Oral Argument on Motions

Oral argument on motions is scheduled at the Judge's discretion. If either party feels strongly that oral argument is necessary, he or she should request oral argument in a letter accompanying the motion. Judge Richardson does not have set days for oral argument on motions and will try to accommodate counsels’ schedules.

Due to the decline of trials, opportunities to train junior lawyers in courtroom skills have become increasingly rare.  Accordingly, where junior lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration, but are not experienced in arguing before a court, they should be encouraged to actively participate.  In such circumstances, where it creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer to argue, this Court is amenable to permitting more than one lawyer to argue for one party.  

Referral to Magistrate Judges/Special Masters

In cases assigned to Judge Richardson, he may request that another Magistrate Judge handle a settlement conference.

Rulings from the Bench

Judge Richardson occasionally rules from the bench, particularly in situations involving discovery disputes or situations where the need for a ruling is immediate.

26(f) Reports

Judge Richardson expects counsel to give serious consideration to the dictates of Rule 26(f). Unless he thinks the case is being mismanaged, he usually defers to counsel's agreements concerning scheduling but urges the parties to be realistic as to their deadlines. If there is a dispute over scheduling, he usually attempts to resolve this through a telephone conference with counsel.

Sur-reply Briefs

Judge Richardson discourages the filing of sur-reply briefs. If a party truly believes that sur-reply is necessary, that party should seek permission to file a sur-reply by motion. Any sur-reply memorandum should be concise. If new controlling case law is decided after briefing has concluded, Judge Richardson prefers to have this brought to his attention by way of a short letter brief, to which the other side will have an opportunity to respond.

Letter Briefs

The District of Connecticut generally does not accept letter briefs. Judge Richardson prefers that all requests for relief be filed through CM/ECF and on the record.

Chambers’ Copies

Judge Richardson does not require courtesy copies of all pleadings and motions filed electronically. However, if a motion with exhibits is particularly lengthy, chambers’ copies would be greatly appreciated.

Motions for Extension of Time

Local Rule 7(b) should be strictly followed. Counsel should make sure to state their good cause for seeking the extension.

Pretrial Preferences

Motions for Reconsideration

Motions for reconsideration should be filed timely and sparingly, and only in situations where a persuasive reason, which might convince the court to change its mind, exists.

Settlement

Judge Richardson treats settlement conferences very seriously. Prior to scheduling a settlement conference, he generally has a pre-settlement telephone conference with counsel to set a date for the settlement conference and to discuss what information needs to be exchanged and anything else that needs to be accomplished prior to the conference so that settlement discussions will be productive. He requires ex parte memoranda to be submitted seven days prior to the settlement conference to acquaint him with the case. The parties are also required to exchange offers and counter-offers in advance of the settlement conference. Any party with a claim for damages must present a damages analysis to opposing counsel. Client attendance is required at the settlement conference, unless previously excused. If a party is a legal entity, attendance by a representative of the party, who is fully authorized to decide all matters pertaining to the case, is required. Counsel are reminded that the scheduling of a settlement conference does not modify existing deadlines unless the Court has entered a separate order to that effect for good cause. If a case is not resolved during the settlement conference, Judge Richardson encourages counsel to continue their discussions and to communicate with him by letter or email.