District court — civil · Discovery
Initial Disclosures (Rule 26(a)(1))
Discloses witnesses, documents, damages computation and insurance without a request.
Filed by: Each party · Served on the parties, not filed with the court.
Not yet verified. Compiled from the national rules and not yet verified by a reviewing attorney. The national rules are amended each December 1, and local rules, standing orders and judges' practices add to them. Confirm with the current rules before filing. This is not legal advice.
What it must include
- Witnesses likely to have discoverable information (FRCP 26(a)(1)(A)(i))
- Copies or descriptions of documents and ESI (ii)
- Computation of damages (iii)
- Insurance agreements (iv)
- Signature certifying completeness (FRCP 26(g)(1))
- Served on parties — not filed with the court (FRCP 5(d)(1)(A))
Deadline and length
Deadline: Within 14 days after the Rule 26(f) conference unless stipulated or ordered otherwise (FRCP 26(a)(1)(C)).
Governing rules
- FRCP 26(a)(1)
- FRCP 5(d)(1)(A)
Check the local rules for
- Exempt case categories
- Assigned judge’s individual practices or standing orders
Applies in federal district courts. Find your court for its local requirements.
Other discovery
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