United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee

9/25/2020
Job Opportunity - Assistant Deputy Chief US Probation Officer
The US Probation Office for the Western District of Tennessee has a job opening for an Assistant Deputy Chief US Probation Officer in the Memphis office.
Announcement and Job Description
Job Application (PDF)

9/24/2020
Important Public Notice - Scam Phone Calls
The Clerk's Office for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has been alerted to a malicious scam which is spoofing the phone number of the Clerk's Office. The perpetrator of this scam is calling individuals claiming a family member has been arrested and requesting that a bond payment be wired in order to secure the family member's release from custody. The Clerk's Office does NOT request payments through phone calls. Anyone receiving a call of this nature should immediately contact the Clerk's Office (901-495-1200 in Memphis or 731-421-9200 in Jackson) for assistance. For more information, please click here.

9/11/2020
Jury Trials Continued Until After October 2
In light of the exigent circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all civil and criminal jury trials are continued until after October 2, 2020. The court may allow up to four pilot test trials during this period to help determine whether a jury trial may be conducted in a fair, safe, and efficient manner during the pandemic. Please see Administrative Order 20-34 for further details.

9/8/2020
Judge Donald to receive ABA's Lifetime Liberty Achievement Award
On September 16, 2020, Judge Bernice B. Donald, circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, will become the first recipient of the American Bar Association's Liberty Achievement Award in recognition of her dedication to the promotion of diversity in the legal profession. Judge Donald has been serving on the Sixth Circuit since 2011. Prior to that, Judge Donald served on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee since 1995. For additional information on this great honor, please click here.

8/28/2020
Notice of Vacancy - US Bankruptcy Judge
The Sixth Circuit Judicial Council is soliciting applications from persons interested in appointment as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Tennessee at Memphis. Announcement

8/24/2020
Jury Trials Continued Until After September 11
In light of the exigent circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all civil and criminal jury trials are continued until after September 11, 2020. Please see Administrative Order 20-33 for further details.

8/14/2020
Public Notice for the Reappointment of Doris Randle-Holt
The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit seeks comments from persons who are in a position to evaluate the performance of Doris Randle-Holt, Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Tennessee, as well as the quality of services provided by the Federal Public Defender organization for that district. Please see this announcement for further details.

7/24/2020
Magistrate Judge Annie T. Christoff Sworn In
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is pleased to announce that Annie T. Christoff took the Oath of Office in a private ceremony July 24, 2020, to serve as a magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. A date for the public investiture ceremony has not yet been set. Announcement

7/27/2020
Job Opportunity - U.S. Probation Officer
The U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of Tennessee has a job opening for a U.S. Probation Officer.
Announcement and Job Description
Job Application (PDF)

7/20/2020
Jury Trials Continued Until After August 28
In light of the exigent circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak, all civil and criminal jury trials are continued until after August 28, 2020. Please see Administrative Order 20-30 for further details.

7/8/2020
Job Opportunity - Court Reporter
The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has a job opening for a Court Reporter.
Announcement and Job Description
Job Application (PDF)

6/1/2020
Public Notice Regarding COVID-19 Protocols
To ensure the continued health and safety of all individuals doing business with the Court, the Court has adopted the following protocols to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure: Court Protocols to Minimize COVID-19 Exposure Risk.

5/29/2020
Important Message for Potential Jurors
Potential jurors: Please read this important message from the Clerk of Court regarding jury service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

5/15/2020
Job Opportunity - Supervisory United States Probation Officer
The U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of Tennessee has a job opening for a Supervisory United States Probation Officer.
Announcement and Job Description
Job Application (PDF)

5/4/2020
In Honor of the Retirement of the Honorable Diane K. Vescovo, Chief Magistrate Judge
The Honorable Diane K. Vescovo, Chief Magistrate Judge, is retiring today after twenty-five years of service. Biography

4/22/2020
Proceedings Continued Until After May 30
In light of the exigent circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak, civil and criminal proceedings, other than certain criminal proceedings presided over by magistrate judges, are continued until after May 30, 2020. The Clerk's Office in both Memphis and Jackson is closed to the public. Please see Administrative Order 20-21 for further details.

4/16/2020
Proceedings Continued Until After May 1
In light of the exigent circumstances due to the COVID-19 outbreak, civil and criminal proceedings, other than certain criminal proceedings presided over by magistrate judges, are continued until after May 1, 2020. The Clerk's Office in both Memphis and Jackson is closed to the public. Please see Administrative Order 20-19 for further details.

