Judge James I. Montgomery Jr.
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Documents With Declarations, Documents With Exhibits
- Upon Filing
Exhibits
- 2 copies • At Outset Of Trial
Final Status Conference Documents
- Hand Delivery • At Fsc Hearing
Lengthy Motion For Summary Judgment Or Adjudication, Lengthy Opposition To Motion For Summary Judgment Or Adjudication
- Upon Filing
Binding: Three Ring Binder
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideDocument Format Requirements17 rules
Attachments to primary documents, such as depositions, declarations, and exhibits, must be bookmarked.
Attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked (e.g. depositions, declarations, exhibits, etc.);
Each document accompanying a single pleading must be filed as a separate digital PDF document.
Each document accompanying a single pleading must be filed as a separate digital PDF document;
The table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked.
The table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked;
Electronic documents must be e-filed in PDF format that is text searchable when technologically feasible without impairment of the document's image.
Electronic documents must be electronically filed in PDF, test searchable format when technologically feasible without impairment of the document's image;
Electronic documents (including declarations, proofs of service, and exhibits) must be bookmarked per CRC 3.1110(f)(4), with links to each bookmarked item's first page and titles that identify and briefly describe the item.
Electronic documents, including but not limited to, declarations, proofs of service, and exhibits, must be bookmarked within the document pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.1110(f)(4). Electronic bookmarks must include links to the first page of each bookmarked item (e.g. exhibit, declaration, deposition excerpt) and with bookmark titles that identify the bookmarked item and briefly describe the item;
All electronically filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked.
Deposition excerpts referenced in briefs must be marked on the transcripts attached as exhibits.
All deposition excerpts referenced in briefs must be marked on the transcripts attached as exhibits. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1116(c).)
Trial exhibits must be placed in one or more 3-ring binders and properly marked.
The exhibits shall be placed in one or more 3-ring binders for ease of access and shall be properly marked.
Special jury instructions must be submitted in a format suitable for jury review, with citations of authority and the requesting party's identity placed above the text.
Special instructions should be submitted in a format suitable for jury review, i.e., citations of authority and the identity of the requesting party shall be placed above the text.
Parties must attach designated transcript page copies to the joint chart with numbered tabs separating each transcript, and each designation must be highlighted with each party using a different color highlighter.
The parties shall attach copies of the pages of the transcripts of the deposition or former testimony they are designating or counter-designating to the Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony, with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript. Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.
Documentary exhibit copies must be one-sided.
Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.
The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided conformed copies tabbed in numerical order in three-ring binders, with opposition/reply behind each motion separated by colored sheets.
The Motions in limine Binder shall include one-sided, conformed copies of all motions in limine, opposition papers, and reply papers, organized in one or more three-ring binders, tabbed in numerical order with the opposition papers and reply papers for each motion placed directly behind the moving papers with a colored sheet of paper separating the moving, opposition, and reply papers.
Proposed jury instructions must be grouped behind Tab F of the Trial Binder, labeled by cover sheets, in the order of agreed-upon instructions, plaintiff's objected-to requests, then defendant's objected-to requests.
The parties shall organize proposed jury instructions into group behind Tab F in the following order (labeled by cover sheets): 1) the agreed-upon instructions, 2) plaintiff's requested instructions to which defendant objects, and 3) defendant's requested instructions to which plaintiff objects.
The Trial Binder must be organized with tabbed sections A through I containing trial briefs, joint witness and exhibit lists, jury statements and instructions, verdict forms, deposition designations, and operative pleadings, with only tabs A, B, C, H, and I required in non-jury trials.
without a jury, the Trial Binder shall only include the documents listed under tabs A, B, C, H, and I): Tab A: Trial Briefs Tab B: Joint Witness List Tab C: Joint Exhibit List Tab D: Joint Statement to be Read to the Jury Tab E: Joint List of Jury Instructions Tab F: Joint and Contested Jury Instructions Tab G: Joint or Contested Verdict Form(s) Tab H: Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony Tab I: Copies of the Current Operative Pleadings (including the operative complaint, answer, cross-complaint, if any, and answer to any cross-complaint).
Each trial exhibit must be internally paginated.
Each exhibit shall be internally paginated.
Non-documentary exhibits must be represented in the binder with a simple written description.
