Hon. Nusrat J. Choudhury — Individual Rules of Practice

Individual Rules for Civil and Criminal Cases

Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury

Updated August 8, 20261

United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York

100 Federal Plaza

Central Islip, NY 11722

Courtroom 1040

Chambers Email

Choudhury_Chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov

Courtroom Deputy

Henry Matute

1 Updated Rules 5.1 and 6.5.

1. Court filings

1.1. Electronic Case Filing (ECF)

1.1.1. Pro se parties are exempt from electronic filing. Nevertheless, a party repre-

sented by counsel in a case involving a pro se litigant must still file all documents

electronically on ECF and must also mail a hard copy of all documents to the pro se

litigant. See Individual Rule 12 (governing pro se litigants).

1.1.2. Orders will be posted electronically and will not otherwise be mailed or pro-

vided to litigants (except in the case of pro se litigants not registered for electronic

filing).

1.1.3. Chambers staff cannot help with filing via ECF. For ECF assistance, please call

the ECF helpline at (718) 613-2610 or consult the EDNY CM/ECF User Guide.

1.2. Filing under seal

Any party seeking to file a submission under seal shall file the proposed sealed docu-

ment(s) and sealing motion on ECF in accordance with the instructions on the

E.D.N.Y. website at:

Civil filings:

https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/efilingsealedcv.pdf

Criminal filings:

https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/efilingsealedcr.pdf

Additional instructions for filing submissions under seal can also be found in the re-

sources located on the E.D.N.Y. website at: https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/cmecf-

nextgen-information.

Parties must also comply with Administrative Order No. 2025-13, In Re: Requests to

File Documents Under Seal in Criminal Cases (E.D.N.Y. Sept. 23, 2025), which can

be found at https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/adminor-

der2025-13.pdf. To the extent it is not superseded by Administrative Order 2025-13,

parties should also follow Administrative Order No. 2025-10, In Re: Requests to File

Documents Under Seal in Criminal Cases (E.D.N.Y. Aug. 8, 2025), which can be found

at https://www.nyed.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/uploads/adminorder2025-10.pdf.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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1.3. Courtesy copies to be filed

1.3.1. Parties shall deliver to Chambers two (2) courtesy hard copy of all written sub-

missions filed on ECF that are twenty (20) pages in length or more, including any

exhibits or attachments. Generally, parties must deliver the courtesy hard copy to

Chambers within one (1) week of filing on ECF. If the submission is a preliminary

injunction or temporary restraining order, however, the courtesy copy must be deliv-

ered immediately following the ECF filing.

1.3.2. The courtesy copy should be a reproduction of the document as filed on ECF,

with the ECF numbering appearing at the top of the page. If not, it should be promi-

nently labeled “Courtesy Copy - Original was electronically filed and assigned docu-

ment number X.”

1.3.3. The emailing of PDF submissions to Chambers or the Courtroom Deputy, or

the provision of such submissions in electronic format, e.g., on a flash drive, does not

satisfy this requirement.

1.3.4. Courtesy copies must additionally comply with the following requirements:

• Parties shall use double-sided printing and bind submissions on the left side.

• All documents comprising a submission (e.g., memorandum, declarations, ex-

hibits, etc.) must be submitted together, in a single three-ring binder with

appropriately labeled tabs. For example, all exhibits must be identified and

separated by corresponding numbered or lettered tabs.

• Binders must be appropriately sized for their contents—0.5, 1, 1.5, or 2

inches—but must not exceed two (2) inches. If the parties’ submissions do

not fit in a single two-inch binder, the parties may submit additional binders.

• Binder covers and spines must identify the case name, docket number, and

the binder’s contents.

1.3.5. Parties proceeding pro se are exempt from these requirements but should make

every effort to clearly mark exhibits and present well-organized papers.

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1.4. Word-processing files of proposed orders, jury instructions, and similar

filings

Proposed orders, jury instructions, and other writings that a party requests that the

Court adopt shall be filed on ECF and emailed, in PDF and word-processing2 format,

to Choudhury_Chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov. Parties need not submit word-pro-

cessing files of stipulations of dismissal, of settlement, or of motions for extensions of

time unless requested by the Court.

1.5. Text-searchable submissions

All written submissions and supporting materials, except those filed by pro se liti-

gants, must be text-searchable to the extent practicable. In a case removed from state

court, the removing party shall endeavor to file the state court documents in a text-

searchable form.

1.6. Filings styled as letters

Any filing styled as a “Letter” shall identify in its ECF header: (i) the addressee and

(ii) the subject matter. E.g., “Letter to Judge Choudhury re: Pre-Motion Conference

Request.”

1.7. Requests for adjournments or extensions of time

1.7.1. All requests for adjournments or extensions of time relating to matters not re-

ferred to a Magistrate Judge (see Individual Rule 3) must be in writing and state:

(i) the reason for the request; (ii) the original date; (iii) the number of previous re-

quests for adjournment/extension; (iv) whether any previous requests were granted

or denied; (v) whether the adversary consents, and, if not, the reasons provided for

refusing to consent; and (vi) three (3) proposed date(s) for adjournment or extension

of time that are mutually convenient to the parties. The consent of the adverse party

is not a sufficient ground for an extension or adjournment.

1.7.2. If the requested adjournment or extension affects any other scheduled dates, the

party seeking the modification should propose revisions of the additional affected

dates.

1.7.3. Absent an emergency, requests to adjourn court appearances and to extend

2 This includes .docx and other file formats from Microsoft Word.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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filing deadlines shall be made at least three (3) business days prior to the scheduled

dates.

1.8. Labeling

All papers shall indicate the docket number followed by the initials of the District

Judge (NJC) and the assigned Magistrate Judge.

1.9. Evidentiary filings

1.9.1. Parties shall file only the pages of transcripts containing relevant testimony

cited in the memoranda of law or affidavits. All excerpts must comply with Federal

Rule of Evidence 106. Parties shall include the portion of the transcript necessary for

completeness and highlight the relevant sections. If the transcript contains a discus-

sion of a matter, the whole discussion should be included.

1.10. Diversity jurisdiction cases

In any action in which subject matter jurisdiction is founded on diversity of citizen-

ship pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332, the party asserting the existence of such jurisdic-

tion shall, within thirty (30) days of the filing of the action or its removal from state

court to federal court, file on ECF a letter no longer than two (2) pages explaining the

basis for that party’s belief that diversity of citizenship exists, addressing the citizen-

ship of each party to the litigation. Where any party is a corporation, the letter shall

state both the place of incorporation and the principal place of business. In cases

where any party is a partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or

trust, the letter shall state the citizenship of each of the entity’s members, sharehold-

ers, partners, and/or trustees.

