’s counsel and the assigned

Assistant United States Attorney. The final report shall include an addendum identifying

(1) all unresolved objections previously memorialized in writing; (2) a brief statement of

the grounds for each such objection; (3) the Probation Officer’s comments on each

objection; and, if known, (4) a notation reflecting whether the parties intend to present

evidence to the Court on any such objection at the sentencing hearing. The Probation

Officer shall certify that the final report is true and accurate to the best of his or her

knowledge and belief. The defendant’s counsel shall promptly deliver a copy of the final

report and the entire addendum to the defendant.

(f) Pursuant to the authority granted in Fed. R. Crim. P. 32(e) and unless otherwise ordered

in an individual case, the Probation Officer’s recommendation, if any, on the appropriate

sentence shall be disclosed in the initial and final presentence report. However, without

permission of the Court, no employee of the Probation Office may testify regarding any

such recommendation.

(g) If the Probation Officer communicates to the Court any material described in Fed. R.

Crim. P. 32(d)(3) that he or she believes should not be disclosed to the parties, the

Probation Officer shall, upon request by the Court, promptly prepare a written summary

of such material in order to assist the Court in complying with its obligations under Fed.

R. Crim. P. 32(i)(1)(B).

(h) Following the filing of the final report, the Court may schedule additional conferences to

address remaining objections or may proceed to conduct the sentencing hearing not less

than fourteen days after receiving the final report, provided that thirty-five days have

passed since the filing of the initial report unless the defendant waives this time

requirement. For good cause shown, the Court may allow a new objection to be raised at

any time before the imposition of sentence. In resolving disputed issues of fact, the Court

may consider any reliable information presented by the Probation Officer or the parties.

(i) The Court may also modify time frames set forth in this Rule and in Fed. R. Crim. P. 32

for good cause shown.

(j) The final report, statements, addendum, and related documents shall be deemed to have

been disclosed on the date they are filed.

(k) Both the initial and final presentence reports are confidential Court documents. All copies

and all information contained in the reports shall be maintained in confidence by anyone

who obtains them and not disclosed to another for any purpose other than the prosecution

or defense of the case or unless the Judge to whom this case is assigned authorizes another

disclosure. Each page of the initial and final reports shall contain the legend,

“CONFIDENTIAL UNDER S.D. OHIO CRIM. R. 32.1. UNAUTHORIZED

DISCLOSURE MAY BE PUNISHED AS A CONTEMPT OF THIS COURT.” Pursuant

to 28 U.S.C. § 994(w), the sentencing judge shall provide the presentence report to the

Sentencing Commission, along with the statement of reasons for the sentence imposed, the

judgment, any written plea agreement, and the indictment or other charging document,

within thirty days of the entry of the judgment. The Probation Officer shall provide a copy

of the final report to the Bureau of Prisons. If the defendant’s supervision is transferred to

another district, the Probation Officer shall provide a copy of the final report to the

Probation Department of the transferee district. All paper copies shall be maintained in

secured files, and all electronic copies shall be password-protected. Any presentence report

filed with the Clerk shall be filed under seal. Violations of this Rule may be punished as a

contempt of this Court.

32.2 Revoking or Modifying Probation or Supervised Release

The following probation reports shall be filed electronically and under seal by a deputy

clerk of court:

(1) Report on offender under supervision (Probation Form 12A);

(2) Request for Modifying the Conditions or Term of Supervision with the Consent of

the Offender (Probation Form 12B);

(3) Petition for Warrant or Summons for Offender under Supervision (Probation Form

12C); and

(4) Supervision violation reports and supplemental supervision violation reports.

32.3 Production of Probation and Pretrial Services Records; Testimony of Probation and

Pretrial Services Officers

(a) Probation and Pretrial Services Officers are officers of the Court. Their confidential

records and files are the confidential records of the Court, and the information they acquire

in performing their duties must be kept confidential.

