District Court Judge

Counties: Hennepin

State Court Bio: View Bio

Motion Practice

• How long do you normally allow per party for argument of non-dispositive motions? 10-20 minutes
• How long do you normally allow per party for oral argument of dispositive motions? 15-30 minutes
• With respect to oral argument, do you prefer an attorney to not reiterate written material? Yes
• Do you regularly conduct hearings and motions by phone? No
  If yes, please describe the procedure you would like attorneys to use to do so, including how testimony is to be transcribed and who puts the teleconference together: [No Answer Provided]
• State any specific procedures you would like attorneys in your courtroom to follow at motion hearings: In general, I prefer written motions that are properly filed and supported by written memorandum.  If additional time is needed for argument, please submit a request in advance.
• Do you like to receive courtesy copies of motion papers? Yes

Discovery Disputes

• Do you require counsel to "meet and confer" before bringing discovery disputes to a hearing? Yes
• Will you accept telephone calls from attorneys to rule on discovery disputes that occur during the course of a deposition? Yes

Pretrial Procedures

• When do you normally set the pretrial in relation to the trial? About 45 days prior to the trial
• Do you normally hear motions in limine at the pretrial? Yes
• When are jury instructions due? 7 days before trial 
• When are proposed special verdict forms due? 7 days before trial
• When do you require that final witness lists be exchanged and filed? 7 days before trial
• When do you require that final exhibit lists be exchanged and filed? 7 days before trial
• Do you discuss settlement of the case with the parties at the time of the pretrial? Yes
• State any specific procedures you would like attorneys to follow at the time of the pretrial: Depends on the case.  In general, though, all motions must be in writing and e-filed.

Continuances and Changes in the Scheduling Order

• For changes in the scheduling order, except date of trial: For good cause, and preferably with agreement of counsel.  However, changes that may impact the trial date and/or the amount of time necessary to bring discovery-related or other motions may not be allowed.
• For changes on the date of trial: Written motion.  Please indicate whether you have consulted with opposing counsel before making the request, and their position.
• Under what circumstances would you consider granting a change in the trial date? Depends.

Civil Jury Trials

• Do you perform preliminary voir dire? Yes
• Do you place a time limit on voir dire by counsel? No
• Is there subject matter you will not permit counsel to ask of the jury? Yes
  If yes, please explain: Voir dire is limited as per the rules.
• Do you require counsel to sit or stand during questioning of witnesses? Sitting at counsel table or standing at podium
• Do you require counsel to be behind counsel table unless counsel has a specific reason to approach a witness? Yes
• Do you normally require counsel to meet each morning with the court before the jury comes into the courtroom? Yes
  If yes, how many minutes before court commences? usually 15-30 minutes
• I normally start jury trials at: 9:00 a.m.
• I normally give the jury a break of 20 minutes in the morning.
• I normally take a lunch break at: 12:00 noon 
• I normally give the jury a break of 20 minutes in the afternoon.
• I normally finish court for the day at: 4:30 p.m.
• Do you permit jurors to:
  Take Notes: Yes
  Keep notes during deliberation? Yes
  Ask the witnesses questions? No
• If counsel asks to approach to argue a ruling, do you generally: Allow bench conference
• Do you place a time limit on final argument? No
  If yes, If yes, what is the time limit? [No Answer Entered]
• When do you instruct the jury? In part before final argument and in part afterwards.
• After argument and instructions, do you:
  Require counsel to be available by telephone? Yes
  Request that counsel remain at the courthouse during deliberations of the jury? No
  Take a verdict without counsel present and inform them after the verdict by telephone of the result? No

Sanctions of Counsel

• Have you ever sanctioned counsel with imposition of a fine? No
  Or jail? No
• Have you ever held counsel in contempt of court? No
• Have you ever reported an attorney for unethical behavior? No
• When, if ever, would you consider issuing sanctions, formal reprimands, holding an attorney in contempt, or reporting an attorney for unethical behavior? Depends