2. Communications with chambers

2.1. Written communications

All communications with Chambers shall be in writing and filed on ECF, with copies

simultaneously delivered to all parties who do not receive automatic notification

through ECF. Copies of correspondence between counsel shall not be sent to the

Court. Parties may not send faxes to the Court without prior authorization.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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2.2. Urgent communications

The Court will generally review ECF submissions the business day after they are

filed. If a submission requires immediate attention, please file on ECF and email

Chambers at Choudhury Chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov, indicating in the subject line

that the email pertains to a time-sensitive matter.

3. Matters referred to Magistrate Judges

3.1. Matters referred

Unless the Court directs otherwise, all non-dispositive motions—except class certifi-

cation petitions and motions related or attached to dispositive motions—are referred

to the assigned Magistrate Judge, including:

• Motions to extend time to serve, answer, or file amended pleadings;

• Motions for a request to stay discovery for less than three (3) months;

• Motions to withdraw, substitute, or disqualify counsel;

• Motions to stay discovery or extend deadlines for discovery or filing of Joint

Pre-Trial Order;

• Motions to request adjournment or extension of time in mediation proceedings;

• Motions for admission pro hac vice;

• Motions for confidentiality or protective orders;

• Motions to seal;

• Stipulated motions to amend pleadings and transfer venue;

• Confidentiality and protective orders;

• Issuance of subpoenas and motions to quash subpoenas;

• Issuance of sealing and unsealing orders; and

• Conditional certification of collective actions.

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• Ensuring parties’ compliance with Judge Choudhury’s Individual Rule 7.1 gov-

erning the contents required for the Joint Pretrial Order.

• Ensuring parties’ compliance with Judge Choudhury’s Individual Rule 7.2 gov-

erning the timing of filing any Motions in Limine.

3.2. Appeals of a Magistrate Judge’s Order of Release or Order of Detention

Any party appealing a Magistrate Judge’s Order of Release or Order of Detention

shall include a copy of the transcript before the Magistrate Judge with their motion,

if the transcript is available.

3.3. Appeals of discovery determinations by Magistrate Judges

3.3.1. Timing: Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, any appeal of a Magistrate

Judge’s discovery determination must be served upon all parties and filed with the

Court within fourteen (14) days of the challenged determination. Any party opposing

such an appeal shall file its opposition, if any, within fourteen (14) days of service of

any appeal. Parties are not permitted a reply as of right. Should the Court desire a

reply letter or additional briefing, the Court shall inform the parties.

3.3.2. Format: Any appeal of a Magistrate Judge’s discovery determination must be

in the form of a letter not exceeding three (3) pages in length. Such letter must set

forth the specific aspects of the Magistrate Judge’s determination that are being chal-

lenged.

4. Appearance of attorneys

4.1. Preparation and authority consistent with proceeding

In any appearance, all attorneys must have authority consistent with the proceeding

and should be prepared to address any matters likely to arise. For example, an attor-

ney attending a pre-motion conference should have the authority to commit their

party to a motion schedule and be prepared to address (1) the party’s willingness to

participate in a settlement conference with the assigned Magistrate Judge, (2) the

facts and law at issue in the anticipated motion, and (3) the procedural posture of the

case.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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4.2. Participation of lawyers

The Court encourages the participation in court proceedings by less experienced at-

torneys, particularly where that attorney played a substantial role in drafting the

underlying filing or in preparing the relevant witness.

4.2.1. For the purposes of this rule, the Court considers a “less experienced attorney”

to be a lawyer with six (6) or less years of experience, exclusive of any time after bar

admission that the attorney has been employed as a judicial clerk, has been on family

or medical leave, or was otherwise not actively engaged in the practice of law.

To facilitate participation of less experienced attorneys, the Court may permit multi-

ple attorneys to argue different issues for each party.

4.2.2. Counsel are encouraged, but not required, to alert the Court when a less expe-

rienced attorney is participating in trial or pre-trial appearances.

4.3. Notices of appearance

Any attorney appearing before the Court must enter a notice of appearance on ECF.

5. Civil cases: motion practice

5.1. Pre-motion conferences

5.1.1. In all cases in which the moving party is represented by counsel (except habeas

corpus petitions and Social Security and bankruptcy appeals), the moving party must

request a pre-motion conference with the Court before making any motion: (i) pursu-

ant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 or 56, (ii) to amend pleadings pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 15

if leave of the Court is required, (iii) for a change of venue, (iv) to compel arbitration,

(v) to remand a removed case to state court, and (vi) to challenge expert testimony

under Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993).

All parties must meet and confer with their adversaries prior to filing a

motion or a request for a pre-motion conference.

Any request for a pre-motion conference must explain when and how the par-

ties met and conferred and whether the non-moving party/parties oppose the

motion.

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Where a party is permitted to file a motion without first filing a request for a

pre-motion conference, the party must report to the Court in the motion or in

a separate letter when and how they met and conferred with all adverse parties

and whether each adversary opposes the motion.

Requirement of Pre-Motion Settlement Conference. Effective October

1, 2025, except in cases exempted from Rule 16 scheduling orders under Local

Rule 16.1, the Court will not grant any party’s request for a pre-motion

conference concerning a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 and will

not set a briefing schedule for any such motion unless the parties have

participated, in good faith, in a settlement conference with the as-

signed magistrate judge. Failure to request and attend such a confer-

ence precludes a party from filing a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P.

56.

A party opposing a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 may not decline to

participate in a settlement conference requested by the moving party, and do-

ing so is grounds for sanctions. See United States v. U.S. Dist. Ct. for N. Mari-

ana Islands, 694 F.3d 1051, 1057 (9th Cir. 2012) (“[T]he district court has broad

authority to compel participation in mandatory settlement conference.”); Bulk-

matic Transp. Co. v. Pappas, No. 99-cv-12070, 2002 WL 975625, at *2 (S.D.N.Y.

May 9, 2002) (“[I]t is well established that a court can require parties to appear

for a settlement conference, and impose sanctions pursuant to Rule 16(f) if a

party fails to do so.”) (collecting cases).

Attending a private mediation or mediation arranged through the EDNY’s me-

diation program does not satisfy this requirement.

The assigned magistrate judge is empowered to hold the conference in-person

or via video (telephone conferences do not comply with this require-

ment).

Parties with full and complete settlement authority are required to attend.

