Vernon D. Oliver

United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut

Staff Information

Courtroom Deputy	(860) 240-3889
Court Reporter	(203) 809-0848
Law Clerks	(860) 240-3218

ABRAHAM RIBICOFF FEDERAL BUILDING
United States Courthouse
450 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Chamber's Telephone	860-240-3218
Clerk's Office Telephone	860-240-3200

Law Clerk Hiring

Judge Oliver accepts law clerk applications through OSCAR. Judge Oliver has completed hiring for the 2026 and 2027 terms. Judge Oliver intends to accept clerkship applications in the summer of 2026 for the 2028-2029 term.

Law Student Intern Hiring

Judge Oliver has completed hiring for Summer 2026. Judge Oliver is accepting applications for law student externs for Spring 2027. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample (no longer than ten pages), 2-3 references, and law school transcript with at least one year of grades to VDO_chambers@ctd.uscourts.gov. Externs are expected to work at the courthouse at least twice a week. Due to the volume of applications, Chambers staff cannot reply to or provide a status update for each application. Selected applicants will be contacted for interviews in October or November 2026.

Judge Tabs

Pretrial Preferences

Pretrial Preferences:

To safeguard the rule against ex parte communications, and to further the public’s interest in pending court proceedings, Judge Oliver prefers parties and their counsel to communicate case-related inquiries through the docket, rather than through phone calls or emails to chambers, regardless of the nature of the inquiry. To that end, Judge Oliver does not accept informal letters or communications from litigants (or from others, pertaining to any case), and asks that the Clerk’s Office return such submissions to the sender, without review thereof.

Standing Order to Litigants, Regarding Letters to the Court

Chambers copies for civil case filings by counsel in excess of 25 pages

For any case in which a party is represented by counsel, counsel must promptly mail or deliver to chambers a single courtesy hard copy of any filing, including exhibits, attachments, or supporting memoranda of law, if the filing (taken together with those exhibits, attachments, or memoranda) exceeds 25 pages in length.

This requirement for a chambers copy applies only to filings by counsel for represented parties and does not apply to self-represented litigants. Nor does this rule apply to filings in criminal cases.

Chambers copies may be printed double-sided. All chambers copies should be printed from the docket and should bear the ECF header of the Court’s electronic filing system. All chambers copies must be properly ordered and tabbed. Any chambers copy that cannot be securely stapled must be placed in a three-ring binder or bound in some other fashion on the left side (e.g., Velo bound or GBC bound).

Formatting of Motions and Memoranda of Law

The parties are reminded that pursuant to the District’s Electronic Filing Policies and Procedures, memoranda of law and other documents filed electronically should be submitted in PDF format and be text searchable via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology.

Counsel need not attach as exhibits unreported cases cited in a memorandum of law unless the case is not available on Westlaw.

Motions for Extension of Time

At any point, when filing a motion for extension of time or a motion for continuance in criminal cases, Judge Oliver requires parties to indicate the following: (1) any pending state criminal cases involving the defendant, (2) the nature of the charges in the pending state criminal case, (3) the date of the next state court proceeding and whether it is scheduled for sentencing , and (4) whether there are any identified victims in a state proceeding. If there are no pending state criminal cases involving the defendant, the parties shall indicate so.

Judge Oliver requires that any motions for extension of time be filed strictly in accordance with D. Conn. Local Rule 7(b), which requires that any motion be filed at least three business days in advance of the due date; that it reflect the opposing party’s position on the motion; that it indicate the number of motions for extension of time the movant has previously filed with respect to the same time limitation; and that it establish particularized good cause for the extension request. Motions for extension of time that do not comply with D. Conn. Local Rule 7(b) may be denied.

If counsel requires an expedited decision on a motion to extend time, he or she must supply Judge Oliver’s chambers with a courtesy copy of the motion and a cover letter explaining the need for an expedited decision.

Settlement

Judge Oliver encourages the parties to discuss settlement as soon as possible. Nearly all civil cases settle, and in most cases, the Court will at some point refer the parties to mediation with a U.S. Magistrate Judge to explore the potential for settlement. The sooner that occurs, the less expensive the case will be for the parties. The Court understands that sometimes it is necessary to conduct some discovery before the parties can engage in a productive mediation. In those cases, the Court encourages the parties to discuss exchanging limited discovery, perhaps including one deposition by each party and the written discovery necessary to prepare for that deposition, before proceeding to mediation. But the parties may begin settlement discussions at any time, either by themselves or with the assistance of a U.S. Magistrate Judge. Should the parties wish at any time to be referred to a Magistrate Judge for mediation, they need only so indicate to the Court by filing a joint statement making such a request (which may be as short as a single sentence), or by filing a statement by one party representing in good faith that counsel for all parties have conferred and agree that such a referral would be appropriate.

