Citizens across Idaho are receiving phone calls claiming that they missed federal jury duty. The scammers go to great lengths to keep you on the phone and request personal information. Do not provide any information, pay any monies for warrants or purchase any pre-paid cards from local retailers. DON'T TRUST - VERIFY with your local jury office.
Judge Hillen does not accept written or other ex parte communication with the court from parties, their counsel, or pro se litigants. Any submissions regarding the merits of a case shall be made by pleading.
Judge Hillen permits communication with his law clerks on routine, administrative matters. The law clerks will not provide legal advice. Any scheduling or appearance issues, extensions of time, or similar matters should be directed to the courtroom deputy, not the law clerks.
The courtroom deputy will assist with administrative and procedural matters, but is prohibited from giving legal advice or commenting on matters under advisement. Melanie Battle is the courtroom deputy for Judge Hillen's cases, and she can be reached at (208) 334-9396. Communication with the courtroom deputy can be made at anytime when she is available. If she is not available, a voicemail message can be left and a call will be returned as soon as possible.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Judge Hillen will conduct all non-evidentiary hearings telephonically through the end of 2020. Under normal circumstances, Judge Hillen's telephone conferences are generally limited to adversary pretrial conferences or, on rare occasions, emergency hearings where no evidence or testimony is involved. Telephone conferences must be arranged through the courtroom deputy.
Judge Hillen regularly uses video hearings for non evidentiary matters. The courtroom deputy will alert you if the hearing date and time provided will occur through video conferencing in order for you to provide proper notice of the same.
Arrangements for hearings can be made by contacting the courtroom deputy. Counsel should alert the clerk to hearings that will require extensive time.
Judge Hillen may, at his discretion, assign a case to another judge for purposes of a settlement conference or refer a case to the district's ADR program.