Local Rule LR 7-1: Motions Practice - Generally
D. Or. — Civil rule
LR 7-1 Motions Practice - Generally
(a) Certification Requirements Except for motions for temporary restraining orders, the first paragraph of every motion must certify that:
In compliance with this Rule, the parties made a good faith effort through personal or telephone conferences to resolve the dispute and have been unable to do so; or The opposing party willfully refused to confer; or The moving party or opposing party is a prisoner not represented by counsel.
When conferring about a dispositive motion, the parties must discuss each claim, defense, or issue that is the subject of the proposed motion.
The Court may deny any motion that fails to meet this certification requirement.
A party filing a motion should state "UNOPPOSED" in the caption if the other parties to the action do not oppose the motion.
Practice Tips 1. The certification requirements of LR 7-1 are broader than those established in Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(1), which deals only with motions to compel discovery.
2. In cases in which one or more parties are self-represented, counsel should document a good faith effort to consult with the unrepresented party. The Court will determine compliance with LR 7-1 on a case by case basis. (See LR 55-1)
3. If a motion is to be based on the inadequacy of the evidence, the parties should discuss the inadequacy of the evidence in detail.
(b) Separately Stated Motion Every motion must concisely state the relief sought and be stated in a separate section under the heading "Motion." Motions may not be combined with any response, reply, or other pleading.
(c) Supporting Memoranda (See Fed. R. Civ. P. 7(b))
Every motion must be supported by a legal memorandum. The legal memorandum must be combined in a single document with the motion. A legal memorandum exceeding 20 pages must have a table of contents and a table of cases and authorities with page references.
(d) Limitations on Oral Argument Court Hearing: The Court will determine whether oral argument would help it resolve the matter. If the Court elects to hear oral argument, the Court will notify the parties of the date and time for any hearing.
Request for Oral Argument: A party seeking oral argument must include "Request for Oral Argument" on the last line of the caption to the motion or response.
Example Plaintiff Smith Corporation's MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c)(1) Request for Oral Argument Oral Argument by Telephone Conference: A party may request that oral argument be by telephone conference.
Waiver of Oral Argument: A party waives oral argument by:
Failing to timely file any memorandum or other statement required by LR 7, LR 26, LR 37, or LR 56; or Filing late any paper allowed by LR 7, LR 26, LR 37, or LR 56.
(e) Time Limits for Motions Other Than Motions Filed Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 Response: A party must file and serve any response within 14 days after service of the motion.
Reply: A party must file and serve any allowable reply to the response within 14 days after service of the response. (See LR 26-3(c).)
Practice Tip A reply is not permitted in some cases under these rules. For example, no reply is permitted in connection with a discovery motion under LR 26-3(c) unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Other Memoranda: Unless directed by the Court, no further briefing is allowed.
Taking Under Advisement: Unless otherwise directed by the Court, both discovery and non-discovery motions will be taken under advisement at the close of the time limits set forth in LR 7-1(e).
(f) Time Limits for Motions Filed Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 Response: Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a party must file and serve any response within 21 days after service of the motion.
Reply: Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, a party must file and serve any reply to the response within 14 days after service of the response. (See LR 26-3(c).)
Other Memoranda: Unless directed by the Court, no further briefing is allowed other than the briefing allowed under LR 56-1(b).
(g) Request for Expedited Hearing A party seeking an expedited hearing must include "EXPEDITED HEARING REQUESTED" on the last line of the document's title. The party seeking an expedited hearing shall confer as required by LR 7-1(a) and shall state the other parties' position on the request to expedite the hearing.
Example Plaintiff Smith Corporation's MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(c) Expedited Hearing Requested