3/23/2020
Closure of the Jackson, TN, Federal Courthouse
In light of the ongoing risks presented by the COVID-19 outbreak, the Jackson, TN, Federal Courthouse is closed to the public until further notice. Please see Administrative Order 20-14 for further details.

3/16/2020
Civil and Criminal Proceedings Continued
Due to exigent circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, all civil proceedings are continued until after April 17. All criminal proceedings other than initial appearances, arraignments, bond and detention hearings, and other in-person criminal proceedings presided over by magistrate judges, are continued until after April 17. All civil and criminal jury trials scheduled to commence now through April 17 are continued until further notice. Courthouses remain otherwise open for business. Please see Administrative Order 20-12 for further details.

3/13/2020
Jury Trials Continued
Due to exigent circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, all jury trials and jury selections scheduled for now through March 27 are continued until further notice. Courthouses otherwise remain open for business. Please see Administrative Order 20-11 for further details.

3/4/2020
Written Comments in Blanchard v. City of Memphis
The Court will accept written comments on the Proposed Modifications of the Kendrick Consent Decree in case 2:17cv2120, Blanchard v. City of Memphis, from 4/3/2020 until 5/4/2020. Details on the procedure for submitting comments may be found in Order 295.

3/11/2020
Job Opportunity - Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer
The U.S. Probation Office and Pretrial Services Office in the Western District of Tennessee has a job opening for a Deputy Chief U.S. Probation Officer.
Announcement and Job Description
Job Application (PDF)

3/6/2020
Judge Fowlkes Joins Panel for Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes joined a panel discussion on "African Americans and the Vote" on February 28. More information and photo.

1/13/2020
Criminal Justice Act Plan Updated
The amended Criminal Justice Act plan has been approved by the Judicial Council of the Sixth Circuit, and effective immediately. Criminal Justice Act Plan (amended October 2019)

12/31/2019
Updated CJA Rates and Compensation Limits
CJA Hourly Rates and Maximum Compensation Limits have been updated for work performed on or after Jan. 1, 2020. Visit the CJA Portal for updated compensation tables.

11/07/2019
Public Comment Period Extended in re: Revisions to Local and Local Patent Rules
The District Court has approved revisions to the Local Rules and Appendices and the Local Patent Rules.

Due to a glitch involving the public comments mailbox, the period for public comments has been extended until December 7. If you previously submitted comments, we ask that you please resubmit them.

Comments should be submitted to PublicComments@tnwd.uscourts.gov.
Local Rules Revisions - Redline Version
Local Patent Rules Revisions - Redline Version

11/05/2019
Court Closed Friday, Nov. 29
The US District Court for the Western District of Tennessee will be closed on Friday, Nov. 29.

10/20/2019
CM/ECF Service Restored
CM/ECF Service has been fully restored. Any attorneys who missed filing deadlines due to this outage on 10/19/2019 or 10/20/2019 should see section 12.2 of our CM/ECF Policies and Procedures.

10/20/2019
Nationwide CM/ECF Outage
The US Courts are currently experiencing a CM/ECF outage affecting approximately half the country. You can login, and run docket sheets, but you cannot view documents, or docket anything.

Attorneys who cannot meet filing deadlines due to this issue should see section 12.2 of our CM/ECF Policies and Procedures.

We will post an update when we have further information.

10/18/2019
Public Notice for the Appointment of a Magistrate Judge
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is recruiting to appoint a full‐time United States magistrate judge to a vacancy in Memphis, TN. Announcement and Job Description Application

9/27/2019
Notice of Public Comment Period in re: Revisions to Local and Local Patent Rules
The District Court has approved revisions to the Local Rules and Appendices and the Local Patent Rules. The revisions are posted for the period of October 1-31 for public comment. Comments should be submitted to PublicComments@tnwd.uscourts.gov.
Local Rules Revisions - Redline Version
Local Patent Rules Revisions - Redline Version

9/19/2019
Class Action Settlement In Re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall
Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the Eastern District of Louisiana has issued an order preliminarily approving a class action settlement and preliminarily certifying a settlement class in the multi-district litigation case In Re: Chinese-manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation. Further information is available at www.chinesedrywallsettlement.com.
Order
Notice of Settlement

8/29/2019
Judge Norris Profile in Daily Memphian
The Daily Memphian has published a profile of Judge Mark S. Norris, discussing his transition from state Senate majority leader to federal judge.