26(f) Reports

The Rule 26(f) Report should provide the Court with a meaningful overview of the case and should serve as a vehicle for parties to consider the factual and legal nature and basis for the claims and defenses asserted or to be asserted, the possibilities of settlement, and the desired discovery. Judge Oliver independently determines whether a scheduling conference with the Court is necessary, but he will consider whether the parties have requested a scheduling conference in their Rule 26(f) Report.

Provided counsel are reasonable and efficient in the selection of deadlines for the completion of discovery and the filing of dispositive motions, the Rule 26(f) Report will usually serve as the basis for the initial scheduling order in the case. Generally, Judge Oliver prefers that the parties propose a schedule that will allow for the close of all discovery within twelve months from the date of the filing of the Rule 26(f) Report. If the parties believe that more than twelve months is required to complete discovery, then they should explain why additional time is needed. Absent an explanation from the parties why more than twelve months is needed, Judge Oliver may enter an order to complete discovery at the end of twelve months even if the parties have requested additional time. Once a scheduling order is entered, Judge Oliver expects parties to follow the schedule and will modify it only upon a showing of good cause.

Rule 26(f) Reports must include actual deadline dates, even if such deadlines are tied to earlier events in a case.

Discovery

The filing of a motion to dismiss shall not result in a stay of discovery or extend the time for completing discovery absent extraordinary circumstances and the filing and approval of a motion to stay discovery.

Judge Oliver may decide discovery disputes himself or may refer them to a U.S. Magistrate Judge.

Even after a discovery dispute has been briefed, Judge Oliver expects the parties to continue to attempt to resolve the dispute themselves prior to Court intervention.

All interim discovery deadlines may be amended by agreement of the parties without the Court's approval provided those amendments do not delay the deadline for completion of all discovery.

Dispositive Motions

In all cases except bankruptcy appeals, social security appeals, habeas cases, or cases in which a party is proceeding pro se, Judge Oliver requires parties to request a pre-filing conference before filing motions to dismiss, for judgment on the pleadings, or for summary judgment.

To request a pre-filing conference, the moving party shall file and serve a detailed letter motion of no more than three (3) pages in length setting forth the basis for the anticipated motion and a proposed briefing schedule. All parties served with a pre-filing conference letter shall serve and file a letter response of no more than three (3) pages within five (5) business days from service of the moving party’s letter. Service of the letter motion within the time requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 12 or 56, or any other applicable filing or service deadline, shall constitute timely service of a motion made pursuant to those provisions. The moving party may not file a reply letter without leave of Court.

If the motion is for summary judgment under Rule 56, the moving party’s pre-filing conference letter must also include a preliminary copy of the Local Rule 56(a)1 Statement of Undisputed Facts. Non-moving parties shall have ten (10) business days to file a response letter and a preliminary copy of the Local Rule 56(a)(2) Statement of Facts in Opposition to Summary Judgment. Parties are not required to file the evidence referenced in their preliminary Local Rule 56(a) statements.

The purpose of the requirement is to encourage lawyers to discuss the proposed motion in much the same way lawyers are now accustomed to discussing discovery disputes before submitting them to court. A request for a pre-filing conference regarding a proposed motion to dismiss should be made as soon as possible after service of the summons and complaint.

Attorney Affidavits

Judge Oliver does not require that documentary exhibits and deposition transcripts attached to dispositive motions be identified or authenticated via attorney affidavit. However, to the extent there is a known dispute as to the identification or authentication of any document, appropriate affidavits should be submitted.

Oral Arguments on Motions

Requests for oral argument should be made in accordance with Local Rule 7(a).

In deciding whether to hold oral argument, Judge Oliver gives strong consideration to whether the parties have so requested. If Judge Oliver concludes that oral argument would not be helpful, then he may rule on a dispositive motion without oral argument.

He does not have a motion day but hears oral arguments as his schedule permits. When Judge Oliver hears oral argument, he usually is an active questioner.