There is no exception to this requirement.

The parties must exchange written settlement proposals prior to the confer-

ence.

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The parties are required to plan ahead and to ensure that this settlement con-

ference occurs before any deadline set by the assigned magistrate judge or the

district judge for filing a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56.

5.1.2. To request a pre-motion conference, the moving party shall file and serve a let-

ter motion not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages in length setting forth the basis

for the anticipated motion. The letter motion should be filed using the “motion” event

via ECF. If the letter relates to filing a motion made pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56,

the moving party must also submit a Local Rule 56.1 statement along with their letter

requesting a pre-motion conference. The Local Rule 56.1 statement must comport

with Individual Rule 5.5.

• Parties shall indicate in their pre-motion letters whether they have partici-

pated in mediation and/or a settlement conference before the assigned magis-

trate judge.

• If the pre-motion letter concerns an anticipated motion under Fed. R. Civ. P.

56, the letter must provide the date on which the parties participated in a

settlement conference with the assigned magistrate judge as required by In-

dividual Rule 5.1.1. If no such settlement conference took place, the

letter must explicitly and clearly state so.

5.1.3. Except for pro se litigants, all parties so served shall serve and file a letter re-

sponse, not to exceed three (3) single-spaced pages within seven (7) days from service

of the notification letter. Letter responses should be filed using the “letter” and not

the “motion” event.

5.1.4. Service of the letter motion within the time requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 12

or 56, or any other applicable filing or service deadline, shall constitute timely service

of a motion made pursuant to those provisions.

5.1.5. Pre-motion conference letters related to any proposed motions for summary

judgment or motions to exclude the testimony of experts pursuant to Rules 702-705

of the Federal Rules of Evidence and the Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals,

Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993) line of cases shall be filed no later than ten business days

after the completion of fact or expert discovery, whichever occurs later.

5.1.6. Similarly situated parties (i.e., multiple defendants moving to dismiss on

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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overlapping grounds) should make reasonable efforts to consolidate their pre-motion

conference letter to avoid duplication.

5.1.7. In many cases, it will be apparent to the Court from the letter motion that a

conference will not be useful, and the Court will set a briefing schedule without a pre-

motion conference. In other cases, the usefulness of a pre-motion conference will be

clear based on the request. However, if a party advises the Court in its pre-motion

letter request that an attorney with six (6) years or less of experience as a licensed

attorney will be representing the party at the conference, the Court will likely sched-

ule a pre-motion conference.

5.1.8. These provisions do not apply to motions other than those specifically enumer-

ated. For example, letter motions requesting pre-motion conferences are not required

for motions pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 50, 59, or 60, and parties should be aware that

the Court of Appeals will not accept an argument that compliance with district court

motion rules should excuse noncompliance with Fed. R. App. P. 4. See, e.g., Bowles v.

Russell, 551 U.S. 205, 206-08 (2007) (holding no jurisdiction exists over appeal filed

within time permitted by District Court but outside time provided by Fed. R. App. P.

4(a)(6)).

5.2. Briefing schedule

5.2.1. The Court may set a briefing schedule after holding a pre-motion conference or

when it determines that a pre-motion conference will not be useful. However, as noted

above, the Court will not grant any party’s request for a briefing schedule for a motion

pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 unless the parties have participated, in good faith, in

a settlement conference with the assigned magistrate judge. See Individual Rule

5.1.1.

5.2.2. If the Court does not set a briefing schedule, the parties shall confer on a pro-

posed schedule and submit it to the Court for approval (by joint letter filed on ECF)

within three (3) days of the pre-motion conference or upon the Court’s notification to

the parties that it has waived the pre-motion conference requirement. For motions

not subject to the Court’s pre-motion conference requirement (see Individual Rule

5.1.2.), the parties shall jointly submit a proposed briefing schedule for the Court to

approve within three (3) days of the filing of the motion.

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5.2.3. If the parties do not propose a briefing schedule within five (5) days of the pre-

motion conference, absent a showing of good cause, the parties shall brief the motion

under the timetables listed in Local Civil Rule 6.1(b).

5.2.4. If the parties cannot agree on a briefing schedule, then the moving party shall

submit a proposed schedule to the Court with an accompanying letter explaining the

parties’ points of disagreement.

5.2.5. After a briefing schedule has been set, the parties may not modify it without

Court approval. Any parties seeking to modify a briefing schedule shall file a request

for an extension on ECF under the requirements of Individual Rule 1.7.

“Bundling” procedure: Parties are encouraged not to file their motion papers and sub-

mit courtesy copies until the motion has been fully briefed by all parties, unless doing

so might cause a party to miss an applicable deadline.3 When the parties elect to file

motion papers after full briefing, the movant is responsible for the filing of all motion

papers on ECF. Parties may file their motion papers prior to the motion being fully

briefed, but the Court may be less likely in such instances to grant requests for ad-

journments or extensions of deadlines related to the motion.

5.2.6. If the parties elect to file their motion only once it is fully briefed, the notice of

motion and all supporting papers are to be served on the other parties, along with a

cover letter setting forth whom the movant represents and what papers are being

served. Only a copy of the cover letter shall be filed on ECF in advance of the fully

briefed motion, and it must be filed as a “letter,” not as a “motion.” On the day the

motion is fully briefed, the movant (unless pro se) shall file all motion papers on ECF

and shall submit a letter specifying each document submitted by either party.

5.2.7. The “bundling” procedure set forth above does not apply to:

• Motions for default judgment pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure

55(b)(2);

3 See Weitzner v. Cynosure, Inc., 802 F.3d 307, 314 n.8 (2d Cir. 2015); see, e.g., Bowles

v. Russell, 551 U.S. 205, 206-08 (2007) (holding no jurisdiction exists over appeal filed

within time permitted by District Court but outside time provided by Fed. R. App. P.

4(a)(6)).

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• Post-trial and/or post-judgment motions under Federal Rule of Civil Proce-

dure 50(b) (for judgment as a matter of law), 52(b) (to amend or make addi-

tional findings), 59 (for a new trial), or 60 (for relief from a final judgment,

order, or proceeding);

• Motions for attorney’s fees pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure

54(d)(2), if the motion is made before a notice of appeal has been filed and

the Court has extended the time to appeal under Rule 58(e);

• Motions in Social Security appeals and habeas cases; and

• Motions filed by parties proceeding pro se.

5.2.8. Parties moving pursuant to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 50, 59, or 60

should be aware that the Court of Appeals will not accept compliance with these rules

to excuse noncompliance with the time limits in Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure

4.