Non-documentary exhibits shall be represented in the binder with a simple written description.
Use of hyperlinks within documents, including attachments and exhibits, is strongly encouraged as helpful to the court.
The use of hyperlinks within documents (including attachments and exhibits) is helpful to the court and strongly encouraged;
Document Filing Requirements41 rules
Ex parte applications must comply with California Rules of Court, rules 3.1200-3.1207.
Ex parte applications must comply with the requirements of California Rules of Court, rules 3.1200-3.1207.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Ex parte applications are reserved for exigent circumstances and must include an affirmative factual showing in a declaration of irreparable harm, immediate danger, or another statutory basis for relief.
Ex parte applications are reserved for exigent circumstances and must comply with Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1202(c): "An applicant must make an affirmative factual showing in a declaration containing competent testimony based on personal knowledge of irreparable harm, immediate danger, or any other statutory basis for granting relief ex parte."
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Moving papers for a reserved hearing date must display the reservation receipt number under the caption on the face page and attach the reservation receipt as the last page.
After reserving a motion hearing date, the reservation requestor must submit the moving papers for filing with the reservation receipt number printed on the face page of the document under the caption and attach the reservation receipt as the last page.
Document Type
Moving Papers
Declarations filed in support of and in opposition to motions to compel further discovery responses must show the same meet-and-confer efforts, including in-person, virtual, or telephonic communications.
(The court requires this same showing in declarations filed in support of, and in opposition to, motions to compel further discovery responses.)
Document Type
Declaration
Counsel must prepare a joint set of exhibits for trial.
Counsel shall prepare a joint set of exhibits.
Document Type
Exhibits
A jury panel cannot be ordered until an acceptable verdict form has been prepared.
Document Type
Verdict Form
Each special jury instruction must indicate the party or parties requesting it.
Each such special instruction shall indicate the party/parties requesting the instruction.
Document Type
Special Jury Instruction
Counsel must meet and confer to prepare a joint set of jury instructions.
A joint set of Jury Instructions. Counsel shall meet and confer to prepare this joint set.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
A joint general verdict form and/or any requested special verdict forms must be prepared.
A Joint General Verdict Form, and/or any special verdict forms that are requested.
Document Type
Verdict Form
All blanks on CACI jury instructions must be filled in and any irrelevant portions stricken.
All blanks on CACI instructions must be filled in and any irrelevant portions stricken.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Special jury instructions on which counsel cannot agree must be submitted as a separate set or sets.
Any proposed special instruction to which counsel cannot agree shall be submitted as a separate set or sets.
Document Type
Special Jury Instructions
The parties must jointly prepare and file a witness list (excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses) organized in columns showing each witness's name in alphabetical order, expert status and any special accommodations needed, the calling party, whether the witness is expected to testify, and a brief description of the expected testimony.
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint list of all witnesses whom any party intends to call at trial, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses. (Los Angeles County Court Rule (Local rule) 3.25, subd. (g)(5).) The joint witness list shall be organized with columns (in the format set forth below) that state: (1) the name or each witness (in alphabetical order), if the witness is being called to testify as an expert, and any special requirements or accommodations needed for the witness (e.g., interpreter), (2) the party calling the witness, (3) whether the witness is actually expected to testify, (4) a brief description of the witness's expected testimony,
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Witnesses not included on the joint witness list may be excluded from testifying at trial (except for impeachment or rebuttal) unless the party first shows good cause to the court.
Any witness who is not included on the joint witness list is subject to being excluded from testifying at trial other than for purposes of giving actual impeachment or rebuttal testimony. Any party who seeks to elicit testimony from a witness not in the witness list must first make a showing to the court of good cause.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare and file a joint exhibit list containing seven required columns of information for each exhibit to be offered at trial.
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint exhibit list organized with columns (in the format set forth below) that state, as to each exhibit any party intends to offer at trial: (1) the exhibit number (not letter), (2) a brief description of the exhibit, (3) which party is offering the exhibit, (4) whether the parties have stipulated to authentication of the exhibit, (5) whether the parties have stipulated to admissibility of the exhibit, (6) the date the exhibit was marked for identification, and (7) date the exhibit was admitted into evidence.
