On June 24, 2021, Chief Judge Orlando L. Garcia entered an order adopting and enacting proposed amendments to the Local Court Civil Rules for the United States District Court, Western District of Texas. In accordance with Rule 83 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, these amendments were unanimously approved by the district judges of this Court after being posted for 30 days for review and comment by the bar. The Court was recently informed by the Office of the Circuit Executive for the Fifth Continue reading →

Affecting El Paso This announcement is for all attorneys practicing criminal law in The Western District of Texas, specifically the El Paso division. Beginning June 28, 2021, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of Texas will modify the method used to disclose Pre-Sentence Reports, Addendums, and Violation Reports. You will no longer receive a notification (NEF) from CM/ECF but will instead receive an email directly from the U.S. Probation Services Office for the Western District of Texas containing a link to access your report. Continue reading →

In accordance with Part IV of the Standing Order Establishing A+, A, and B Panels for Civil Appointments in the San Antonio Division and Supplementing Amended Plan for Reimbursement of Counsel (W.D. Tex. Apr. 1, 2021), all attorneys in private practice admitted in the San Antonio Division will be placed on one of three panels for pro bono appointment in civil cases. As indicated by the Order, placement depends on each attorney’s experience, expertise, and interest in handling pro bono matters. This page allows you Continue reading →

In Memoriam Judge Philip R. Martinez July 13, 1957 – February 26, 2021 The Western District of Texas is mourning the loss of our esteemed colleague District Judge Phil R. Martinez who passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021.  Judge Martinez was a native El Pasoan and received his education at the University of Texas at El Paso and Harvard Law School where he earned his Juris Doctorate.  He served as a judge on the El Paso County Court at Law #1 from 1991- 1994, Continue reading →

Affecting Austin, Del Rio, and Waco This announcement is for all attorneys practicing criminal law in The Western District of Texas, specifically the Austin, Del Rio, and Waco Divisions. Beginning March 15, 2021, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of Texas will modify the method used to disclose Pre-Sentence Reports, Addendums, and Violation Reports. You will no longer receive a notification (NEF) from CM/ECF but will instead receive an email directly from the U.S. Probation Services Office for the Western District of Texas Continue reading →

The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts has provided notice of an apparent compromise of the confidentiality of the CM/ECF system and called upon courts to implement new security procedures to protect highly sensitive documents (HSDs).  We have no confirmation of direct impact to the Western District of Texas specifically at this time.  The Court has implemented procedures for submitting HSD’s the court: Order Regarding Procedures for the Filing, Service and Management of Highly Sensitive Documents – Filed on 1/13/21.

Affecting San Antonio, Midland, Pecos, and Alpine This announcement is for all attorneys practicing criminal law in The Western District of Texas, specifically the San Antonio, Midland, and Pecos Divisions. Beginning January 18, 2021, the U.S. Probation Office for the Western District of Texas will modify the method used to disclose Pre-Sentence Reports, Addendums, and Violation Reports. You will no longer receive a notification (NEF) from CM/ECF but will instead receive an email directly from the U.S. Probation Services Office for the Western District of Continue reading →

The court fee schedule has been updated and is effective as of December 1, 2020. Click here to review the schedule (PDF)

Chief Judge Orlando L. Garcia has signed the Special Order Concerning Admission of Attorneys which extends the period of time for which the 2021 Federal Court Practice course may be used when applicants are applying to the bar of this court. The entire course must be completed no later than May 28, 2023 in order to fulfill the educational requirements for admission set forth in W.D. Tex. L.R. AT-1(b)(2). Please review the order for additional details.