The Court does not allow oral arguments on substantive motions as a matter of course.  In cases involving limited issues the parties can agree to brief argument in lieu of written briefing with prior notice to the courtroom deputy.  Pro se litigants will always be permitted the opportunity to argue their positions on a substantive motion following the close of briefing.  Otherwise, the Court will inform the parties regarding the Court’s need for oral argument following the close of briefing.

The Court strongly encourages all attorneys and their clients to provide substantive speaking opportunities to less experienced attorneys during any of the Court’s motion hearings, status calls, settlement conferences, pretrial conferences, and especially during evidentiary or trial proceedings.  Recognizing that newer attorneys do not have as many opportunities to appear and argue in court, the Court will consider scheduling oral arguments on substantive motions if a party requests such arguments and commits to entrust the argument to an attorney who has been out of law school for fewer than six years.