Hon. Richard J. Arcara

Hon. Richard J. Arcara
United States District Judge
2 Niagara Square
Buffalo, New York 14202
Telephone: (716) 551-1810

Staff Information

Judicial Assistant: Lisa Staff
Courtroom Deputy Clerk: Denise Daniels
Court Reporter: Megan Pelka - (716) 364-6449
Law Clerks: William Gillmeister, Kelsey Till Thompson

Judge Tabs

Motions

Motions:

Once a motion is filed, the Court will issue a scheduling order setting forth a date for response and oral argument. Judge Arcara prefers to have oral argument on all substantive motions and will advise the parties if he deems oral argument unnecessary.

Adjournments and Enlargements of Time

Adjournments and Enlargements of Time:

A request for an adjournment or enlargement of a deadline set forth in a prior order must be made by formal motion. Judge Arcara does not accept letters or faxes. Before filing the motion, movant shall consult with opposing counsel and ascertain whether opposing counsel consents to the request. If an adjournment is requested, movant shall discuss proposed new dates with opposing counsel to confirm counsel's availabiity. Those proposed dates shall be included in the moving papers.

Sentencing Submissions

Sentencing Submissions:

Sentencing submissions shall comply with the sentencing schedule set forth at the time of plea as well as the Local Procedural Guidelines to Govern Sentencing Procedures under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 in the Western District of New York before United States District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara and William M. Skretny effective November 1, 2007.

Injunctive and/or Expedited Relief

Requests for Injunctive and/or Expedited Relief:

Requests for injunctive relief shall be made in the form and manner set forth in Local Rule 65 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure for the Western District of New York. Requests to have the motion heard on an expedited basis must also comply with Local Rule 7(d).

Style Guide

Style Guide for Memoranda:

Judge Arcara prefers citations to the Blue Book style. If a pro se litigant is involved, opposing counsel shall include copies of unpublished cases cited in his or her memorandum of law.

Face Mask Guidance

Face Mask Guidance:

As per General Order #147, fully vaccinated staff, attorneys, jurors, and visitors may choose not to wear a mask in chambers or courtroom. Unvaccinated persons, or persons not fully vaccinated must wear masks in public spaces, courtroom, and chambers.

For Jury Selections: All persons will be masked (including counsel, case parties and court staff).

For Jury trials: The Judge will inquire of all trial jurors what their individual comfort level may be. If one or more jurors want all jurors to be masked, that will be the controlling protocol.

United States District Court

Western District of New York

Hon. Elizabeth A. Wolford, Chief Judge | Mary C. Loewenguth, Clerk of Court

You are here

Hon. Richard J. Arcara