Blair County Local Rules - Civil

Overview of Order Adopting Local Rules

On June 5, 2015, the Court of Common Pleas of Blair County issued an order rescinding all previous Civil Local Rules (B. C. L. R. ) and adopting a new set of rules. The order was signed by President Judge Jolene Grubb Kopriva and certified by Prothonotary & Clerk of Courts Carol A. Newman.

Key Procedural Requirements

The order outlines specific steps required to make these rules official and effective:

• Submission for Approval: The court submitted specific rules (including Cover Page, Rule to Show Cause, Content of Motions, and Summary Judgment) for approval by the Civil Procedural Rules Committee.
• Filing Requirements: Certified copies of the rules must be filed with:
  • The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts.
  • The Legislative Bureau (including a computer diskette) for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
  • The Civil Procedural Rules Committee.
• Public Access: A copy must be available for inspection and copying in the office of the prothonotary.
• Effective Date: The rules become effective no less than 30 days after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

Definitions (Rule 76)

The document provides definitions for key terms used in civil litigation within Blair County:

• Blair County Bar Association Mediation Program: A voluntary alternative dispute resolution tool using experienced local bar members as neutral mediators.
• Pretrial Conference: A meeting to discuss case posture and settlement preparation; a formal narrative is required.
• Settlement Conference/Judicial Mediation: A meeting to resolve the action; parties with settlement authority (including insurance adjusters) must attend in person unless excused.
• Status Conference: An early meeting to discuss discovery limits and alternative dispute resolution; no pretrial narratives are necessary.
• Summary Jury Trial: An expedited proceeding to promote settlement; attendance of parties with authority to settle is mandatory.

Arbitration Scheduling Request

The document includes a form titled "Arbitration Scheduling Request" (Attachment "E") for use in the Court of Common Pleas. This form requires:

• Amount in Controversy: Selection of ranges from "$2,000. 00 or Less" up to "$25,000 to $50,000. "
• Estimated Time: Selection of "1/2 Day" or "Full Day. "
• Party Information: Names, addresses, and phone numbers for the Plaintiff, Defendant, and any Additional Defendants.
• Certification: A statement certifying that the case is ready for trial, confirmed with all counsel of record.