(See Fed. R. Civ. P. 10)

LR 10-1 Format Requirements

(a) Legibility

Pleadings and other documents must be typewritten, neatly printed, or otherwise legibly reproduced, using blue or black ink.

(b) Line Spacing

Pleadings and other documents must be double-spaced except for the identification of counsel, title of the case, footnotes, quotations, and exhibits.

(c) Minimum Type Size for Text, Footnotes, and Endnotes

Typewritten materials, including footnotes and endnotes, must use no smaller than a 12-point font.

(d) Page Margins

Pleadings and other documents must have one inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right sides.

(e) Pagination Requirements

1. Every page of a pleading or other document (not including attachments or exhibits) must bear a footer with a brief description of the pleading or document and consecutive numbering at the bottom of the page.
2. Exhibits or attachments to pleadings and other documents must be clearly numbered.

(f) Paper Filing Requirements

1. Paper Copies

   Paper copies filed with the clerk must be on one-sided 8 ½" x 11" paper, flat and unfolded, without back or cover.

2. Stapled or Fastened

   Pleadings and other documents that are less than one inch thick must be stapled in the upper left-hand corner.  Larger documents must be fastened with some other permanent fastening device.  Rubber bands or large clips do not qualify as "permanent fastening devices" for purposes of this rule.  Metal fasteners, ring or nylon binder posts may be used.

LR 10-2 Caption Requirements (See LR 15-1 and Model Form for Pleadings and Other Documents)

(a) Counsel or Self-Represented Party Information

Insert counsel or self-represented party information (as applicable: name, bar number, e-mail address, law firm, street address, phone number, and party represented) in the upper left corner on the first page, starting one inch from the top of the page.

(b) Court Title

Double space, capitalize and center the title of the Court at least one inch below the last line of the counsel information paragraph.

(c) Clerk's Authorization to Return Documents

The clerk is directed to return without filing, and without action, all documents and papers presented for filing that do not comply with the requirements of LR 10-2(b). The offering party will be directed to re-submit the document(s) to comply with the local rule.

(d) Party Names

Single space the names of the parties along the left margin, below the court title. If the parties are numerous, the names may be continued on the second or, if necessary, successive pages in the same space.

(e) Eliminate Brackets Following Party Name Information

Do not use brackets ")" to set off party names from the document title.

(f) Case Number

Starting at the center of the page, left justify the case number on the same line as the first named plaintiff. The case number will be assigned by the Clerk's Office at the time the initial filing is made, and must appear on all subsequent filings. The case number must include the division code as described in LR 3-2.

(g) Document Title

At least two lines below the case number, single space and capitalize a concise description of the nature of the document.

LR 10-3 Affidavits and Declarations

(a) Filed Separately

Affidavits or declarations must be filed as separate documents with their own captions and footers. Their title must include the name of the related document.

(b) Signature Notarized

The affiant's signature on an affidavit must be notarized.

(c) Unsworn Declaration

An unsworn declaration under penalty of perjury may be filed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1746. (See also LR 5-12.)

LR 10-4 Patent, Trademark, or Copyright Cases (See LR 26-6)

(a) Document Title

The word(s) "PATENT," "TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT," or "COPYRIGHT" must appear in the narrative description of the complaint.

(b) Pleading Requirements

In a separately numbered paragraph within the body of the complaint, the filing party must identify the owner's full name and the registration number and date of issuance of the relevant patent, trademark, or copyright.

LR 10-5 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Cases

(a) Document Title Requirements

The words "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)" must appear in the document title.

(b) Court Scheduling Order

When the complaint is filed, the Court will issue the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Scheduling Order.

LR 10-6 Page or Word-Count Limitations

LR 10-7 Forms

Absent specific directives or a requirement to use a particular form (such as the "JS-44 Civil Cover Sheet" at case initiation), a party may use any form provided by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, provided by these Local Rules, or recommended by the Administrative Office Forms Working Group of judges and clerks on the United States Courts website at uscourts.gov on the Forms page, as applicable, even if the forms do not comply with LR 10.