These 640 rules apply across Los Angeles Superior Court. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.
All electronic filings must comply with California Rules of Court Rule 2.257 (electronic signature requirements).
Referee reports for pretrial matters must include a place for the judge to enter an order if accepted.
Paternity questionnaire must be completed by mother and father and filed with the court in all dependency cases.
Electronic filings received between 12:00 am and 11:59:59 pm on a court day are deemed filed that day; filings on non-court days deemed filed next court day.
If e-filing fails due to service interruption, non-filer transmission error, or post-receipt processing failure, the court may order the document deemed filed as of the attempted transmission date.
Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be e-filed by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.
Parties must file documents with court and provide copies to temporary judge/referee.
Copy of completed LACIV 109 form must be served with summons and complaint or petition.
Motions to relate cases must be served on all parties listed in the Notice of Related Cases with proof of service attached.
Represented litigants must electronically file all documents through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider (EFSP).
Certain document types (peremptory challenges, bonds, trial exhibits, certain ex parte applications, conditionally sealed documents) are prohibited from electronic filing.
Notice of Lodgment must be electronically filed; attachments to Notice of Lodgment must be lodged in paper form.
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Judge Michael Small is a judge in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, a state trial court serving Los Angeles County.
Judge Small's procedures are published through the court's general rules.
Courtesy copies are required for motion in limine. Details: 1 copy, delivery one day before fsc, by chambers drop off. For motions in limine, the moving party must lodge an indexed and tabbed three-ring binder with conformed copies of all papers one day before the FSC.
The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. Parties must reserve hearing dates through CRS for all law and motion hearings except motions in limine.
The rule requires compliance with crc 3.1200. Ex parte applications must comply with California Rules of Court 3.1200 et seq.
The rule requires joint preparation and lodge next morning. If no court reporter, parties must jointly prepare a settled statement and lodge it the next morning before proceedings resume.
Parties may contact Judge Michael Small's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email SMCdept517@lacourt.ca.gov. Parties must use CRS to continue or withdraw motions and inform the courtroom via email.
Judge Michael Small's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request. Court expects parties to grant reasonable requests for extensions of time.
A fee is required for covered filings. Jury trial fees must be paid before the Case Management Conference if a jury trial is requested.
Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Remote appearances are permitted and encouraged in all matters except jury trials.
The rule states that filing is treated as not specified. Joint trial readiness documents must be served and filed at least five court days before the FSC.
Courtesy copies of motion papers are not required and will not be accepted.
For motions in limine, the moving party must lodge an indexed and tabbed three-ring binder with conformed copies of all papers one day before the FSC.
Hard copies of trial readiness documents must be assembled in three-hole binders and delivered to the Court the day before the FSC.
Joint trial readiness documents must be served and filed at least five court days before the FSC.
Case Management Statements must be filed at least 7 calendar days before the Case Management Conference.
Ex parte applications must be filed by 10:00 am on the court day before the hearing.
Remote appearances are permitted and encouraged in all matters except jury trials.
Trial counsel must meet and confer no later than 15 calendar days before each Case Management Conference.
Parties may request an informal discovery conference by filing form LACIV094 after unsuccessful meet and confer.
Ex parte applications must comply with California Rules of Court 3.1200 et seq.
Court strongly encourages use of CACI jury instructions without deviation.
Court strongly encourages use of CACI verdict forms without deviation.
If no court reporter, parties must jointly prepare a settled statement and lodge it the next morning before proceedings resume.
Speaking objections in the presence of the jury are prohibited.
Jury trial fees must be paid before the Case Management Conference if a jury trial is requested.
Fee-waived parties may request an official court reporter by filing form LACIV 2699 as soon as practicable before the hearing or trial.
Court expects parties to grant reasonable requests for extensions of time.
Parties must reserve hearing dates through CRS for all law and motion hearings except motions in limine.
Parties must use CRS to continue or withdraw motions and inform the courtroom via email.
Court's email address for communication is SMCdept517@lacourt.ca.gov.
Court's telephone number is (213) 633-0657.