5.2.9. If any party concludes in good faith that delaying the filing of a motion to com-

ply with any aspect of these individual practices will deprive the party of a substan-

tive right or cause that party to miss a statutory deadline, the party may file the

motion within the time required by the Federal Rules of Civil and/or Appellate Pro-

cedure, together with an explanation of the basis of that conclusion.

5.3. Memoranda of law

5.3.1. Unless the Court has granted permission, memoranda of law in support of and

in opposition to motions are limited to twenty-five (25) double-spaced pages and reply

memoranda are limited to ten (10) double-spaced pages. Memoranda of law in support

of or in opposition to motions for reconsideration are limited to five (5) double-spaced

pages. These limits exclude tables of contents, tables of authorities, exhibits, appen-

dices, and attachments.

5.3.2. Requests to file memoranda exceeding these page limits must clearly state the

basis for the request and will only be granted for good cause shown. Any such requests

must be made in writing at least five (5) business days prior to the memorandum’s

due date, except with respect to reply briefs, in which case the request must be made

at least two (2) days prior to the due date.

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5.3.3. All memoranda of law shall be produced in 12-point Times New Roman font

(including footnotes) and shall have one-inch margins on all sides. Any memorandum

longer than ten (10) pages shall contain a table of contents and table of authorities.

All memoranda must be filed in a text-searchable format and must have the date of

service printed on the front cover. Caselaw citations shall be to official case reporters.

For decisions not available in official reporters, the Court requests citations to the

Westlaw electronic case database. Parties must attach as an exhibit decisions cited

that are not available in official reporters or on Westlaw.

5.3.4. Notices of supplemental authority regarding decisions issued after the comple-

tion of briefing may be filed without leave of the Court and are limited to three (3)

double-spaced pages.

5.3.5. Sur-replies require prior Court authorization.

5.4. Evidentiary citations

Parties must provide evidentiary citations, including specific transcript pages, in any

submission that cites record material.

5.5. Filings accompanying motions for summary judgment

5.5.1. Every letter motion in support of a pre-motion conference concerning a party’s

anticipated filing of a motion pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 shall include a Local Rule

56.1 statement. A party opposing the request for such a pre-motion conference shall

include an opposing Local Rule 56.1 statement with their letter response.

5.5.2. Local Rule 56.1 statements: A motion for summary judgment may be denied if

the movant’s Local Rule 56.1 statement does not conform with the requirements de-

scribed in these Individual Rules, in addition to those set forth in Local Rule 56.1.

5.5.3. Except in pro se cases, the Local Rule 56.1 statement by a party opposing sum-

mary judgment shall quote verbatim the moving party’s Local Rule 56.1 statement

and shall respond to each allegation in the moving party’s statement immediately

beneath each allegation. The opposing statement also may, if necessary, include a

separate section of additional material facts relevant to the motion. The party oppos-

ing summary judgment may obtain from the movant in electronic format a word pro-

cessing version of the Local Rule 56.1 statement to facilitate compliance with this

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paragraph.

5.5.4. The moving party’s Local Rule 56.1 statement may not exceed twenty-five (25)

double-spaced pages without prior permission of the Court. The opposing statement

may not exceed twice the length of the moving party’s statement. If the opposing

statement includes a separate section of additional material facts, that separate sec-

tion may not exceed ten (10) double-spaced pages.

5.5.5. Each paragraph in the Local Rule 56.1 statement shall contain an assertion of

a material undisputed fact, not a description of evidence. No statement of fact should

be included in a Local Rule 56.1 statement unless it can be established by direct ad-

missible evidence. Factual contentions that parties believe are undisputed by circum-

stantial evidence should be argued in memoranda. For example: “John Smith testified

at deposition that he crossed the street” is not a statement of fact. The statement of

fact is: “John Smith crossed the street. (Citation to deposition).”

5.5.6. Any evidence cited in a moving or opposing party’s Local Rule 56.1 statement

must be attached as an exhibit to a declaration and filed with that party’s statement.

The attachment of transcripts must comport with Individual Rule 1.9 (Evidentiary

Filings).

• The Court will not accept exhibits submitted via CD-rom or flashdrive. Any

digital media exhibit shall be submitted through the Eastern District of New

York’s Digital Medial Exhibit Submission procedure, as detailed on the

E.D.N.Y. website: evidence.nyed.uscourts.gov.

5.5.7. Parties shall not state or summarize the claims, defenses, matters apparent on

the docket sheet, or timetable. No procedural history should be included in a Local

Rule 56.1 statement unless relevant to the motion (for example, if the motion raises

a statute of limitations issue). The Local Rule 56.1 statement should be limited to

facts in the record relevant to the motion for summary judgment.

5.5.8. Parties shall not point out the absence of evidence to support an opponent’s

position in a Local Rule 56.1 statement. Any such argument should instead be set

forth in the accompanying memorandum of law.

5.5.9. When considering any motion for summary judgment, the Court shall rely on

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the Local Rule 56.1 statements submitted in connection with the pre-motion confer-

ence. Accordingly, material facts in any pre-motion letter or memorandum of law in

connection with a motion for summary judgment must cite to relevant paragraphs of

Local Rule 56.1 statements.

5.5.10. Supplements to a Local Rule 56.1 statement are not permitted absent leave of

the Court and a showing of good cause. Parties shall include a declaration identifying

each of the exhibits and the page ranges of the exhibits within the compiled PDF.

5.5.11. The exhibits shall be designated on ECF with short titles. E.g., “Ex. 1 – Doe

Declaration,” rather than “Ex. 1.”

5.6. Filings accompanying motions in limine

Any evidence referred to in a motion in limine—whether in a motion to preclude the

evidence, a motion to admit the evidence, or as relevant context for a motion to admit

or preclude other evidence—must be attached to the motion as a clearly labelled ex-

hibit.

5.7. Oral argument on motions

A party may request oral argument on a motion by writing “Oral Argument Re-

quested” on the Notice of Motion or the first page of its opposing memorandum. The

Court will determine whether argument is necessary and, if so, will advise counsel

of the argument date.

The Court may be inclined to grant a request for oral argument and/or to permit more

than one lawyer representing a party to argue when doing so would afford the oppor-

tunity for a lawyer described in Individual Rule 4.2 to gain courtroom experience. In

those instances where the Court is inclined to rule on the submissions, a representa-

tion that the argument would be made by an attorney described in Individual Rule

4.2 will weigh in favor of hearing oral argument.