(b) The Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts has promulgated

regulations establishing procedures for the production or disclosure of documents and the

testimony of judiciary personnel in legal proceedings. Those regulations are applicable

in this Court except as otherwise provided in this Rule. The regulations may be reviewed

at www.uscourts.gov/RulesAndPolicies/SubpoenaRegulations.aspx.

of a Probation or Pretrial Services Officer is sought by way of subpoena or other judicial

process, the Chief of Probation or Pretrial Services shall consult with the Chief District

Judge with respect to responding to the subpoena or other judicial process. If the request

relates to Pretrial Services, the Chief District Judge may refer the matter to the District

Judge or Magistrate Judge responsible for the pretrial handling of the case. If the request

relates to the Probation Office, the Chief District Judge may refer the matter to the District

Judge or Magistrate Judge who imposed sentence.

IV. OTHER RULES

49.1 Serving and Filing Papers

(a) Immediately upon the entry of an order or judgment in a proceeding, the Clerk will

transmit to Filing Users in the case, in electronic form, a Notice of Electronic Filing.

Electronic transmission of such Notice constitutes the notice required by Fed. R. Crim. P.

49(c). In accordance with the Federal Rule, the Clerk shall give notice in paper form to a

person who has not consented to electronic service.

(b) A document containing the signature of a defendant in a criminal case may be filed either

(1) in paper form, or (2) in a scanned format that contains an image of the defendant's

signature. If filed in paper, the party filing the document shall also give notice of manual

filing through the ECF system. Counsel shall retain the signed original of any document

containing the defendant’s signature that has been filed electronically for five years or for

the period within which the Clerk would maintain original material under S.D. Ohio Civ.

R. 79.2, whichever period is longer. Counsel shall exhibit the original document upon

reasonable request by the Court or counsel for the Government.

57.1 Publicity and Disclosures

(a) No attorney may publicly release any information or opinion that might interfere with a

fair trial or otherwise prejudice the due administration of justice.

(b) No attorney participating in or associated with a grand jury or the investigation of any

criminal matter may make any public extrajudicial statement that goes beyond the public

record or that is not necessary to obtain assistance in the apprehension of a suspect, to

warn the public of any dangers, or otherwise to aid in the investigation.

any public statement concerning:

(1) The prior criminal record (including arrests, indictments, or other charges of

crime) or the character or reputation of the accused, except that the lawyer or law

firm may make a factual statement of the accused’s name, age, residence,

occupation, and family status, and, if the accused has not been apprehended, an

attorney associated with the prosecution may release any information necessary to

aid in the accused’s apprehension or to warn the public of any dangers the accused

may present;

(2) Any statement or lack thereof by the accused;

(3) The performance or lack thereof of any examinations or tests upon the accused;

(4) The identity, testimony, or credibility of prospective witnesses, except that the

attorney or law firm may announce the identity of the victim if the announcement

is not otherwise prohibited by law;

(5) The possibility of a plea of guilty to the offense charged or a lesser offense;

(6) Any opinion as to the accused’s guilt or innocence or as to the merits of the case

or the evidence in the case.

(d) During a jury trial of any criminal matter, no attorney may publicly give any extrajudicial

statement that may interfere with a fair trial. An attorney may quote from or refer without

comment to public records of the Court in the case.

(e) Nothing in this Rule shall preclude the lawful issuance of reports by investigative bodies

or preclude any attorney from replying to charges of professional misconduct that are

publicly made against the attorney.

57.2 Procedures in Death Penalty Cases

(a) Application. This Rule applies to cases filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254 and cases that

challenge a state-court order imposing a sentence of death.

(b) Petitioner’s Statement. Whenever such a case is filed in this Court, the petitioner shall

file with the petition a statement certifying the existence of a sentence of death, any date

of execution set by the Ohio Supreme Court, any previous cases filed by the petitioner in

federal court, and any cases filed by the petitioner pending in any other court. The

petitioner may use United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit Form 6CA-99 or

the equivalent of that form for the statement.

a copy of the petitioner’s statement as required by subsection (b) and immediately shall

notify the Clerk of the Court of Appeals upon issuance of a final order in the case.

