Court Rules

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

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.

Filing Requirements

All 155
  • Applies to
    Electronic filing
    Must include
    electronic signature

    All electronic filings must comply with California Rules of Court Rule 2.257 (electronic signature requirements).

  • Applies to
    Referee report

    Referee reports for pretrial matters must include a place for the judge to enter an order if accepted.

  • Applies to
    Paternity questionnaire

    Paternity questionnaire must be completed by mother and father and filed with the court in all dependency cases.

Filing Timing

All 137
  • 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.

  • Deadline
    1 calendar days

    Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be e-filed by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.

Service

All 93
  • Service
    Other to other

    Parties must file documents with court and provide copies to temporary judge/referee.

  • Applies to
    Laciv 109 copy
    Service
    Other to opposing party

    Copy of completed LACIV 109 form must be served with summons and complaint or petition.

  • Applies to
    Motion to relate cases
    Service
    Other

    Motions to relate cases must be served on all parties listed in the Notice of Related Cases with proof of service attached.

E-Filing

All 58
  • 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.

  • Applies to
    Notice of lodgment

    Notice of Lodgment must be electronically filed; attachments to Notice of Lodgment must be lodged in paper form.

About Judge Mark H. Epstein

Judge Mark H. Epstein is a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, the state trial court serving Los Angeles County.

This judge's procedures are published through the court's general rules.

Common questions about Judge Mark H. Epstein's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Mark H. Epstein?

Courtesy copies are required for exhibits. Details: 2 copies, delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. Parties must provide two sets of pre-marked exhibits in binders to the court, excluding impeachment exhibits which require two copies each.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Needed for All Trials

Does Judge Mark H. Epstein require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Mark H. Epstein's rules set a pre-motion procedure for in limine. In limine motions require meet and confer prior to filing and must be fully briefed on the regular timeline.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Needed for All Trials

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Mark H. Epstein?

Judge Mark H. Epstein's rule states these limits: 20 pages. Excludes table of contents, table of authorities, and exhibits. Jury trial briefs are optional but if filed must not exceed 20 pages exclusive of TOC, TOA, and exhibits.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Needed for Jury Trials Only

What page or word limits apply to memorandum before Judge Mark H. Epstein?

Judge Mark H. Epstein's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Settled statement memoranda must not exceed 5 pages in length.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Needed for All Trials

What must be included with witness list filings before Judge Mark H. Epstein?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties must file a joint witness list with specified details for each witness.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Needed for All Trials

What must be included with exhibit list filings before Judge Mark H. Epstein?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties must file a joint exhibit list with specified details, excluding impeachment exhibits.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Needed for All Trials

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Mark H. Epstein?

The rule identifies fee waiver availability. Court reporters are provided free to litigants with fee waivers who timely request one.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Needed for All Trials

What rule applies to service for trial brief before Judge Mark H. Epstein?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties. Jury trial briefs must be served on all parties.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Needed for Jury Trials Only
Complete rules summary for Judge Mark H. Epstein

Parties must file a joint witness list with specified details for each witness.

Parties must file a joint exhibit list with specified details, excluding impeachment exhibits.

Parties must file a joint deposition chart and lodge all deposition transcripts with the Court.

All deposition transcripts must be lodged with the Court.

In limine motions require meet and confer prior to filing and must be fully briefed on the regular timeline.

Parties must file a joint statement of unusual issues and trial technology plans.

Parties must file an updated trial length estimate, which may be binding.

Jury trial parties must file a joint short statement of the case in 1-2 non-argumentative paragraphs.

Jury trial parties must submit proposed jury instructions in proper format, with meet and confer encouraged.

Jury trial parties must submit proposed verdict forms with objections, and are encouraged to stipulate.

Jury trial parties must meet and confer on proposed jury questionnaires and submit stipulated or separate proposals.

Jury trial briefs are optional but if filed must not exceed 20 pages exclusive of TOC, TOA, and exhibits.

Jury trial briefs must be served on all parties.

Bench trial briefs are mandatory and must not exceed 25 pages exclusive of TOC, TOA, and exhibits.

Parties must provide two sets of pre-marked exhibits in binders to the court, excluding impeachment exhibits which require two copies each.

Electronic exhibits must be on a thumb drive certified to contain no malicious materials.

Settled statement memoranda must not exceed 5 pages in length.

Court reporters are provided free to litigants with fee waivers who timely request one.

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