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FAQs
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How much time commitment will be involved?
The time commitment involved will be determined, in large part, by the nature of the case. However, by the time an appointment is made, discovery will generally by complete, and a relatively significant record will have been compiled. Additionally, defendants in prose inmate cases will almost always be represented by counsel. As such, Panel members will likely be responsible for reviewing a detailed record and preparing a case for trial or settlement.
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Can Panel members recover costs, expenses, and attorney's fees?
Yes, although Panel members should accept cases without an expectation of any compensation at the outset. The Court's Resolution allows for the reimbursement of certain costs and expenses, up to an amount of $2,500. The Court's Resolution also allows for the recovery of attorney's fees of $2,500. And any reimbursement will be made only upon motion and order by the Court.
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When do I get paid?
Jury payments are processed after the jury trial has concluded. If a jury trial is expected to last more than seven (7) days, payments will be processed on a weekly basis. It may take at least 1 to 2 weeks to receive your payment.
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How do I contact the court?
Please click here for the Court Locations page which includes the street and mailing address of each Clerk's Office, as well as phone numbers. NOTE: Judges cannot be reached directly. If you have a question or comment for one of the judges, please contact a member of the staff or write to them at the appropriate address.
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Do I have to file my pleadings in the division to which the case is assigned?
No. Venue only applies to the district. 28 U.S.C. 98(c) Divisions were created for the convenience of the court in administration of cases. LR 77.3 As a reminder, the Western District of Louisiana is a mandatory e-filing court. If you have a login and password to CM/ECF, your pleadings should be filed electronically. If your filing requires manual submission, it may be mailed or hand delivered to any our five divisions. For location information, navigate to the home page and click the Courts tab and then Court Locations
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May I file after-hours?
You may e-file anytime using CM/ECF. If you are not authorized to e-file, you may file during normal business hours or by mail. Navigate to the home page, click on the Courts tab and then on Court Locations for directions to the divisional offices as well as mailing addresses.
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Where are case and party indices located?
On-line information (i.e., PACER) for all divisions is available for non-sealed civil cases filed 1/1/1990 and after and non-sealed criminal cases filed 1/1/1993 and after. This information is also available at public terminals at each division. Microfilm indices are maintained in each division from 1/1/1978 to approximately 6/14/1994. Prior to 1978, part name index cards for the entire district are available in the Shreveport Clerk's Office.
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How are judges assigned to cases?
Generally, cases are assigned on a geographic basis to the judges in the division to which the case is allotted. The cases, both civil and criminal, are randomly assigned upon filing to the judges in that division. Please note that some judges may share caseloads in divisions other than the division to which the judge resides. For example, Judge Foote, a Shreveport Division judge, may be randomly assigned to a Monroe Division case pursuant to the case assignment standing order. See SO 1.61 on the District-Wide Orders page.
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What discovery material should be filed with the Clerk's Office?
Under the Local Rules for the Western District of Louisiana, neither discovery nor notices of deposition are filed. Exceptions include excerpts of discovery materials used to support a motion and when the court orders filing of particular discovery materials. See LR 26.5.
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Do I have to pay a fee every time I file a pleading?
No. Filings fees are required for certain, not all, pleadings. Please click HERE to visit our Fees and Online Payments information.