Judge Pappas discourages written or other ex parte communication with parties or counsel concerning pending cases (see F.R.B.P. 9003). To the extent parties feel it is necessary to correspond with the Court regarding administrative matters, they should copy opposing counsel. Any submission regarding the merits of the case is properly brought before the Court in the form of a pleading.
Communication with law clerks is limited to administrative matters. The law clerks are prohibited from giving legal advice and cannot comment on cases under advisement. Scheduling matters should be directed to the calendaring department.
The courtroom deputy will assist with administrative and procedural matters, but is prohibited from giving legal advice. Please contact the Judge's Courtroom Deputy for assistance with obtaining a hearing date.
Telephonic hearings are generally limited to pretrial conferences and bona fide emergency matters. Requests for telephone conferences can be made through the calendar clerk or courtroom deputy. the Court will not take evidence or testimony telephonically. Additionally, the Court does not allow out-of-town counsel to appear telephonically in matters scheduled in open court.
Video conference hearings may be allowed upon request for good cause shown. Contact the courtroom deputy to request and arrange a video conference hearing.
Judge Pappas does not set aside time specifically for oral argument or evidentiary hearings. Arrangements for contested hearings should be made through the courtroom deputy and calendaring clerk. Requests for hearings in excess of two hours require the judge's approval.
At the judge's discretion, matters may be referred to another judge for a settlement conference or the districts ADR program.