Clerk’s Office Helpful Hints for Attorneys
Norfolk and Newport News Divisions

1. Office Hours: The courthouse building and the Clerk’s Office is open to the public from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

2. Try to have the case number of the case you are calling about. We can find cases by name, but it is much faster to use the case number. Our cases are assigned to case managers by the last digit in the docket number, so knowing the number enables you to talk with the specific case manager who will be able to answer your question(s) right away.

3. Original documents are to be filed. Faxed documents are not accepted. Any copies submitted should be marked as such. If possible, sign the original in blue ink so that we can more easily distinguish it from the copies. If you want a copy of a document returned to you via mail, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope large enough for the document. Anything faxed to us will not become part of the file until the original arrives in the Clerk’s Office. All pleadings must contain an original signature.

4. If signing a filing for another attorney, be sure your name is below your signature. We must verify that every pleading is signed by an attorney who is admitted to practice in this court. Another attorney in your firm may sign for you, but the name of the signing attorney must be clearly indicated on the pleading. It is never permissible for a secretary or paralegal to sign an attorney’s name on a document to be filed in this court.

5. Attorneys cannot sign for opposing counsel or counsel for other parties. Our court does not allow an attorney to sign for an attorney representing another party, even if the signer has the permission of the other attorney. Our court requires the signature of an admitted attorney for each party submitting a pleading or order.

6. Agreed orders need the signatures of all. Our court requires an agreed order for unopposed motions, extensions of time, dismissal of parties/cases, etc. The agreed order must contain the original signature of an admitted attorney for each party who has entered an appearance. Even if the order grants an extension of time for only one party in the action or dismisses one party, counsel for each party in the case must endorse the order.

7. Do not file discovery documents. Discovery is not filed in this court. Disclosures are not to be filed per Federal Rule 5(d) and the 16(b) scheduling order. Disclosures under 26(a)(1) and (2) are to be made among counsel only. Disclosures under 26(a)(3) are to be made among counsel and included as part of the final pretrial order, but are not to be filed earlier. Generally, we receive a copy of correspondence indicating the serving of discovery requests or responses. We place these on the correspondence side of the file in case the information is needed by the court. If discovery documents are submitted, we return them.