Motion for Summary Judgment
Motion for Summary Judgment Generator
AI-powered · Attorney review option · All 50 states
Signature Requirements
Check Local Court Rules
Court filings may require wet ink or e-filing system signatures. Check your jurisdiction's e-filing rules.
Many courts now accept e-filed motions with electronic signatures. Check your court's e-filing system and local rules for signature requirements.
Sample Motion for Summary Judgment Generated by Legal Tank
Motion for Summary Judgment
Undisputed Material Facts
Pursuant to Rule 56 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rule [____________], Moving Party submits the following Statement of Undisputed Material Facts in support of its Motion for Summary Judgment. Each fact is supported by record evidence, including deposition testimony, authenticated documents, and declarations, as cited herein. Moving Party contends that none of the following facts is genuinely disputed and that, taken together, they establish Moving Party's entitlement to judgment as a matter of law on all claims asserted [against / by] Moving Party.
The following facts are not genuinely in dispute: (1) [____________]; (2) [____________]; (3) [____________]; (4) [____________]; (5) [____________]. See [Exhibit A (Deposition of [____________], [page:line]); Exhibit B ([Document Description]); Declaration of [____________] at ¶¶ [____________]]. These facts, individually and collectively, establish that [describe dispositive factual conclusion], leaving no triable issue of fact for a jury to resolve on the [claim / element / defense] at issue.
Legal Standard and Analysis
Summary judgment is appropriate when the moving party demonstrates that "there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law." Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a). A fact is "material" if it might affect the outcome of the suit under governing substantive law. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242, 248 (1986). A dispute is "genuine" only if the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the non-moving party. Id. The Court must view all facts and draw all reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the non-moving party; however, the non-moving party may not rely on mere allegations in the pleadings but must set forth specific facts showing there is a genuine dispute for trial.
To prevail on [Count I / the principal claim], [Plaintiff / Defendant] must establish: (a) [element 1]; (b) [element 2]; and (c) [element 3]. The undisputed record evidence conclusively establishes each element in Moving Party's favor. With respect to element (a), [citation to record evidence]. With respect to element (b), [citation to record evidence]. With respect to element (c), [citation to record evidence]. Non-Moving Party bears no genuine dispute on any of these elements, and no reasonable jury could find in Non-Moving Party's favor on the record presented.
Dispositive Arguments
Moving Party is entitled to summary judgment on Count [I] because [state dispositive legal principle]. The undisputed facts demonstrate that [key factual finding], which, as a matter of law, [negates an essential element / establishes an affirmative defense / conclusively establishes liability]. Plaintiff's theory of liability depends upon [disputed inference / legal theory], which this Circuit has expressly rejected in [case citation]. Because Plaintiff's entire claim rests upon this legally untenable premise, the claim fails as a matter of law regardless of any factual disputes the Court might identify in other respects.
In the alternative, Moving Party is entitled to summary judgment on the basis of [affirmative defense / immunity / limitation]. The undisputed record establishes that [describe facts supporting defense], satisfying each element of the defense as articulated in [case citation]. Non-Moving Party has adduced no evidence from which a reasonable jury could conclude that the [defense] does not apply here. The Court should therefore enter summary judgment in Moving Party's favor on all counts, or in the alternative, on the specific counts addressed in the Dispositive Arguments section.
Relief Requested
For the foregoing reasons, Moving Party respectfully requests that this Court enter an Order: (a) granting Moving Party's Motion for Summary Judgment in its entirety; (b) entering judgment in favor of Moving Party on [all counts / Counts I through ___] of [Plaintiff's Complaint / Defendant's Counterclaim]; (c) dismissing all claims asserted against Moving Party with prejudice; and (d) awarding Moving Party its costs of suit pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1920 and any applicable fee-shifting statute. A proposed form of Order is submitted herewith for the Court's consideration.
What Is a Motion for Summary Judgment?
A motion for summary judgment asks the court to enter judgment in favor of the moving party without a trial because there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Governed by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Rule 56, this motion is one of the most powerful tools in civil litigation, it can resolve an entire case or narrow the issues for trial, saving both parties the substantial expense of a full trial.