(d) Motion for Stay. A petitioner who seeks a stay of execution shall attach to the petition a

citation to each state-court opinion available in an online database or, if not available

online, a copy of each state-court opinion and judgment involving the matter to be

presented. The petition shall also state whether or not the same petitioner has previously

sought relief arising out of the same matter from this Court or from any other federal court.

The reasons for denying relief given by any court that has considered the matter shall also

be attached. If reasons for the ruling were not given in a written opinion, a copy of the

relevant portions of the transcript may be attached.

(e) Issues Not Raised or Exhausted in State Courts. If any issue is raised that was not raised

or fully exhausted in state court, the petition shall state the reasons why such action has

not been taken.

(f) Rulings on Issues. This Court’s opinion in any such action shall separately state each

issue raised by the petition and will rule expressly on each issue, stating the reasons for

each ruling made.

(g) Issuance of Certificate of Appealability. If a certificate of appealability is issued in any

such case, the Court will also grant a stay of execution to continue until such time as the

Court of Appeals expressly acts with reference to the certificate of appealability.

(h) Assignment of Judge. If the same petitioner has previously filed in this Court an

application to stay enforcement of a state-court judgment or for habeas corpus relief, the

case shall be assigned to the judge who considered the prior matter.

58.1 Forfeiture of Collateral in Lieu of Appearance

(a) Persons charged with a petty offense in this District for which a fixed-sum payment is

established pursuant to this Rule may elect to post, in person or by mail, collateral in the

amount specified for such offense, and, upon waiver of the right to a hearing on the charge

made, consent to the forfeiture of such collateral in lieu of appearance before the

Magistrate Judge and all further proceedings. Any person so charged who does not elect

this procedure shall be required to appear before the Magistrate Judge as prescribed by

law, and upon conviction, shall be subject to any penalty otherwise provided.

(b) Nothing contained in this Rule shall be interpreted to prohibit or restrict otherwise existing

authority of any law enforcement officer to place persons under arrest under proper

circumstances. Further, where the law enforcement officer involved considers the

circumstances of the offense to be aggravated, the officer may specify that appearance

before the Magistrate Judge is required, in which case the collateral forfeiture procedure

in this Rule shall not be available.

lieu of appearance shall be those established by General Orders as may be issued from

time to time by this Court. The schedules shall be posted by the Clerk on the Court’s

website. Such General Orders may be issued by the Chief Judge of this Court on behalf

of the Court, pending further General Orders of the full Court.

(d) When a person charged in this District with a petty offense for which a fixed-sum payment

is established pursuant to this Rule fails to post collateral and also fails to appear before

the Magistrate Judge for initial appearance on the date set by the Court, the Magistrate

Judge may, when issuing a warrant for the person’s arrest, increase the amount of

collateral that may be forfeited to an amount not in excess of the maximum fine that could

be imposed upon conviction.

83.4 Withdrawal in a Criminal Case

The trial attorney in a criminal case, whether retained or appointed, is responsible for

continued representation of the client on appeal until specifically relieved by the Sixth

Circuit Court of Appeals (See 6 Cir. R. 12). The trial attorney must consult with his or her

client as to whether the client wishes to appeal. If the client wishes to appeal, the trial

attorney shall file a notice of appeal and assist the client in preparing any other necessary

filings to proceed on appeal.