8/26/2019
Notice of Vacancy - U.S. Bankruptcy Judge
The Sixth Circuit Judicial Council is soliciting applications from persons interested in appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Western District of Tennessee at Memphis.
Full Notice of Vacancy
Bankruptcy Judge Selection Procedures and Application

4/25/2019
Chief Magistrate Judge Vescovo Featured in Memphis Law Magazine
Western District of Tennessee's Chief Magistrate Judge Diane K. Vescovo is featured as "A Judicial Matriarch" in the Spring 2019 issue of Memphis Law Magazine. Read the complete article, starting on page 14, here.

4/5/2019
Jon A. York Sworn in as United States Magistrate Judge
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is pleased to announce that Jon A. York took the Oath of Office in a private ceremony March 8, 2019, to serve as a magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Magistrate Judge York commenced his official duties on March 18, 2019. A public investiture ceremony will be held at a later date. More information

3/8/2019
TNWD Among Most Productive Federal Courts
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has been recognized as being among "America's Most Productive Federal District Courts." More information

2/28/2019
The Honorable Edward G. Bryant Retires
On February 28, 2019, Magistrate Judge Edward G. Bryant retired from the Court after ten years of outstanding service to the Western District of Tennessee. More about Judge Bryant and his service to this Court.

2/22/2019
Increase in CJA Hourly Rates and Case Compensation Maximums
Increases to CJA Hourly Rates and Case Compensation Maximums have been increased pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019. Hourly rates have been increased to $148 for non-capital work and $190 for capital work. The new rates apply to services performed on or after February 15, 2019. Memorandum, New Hourly Rates Table, New Compensation Limits Table

1/28/2019
Order Lifting Stay in Civil Proceedings
The stay in certain civil proceedings that was ordered on 12/28/2019 upon lapse in appropriations for the Department of Justice has been lifted. Order

1/24/2019
Important 2018 Tax Reporting Information for CJA Panel Attorneys
The Administrative Office will soon generate and issue Form 1099-MISC Information Returns for the 2018 tax year. The attached memorandum includes important information about the 2018 returns and the ability of online retrieval of Form 1099-MISC. Memorandum

1/22/2019
TNWD Standing Local Rules Committee Seeking Nominees
The Standing Local Rules Committee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is accepting nominations for new members. The current committee opening is for one civil practitioner.

Pursuant to the Committee's Bylaws, the Committee is composed of practicing attorneys who maintain the majority of their practice in the Western District of Tennessee. In addition, candidates should be admitted to practice before the Court, be in good standing, have extensive practice before the federal District Court, have knowledge of the laws and procedures governing practice before the Court, and have sufficient trial experience to attest to the candidates' appreciation of the nuances of the practical application of the Local Rules and the law. Candidates will also be reviewed in an effort to maintain diversity among the Committee representative of the legal community of the Western District. Candidates are expected to be able to fulfill the requirements of the three-year term as a Committee member, including regular attendance at Committee and Subcommittee meetings, which occur on at least a quarterly basis.

Nominations must be submitted to Jennifer Hagerman at jhagerman@bpjlaw.com no later than February 8, 2019, and must include a current resume/CV of the nominee.

1/18/2019
Circuit Executive Vacancy Announcement
The Sixth Circuit Judicial Council is accepting applications for the position of Circuit Executive. Announcement.

1/7/2018
New Mileage Reimbursement Rates for 2019
GSA has announced an increase in reimbursement mileage rates for privately owned vehicles. The new reimbursement rate of $0.58 per mile went into effect on January 2, 2019, for travel on or after that date.

12/28/2018
Stay of Certain Civil Proceedings in Absence of Appropriations
Because of the lapse of appropriations needed to fund the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, all proceedings in civil cases where the United States Attorney is counsel of record are stayed until such time that Congress has restored appropriations to that Office. Order

12/4/2018
Video from MLK50 Panel Discussion
In commemoration of the 1968 assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the U.S. District Court held two panel discussion related to City of Memphis v. King, litigation over Dr. King's right to march with striking sanitation workers. Video of the panel discussions are available here.

11/26/2018
Mark S. Norris, Sr. Sworn In As United States District Judge
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is pleased to announce that Mark S. Norris took the Oath of Office in a private ceremony on November 8, 2018, to serve as a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee and has commenced his official duties. A public investiture ceremony will be held on January 11, 2019. More information.

10/31/2018
Public Notice for the Reappointment of Incumbent Magistrate Judges
The current term of U.S. Magistrate Judge Tu M. Pham is due to expire on April 20, 2019. The current term of U.S. Magistrate Judge Diane K. Vescovo is due to expire on June 14, 2019. Comments from members of the bar and the public are invited as to whether the incumbent Magistrate Judges should be recommended by the Merit Selection Panel for reappointment. All comments should be sent to MJPublicComments@tnwd.uscourts.gov.
Further information

10/30/2018
Election Day Filing Procedures
Filing procedures for Tuesday, November 6th can be read here.