5.8. Default judgments

A plaintiff seeking a default judgment pursuant to Rule 55(b)(2) of the Federal Rules

of Civil Procedure must proceed by way of a Motion for Default Judgment pursuant

to the procedure set forth in Attachment A.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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5.9. Temporary restraining orders

As soon as a party decides to seek a temporary restraining order, that party must file

a letter on ECF (under seal if proceeding ex parte) and state clearly: (1) whether and

how it has notified its adversary and whether the adversary consents to temporary

injunctive relief; or (2) why the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure

65(b)(1) are satisfied and no notice is necessary.

The moving party must email Chambers giving notice of the filing and the time

frame requested for Court action. The moving party should then file a Motion for a

Temporary Restraining Order, supporting documents, and a proposed order on ECF

in accordance with ECF procedures. Where the motion is made on notice to the other

parties, the moving party should simultaneously serve the documents on any party

that will not receive electronic service via ECF. The moving party must deliver a

courtesy copy immediately after filing under Individual Rule 1.3.

If a party’s adversary has been notified but does not consent to temporary injunctive

relief, the party seeking a restraining order must identify a time mutually agreeable

to it and the adversary in which the Court may hear the application, so that the Court

may have the benefit of advocacy from both sides in deciding whether to grant tem-

porary injunctive relief.

6. Criminal cases

6.1. Initial matters

All initial arraignments in criminal cases are automatically referred to the assigned

magistrate judge.

Upon assignment of a criminal case to Judge Choudhury, the parties shall immedi-

ately arrange with Courtroom Deputy Henry Matute for a prompt initial conference,

at which the defendant will be present. The Assistant United States Attorney

(“AUSA”) shall provide to Chambers, as soon as practicable, a courtesy copy of the

indictment or information, and a courtesy copy of the complaint, if one exists. The

Government shall file a Federal Criminal Rule 12.4 disclosure statement before the

first appearance, when applicable.

6.2. Status conferences

6.2.1. Prior to all status conferences, counsel for the Government and the defense

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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shall confer with one another regarding pre-trial motions that either party antici-

pates it will file, as well as a proposed timeline for discovery and any other discovery

matters that either party may seek to address at the conference.

6.2.2. At the initial status conference and all conferences thereafter, the Government

shall be prepared to address its ongoing duty to comply with its obligations to timely

disclose exculpatory evidence under Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), and its

progeny, including as set forth in the standing order pursuant to Federal Rule of

Criminal Procedure 5(f) previously issued by the presiding Magistrate Judge at initial

appearance. Defense counsel are encouraged, but not required, to facilitate the Gov-

ernment’s compliance with its Brady obligations by making specific requests that the

Government seek out, review, and/or produce certain evidence or information that

defense counsel reasonably believes may contain, or is reasonably likely to lead to the

discovery of, Brady material.

6.2.3. At least two (2) business days prior to any status conference, including the ini-

tial conference described above, if a party will seek an exclusion of time under the

Speedy Trial Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3161, it must provide the Court a letter setting forth

facts sufficient to permit the Court to make an independent finding regarding the

exclusion of time under the Act. Any adjournment request by a defendant awaiting

trial should include a speedy trial waiver.

6.3. Filings

In a multi-defendant case, all filings must designate the defendant or defendants,

and only the defendant or defendants, as to whom the filing pertains.

6.4. Guilty pleas

Absent exceptional circumstances, the parties shall provide the Court with a copy of

any plea agreement at least seventy-two (72) hours before a change-of-plea hearing.

If the defendant intends to waive the indictment and plead guilty to an information

at the change-of-plea hearing, a copy of the information should also be provided to the

Court at least seventy-two (72) hours before the hearing.

The plea agreement and information should be sent by email to Courtroom Deputy

Henry Matute at Henry_Matute@nyed.uscourts.gov.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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6.5. Sentencing

The defendant’s sentencing memorandum, if any, is due one (1) month prior to sen-

tencing. The Government’s sentencing memorandum, if any, is due fourteen (14) days

prior to sentencing. Each party shall file its sentencing submissions on ECF. Parties

must attach any non-legal authority, e.g. academic and/or scientific journal articles,

referenced in their sentencing submissions when filing memoranda on ECF.

6.5.1. Absent exceptional circumstances, applications regarding sentencing adjourn-

ments shall be made in writing at least five (5) business days prior to the date of sen-

tencing and must state the reason for the request and whether the opposing party

consents. If the opposing party does not consent, the application for adjournment

must provide the reasons given by the opposing party for declining to consent.

6.6. Motions

Individual Rules 5.2–5.4 apply to motions in criminal cases, except that Individual

Rule 5.2.6 (the “bundling” rule) does not apply in criminal cases.

6.7. Oral arguments

Requests for oral argument on a motion will typically be granted and heard on a date

set by the Court.

7. Pre-trial procedures in civil cases

7.1. Joint Pre-trial Orders

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the parties to a civil case shall submit a Joint

Proposed Pre-trial Order (“JPTO”) within sixty (60) days of the completion of discov-

ery.

However, the Court will not meet with the parties to discuss the JPTO un-

less the parties have participated, in good faith, in a settlement conference

with the assigned magistrate judge in compliance with Individual Rule

5.1.1. The parties’ failure to participate in such a settlement conference is

not a basis to request an extension of the deadline to file the JPTO.

The parties shall file the JPTO via CM/ECF and email a copy of the JPTO in a word-

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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processing format to Choudhury_Chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov.

The JPTO will use Times New Roman 12-point font throughout. The JPTO shall be

prepared under the supervision of the assigned Magistrate Judge in accordance with

the schedule set by the Magistrate Judge. The parties are directed to cooperate with

each other in the preparation of the JPTO. The JPTO controls the subsequent course

of the action unless the order is modified by consent of the parties and the Court, or

by order of the Court to prevent manifest injustice. The JPTO shall include:

7.1.1. Caption: The full caption of the action.

7.1.2. Parties and counsel: The names, addresses (including firm names), and tele-

phone numbers of trial counsel.

7.1.3. Jurisdiction: A brief statement by each party explaining the basis or absence

of subject-matter jurisdiction. These statements shall include citations to all: (i) stat-

utes and legal doctrines relied on and (ii) relevant facts concerning citizenship and

jurisdictional amount.

7.1.4. Claims and defenses: A brief summary by each party of the elements of its re-

maining asserted claims and defenses. These summaries shall include citations to all

statutes relied on but should not recite evidentiary matters. Such summaries shall

also identify all claims and defenses previously asserted that are not to be tried.