Document Type
Joint Exhibit List
In jury trials, counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare and file a joint list of proposed jury instructions stating six required items for each instruction.
For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint list of proposed jury instructions (in the format set forth below) that states, as to each jury instruction: (1) the jury instruction number (listed in numerical order), (2) the title of the jury instructions, (3) the party requesting the jury instruction, (4) whether the jury instruction is agreed upon or contested, (5) a concise statement of any objection, and (6) whether the jury instruction was given by the court (Joint List of Proposed Jury Instructions).
Document Type
Joint List Of Proposed Jury Instructions
For jury trials, parties must jointly prepare and file a proposed general or special verdict form acceptable to all parties, and if they cannot agree, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form.
For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint proposed general verdict form, or a joint proposed special verdict form acceptable to all parties. (Local rule, subd. (g)(8).) If the parties cannot agree on a joint verdict form, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form.
Document Type
Proposed Verdict Form
For jury trials, counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions using edited CACI instructions with party names inserted and blanks, brackets, and inapplicable material removed.
For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare a complete set of full text proposed jury instructions, editing all proposed Judicial Council of California Jury Instructions (CACI) instructions, inserting party names, and eliminating blanks, brackets, and other irrelevant or inapplicable material.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
Parties intending to use deposition or former trial testimony must meet and confer and jointly prepare and file a Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations in the specified format.
If the parties intend to use deposition testimony or former trial testimony in lieu of or in addition to a witness's live testimony, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to discuss, and work together to prepare and file, a joint chart (in the format set forth below) (Joint Chart of Page and Line Designation for Deposition and Former Testimony).
Document Type
Joint Chart Deposition Designations
Each designation in the joint chart must include six required columns: witness designation number/name, date and type of testimony, page and line designations, objections, counter-designation information, and the court's ruling.
In the joint chart, each designating party's designation of deposition or former testimony shall include column that state: 1) the designation number and name of the witness, 2) the date and type of testimony (e.g. deposition or trial testimony), 3) the page and line designations of the deposition or former testimony requested to be used, 4) any objections, 5) whether the other party has counter-designated any additional deposition or former testimony of the witness that relates to the designation, and, if so, the designation number of the counter-designation, and 6) the court's ruling.
Document Type
Joint Chart Deposition Designations
Opposition and reply papers must identify the corresponding motion in limine number in the caption.
Parties filing opposition and reply papers shall identify the corresponding motion number in the caption of their papers.
Document Type
Opposition And Reply Papers
Parties must jointly prepare at least five identical tabbed exhibit binders organized numerically in three-ring binders (court, judicial assistant, witnesses, and each party).
The parties counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare at least five identical sets of tabbed, exhibit binders organized numerically in three-ring binders (Exhibit Binders): a set for the court, a set for the judicial assistant, a set for the witnesses, and a set for each party.
Document Type
Exhibit Binder
Each motion in limine caption must concisely identify the evidence the moving party seeks to exclude.
The caption of each motion in limine shall concisely identify the evidence that the moving party seeks to exclude.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Parties filing multiple motions in limine must number them consecutively.
Parties filing more than one motion in limine shall number them consecutively.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Each party must submit a Trial Brief containing a description of claims and defenses, the primary legal issues with supporting authorities, the relief and damages sought, and any other information assisting the court with trial matters.
A Trial Brief from each party containing: 1. A brief description of the claims and defenses subject to litigation; 2. A list of the primary legal issues anticipated with supporting points and authorities; 3. A brie statement of the relief sought and a calculation of the damages sought; and 4. Any other information which counsel believes may assist the court in ruling upon trial objections or other matters that may arise at trial.
Document Type
Trial Brief
IDC request forms must describe the parties' informal resolution efforts, which must include actual conversation (in-person, virtual, or telephonic) rather than only exchanging letters and e-mails.
The court generally finds that meeting and conferring by only exchanging letters and e-mails, as opposed to actual conversation, is insufficient and ineffective. Thus, in requesting an IDC, the parties should indicate on their IDC forms what efforts were made to informally resolve pending discovery issues, which should include in-person or virtual meetings or telephonic communications.
Document Type
Idc Request Form
A Stipulation and Order re Settlement Conference with Trial Judge, signed by all parties, is required for the court to conduct a mandatory settlement conference.