MODEL FEDERAL RULES OF DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SUBJECT HEADINGS REFERENCE

Attorneys Convicted of Crimes Rule I

Discipline Imposed by Other Court Rule II

Disbarment on Consent or Resignation in Other Courts Rule III

Standards for Professional Conduct Rule IV

Disciplinary Proceedings Rule V

Disbarment on Consent While Under Disciplinary

Investigation or Prosecution Rule VI

Reinstatement Rule VII

Attorneys Specially Admitted Rule VIII

Service of Papers and Other Notices Rule IX

Appointment of Counsel Rule X

Reserved Rule XI

Reserved Rule XII

Duties of the Clerk Rule XIII

Jurisdiction Rule XIV

Effective Date Rule XV

MODEL FEDERAL RULES OF DISCIPLINARY ENFORCEMENT

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, in furtherance of its inherent

power and responsibility to supervise the conduct of attorneys who are admitted to practice before

it, or admitted for the purpose of a particular proceeding (pro hac vice) promulgates the following

Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement superseding all of its other Rules pertaining to disciplinary

enforcement heretofore promulgated.

Rule I. Attorneys Convicted of Crimes

(A) Upon the filing with this Court of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction

demonstrating that any attorney admitted to practice before the Court has been convicted

in any Court of the United States, or the District of Columbia, or of any state, territory,

commonwealth or possession of the United States of a serious crime as hereinafter

defined, the Court shall enter an order immediately suspending that attorney, whether the

conviction resulted from a plea of guilty, or nolo contendere or from a verdict after trial

or otherwise, regardless of the pendency of any appeal, until final disposition of a

disciplinary proceeding to be commenced upon such conviction. A copy of such order

shall immediately be served upon the attorney. Upon good cause shown, the Court may

set aside such order when it appears in the interest of justice to do so.

(B) The term “serious crime” shall include any felony and any lesser crime a necessary

element of which, as determined by the statutory or common law definition of such crime

in the jurisdiction where the judgment was entered, involves false swearing,

misrepresentation, fraud, willful failure to file income tax returns, deceit, bribery,

extortion, misappropriation, theft, or an attempt or a conspiracy or solicitation of another

to commit a “serious crime”.

conclusive evidence of the commission of that crime in any disciplinary proceeding

instituted against that attorney based upon the conviction.

(D) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction of an attorney for a serious

crime, the Court shall in addition to suspending that attorney in accordance with the

provisions of this Rule, also refer the matter to counsel for the institution of a disciplinary

proceeding before the Court in which the sole issue to be determined shall be the extent

of the final discipline to be imposed as a result of the conduct resulting in the conviction,

provided that a disciplinary proceeding so instituted will not be brought to final hearing

until all appeals from the conviction are concluded.

(E) Upon the filing of a certified copy of a judgment of conviction of an attorney for a crime

not constituting a “serious crime,” the Court may refer the matter to counsel for whatever

action counsel may deem warranted, including the institution of a disciplinary proceeding

before the Court; provided, however, that the Court may in its discretion make no

reference with respect to convictions for minor offenses.

(F) An attorney suspended under the provisions of this Rule will be reinstated immediately

upon the filing of a certificate demonstrating that the underlying conviction of a serious

crime has been reversed but the reinstatement will not terminate any disciplinary

proceeding then pending against the attorney, the disposition of which shall be determined

by the Court on the basis of all available evidence pertaining to both guilt and the extent

of discipline to be imposed.

Rule II. Discipline Imposed by Other Courts

(A) Any attorney admitted to practice before this Court shall, upon being subjected to

public discipline by any other Court of the United States or the District of Columbia, or by

a court of any State, territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States, promptly

inform the Clerk of this Court of such action.

(B) Upon the filing of a certified or exemplified copy of a judgment or order demonstrating

that an attorney admitted to practice before this Court has been disciplined by another

Court, this Court shall forthwith issue a notice directed to the attorney containing:

(1) a copy of the judgment or order from the court; and

(2) an order to show cause directing that the attorney inform this Court within thirty

(30) days after service of that order upon the attorney, personally or by mail, of any

claim by the attorney predicated upon the grounds set forth in (D) hereof that the

imposition of the identical discipline by the Court would be unwarranted and the

reasons therefor.

reciprocal discipline imposed in this Court shall be deferred until such stay expires.