7.1.5. Jury or bench trial and trial length: A statement by each party as to whether

the case is to be tried with or without a jury, and the number of trial days needed.

7.1.6. Consent to trial by a Magistrate Judge: A statement as to whether all parties

have consented to trial of the case by a Magistrate Judge. The statement shall not

identify which parties have or have not consented.

7.1.7. Statement of relief sought: A detailed statement of the damages and other relief

sought by each party, including the manner and method used to calculate any claimed

damages and a breakdown of the elements of such claimed damages.

7.1.8. Witnesses: A list of fact and expert witnesses whose testimony is to be offered

in each party’s case in chief, along with the address of each witness and a brief nar-

rative statement of the expected testimony of each witness. Only listed witnesses will

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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be permitted to testify, except when prompt notice has been given and upon good

cause shown. Parties shall also indicate whether any witness will require an inter-

preter (and, if so, which party will pay the costs for the interpreter).

Deposition testimony: A designation by each party of deposition testimony to be of-

fered in its case in chief, with any cross-designations and objections by any other

party. With the understanding that all witnesses are required to appear at

trial, the JPTO must include a section identifying the portions of any deposition tes-

timony that a party will seek to submit in the unusual and unforeseen circumstance

that a trial witness is unavailable to testify.

7.1.9. Stipulations: Any stipulations or agreed statements of fact or law to which all

parties consent. In a jury case, the parties should also memorialize any such stipula-

tions or agreed upon statements of fact or law in a standalone document that can be

marked and admitted at trial.

7.1.10. Exhibits: A schedule listing exhibits to be offered into evidence and, if not ad-

mitted by stipulation, the party or parties that will be offering them.

7.1.11. Except for evidence that a party seeks to admit or reference in cross-examina-

tion pursuant to Federal Rule of Evidence 609, the schedule should not include ex-

hibits that a party intends to use solely for impeachment and/or rebuttal purposes.

7.1.12. Copies of statements proposed to be read to the jury as “learned treatises”

under Federal Rule of Evidence 803(18) shall be listed as exhibits.

7.1.13. Except for good cause shown, only exhibits listed will be received into evi-

dence.

7.1.14. The parties shall list and briefly describe the basis for any objections to the

admissibility of exhibits to be offered by any other party and set out the proponent’s

responses to those objections. Descriptions need not be longer than several sentences,

but they should include more than just a list of the rules upon which objections are

based. Parties are expected to resolve before trial all issues of authenticity, chain of

custody, and related matters. Meritless objections on these grounds may result in

sanctions.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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7.1.15. The Court requests that the parties list exhibits and objections in a tabular

format such as the following.

Plaintiff’s exhibits

P’s Exs. Description D’s objections/bases P’s response/

bases

Ex. 1

Defendant’s exhibits

D’s Exs. Description P’s objections/bases D’s response/

bases

Ex. A

7.1.16. Motions in limine: A list of the motions in limine filed by each party, (in ac-

cordance with Individual Rule 7.2.1 below), with a brief description of each such mo-

tion.

7.1.17. A statement of whether the parties consent to less than a unanimous verdict.

7.2. Pre-trial filings in civil cases

7.2.1. Motions in limine. At the time the JPTO is filed, the parties shall file and serve

any motions addressing evidentiary or other issues that should be resolved in limine.

Parties must file a motion in limine for anticipated cross-examination under Federal

Rules of Evidence 608(b) or 609, outlining why the proponent’s intended exhibit(s)

and/or area(s) or cross-examination are admissible under the relevant rule.

• Note that a party must file a motion in limine to address all of its objections to

an opposing side’s proposed trial evidence, whether an exhibit, witness testi-

mony, deposition designation, or other information.

• If party does not object to an opposing party’s proposed trial exhibit, witness

testimony, or designation of deposition testimony, they are not obligated to file

any motions in limine.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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Absent leave of the Court, each party must file a single memorandum of law, in sup-

port of all motions in limine filed by that party. Responses in opposition to a motion

in limine shall be filed within seven (7) days of the joint pre-trial order.

7.2.2. Pre-trial memorandum of law. At the time the JPTO is filed, any party may file

and serve a pretrial memorandum of law when a party believes it would be useful to

the Court. Any response in opposition to the legal argument in a pre-trial

memorandum shall be filed within one (1) week of the filing of the joint pre-trial order.

7.2.3. Exhibits. At the time the JPTO is filed, each party shall submit to the Court and

serve on opposing counsel, but not file on ECF, all documentary exhibits. This

submission shall include the following:

• Three (3) copies of the witness lists, submitted via email to the Court in a Word

Document.

• A list of all exhibits emailed to Chambers in a Word Document, with four col-

umns labeled as follows: (1) “Exhibit Number”; (2) “Description” (of the ex-

hibit); (3) “Date Identified”; and (4) “Date Admitted.” The parties shall com-

plete the first two columns, but leave the third and fourth columns blank, to

be filled in by the Court during trial.

• A PDF file of each exhibit sought to be admitted, emailed to Choudhury_Cham-

bers@nyed.uscourts.gov, with each filename corresponding to the relevant ex-

hibit number, e.g., “PX-1,” “DX1,” etc.

• The Court will not accept exhibits submitted via CD-ROM or flash drive. Any

digital media exhibit that cannot be submitted via email shall be submitted

through the Eastern District of New York’s Digital Medial Exhibit Submission

procedure, as detailed on the E.D.N.Y. website: evidence.nyed.uscourts.gov.

• Three (3) sets of tabbed binders containing all exhibits, assembled sequen-

tially, with the case caption on the spine and front cover of each binder. Exhib-

its shall be pre-marked but need not be printed in color. The plaintiff’s exhibits

must be pre-marked with numbers. The defendant’s exhibits must be pre-

marked with letters. Any document to be offered in evidence that contains

multiple pages shall be paginated by counsel before trial, but any existing

Bates stamping or other pagination may suffice.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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• One (1) joint binder containing the entire transcript of all depositions of which

any party may seek to use a portion for impeachment purposes.

The parties shall confer and attempt to resolve disputes relating to exhibits in ad-

vance of the final pre-trial conference. Where the parties have not resolved their ob-

jections to exhibits, they shall be prepared to address them with the Court at the final

pre-trial conference.

7.2.4. Jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions. One week before the

final pre-trial conference, the parties shall file joint requests to charge, proposed

verdict sheets, and proposed voir dire questions in jury cases. These joint submissions

shall consist of single documents, jointly composed, noting any areas of disagreement

between the parties. The voir dire questions and jury instructions shall include both

the text of any requested question or instruction as well as a citation, if available, to

the authority from which it derives. These documents should also be submitted by

email to Chambers in Microsoft Word format. Request to charge should be limited to

the elements of the claims, the damages sought, and defenses. General instructions

will be prepared by the Court.

