Rule 239.7.Motion for Summary Judgment. Local Rule 1035.2(a).

Adopted October 24, 2003 · Not amended since adoption · Last verified June 30, 2026

In one sentenceEvery court must adopt a local rule, numbered Local Rule 1035.2(a), describing how it schedules, argues, and decides motions for summary judgment, and that rule may set filing and notice requirements.

Full Text of Rule 239.7

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Every court shall promulgate a local rule, numbered Local Rule 1035.2(a), which describes the court’s procedures for the disposition of motions for summary judgment and which

(1) shall set forth the manner in which motions for summary judgment are scheduled, argued and decided, and

(2) may impose requirements upon a party to

(i) transmit the original and/or copies of the motion and related legal papers to a judge or other court personnel,

(ii) notify other parties of the date, time and location of a court proceeding, and

(iii) file briefs.

End

Plain-English Summary

Parallel to the judgment-on-the-pleadings rule, this rule requires each court to publish its summary-judgment motion procedure under the fixed number Local Rule 1035.2(a). The local rule must set out how summary-judgment motions are scheduled, argued, and decided, and may require a party to deliver copies to the judge or staff, notify other parties of the hearing, and file briefs.

As the Official Note observes, the statewide summary-judgment rules — including the thirty-day window to respond — continue to apply alongside the local rule, which supplies only the local mechanics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the procedure for a summary judgment motion?

In Local Rule 1035.2(a), which every court must promulgate under this rule.

Official Note

Official Note: The procedural requirements of Rule 1035.1 et seq., including the thirty-day period of Rule 1035.3(a) in which to file a response to the motion, shall not be altered by a local rule.

Amendment History

The provisions of this Rule 239.7 adopted October 24, 2003, effective 9 months after the date of the Order, 33 Pa.B 5506.

Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. This rule has not been amended since its adoption. Last verified June 30, 2026. · Official text

Also known as: local rule 1035.2(a)summary judgment procedure