10/30/2018
Revisions to the Court's ADR Plan
The District Court has approved revisions to the Court's ADR Plan. The proposed revisions are available for review here and will remain posted for the next thirty (30) days for public comment. Comments should be submitted to PublicComments@tnwd.uscourts.gov

10/25/2018
U.S. MARSHALS, FBI URGE PUBLIC TO REPORT PHONE SCAMS
The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be US Marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. More information

6/4/2018
Import Public Notice - Scam Phone Calls
The Clerk's Office for the US District Court for the Western District of TN has been alerted to a malicious scam which is spoofing the phone number of the Clerk's Office. The perpetrator claims that an arrest warrant will be issued for the recipient if money is not wired to pay a fine.

The Clerk's Office does not request payments through phone calls.

Anyone receiving these calls should contact the Clerk's Office general number (901-495-1200 in Memphis or 731-421-9200 in Jackson) for assistance. Money should not be wired or otherwise paid to anyone based on one of these calls.

More information

4/27/2018
TNWD Has Upgraded to NextGen CM/ECF
The US District Court for the Western District of Tennessee has upgraded CM/ECF to the new "NextGen" version. Filers will now use their PACER logins for both viewing documents and filing.

The first time you log in, you will need to link your PACER account to your old filing account.
How To Link Your PACER Account To Your Old Filing Account.
More Information about NextGen CM/ECF

4/6/2018
Article on the Court's MLK50 Program
The court's program on the 1968 litigation between the City of Memphis and Martin Luther King, Jr. is covered in a United States Courts news article. Court Recalls MLK's Last Legal Battle

4/5/2018
Transcript of Hearing in City of Memphis v. King
This is a scanned PDF of the transcript of the April 3, 1968, hearing in City of Memphis v. Martin Luther King, Jr., in which the City of Memphis sought a temporary restraining order to prevent King from marching with striking sanitation workers. Transcript in City of Memphis v. King

3/27/2018
An Attempt to Strike the March - Live Streaming Feed
On Thursday, April 5, the US District Court will look back at the 1968 federal litigation involving Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s right to march with Memphis sanitation workers. The event will be begin at 8:30 a.m., and will be held at the University of Memphis Law School. Keynote speakers will be The Honorable Andrew Young and The Reverend James Lawson. Guest speakers include Walter Bailey, Mike Cody, and Charles Newman, attorneys for Dr. King, and Frierson Graves, attorney for the City of Memphis.
Live Streaming Feed
More information

2/5/2018
Thomas L. Parker Sworn in as United States District Judge
The United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee is pleased to announce that Thomas L. Parker took the Oath of Office in a private ceremony Friday, February 2, 2018, to serve as a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee. Judge Parker will take office and commence his official duties later this month. A public investiture ceremony will be held sometime in April.

Judge Parker was appointed by President Donald Trump and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on January 10, 2018. He was appointed to the position left vacant by Judge Samuel H. Mays, who took senior status in 2015.

Judge Parker received his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law, 1989, and his Bachelor of Science from the University of South Carolina, 1985. Judge Parker was a shareholder in the Memphis office of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., where he was a civil and criminal litigator. Judge Parker served nine years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Tennessee and is the former President of the Memphis Bar Association.

Judge Parker is married to Mrs. Allison Wellford Parker and they have three daughters, Katherine, Annie, and Ellen. Judge Parker and his family are lifelong Memphians.

9/26/2017
Notice of Local Rules Amendments
The District Court has approved modifications to Local Rule 67.1, Investment of Registry Funds and Local Rule 72.1, Rules Governing Duties and Proceedings before United States Magistrate Judges, as well as modifications to the Local Patent Rules and Appendix A, Stipulated Patent Case Protective Order. The modifications are posted for a period of thirty days for public comment. Comments should be submitted to PublicComments@tnwd.uscourts.gov. Announcement

8/2/2017
Revised CJA Plan
The District Court has approved modifications to its Plan for the Appointment of Counsel Pursuant to the Criminal Justice Act ("CJA Plan"). The amended CJA Plan is available for review.

6/29/2017
Magistrate Judges Bryant and Claxton Reappointed
The judges of the US District Court for the Western District of Tennessee have reappointed Magistrate Judges Edward G. Bryant and Charmiane G. Claxton. Announcement