Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s rules

Does Judge Kitchens, Dean J. require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions in limine. Motions in limine must be filed with statutory notice for hearing at final status conference per LASC Rule 3.25(f)(2) and comply with Rule 3.57.

View ruleSource: page 3, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

What page or word limits apply to discovery conference statement before Judge Kitchens, Dean J.?

Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s rule states these limits: 2 pages. Excludes exhibits. Discovery conference statements are limited to 2 pages, no exhibits, e-filed 5 court days before the conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section DISCOVERY MOTIONS

How may parties contact Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email smcdept30@lacourt.org. Counsel should email smcdept30@lacourt.org to submit on a tentative ruling.

View ruleSource: page 2, section MOTIONS

How does Judge Kitchens, Dean J. handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Counsel must comply with CRC 2.550 and 2.551 for sealing documents; non-compliance may lead to rejection and delays.

View ruleSource: page 2, section MOTIONS

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Kitchens, Dean J.?

Judge Kitchens, Dean J.'s rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. Trial continuance requests must be made via noticed motion or ex parte application when appropriate.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

Does Judge Kitchens, Dean J. require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Kitchens, Dean J. requires bundling for covered papers. Exhibits must be provided in 3-ring binders: 5 copies plus binders for court, witness, opposing counsel, and self.

View ruleSource: page 5, section EXHIBITS

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Kitchens, Dean J.?

A fee is required for covered filings. Jury fees must be paid by the case management conference per CCP Section 631.

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

Is electronic filing required before Judge Kitchens, Dean J.?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Discovery conference statements must be e-filed with the court.

View ruleSource: page 2, section DISCOVERY MOTIONS

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Kitchens, Dean J.?

The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Case management statements must be filed at least 15 days before the hearing per CRC 3.725(a).

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRE-TRIAL INFORMATION

What rule applies to service for trial document before Judge Kitchens, Dean J.?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: 5 calendar days before deadline. Trial documents must be served on opposing counsel 5 days before final status conference per LASC Rule 3.25(f)(1).

View ruleSource: page 3, section TRIAL PROCEDURES
Complete rules summary for Judge Kitchens, Dean J.

Counsel should email smcdept30@lacourt.org to submit on a tentative ruling.

Case management statements must be filed at least 15 days before the hearing per CRC 3.725(a).

Plaintiff must submit a declaration of service efforts 5 days before case management conference if all defendants are not served.

Jury fees must be paid by the case management conference per CCP Section 631.

Trial continuance requests must be made via noticed motion or ex parte application when appropriate.

Counsel must comply with CRC 2.550 and 2.551 for sealing documents; non-compliance may lead to rejection and delays.

Moving parties must immediately notify the court if a motion is taken off-calendar or continued per CRC 3.1304(b).

Informal discovery conferences are strongly encouraged before filing motions to compel, typically held Mondays at 1:30.

Discovery conference statements are limited to 2 pages, no exhibits, e-filed 5 court days before the conference.

Discovery conference statements must be e-filed with the court.

Trial documents must be filed and served on opposing counsel 5 days before final status conference per LASC Rule 3.25(f)(1).

Trial documents must be served on opposing counsel 5 days before final status conference per LASC Rule 3.25(f)(1).

Motions in limine must be filed with statutory notice for hearing at final status conference per LASC Rule 3.25(f)(2) and comply with Rule 3.57.

Daily jury fees are billed to counsel; proof of payment must be submitted to clerk by the next day before trial resumes.

Exhibits must be provided in 3-ring binders: 5 copies plus binders for court, witness, opposing counsel, and self.

Jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.

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