Judge William G. Young

Federal Judicial Service

Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Massachusetts. Assumed senior status on July 1, 2021.

Nominated by Ronald Reagan on March 8, 1985, to a new seat created by 98 Stat. 333; Confirmed by the Senate on April 3, 1985, and received commission on April 4, 1985.

Served as Chief Judge, 1999 - 2005

Education

Harvard University, A.B., 1962
Harvard Law School, LL.B., 1967

Courthouse

Boston Courthouse

John Joseph Moakley U.S. Courthouse
1 Courthouse Way, Suite 2300
Boston, Massachusetts 02210

Courtroom

18, 5^th floor

**John J. Moakley Federal Courthouse - Boston, MA**

Courtroom Technology

Contact the courtroom clerk regarding the use of technology in the courtroom. View our courtroom technology page for more information on the technology that is available.

Internet access is available upon request and with the consent of the presiding Judge. Click here for more information.

Staff

Chambers Procedures/Standing Orders/Sample Orders

N/A

Cameras in the Courtroom

A work-a-day Judge at work:

Videos depicting the routine work of a United States District Judge

The Judge's Common Book

Scheduling Conferences

Scheduling Conferences (Which includes the cases listed below)

11-11203 Boston Atlantic Parking v. Ottenberg
12-11161 HighRes Biosolution v. Acrylic Tank Mfg
12-11636 Allegro Software v. A10 Networks
12-11946 5th AP Company v. National Condo Ins.
12-12076 Weymouth v. Cousins et al
12-12091 CFN Agency v. Liberty Mutual
12-12102 Capachone et al v. Toyota Motor Sales 12-12117 Peak v. MA Bay Commuter Rail
12-12119 Marshall v. Nat'l Retail Prop et al

Status Conference

12-02409 In re: Nexium Litigation (MDL Case)

Motion Sessions

Markman Hearing

11-948 WhitServ. GoDaddy.com

Juror Welcome Speech

Jury Empanelment

10-11117 Miranda v. Hurley

Charge to Jury

12-10326 Lu v. Boston College

USDC Judicial Forum Survey

Civil - Case Management

Q1: Do you have any specific scheduling order or any particular topics that counsel must address in the joint statement in addition to/or in lieu of the topics required to be addressed under Local Rule 16.1(D) for the initial scheduling conference?

A1: I follow the local rule.

Q2: If you have a specific scheduling order, please attach your order.

A2: Respondent skipped this question

Q3: Do you have any additional requirement(s) as to the attorneys' obligation that they confer with their client(s) about case budget and ADR pursuant to Local Rule 16.1(D)(3)?

A3: No.

Q4: What, if any, inquiries do you make about settlement prospects and/or interest in mediation at the initial scheduling conference?

A4: I do not inquire about settlement as I consider it too early in the process. While mediation is voluntary, I schedule it unless the parties refuse.

Q5: What, if any inquiries do you make about the liklihood of trial at the initial scheduling conference?

A5: Since the parties are in court I assume they want a trial and schedule the trial month (not more than 12 months from the initial scheduling conference).

Q6: What schedule do you set at the initial scheduling conference?

A6: The filing of summary judgment motions will be within 9 months of the conference, the final pre-trial conference within 11 months, and the trial within 12 months.

Q7: After the initial scheduling conference, do you hold status conferences?

A7: Not unless a party requests such a conference.

Q8: If so, when do you hold status conferences?

A8: Not applicable.

Q9: If so, what issues do you address at status conferences?

A9: Not applicable.

Civil - Discovery

Q10: Other than the requirements under Local Rule 16.1(D) for addressing certain discovery topics in the parties' joint statement, what, if any, discovery issues do you like counsel to be prepared to address at the initial scheduling conference?

A10: Counsel ought be fully prepared but I do not raise discovery issues.

Q11: What, if any, issues related to electronically stored information should counsel be prepared to address at the initial scheduling conference?

A11: Counsel ought be fully prepared but I do not raise such issues.

Q12: If the parties intend to file a proposed protective order, do you require any particular format and/or a specific time for doing so?

A12: General protective orders, while encouraged, are not the place to address filing any sealed materials with the Court, a practice I disfavor.

Q13: Under what circumstances would you consider a bifurcation of discovery ?

A13: While willing to consider bifurcation in any appropriate case, it’s been my experience that it usually causes unnecessary delay.

Q14: Given the new requirement under Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1) regarding the proportionality of the scope of discovery, what, if any inquiry do you make about this issue at the initial scheduling conference?

A14: Judge Keeton taught me to act like a baseball arbitrator in resolving case management issues, i.e. tell the parties to be “reasonable” and then choose one or another of the various proposals presented on the basis of which is more reasonable and proportionate.

Q15: Other than the requirement that the parties confer in good faith to narrow the issues before filing any discovery motion under Local Rule 37.1(A), what, if any, additional requirements do you make of counsel before considering discovery motions?

A15: None.

Q16: Typically, do you resolve discovery motions or do you refer them to the magistrate judge?

