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Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr.

Chambers Directory

Courtroom: 7.300
Chambers: 9.240

Courtroom Deputy and Chambers Phone Number: Kimberly Sheffield - 801-524-6730
Chambers Email: utdecf_nielson@utd.uscourts.gov

Law Clerks:
Jamin Dowdy - 801-524-6733
Burke Snowden - 801-524-6731
Wesley White - 801-524-6732

Court Reporter: Teena Green - 801-910-4092
Scheduling Clerk: 801-524-6730
Docketing Clerk: 801-524-6618

 

Practices & Procedures

 

I. Contact Information

A. Email

utdecf_nielson@utd.uscourts.gov

  • Please include the case name and number in the email subject line.
  • Except in rare circumstances, opposing counsel should be copied on any email correspondence with chambers.

B. Telephone

  • Telephone calls to chambers regarding scheduling and procedural matters are permitted, but email correspondence copying opposing counsel generally is preferred.

C. Mail

  • Copies of correspondence between counsel should not be sent to the court by mail.

D. Courtroom

  • Parties are advised to check the daily court calendar to verify which courtroom is being used before appearing in person.

E. Faxes

II. Standing Orders in Civil Cases

Judge Nielson’s civil standing order applies to all civil cases and is available for download: Civil Standing Order (pdf).

III. Proposed Orders

In addition to attaching a copy of the order to the motion, counsel must email a copy of any proposed orders directly to chambers at utdecf_nielson@utd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders emailed to chambers must be editable and in Word format. A Word template for proposed orders is available: Proposed Orders Template (docx).

IV. E-mails to Chambers

All emails to chambers should clearly identify the case name and number and adhere to the email rules above. Counsel should not send attachments that are not central to the matter raised in the email unless specifically requested or necessary for adjudication.

V. Page Limitations and Briefing Rules

Page limitations for motions and memoranda are set forth in the Local Rules. See DUCivR 7-1. Requests for overlength motions and memoranda require good cause and a showing of exceptional circumstances.

VI. TRO/PI Motions

TRO and preliminary injunction motions should be supported by briefing and evidentiary materials sufficient to allow the court to decide them without a hearing. See DUCivR 7-1(f). Absent extraordinary circumstances, Judge Nielson generally will not consider a TRO motion without providing an opportunity for the opposing party or counsel to respond. Requirements for obtaining an ex parte TRO are set forth in Rule 65(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.

VII. Hearings and Appearances

Hearings on motions generally are scheduled after briefing is complete. The court generally holds status conferences and hears legal argument on motions by videoconference (Zoom). By contrast, the court conducts trials (including final pretrial conferences) and evidentiary hearings in person. Parties seeking an exception the court's general practice should notify the court. 

VIII. Sentencing Hearings

The court holds all sentencing hearings and revocation hearings in person. Criminal defendants must be physically present in the courtroom for such hearings.

IX. Related Resources

Updated: 07/29/2026