Upon stipulation of the parties, the court is also available to conduct mandatory settlement conferences. A Stipulation and Order re Settlement Conference with Trial Judge is required to be signed by all parties.
Document Type
Stipulation And Order Re Settlement Conference With Trial Judge
Department 516 will order compliance with a Trial Preparation Order, and counsel and self-represented parties are expected to jointly prepare and submit the required documents and binders.
Department 516 normally will order the parties' compliance with a Trial Preparation Order (example attached hereto). The court expects the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties to work together to jointly prepare and submit the documents and binders required by that order.
Document Type
Trial Preparation Order Documents
Before the FSC, counsel must meet and confer to prepare jury instructions, verdict forms, a statement of the case, exhibits, exhibit lists, and witness lists, and attempt stipulations on ultimate facts and exhibit authenticity/admissibility.
Prior to the Final Status Conference, counsel are to meet and confer to exchange, discuss, and prepare for submission to the court the jury instructions, a verdict form or forms, a statement of the case, exhibits, exhibit lists, and witness lists. Counsel shall also attempt to reach stipulations with regard to ultimate facts and issues, and the authenticity/ admissibility of exhibits.
Document Type
Final Status Conference Documents
The joint witness list must total the estimated times for all witness testimony and state the grand total in the last column.
At the end of the joint witness list, the parties and any self-represented parties shall add up the estimated times for all witness testimony and state the grand total in the last column.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Each witness entry on the joint witness list must include the estimated length of cross-examination and the total estimated length of examination, in hours (remaining required columns appear earlier in the order).
(6) an estimate of the length of cross-examination (in hours), and (7) the total estimated length of examination (in hours.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
The joint statement to be read to the jury should usually be only a few sentences and written in plain English without legal jargon.
Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(4). A joint statement should usually be only a few sentences. It should be in plain English without legal jargon.
Document Type
Joint Statement
The parties must confer in an effort to resolve objections to the authenticity and admissibility of each exhibit.
confer in an effort to resolve objections to the authenticity and admissibility of each exhibit.
Document Type
Joint Exhibit List
When a special verdict form is requested, parties are expected to use the CACI special verdict form if an appropriate one exists for the cause of action, affirmative defense, or other finding.
When a special verdict form is requested, if there is an appropriate CACI special verdict form for a cause of action, affirmative defense, or other finding, the court expects the parties to use the CACI special verdict form.
Document Type
Special Verdict Form
When an appropriate CACI instruction exists, parties are expected to request it rather than a specially prepared instruction, and special instructions with out-of-context quotes or non-plain-English wording are usually inappropriate.
If there is an appropriate CACI jury instruction on a point of law, the court expects the parties to request the CACI instructions instead of a specially prepared jury instruction. The court rarely uses a special jury instruction on a topic covered by a CACI instruction. Special jury instructions that use quotes from appellate cases taken out of context, or that do not use plain English, are usually not appropriate.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Parties should not request CACI instructions that do not apply when trial begins (e.g., CACI 5013 applies only if there is a deadlocked jury).
The parties should not request CACI instructions that do not apply when the trial begins. For example, CACI 5013 shall not apply unless and until there is a deadlocked jury.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Deposition or former trial testimony planned for impeachment purposes only does not need to be included in the joint chart.
The parties do not, however, need to include in the joint chart deposition testimony or former trial testimony they plan on using for impeachment purposes only.
Document Type
Joint Chart Deposition Designations
Generic motions in limine, or motions merely declaratory of existing law without discussing the specific evidence to be excluded, are not appropriate.
The parties should not file generic motions in limine untethered to actual anticipated disputes about evidence. Motions in limine that seek rulings “which would merely be declaratory of existing law” and do not include a discussion about the particular evidence the moving party seeks to exclude are not appropriate.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
If the parties stipulate to an order, they may file a stipulation and proposed order instead of an ex parte application, which the court generally decides promptly.
If the parties stipulate to an order, there is no need to file an ex parte application. The parties may instead file a stipulation and proposed order. The court generally promptly decides whether to grant stipulated proposed orders.
Document Type
Stipulation
Filing a trial brief is optional; if filed, it must succinctly identify the claims and defenses still in dispute, the major legal issues with supporting points and authorities, the relief and calculation of damages sought, and any other information that may assist the court at trial.
