Should you try a case in the Southern District of Florida anytime soon, you will undoubtedly focus on your opening statement, direct and cross examinations, and closing argument. These things will help you win your case, but you’ll also want to keep your judge and law clerks happy by being familiar with the amendments to the local rules addressing handling of exhibits.

You’ll find your roadmap to handling exhibits in recently amended local Rule 5.3. For starters, the rule provides that a copy of all exhibits should be provided to the clerk of court, so be sure to have an extra copy of your exhibits at trial. One of the judicial staff members, such as a law clerk, will likely be in charge of collecting copies of exhibits as they are introduced and providing them to the clerk of court.