Updated Protocol for Philly CCP Non-Jury Trials

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA
PHILADELPHIA COURT OF COMMON PLEAS

Monday, October 19, 2020

TRIAL DIVISION – CIVIL

NOTICE TO THE BAR

Protocol for Non-Jury Trials During the COVID-19 Judicial Emergency

Please take notice that subsequent to November 2, 2020, the Court will be scheduling non-jury trials for matters in the Arbitration Appeal and Major Non-Jury programs, including those matters previously listed in the July and November 2020 Trial Pools, as well as those matters previously scheduled for trials earlier in 2020, but were postponed due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) judicial emergency. A list of the matters to be scheduled for trial is attached.

These non-jury trials will be conducted via remote technology.  Counsel shall review the published protocols in preparation for trial, including the Policies and Protocols for Use of Advanced Communication Technology for Court Proceedings in Civil Matters issued on July 16, 2020.

If your trial is on the attached list, all parties must immediately notify the Court in writing of any matters that have settled and file an Order to Settle, Discontinue and End.  All parties must immediately notify the Court of any scheduling conflicts, including trial attachments and prepaid vacations.  Conflict letters must be electronically filed under the “existing case” section of the Electronic Filing System under the conference submission category.  Any requests for continuance must be immediately submitted in writing and made only under exigent circumstances.

Counsel and self-represented parties will be served with a Scheduling Order, attaching counsel/parties for trial for a date-certain.  Any questions about this notice may be addressed to the Complex Litigation Center, 622 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107; telephone (215) 686-5100; fax (215) 686-5137.

Honorable Jacqueline F. Allen
Administrative Judge
Trial Division

Honorable Lisette Shirdan-Harris
Supervising Judge
Trial Division
Civil Section