The moving party must demonstrate that the evidence in the record, depositions, affidavits, interrogatory answers, admissions, and documents, shows that no reasonable jury could find in favor of the non-moving party on the claims at issue. The court views all evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party and draws all reasonable inferences in their favor. The moving party does not need to negate the non-moving party's case; instead, it need only point to the absence of evidence supporting an essential element of the non-moving party's claim.
Once the moving party meets its initial burden, the burden shifts to the non-moving party to demonstrate that a genuine dispute of material fact exists. The non-moving party cannot rely solely on the allegations in its pleadings, it must present specific facts through evidence showing that a genuine issue exists for trial. A "genuine" dispute is one where the evidence is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict for the non-moving party. A "material" fact is one that could affect the outcome of the case under the applicable law.
Summary judgment motions can be filed for the entire case (full summary judgment) or for specific claims or defenses (partial summary judgment). They can also be filed on the issue of liability alone, leaving damages for trial. The motion is typically filed after the close of discovery, when the evidentiary record is complete, though courts may allow earlier filing in appropriate cases.
Why You Need a Motion for Summary Judgment
Discovery has closed and the evidence clearly establishes that the opposing party cannot prove one or more essential elements of their claim, there is nothing for a jury to decide.
You want to resolve the case efficiently without the expense, uncertainty, and time commitment of a full trial.
You seek partial summary judgment to narrow the issues for trial by resolving undisputed claims or defenses in advance.
The opposing party's claims are legally insufficient as a matter of law, even accepting their version of the facts.
Key Sections in a Motion for Summary Judgment
Statement of Undisputed Material Facts
A numbered list of material facts that the moving party contends are undisputed, with specific citations to the record evidence supporting each fact. This is the foundation of the motion.
Legal Standard
A brief recitation of the Rule 56 standard: no genuine dispute of material fact and entitlement to judgment as a matter of law, with the court viewing evidence in the light most favorable to the non-movant.
Legal Argument
Application of the undisputed facts to the legal elements of each claim or defense. Demonstrate that, given the undisputed facts, the non-moving party cannot establish one or more essential elements of their case.
Statement of Supporting Evidence
References to all evidence submitted in support: depositions (with page and line citations), affidavits, documentary evidence, expert reports, and admissions. Evidence must be admissible.
Prayer for Relief
Request for entry of judgment on specific claims, with specificity about whether full or partial summary judgment is sought.
Motion for Summary Judgment Legal Requirements
The movant must demonstrate that there is no genuine dispute as to any material fact and that it is entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Fed. R. Civ. P. 56(a).
The court views the evidence in the light most favorable to the non-moving party and draws all reasonable inferences in their favor. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc., 477 U.S. 242 (1986).
The movant may satisfy its burden either by presenting affirmative evidence negating an element of the non-movant's case, or by pointing to an absence of evidence to support the non-movant's case. Celotex Corp. v. Catrett, 477 U.S. 317 (1986).
Local rules typically set page limits (often 25-30 pages), require a separate statement of undisputed facts, and establish briefing schedules. Check local rules before filing.
Common Motion for Summary Judgment Mistakes to Avoid
Failing to support each undisputed fact with a specific citation to admissible evidence in the record. Unsupported factual assertions are disregarded by the court.
Presenting disputed facts as undisputed. If the opposing party has evidence contradicting a "fact," it is disputed and cannot support summary judgment. Carefully evaluate the evidence before characterizing any fact as undisputed.
Relying on inadmissible evidence. Hearsay, unauthenticated documents, and speculation cannot support a motion for summary judgment unless they fall within a recognized exception.
Filing prematurely before discovery is complete. The non-moving party may seek a continuance under Rule 56(d) if it has not had an adequate opportunity to conduct discovery.
Not addressing the non-moving party's strongest arguments. Anticipate and address the opposition's likely responses in the opening brief.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motion for Summary Judgments
What is a motion for summary judgment?
What is the standard for granting summary judgment?
How do I file a motion for summary judgment?
What evidence is needed for a summary judgment motion?
What is the difference between a motion to dismiss and a summary judgment?
How long does a summary judgment take?
Can you appeal a summary judgment?
What happens when summary judgment is denied?
More Legal Document Generators
Get a Professionally Drafted Motion for Summary Judgment
On a budget? Download the free template or use the AI generator above for a quick, affordable option.
Want a professionally drafted document instead?