(D) Upon the expiration of thirty (30) days from service of the notice issued pursuant to the

provisions of (B) above, this Court shall impose the identical discipline unless the

respondent-attorney demonstrates, or this Court finds, that upon the face of the record upon

which the discipline in another jurisdiction is predicated it clearly appears:

(1) that the procedure was so lacking in notice or opportunity to be heard as to

constitute a deprivation of due process; or

(2) that there was such an infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct as to give rise

to the clear conviction that this Court could not, consistent with its duty, accept as

final the conclusion on that subject; or

(3) that the imposition of the same discipline by this Court would result in grave

injustice; or

(4) that the misconduct established is deemed by this Court to warrant substantially

different discipline.

Where this Court determines that any of said elements exist, it shall enter such other order

as it deems appropriate.

(E) In all other respects, a final adjudication in another court that an attorney has been guilty of

misconduct shall establish conclusively the misconduct for purposes of a disciplinary

proceeding in this Court.

(F) This Court may at any stage appoint counsel to prosecute the disciplinary proceedings.

Rule III. Disbarment on Consent or Resignation in Other Courts

(A) Any attorney admitted to practice before this Court who shall be disbarred on consent or

resign from the bar of any other Court of the United States or the District of Columbia, or

from the bar of any State, territory, commonwealth or possession of the United States while

an investigation into allegations of misconduct is pending, shall, upon the filing with this

Court of a certified or exemplified copy of the judgment or order accepting such disbarment

on consent or resignation, cease to be permitted to practice before this Court and be stricken

from the roll of attorneys admitted to practice before this Court.

(B) Any attorney admitted to practice before this Court shall, upon being disbarred on consent

or resigning from the bar of any other Court of the United States or the District of

Columbia, or from the bar of any State, territory, commonwealth or possession of the

United States while an investigation of misconduct is pending, promptly inform the Clerk

of this Court of such disbarment on consent or resignation.

Rule IV. Standards for Professional Conduct

(A) For misconduct defined in these Rules, and for good cause shown, and after notice and

opportunity to be heard, any attorney admitted to practice before this Court may be

disbarred, suspended from practice before this Court, reprimanded or subjected to such

other disciplinary action as the circumstances may warrant.

(B) Acts or omissions by an attorney admitted to practice before this Court, individually or in

concert with any other person or persons, which violate the Rules of Professional Conduct

adopted by this Court shall constitute misconduct and shall be grounds for discipline,

whether or not the act or omission occurred in the course of an attorney-client relationship.

The Rules of Professional Conduct adopted by this court are the Rules of Professional

Conduct adopted by the highest court of the state in which this Court sits, as amended from

time to time by that state court, except as otherwise provided by specific Rule of this Court

after consideration of comments by representatives or bar associations within the state.

Rule V. Disciplinary Proceedings

(A) When misconduct or allegations of misconduct which, if substantiated, would warrant

discipline on the part of an attorney admitted to practice before this Court shall come to the

attention of a Judge of this Court, whether by complaint or otherwise, and the applicable

procedure is not otherwise mandated by these Rules, the Judge shall refer the matter to

counsel for investigation and the prosecution of a formal disciplinary proceeding or the

formulation of such other recommendation as may be appropriate.

(B) Should counsel conclude after investigation and review that a formal disciplinary

proceeding should not be initiated against the respondent-attorney because sufficient

evidence is not present, or because there is pending another proceeding against the

respondent-attorney, the disposition of which in the judgment of the counsel should be

awaited before further action by this court is considered or for any other valid reason,

counsel shall file with the court a recommendation for disposition of the matter, whether

by dismissal, admonition, referral, or otherwise setting forth the reasons therefor.

a showing of probable cause requiring the respondent-attorney to show cause within thirty

(30) days after service of that order upon that attorney, personally or by mail, why the

attorney should not be disciplined.