A16: I typically resolve them.

Q17: Do you typically hold a hearing on discovery?

A17: No, I handle discovery motions myself without oral hearings save in extremely rare circumstances.

Q18: Please describe your general practice regarding the resolution of discovery motions.

A18: I handle discovery motions myself without oral hearings save in extremely rare circumstances.

Q19: Under what circumstances will you consider emergency motions regarding discovery matters?

A19: I will always consider them. Calling a motion an emergency doesn’t make it one.

Q20: Do you have any particular practices or requirements about expert disclosures?

A20: Other than a discovery completion date I have no particular requirement, Daubert hearings are extremely rare. No expert is permitted to testify to anything not fully revealed in that expert’s report.

Q21: What, if any, expert discovery deadlines do you set at the initial scheduling conference? When do you typically set a schedule for the filing of Daubert motions?

A21: Other than a discovery completion date I have no particular requirement, Daubert hearings are extremely rare. No expert is permitted to testify to anything not fully revealed in that expert’s report.

Q22: If the case involves a pro se litigant, do you typically have any different practices in regard to scheduling conferences, status conferences or discovery matters?

A22: With pro se litigants I do not require a detailed written case management proposal.

Civil - Dispositive Motions

Q23: Other than the presumptive pages limits for memoranda under Rule 7.1(b), do you have any other requirements or preferences about the filing of dispositive motions?

A23: No.

Q24: In connection with dispositive motions, do you require the filing of any courtesy copies of exhibits, depositions and/or other materials in addition to the electronic versions that are filed on ECF?

A24: Yes. If exhibits are voluminous, I’d like a courtesy copy.

Q25: Do you typically allow reply briefs and/or surreply briefs?

A25: Yes. I welcome all the written help I can get. I don’t wait for reply and other briefs before ruling.

Q26: If you allow reply and/or surreply briefs, do you impose a page limit?

A26: No.

Q27: Do you typically hold a hearing on motions to dismiss?

A27: Yes.

Q28: Do you typically hold a hearing on summary judgment motions?

A28: Yes.

Q29: If you typically hold hearings on dispositive motions, what, if any, time limits do you impose on counsel for their arguments?

A29: Usually no more than 10 minutes per side. 5 minutes per side for more straight forward motions

Q30: Under what, if any, circumstances, would you allow the filing of post-argument briefs?

A30: They are welcomed but will not hold up the ruling.

Civil - Patent Cases

Q31: Do you have any standing order and/or any particular practice regarding the management of patent cases? If so, please describe them.

A31:Patent cases are managed like any other case.

Q32: If applicable, please upload your standing order regarding the management of patent cases.

A32: I have no special patent order.

Q33: Do you have particular practice about Markman hearings? If so, please describe them including but not limited to whether you allow tutorial(s).

A33: Eight different constructions are about enough in any one case. I come on the bench with a tentative construction in mind, share it with the parties, and we discuss it, eventually settling on a construction. If either party is dissatisfied, I’ll hear from an expert from each side as to why I’m wrong (or right) in a one hour hot tub experience. I welcome jointly agreed written tutorials.

Criminal Matters

Q34: Do you handle matters regarding discovery in criminal cases?

A34: Yes, If so, please describe your practice? I handle my own discovery, usually on the papers.

Q35: Do you have any particular practices as to scheduling in criminal cases? If so, please describe them.

A35: I schedule a tentative trial date at the initial conference.

Q36: If a defendant files a motion for release and/or modification of conditions of release after the case has been referred back to the district judge, is it your typical practice to resolve the motion or refer it back to the magistrate judge?

A36: I refer it to the magistrate judge. The matter is sent first to the magistrate judge.

Q37: Do you typically hold a hearing on motions for review of a detention order?

A37: Yes.

Q38: Do you have any particular practices regarding the filing of suppression motions or hearings on suppression motions?

A38: No.

General Trial Practice - Pretrial Matters

Q39: Do you require the filing of a trial brief?

A39: No. In both civil and criminal cases, I welcome but do not require them. Motions in limine are equally effective.

Q40: If you do not require the filing of a trial brief, under what circumstances do you think it would be helpful to the Court?

A40: I welcome but do not require them. Motions in limine are equally effective.

Q41: Do you typically hold an initial pretrial conference in criminal cases? If so, what issues do you want counsel to be able to address at each conference in addition to those addressed under Local Rule 117.1(a)?

A41: Yes. I follow the local rule.

Q42: Do you typically hold an initial pretrial conference in civil cases?

A42: No.

Q43: When do you set a deadline for the filing of proposed voir dire, proposed jury instructions and/or special verdict form, witness and exhibits lists, motions in limine? Typically, how far in advance of trial are these deadlines?

A43: At the latest on the Friday before Monday’s empanelment.

Q44: Do you require that proposed voir dire, verdict forms and/or jury instructions be filed in any particular form (i.e., courtesy electronic copy to your deputy clerk in Word or WordPerfect format, etc.)

