Federal Judiciary

"Dispositive Motion Practice" paper - request for help

By Michael C. Smith

Need some help from readers.
I have been asked to present a paper on dispositive motions at the upcoming State Bar of Texas Federal Court Practice seminar in Dallas on May 15, 2009.  The topic is a routine one, but I wanted to handle it a little differently, and use dispositive motions as an example of how motion practice differs between state and federal courts, and really more importantly, how it differs among federal courts.  We all know  that most federal districts have different rules on these types of motions, and nine years chairing our local rules committee has taught me that there are significant judge-specific differences as well.  Which brings me to my point.
So that I can illustrate the breadth of differences in the rules in this area I'd really appreciate it if readers would recommend to me (e-mail the rules, if you have them) the most lengthy, detailed, (some might say even compulsive/obsessive rules) you've ever seen a federal judge impose on dispositive motion practice (such as summary judgment motions, obviously).  While some of the Eastern District judges have more requirements than others, none are what I'm looking for - I want the most arcane, far-out, improbable and bizarre requirements you've ever seen (regrettably, our local judges aren't nearly eccentric enough on this subject).  Don't have to be from Texas, either - feel free to nominate your favorite jurist from anywhere.  (It would perhaps be small of you to consider this your chance to get back at a judge for taking you to task for not complying with such rules, but that's your problem, not mine).
As I suspect some of these nominations will accompanied by requests for anonymity on the part of the nominating attorney, no need comment to this post - just e-mail me at michaelsmith@siebman.com .

Full post as published by Eastern District of Texas Federal Court Practice on February 19, 2009 (boomark / email).