(D) Upon the respondent-attorney’s answer to the order to show cause, if any issue of fact is

raised or the respondent attorney wishes to be heard in mitigation this Court shall set the

matter for prompt hearing before one or more Judges of this Court, provided however that

the disciplinary proceeding is predicated upon the complaint of a Judge of this Court, the

hearing shall be conducted before a panel of three other Judges of this Court appointed by

the Chief Judge, or, if there are less than three Judges eligible to serve or the Chief Judge

is the complainant, by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for this Circuit.

Rule VI. Disbarment on Consent While Under Disciplinary Investigation or Prosecution

(A) Any attorney admitted to practice before this Court who is the subject of an investigation

into, or a pending proceeding involving, allegations of misconduct may consent to

disbarment, but only by delivering to this Court an affidavit stating that the attorney desires

to consent to disbarment and that:

(1) the attorney’s consent is freely and voluntarily rendered; the attorney is not being

subjected to coercion or duress; the attorney is fully aware of the implications of so

consenting;

(2) the attorney is aware that there is a presently pending investigation or proceeding

involving allegations that there exist grounds for the attorney’s discipline the nature

of which the attorney shall specifically set forth;

(3) the attorney acknowledges that the material facts so alleged are true; and

(4) the attorney so consents because the attorney knows that if charges were predicated

upon the matters under investigation, or if the proceeding were prosecuted, the

attorney could not successfully defend himself.

(B) Upon receipt of the required affidavit, this Court shall enter an order disbarring the

attorney.

the affidavit required under the provisions of this Rule shall not be publicly disclosed or

made available for use in any other proceeding except upon order of this Court.

Rule VII. Reinstatement

(A) After Disbarment or Suspension. An attorney suspended for three months or less shall

be automatically reinstated at the end of the period of suspension upon the filing with the

court of an affidavit of compliance with the provisions of the order. An attorney suspended

for more than three months or disbarred may not resume practice until reinstated by order

of this Court.

(B) Time of Application Following Disbarment. A person who has been disbarred after

hearing or by consent may not apply for reinstatement until the expiration of at least five

years from the effective date of the disbarment.

under this Rule shall be filed with the Chief Judge of this Court. Upon receipt of the

petition, the Chief Judge shall promptly refer the petition to counsel and shall assign the

matter for prompt hearing before one or more Judges of this Court, provided however that

if the disciplinary proceeding was predicated upon the complaint of a Judge of this Court

the hearing shall be conducted before a panel of three other Judges of this Court appointed

by the Chief Judge, or, if there are less than three Judges eligible to serve or the Chief Judge

was the complainant, by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals for this Circuit. The Judge

or Judges assigned to the matter shall within thirty (30) days after referral schedule a

hearing at which the petitioner shall have the burden of demonstrating by clear and

convincing evidence that he has the moral qualifications, competency and learning in the

law required for admission to practice law before this Court and that his resumption of the

practice of law will not be detrimental to the integrity and standing of the bar or to the

administration of justice, or subversive of the public interest.

(D) Duty of Counsel. In all proceedings upon a petition for reinstatement, cross-examination

of the witnesses of the respondent-attorney and the submission of evidence, if any, in

opposition to the petition shall be conducted by counsel.

(E) Deposit for Costs of Proceedings. Petitions for reinstatement under this Rule shall be

accompanied by an advance cost deposit in an amount to be set from time to time by the

Court to cover anticipated costs of the reinstatement proceeding.

(F) Conditions of Reinstatement. If the petitioner is found unfit to resume the practice of law,

the petition shall be dismissed. If the petitioner is found fit to resume the practice of law,

the judgment shall reinstate him, provided that the judgment may make reinstatement

conditional upon the payment of all or part of the costs of the proceedings, and upon the

making of partial or complete restitution to parties harmed by the petitioners whose conduct

led to the suspension or disbarment. Provided further, that if the petitioner has been

suspended or disbarred for five years or more, reinstatement may be conditioned, in the

discretion of the Judge or Judges before whom the matter is heard, upon the furnishing of

proof of competency and learning in the law, which proof may include certification by the

bar examiners of a state or other jurisdiction of the attorney’s successful completion of an

examination for admission to practice subsequent to the date of suspension or disbarment.