7.3. Additional submissions in non-jury cases.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, at the time the joint pretrial order is filed,

each party in a non-jury trial shall submit to the Court by email and serve on opposing

counsel, but not file on ECF, the following:

• A statement of the elements of each claim and defense together with a sum-

mary of the facts relied upon to establish each element.

• Copies of affidavits constituting the direct testimony of each trial witness, ex-

cept for the direct testimony of an adverse party, a person whose attendance is

compelled by subpoena, or a person for whom the Court has agreed to hear

direct testimony live at the trial. The affidavit should be treated as a direct

substitute for the witness’s live testimony; that is, counsel should be attentive

to the Rules of Evidence (e.g., hearsay and the like) and authenticate any ex-

hibits that will be offered through that witness’s testimony. Three business

days after submission of such affidavits, counsel for each party shall submit:

(1) a list of any objections to particular paragraphs of an affidavit; and (2) a list

of all affiants whom they intend to cross-examine at the trial. Only those wit-

nesses who will be cross-examined need to appear at trial. The original signed

affidavits should be brought to trial to be marked as exhibits.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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• All deposition excerpts that will be offered as substantive evidence, as well as

a one-page synopsis of those excerpts for each deposition. Each synopsis shall

include page citations to the pertinent pages of the deposition transcripts.

• Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The proposed findings of fact

should be detailed and should include citations to the proffered trial testimony

and exhibits, as there may be no opportunity for post-trial submissions. At the

time of filing, parties should also submit copies of these documents to the Court

by email, both in PDF format and as a Microsoft Word document.

8. Pre-trial procedures in criminal cases

8.1. Motions in limine

8.1.1. At least forty-five (45) days before the scheduled trial date, the parties to a

criminal case must file any motions to exclude or limit the testimony of experts

pursuant to Rules 702–705 of the Federal Rules of Evidence, including but not limited

to motions to exclude scientific or technical evidence under the Daubert v. Merrell Dow

Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 509 U.S. 579 (1993) line of cases.

8.1.2. At least thirty (30) days prior to the scheduled trial date, the parties shall file

and serve all other motions addressing evidentiary or other issues that should be

resolved in limine. Parties must file a motion in limine for anticipated cross-

examination under Federal Rules of Evidence 608(b) or 609, outlining why the

proponent’s intended exhibit(s) and/or area(s) or cross-examination are admissible

under the relevant rule.

8.1.3. Absent leave of the Court, each party must file a single memorandum of law, in

support of all motions in limine filed by that party. Responses in opposition to a motion

in limine shall be filed within seven (7) days of the filing of that motion.

8.2. Exhibits

8.2.1. At least fourteen (14) days before trial, the prosecution shall provide the Court

with the following:

• Three (3) copies of the witness lists.

• A list of all exhibits in a Word Document with four columns labeled as follows:

(1) “Exhibit Number”; (2) “Description” (of the exhibit); (3) “Date Identified”;

and (4) “Date Admitted.” The prosecution shall complete the first two columns,

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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but leave the third and fourth columns blank, to be filled in by the Court during

trial.

• Three (3) sets of tabbed binders containing all exhibits, with the case caption

on the spine and front cover of each binder. Exhibits shall be pre-marked but

need not be printed in color. The prosecution’s exhibits must be pre-marked

with numbers. The defendant’s exhibits must be pre-marked with letters.

Any document to be offered in evidence that contains multiple pages shall be

paginated by counsel, but any existing Bates stamping or other pagination may

suffice.

• A PDF file of each exhibit sought to be admitted, submitted via email to

Choudhury Chambers@nyed.uscourts.gov, with each filename corresponding

to the relevant exhibit number, e.g., “PX-1,” “DX1,” etc.

• The Court will not accept exhibits submitted via CD-ROM or flash drive. Any

digital media exhibit that cannot be submitted via email shall be submitted

through the Eastern District of New York’s Digital Medial Exhibit Submission

procedure, as detailed on the E.D.N.Y. website: evidence.nyed.uscourts.gov.

• All Section 3500 material assembled sequentially in a looseleaf binder, or in

separate manila folders labeled with the exhibit numbers and placed in a suit-

able container for ready reference.

8.2.2. The parties shall confer and attempt to resolve disputes relating to exhibits in

advance of the final pre-trial conference. Where the parties have not resolved their

objections to exhibits, they shall be prepared to address them with the Court at the

final pre-trial conference.

8.3. Jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions.

Requests to charge, proposed verdict sheets, and proposed voir dire questions in jury

cases shall be filed on ECF and provided to Chambers via email in Microsoft Word

formats no later than fourteen (14) days before jury selection, unless otherwise or-

dered by the Court. These joint submissions shall consist of single documents, jointly

composed, noting any areas of disagreement between the parties. The voir dire ques-

tions and jury instructions shall include both the text of any requested question or

instruction as well as a citation, if available, to the authority from which it derives.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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9. Trial procedures in civil and criminal cases

The parties must print their own materials for trial. The Court will not print materi-

als for the parties.

9.1. Voir dire

Unless otherwise notified, the Court will conduct all voir dire.

9.2. Witnesses

No later than the end of each trial day, counsel must notify each other and the Court

of witnesses to be called the following trial day.

Absent leave of Court, a witness listed by both sides shall testify only once (with the

defendant permitted to go beyond the scope of the direct on cross examination), and

counsel should confer with respect to scheduling.

9.3. Use of electronic equipment

Any party wishing to present marked exhibits to the jury in digital form who has not

previously used the Court’s electronic equipment is directed to meet with the Court-

room Deputy Henry Matute at least twenty (20) days prior to the commencement of

the trial to review the available equipment for the presentation of digital evidence.

Counsel should be accompanied by the audio-visual personnel who will be operating

any equipment that will be used at trial. Following such meeting, such party shall

file a confirmation in writing via ECF that this meeting has occurred.

9.4. Exhibits

9.4.1. When counsel anticipates that a witness will refer to documentary evidence

during the witness’s direct testimony, counsel shall have: (i) two (2) copies of each doc-

ument for the Court and (ii) at least one copy each for the court reporter and counsel

for each opposing party who is present.