Judge Oliver ordinarily decides dispositive motions by means of a written ruling. Under some circumstances, however, the Court may issue an oral ruling from the bench following an oral argument on a motion. A copy of any oral ruling may be obtained by the parties from the court reporter

The Court encourages the practice of allowing junior members of the bar to argue motions that they helped to prepare. To facilitate this practice, Judge Oliver permits counsel to “split” the issues to be argued. That is, the Court will permit a second, more senior lawyer to argue as well if doing so will create an opportunity for a junior lawyer to participate.

Judge Oliver recognizes that the ultimate decision of who speaks on behalf of the client is for counsel or the client, not the Court.

Referral to Magistrate Judges

Judge Oliver may refer discovery motions to a Magistrate Judge and will refer settlement conferences to a Magistrate Judge upon request of the parties. Parties interested in referral for mediation or settlement conference should file a joint statement making such a request (which may be as short as a single sentence), or file a statement by one party representing in good faith that counsel for all parties have conferred and agree that such a referral would be appropriate.

Requests to Reschedule

Requests to reschedule scheduled court proceedings, including telephonic conferences, should be made by motion. Counsel should identify three (3) alternative dates on which counsel for all parties are available. When the motion is not filed jointly, counsel should indicate the position of the non-moving party.

Special Proceedings

Judge Oliver will not grant ex parte relief on motions for temporary restraining orders unless the movant can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances. When a party seeks ex parte relief, Judge Oliver will usually ask that party’s attorney to try to reach the opposing party or its counsel by telephone. Motions for preliminary injunctions are scheduled for a telephone conference at an early opportunity to determine whether discovery is required and to encourage the parties to combine the preliminary injunction hearing with a trial on the merits. Motions for prejudgment remedies are often referred to a Magistrate Judge.

Change of Plea Hearings

Counsel are directed to meet and confer as necessary regarding the calculation of the Total Offense Level, Criminal History Category and Criminal History Score before finalizing the written plea agreement and providing it to the Court. Counsel may seek guidance from the United States Probation Office if there is uncertainty regarding the aforementioned calculations.

Counsel are directed to have a final copy of the written plea agreement emailed to the Courtroom Deputy at least two days before the hearing date. Failure to abide by this rule may result in a continuance.

Policy on AI Research

Over time, legal research has changed for the better, moving from books to online databases. Now, attorneys and pro se litigants alike have begun to use artificial intelligence ("AI") to assist with legal research. The Court appreciates the reality that AI as a legal research tool is here to stay.

As with past changes in legal research, AI may ultimately prove a helpful tool to assist pro se litigants in bringing meritorious cases to the courts. AI may also allow attorneys to move more quickly through certain tasks, and thus to better assist their clients. But AI also presents risks: Namely, "hallucinated" cases or otherwise patently incorrect statements of law.

For these reasons, attorneys and pro se litigants alike should exercise great caution in submitting any AI-generated language in filings before the Court. Use of AI without verification of the accuracy of the information it generates–like any other shoddy research method from other sources or tools–implicates Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, the central purpose of which is to deter baseless filings in district court and thus to streamline the administration and procedure of the federal courts. Rule 11 applies fully to actions filed by pro se litigants.

Therefore, all parties are on notice that the Court has a no-tolerance policy for any briefing (AI-assisted or not) that hallucinates legal propositions or otherwise severely misstates the law. Such filings will often result in sanctions absent reasonable excuse. See generally Willis v. U.S. Bank Nat'l Ass'n as Tr., Igloo Series Tr., No. 3:25-CV-516-BN, 2025 WL 1408897 (N.D. Tex. May 15, 2025).

Broadcasting In-Person Proceedings

Judge Oliver does not allow remote public access to in-person proceedings, and the Court will not provide links or dial-in information to broadcasts of such proceedings. Members of the public are welcome to contact the Clerk’s Office for information on where to attend in-person proceedings.

Trial Preferences

Trial Preferences:

Joint Trial Memorandum Instructions (last updated June 12, 2025)

Jury Selection

Judge Oliver’s jury selection date is typically the third Tuesday of each month. Judge Oliver will explain his method of jury selection at the Final Pre-Trial Conference. Jury selection ordinarily lasts between a half-day and full day depending on the type and number of cases for which juries are being selected. Depending on the progression of jury selection, Judge Oliver may not take a full lunch hour recess.

