Curriculum Vitae
General Inquiries
For any questions regarding a case before Judge Armistead, contact Pam Geringer, his Courtroom Deputy, at the number above.
Pronouns and Honorifics
Parties and counsel may let Judge Armistead know of their pronouns and honorifics (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr.). People appearing before Judge Armistead may, if they wish, provide their pronouns and honorifics in writing or orally when appearing for conferences, hearings, or trials.
Rule 16 Conferences
Judge Armistead sets Rule 16 scheduling conferences after all defendants have answered or appeared. Local Rules 16-2(b) and 26-1 require counsel to confer prior to the conference. Before the conference, the parties must submit their formal joint Rule 26(f) Report and Discovery Plan. The parties’ Rule 26(f) Report and Discovery Plan may be filed in the docket or emailed to Judge Armistead’s Courtroom Deputy. At the conference, the parties should be prepared to discuss the status of the case, relevant dates and deadlines, and any other significant issues. The parties are encouraged to consider consenting to magistrate judge jurisdiction, particularly if a firm trial date is desired. See the Consent to Jurisdiction by a U.S. Magistrate Judge form.
Discovery Issues
Judge Armistead’s practice is to resolve discovery matters informally. If the parties have a discovery dispute, they must request a conference with Judge Armistead before moving for an order relating to discovery. To request a conference or Judge Armistead’s assistance, the parties should contact Judge Armistead’s Courtroom Deputy at the number or email above. If needed, Judge Armistead will schedule a telephonic hearing and require the parties to summarize the dispute in a joint statement.
If the parties anticipate that they will need Judge Armistead’s assistance in resolving a deposition dispute, they should contact Judge Armistead’s Courtroom Deputy to advise her of the upcoming deposition date and time.
Motions Practice
Oral Argument
Judge Armistead does not automatically schedule oral argument when a motion has been filed. The parties will be contacted if, after reviewing the briefing, Judge Armistead believes oral argument will be helpful in resolving the motion.
Hyperlinks
The court prefers that counsel hyperlink the cases they cite in their briefs. For more information, see Section 5 of the CM/ECF User Manual.
Summary Judgment
Motions for summary judgment are for issues that involve no question of material fact or that raise significant dispositive legal issues. Accordingly, a moving party’s argument in favor of summary judgment should be well supported by citations to the record, which should be either to the paragraph numbers of affidavits and declarations, or to the page number of any deposition excerpts.
Judge’s Copies
Judge Armistead requires paper copies of any filing that totals more than 10 pages (main document and attachments) within three business days after electronic filing. Judge Armistead requires that all Judge’s copies be placed in a three-ring binder with tabs for all documents and exhibits. Pages should be printed double-sided and include the ECF banner containing the docket number and filed date. Judge’s paper copies may be delivered to the Clerk’s Office or mailed to chambers at the above address.
Courtroom Rules
- Wireless communication devices must be placed in silent mode while in the courthouse. Recording devices may not be used at any time in the courthouse or in any court proceedings conducted remotely using telephone conferencing, video conferencing, or any other form of electronic communication.
- The parties should provide advance notice when they require teleconferencing, intend to utilize the courtroom’s video displays, or have other presentation technology questions.
- Attorneys and parties should conduct themselves with decorum and civility. This is primarily for their own benefit: jurors, courtroom staff, and public observers consistently state that they prefer a civil and collegial relationship between opposing parties and counsel.
Pro Hac Vice Counsel
Attorneys admitted pro hac vice and their Oregon counsel should read and be familiar with Judge Armistead’s preferences and the court’s Local Rules and general litigation practices.
Pro Se Parties
Parties proceeding pro se (representing yourself without a lawyer) should refer to the District of Oregon's Handbook for Self-Represented Parties for helpful information.