9.4.2. If counsel intend to distribute copies of documentary exhibits to the jury, they

are to make a separate copy for each juror. Counsel should make certain that they

have custody of all original exhibits. The Court does not retain them, and the Clerk

is not responsible for them.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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9.5. Trial schedule

Jury trials shall be scheduled Mondays through Thursdays from 10 am to 4:30 pm

The Court will be available to meet with counsel from 9:00 am to 10 am. Testimony

will begin at 10 am. A luncheon recess will run from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

During a bench trial, the Court may request that the parties be flexible with sched-

uling to accommodate other proceedings.

9.6. Civil cases: post-trial procedures for bench trials

In non-jury trials, parties shall file proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law no

later than ten (10) days after the conclusion of trial unless the Court sets a different

filing deadline. Responses to such submissions are permitted only with leave of the

Court.

10. Settlement

10.1. Settlement conferences

The Court will not issue a briefing schedule on a motion under Fed. R. Civ. P. 56 or

hold a conference concerning the JPTO unless the parties have participated, in good

faith, in a settlement conference with the assigned magistrate judge. See Individual

Rule 5.1.1.

10.2. Settlement agreements

The Court will not retain jurisdiction to enforce confidential settlement agreements.

If the parties wish that the Court retain jurisdiction to enforce the agreement, the

parties must place the terms of their settlement agreement on the public record. The

parties may either provide a copy of the settlement agreement for the Court to en-

dorse or include the terms of their settlement agreement in their stipulation of set-

tlement and dismissal.

11. Appeals

11.1. Bankruptcy appeals

Briefs must be submitted in accordance with Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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§§ 8009 and 8010. Counsel may extend the default deadlines by stipulation submitted

to the Court no later than two (2) business days before the brief is due.

12. Pro se litigants

12.1. Responsibilities of pro se litigant

A pro se litigant shall: (i) only communicate with the Court in writing and (ii) ensure

that contact information on file with the Court remains current; failure to do so may

result in dismissal of claims and/or entry of default judgment.

12.2. Responsibilities of counsel in matters involving pro se litigants

In all cases involving a pro se litigant, counsel for represented parties shall:

• Ensure adherence to and compliance with all applicable rules, including

Local Civil Rules 7.2, 12.1, 33.2, and 56.2.

• Provide pro se litigants with a copy of this Court’s Individual Rules and file

a certificate of service as early as practicable in the litigation.

• Ensure that a proposed briefing schedule is submitted to the Court for all

motions pursuant to Individual Rule 5.2.2.

12.3. Habeas petitions

In habeas cases with pro se petitioners, the respondent must serve the petitioner with

the answer and the state or federal court record when respondent files the answer

and the record on ECF. See Rule 5(b)–(c) of the Rules Governing Section 2254; Rule

5(b)–(c) of the Rules Governing Section 2255 Cases; Fed. R. Civ. P. 5(a), 10(c).

Moreover, when preparing the record, the respondent shall include either a table of

contents or an index of the record’s contents.

13. Policy on the use of electronic devices

Attorneys’ use of mobile phones, Blackberries, wearable technology, and other per-

sonal electronic devices within the Courthouse and its environs is governed by Ad-

ministrative Order 2025-02. Any attorney wishing to bring a telephone or other per-

sonal electronic device into the Courthouse must present appropriate verification of

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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membership of this Court’s Bar. Mobile phones are permitted inside the Courtroom

but must be kept turned off at all times. Non-compliance with this rule will result in

forfeiture of the device for the remainder of the proceedings. All photographs and

video and audio recordings in the courthouse are forbidden under Local Civil Rule 1.8

and Administrative Order 2025-02.

14. Pronouns and honorifics

The parties and counsel may advise the Court by speaking to the courtroom deputy

if they would like to be addressed with a particular pronoun and/or honorific.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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ATTACHMENT A Revised October 20, 2023

ATTACHMENT A

DEFAULT JUDGMENT PROCEDURE

1. Obtain a Certificate of Default for each defaulting defendant from the Clerk’s

Office pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 55(a) and Local Civil

Rule 55.1.

2. File a Motion for Default Judgment on ECF pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil

Procedure 55(b)(2) and Local Civil Rule 55.2(b). A plaintiff seeking a default

judgment should not proceed by order to show cause.

3. In connection with any Motion for Default Judgment made pursuant to Federal

Rule of Civil Procedure 55(b)(2), file the following on ECF (and provide a cour-

tesy copy where required under Individual Rule 1.3):

a. An attorney’s declaration or affidavit setting forth the basis for entering

a default judgment, including:

i. a description of the method and date of service of the summons

and complaint and legal authority for why such service was

proper;

ii. the procedural history beyond service of the summons and com-

plaint, if any;

iii. whether, if the default is applicable to fewer than all of the de-

fendants, the Court may appropriately order a default judgment

on the issue of damages prior to resolution of the entire action;

iv. the proposed damages and the basis for each element of damages,

including interest, attorney’s fees, and costs;

v. evidence in support of the proposed damages, including contem-

poraneous records and other such documentation; and

vi. legal authority for why an inquest into damages is or is not nec-

essary.

b. A proposed default judgment.

c. Copies of all of the pleadings.

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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ATTACHMENT A Revised October 20, 2023

d. A copy of the affidavit of service of the summons and complaint.

e. A Certificate of Default from the Clerk of Court.

4. An affidavit, as required by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, “stating

whether or not the defendant is in military service and showing necessary facts

to support the affidavit . . . .” 50 U.S.C. § 3931(b)(1)(A).4

5. The Court will review the motion for default judgment and, if appropriate, is-

sue an Order setting a date and time for a default judgment hearing. If the

Court issues such an order, the plaintiff must then serve on the party against

whom default judgment is sought: (1) the motion for default judgment and

supporting papers; and (2) the Court’s order setting a date and time for the

default judgment hearing. The plaintiff must file proof of such service on the

docket in the manner and date specified in the Court’s Order setting the de-

fault judgment hearing.

6. Prior to the return date, take the proposed judgment, separately backed, to the

Orders and Judgments Clerk for the Clerk’s approval.

7. The proposed judgment, including all damage and interest calculations, must

be approved by the Clerk prior to the conference and then brought to the con-

ference for the Judge’s signature.

4 “Certification . . . of a defendant’s military status can be obtained from the

Department of Defense’s Servicemembers Civil Relief Act website . . . .” Bhagwat v.

Queens Carpet Mall, Inc., 14-CV-5474, 2017 WL 9989598, at *1 (E.D.N.Y. Nov. 21,

2017).

INDIVIDUAL RULES OF JUDGE NUSRAT J. CHOUDHURY

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