A44: At the latest on the Friday before Monday’s empanelment.

Q45: Do you set a page limit for motions in limine? If so, what is it?

A45: Yes, 20 pages.

Q46: Do you typically hear motions in limine at the final pretrial conference?

A46: No

Q47: Do you typically resolve motions in limine at the final pretrial conference?

A47: No

Q48: Do you typically hear and/or resolve Daubert motions at the final pretrial conference?

A48: Daubert motions ought be resolved before the close of discovery so a different expert may be substituted if necessary.

Q49: Do you require the parties to provide a courtesy copy of trial exhibits to the Court before trial?

A49: No

Q50: If courtesy copies of trial exhibits are required, when do you require them?

A50: No, though I welcome them.

Q51: If courtesy copies of trial exhibits are required, what particular form is required?

A51: Inapplicable

Q52: Do you require trial exhibits to be pre-marked? If so, please describe your practice?

A52: Yes, numbers when in evidence without regard to which party proffers them. Letters for identification A to Z then AA, AB, AC, not AA, BB, CC.

Criminal - Scheduling Trials

Q53: Typically, when do you set a trial date in criminal cases?

A53: At the initial case management conference.

Q54: Typically, when do you set a trial date in civil cases?

A54: At the initial case management conference.

Q55: What is your typical trial schedule?

A55: 9 am to 1 pm

Q56: In civil cases, do you set time limits for counsel for opening statements, the presentation of evidence and/or closing arguments? If so, please describe your practice?

A56: Generally 15 minutes per side for opening statements, 30 minutes per side for closing arguments. The number of trial days is worked out by agreement at the final pre-trial conference. I keep time.

Criminal - Jury Selection

Q57: Please describe your jury selection process.

A57: I question the venire, handle excuses, seat the requisite number, ask each juror to say a few words about where they work and what they do, entertain preremptories (plaintiff or prosecution first then defense; no back strikes; on next round defense goes first and so on ). I pick the foreperson.

Q58: Under what circumstances, if any, have you or would you consider using a juror questionnaire?

A58: In cases with a great deal of publicity. In these cases the struck system is sometimes preferable.

Q59: If you would consider the use of a jury questionnaire, when and in what form should it be proposed?

A59: Questionnaires ought be short (preferably one page) and address knowledge of cases and potential bias, not an excursion into the potential jurors' personal history.

Q60: Have you or would you consider allowing attorney voir dire?

A60: No

Q61: In civil trials, typically what number of jurors do you seat?

A61: 12.

Q62: In criminal trials, typically how many alternate jurors do you seat?

A62: 2.

General Trial Practice - Trial Practices

Q63: Do you require counsel to use the podium during openings, examination of witnesses and/or closings?

A63: No

Q64: How many rounds of examination do you typically allow?

A64: No limits. The rules of evidence govern.

Q65: Under what, if any, circumstances, will you allow a rebuttal case?

A65: Under appropriate circumstances, but this ought happen rarely.

Q66: Do you have any preferences about the use of chalks during openings and closings?

A66: I’d like to be advised beforehand.

Q67: Do you have any particular practice in regard to jury charge conferences? If so, please describe it.

A67: I lead off explaining how I propose to charge and we discuss.

Q68: Do you provide a written copy of your jury charge to the jury?

A68: Yes, if the deliberations go into a second day.

Q69: Will you consider counsel's proposals of a special verdict form? If so, should it be in any particular format?

A69: Yes. No format is required but I favor general verdicts.

Q70: If you have any preferences or practices about pretrial or trial matters that has not been solicited by the prior questions, please describe them here.

A70: Respondent skipped this question

Q71: If you have any particular practices as to bench trials, please describe them.

-A71: No reading of depositions. I’ll read them on my own.

Criminal - Sentencing/Revocation Hearings

Q72: Do you require a sentencing memorandum in every case?

A72: No, but I welcome them. I ought receive them in time to read and reflect on them.

Q73: If you do not require a sentencing memorandum in every case, when would it be helpful to you?

A73: No, but I welcome them. I ought to receive them in time to read and reflect on them.

Q74: Under what, if any, circumstances, would you consider an expedited sentencing?

A74: When the likely time of incarceration is less than the usual time to prepare.

Q75: Do you have any particular practices regarding the presentation of victim impact statements at sentencing?

A75: Such presentations ought come early in the hearing, before the guideline calculation and the arguments of counsel and allocution.

Q76: Under what, if any circumstances, would you consider the postponement of a sentencing hearing?

A76: When such postponement could favor the defendant and the government does not object.

Q77: Do you have any particular practices as to revocation matters?

A77: No.

Standing Orders & Miscellaneous Matters

Q78: If your session has any standing orders, please attach them here.

A78: Respondent skipped this question

Q79: Order #2

A79: Respondent skipped this question

Q80: Order #3

A80: Respondent skipped this question

Q81: If there is any other guidance about your court practices and preferences that you would like to share with counsel that has not been solicited by any of the prior questions, please provide it here.

A81: Respondent skipped this question