(G) Successive Petitions. No petition for reinstatement under this Rule shall be filed within

one year following an adverse judgment upon a petition for reinstatement filed by or on

behalf of the same person.

Rule VIII. Attorneys Specially Admitted

Whenever an attorney applies to be admitted or is admitted to this Court for purposes of a

particular proceeding (pro hac vice), the attorney shall be deemed thereby to have

conferred disciplinary jurisdiction upon this Court for any alleged misconduct of that attorney

arising in the course of or in the preparation for such proceeding.

Rule IX. Service of Papers and Other Notices

Service of an order to show cause instituting a formal disciplinary proceeding shall be made

by persona service or by registered or certified mail addressed to the respondent-attorney

at the last known office and residence addresses of the respondent-attorney. Service of any

other papers or notices required by these Rules shall be deemed to have been made if such

paper or notice is addressed to the respondent-attorney at the last known office and

residence addresses of the respondent-attorney; or to counsel or the respondent’s attorney

at the address indicated in the most recent pleading or other document filed by them in the

course of any proceeding.

Rule X. Appointment of Counsel

Whenever counsel is to be appointed pursuant to these Rules to investigate allegations of

misconduct or prosecute disciplinary proceedings or in conjunction with a reinstatement

petition filed by a disciplined attorney, this Court shall appoint as counsel the disciplinary

agency of the Supreme Court of Ohio or other disciplinary agency having jurisdiction. If no

such disciplinary agency exists or such disciplinary agency declines appointment, or such

appointment is clearly inappropriate, this Court shall appoint as counsel one or more

members of the Bar of this Court to investigate allegations of misconduct or to prosecute

disciplinary proceedings under these Rules, provided, however, that the respondent-attorney

may move to disqualify a lawyer so appointed who is or has been engaged as an adversary

of the respondent-lawyer in any matter. Counsel, once appointed, may not resign unless

permission to do so is given by this Court.

Rule XIII. Duties of the Clerk

(A) Upon being informed that an attorney admitted to practice before this Court has been

convicted of any crime, the Clerk of this Court shall determine whether the clerk of the

court in which such conviction occurred has forwarded a certificate of such conviction to

this Court. If a certificate has not been so forwarded, the Clerk of this Court shall promptly

obtain a certificate and file it with this Court.

(B) Upon being informed that an attorney admitted to practice before this Court has been

subjected to discipline by another court, the Clerk of this Court shall determine whether a

certified or exemplified copy of the disciplinary judgment or order has been filed with this

Court, and, if not, the Clerk shall promptly obtain a certified or exemplified copy of the

disciplinary judgment or order and file it with this Court.

censured or disbarred on consent by this Court is admitted to practice law in any other

jurisdiction or before any other court, the Clerk of this Court shall, within ten (10) days of

that conviction, disbarment, suspension, censure, or disbarment on consent, transmit to the

disciplinary authority in such other jurisdiction, or for such other court, a certificate of the

conviction or a certified exemplified copy of the judgment or order of disbarment,

suspension, censure, or disbarment on consent, as well as the last known office and

residence addresses of the defendant or respondent.

(D) The Clerk of this Court shall, likewise, promptly notify the National Discipline Data Bank

operated by the American Bar Association of any order imposing public discipline upon

any attorney admitted to practice before this Court.

Rule XIV. Jurisdiction

Nothing contained in these Rules shall be construed to deny to this Court such powers as are

necessary for the Court to maintain control over proceedings conducted before it, such as

proceedings for contempt under Title 18 of the United States Code or under Rule 42 of the

Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Rule XV. Effective Date

These Rules shall become effective on February 1, 1979, provided that any formal

disciplinary proceeding then pending before this Court shall be concluded under the

procedure existing prior to the effective date of these Rules.