Hours of Day for Trial

Judge Oliver’s typical trial day lasts from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a forty-five-minute lunch break and fifteen-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon. Counsel should report at 9:00 a.m. and also be prepared to stay after the trial day is complete as necessary to deal with objections and procedural matters.

Days of Week for Trial

Judge Oliver ordinarily conducts trial four or five days a week.

Opening Statements

For civil cases, Judge Oliver allows short opening statements for each side. For criminal jury cases, any party wishing to give an opening statement may file a motion for permission to do so.

Closing Arguments

Judge Oliver generally allows closing arguments of up to one hour per side, unless the needs of the case require a shorter or longer time period.

Marking and Moving Exhibits into Evidence

Judge Oliver encourages counsel to agree in advance of trial which exhibits will be admissible without necessity to lay a foundation at trial and that may be deemed automatically admitted as full exhibits upon tender of each exhibit to a witness at trial.

Production of Exhibits to the Court

Judge Oliver's Joint Trial Memorandum Instructions provides instructions about provision of exhibits to the Court. Further questions can be answered by the Courtroom Deputy.

Procedural Motions and Arguments

Judge Oliver's Joint Trial Memorandum Instructions require the parties to file motions in limine at the time the Joint Trial Memorandum is submitted. Because of this, he deals with many of these motions at pretrial conferences or at oral argument before trial. Nonetheless, should additional issues arise at trial, Judge Oliver expects counsel to alert him to potential problem areas in advance whenever possible. He hears argument on such matters before the commencement of the trial day or during breaks.

Evidentiary Objections During Jury Trial

When in the presence of the jury, a party must state the basis for any objections in as few words as possible (e.g., “Objection, hearsay” or “Objection, foundation”) and without argument or further elaboration unless Judge Oliver requests more detail. If counsel requests, Judge Oliver will explain the basis for his ruling on an objection at the next break and outside the presence of the jury.

Jury Instructions and Charge

Judge Oliver’s Instructions for Joint Trial Memorandum, applicable in both civil and criminal matters, require the parties to submit proposed jury instructions at the time the Joint Trial Memorandum is submitted. After the parties meet and confer to narrow the range of disputes and submit a list of the disputed instructions, Judge Oliver will address the disputes. He will prepare a draft of the instructions, provide it to the parties during the trial, and hold a charge conference a day or two before giving the charge.

Jurors in a Civil Case

The number of jurors selected in a civil case depends on the expected length of the case. At least seven will be selected, and usually eight.

Juror Notebooks

Judge Oliver allows counsel to provide the jurors with binders containing exhibits that are in evidence.

Juror Notes

The court permits note taking by jurors and supplies notebooks for juror use.

Counsel Placement in Court

Judge Oliver requires counsel to request permission to approach a witness or hand up documents and should identify the exhibit being handed up. Attorneys are typically required to stand at a podium while questioning witnesses, though they are permitted to approach the witness as necessary.

Miscellaneous

Judge Oliver expects re-direct examination to be brief and limited to new issues arising out of cross examination. He does not allow re-cross examination.

Judge Oliver prefers to deal with issues in advance of and outside the evidence presentation of the trial day. He encourages attorneys to raise issues requiring his attention as far in advance as possible so that they can be dealt with at the beginning or end of the trial day or during a break.

Juror Charge

Judge Oliver’s Joint Trial Memorandum Instructions require proposed charges to be submitted. He prepares a draft of the charge, provides it to counsel during the trial, and holds a charge conference a day or two before giving the charge. Judge Oliver charges the jury before closing arguments. He spends a few minutes after the closings to give the jurors some additional information about logistical matters so that there is a buffer between the arguments and deliberations.

Post-Verdict Communications with Jurors

Judge Oliver does not permit lawyers to communicate with jurors, but he sometimes speaks with jurors after the trial is over.

Technology

The parties should familiarize themselves with and test-run in advance of trial the courtroom’s technology system for exhibits. It is usually the case that all exhibits except physical objects are shown to the Court and/or the jury during trial through the Court’s technology rather than in paper form. Counsel are encouraged to contact the Courtroom Deputy to set up a pre-trial run through of the technology, or for any other technical assistance.

Counsel intending to use their own laptops for presentation of evidence or other materials should advise the Courtroom Deputy ahead of time. They should also be advised that the courtroom has only HDMI (not mini-HDMI) and VGA video input cables. If a computer cannot accept either of these cables, counsel will need to supply their own cable adaptor.

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