Each party may, but is not required to, file a trial brief succinctly identifying: (1) the claims and defenses that remain in dispute for trial, (2) the major legal issues (with supporting points and authorities), (3) the relief and calculation of damages sought, and (4) any other information that may assist the court at trial.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Objections to witnesses need not be made on the joint witness list, and the list does not waive or preserve objections.
There is no need to make objections to any witness on the joint witness list. The parties do not waive or preserve objections on the joint witness list.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Specific objections need not be made on the joint exhibit list, and the list does not waive or preserve objections.
There is no need to make specific objections on the joint exhibit list. The parties do not waive or preserve objections on the joint exhibit list.
Document Type
Joint Exhibit List
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All parties represented by counsel must comply with mandatory electronic filing for civil cases under SCLAC rule 3.4 and the operative General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil.
All parties represented by counsel shall comply with SCLAC rule 3.4 and the operative General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil (May 3,
Page 1 | 2. MANDATORY EFiling
Writs and Abstracts must be submitted in their own separate electronic envelope.
Writs and Abstracts must be submitted as a separate electronic envelope.
Page 3 | 2. MANDATORY EFiling
Documents ordered sealed must be filed electronically unless exempted under the operative General Order, and the submitting party bears the burden of accurately designating them as sealed at electronic submission.
In cases where a judicial officer orders that documents be filed under seal, those documents must be filed electronically (unless exempted under the operative General Order.) The burden of accurately designating the documents sealed at the time of electronic submission is the submitting party's responsibility;
Page 3 | 2. MANDATORY EFiling
Represented parties must electronically file ex parte applications with all documentary support by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing, and any written opposition by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day.
Parties represented by counsel must electronically file ex parte applications with all documentary support no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte hearing. Any written opposition to the ex parte application by parties represented by counsel must be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the ex parte hearing.
Page 5 | 3. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Parties must reserve motion hearing dates online through the Court Reservation System (CRS).
Parties must reserve hearing dates for motions using the Court Reservation System (CRS) available online (www.lacourt.ca.gov).
Page 7 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - A. Reservation Hearing Date
Reservation requestors must immediately cancel CRS reservations once a motion hearing or other reserved proceeding is no longer necessary.
As soon as a reservation requestor realizes that a motion hearing, or other proceeding requiring a reservation, such as in Informal Discovery Conference, will not be necessary, the reservation requestor should immediately use CRS to cancel the reservation for the motion hearing, or other proceeding requiring a reservation.
Page 7 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - A. Reservation Hearing Date
Multiple documents relating to one case may be uploaded together in a single envelope transaction.
Multiple documents relating to one case can be uploaded in one envelope transaction;
Page 3 | 2. MANDATORY EFiling
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Ex parte applications with all documentary support must be filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte hearing.
Parties represented by counsel must electronically file ex parte applications with all documentary support no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte hearing.
Page 5 | 3. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Written opposition to an ex parte application must be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the ex parte hearing.
Any written opposition to the ex parte application by parties represented by counsel must be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the ex parte hearing.
Page 5 | 3. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Papers for a reserved matter must be filed within 3 days of making the reservation or the reservation will be cancelled.
Be mindful that papers for a reserved matter must be filed within 3 days of making the reservation, else the reservation will be cancelled.
Page 7 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - A. Reservation Hearing Date
A joint statement setting forth the discovery issues and the parties' positions is due within three court days after the IDC.
A joint statement setting forth the discovery issues and the position of the parties is due within three court days of the IDC.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
All FSC documents must be filed/lodged directly in Department 516 at least five calendar days before the FSC unless the court specifies otherwise.
All documents required for the Final Status Conference, unless otherwise specified by the court, shall be FILED/LODGED DIRECTLY IN DEPT. 516 AT LEAST FIVE CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR to the FSC
Page 19 | 13. TRIAL PROCEDURES - B. Filings and Submissions
The trial documents required by section 2 (including trial briefs and the joint witness list) must be filed and served no later than five calendar days before the final status conference.
No later than five calendar days before the final status conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall file and serve the following documents:
Page 30 | 2. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Motions in limine must be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference in compliance with Local Rule 3.57(a) statutory notice requirements.
Motions in limine shall be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference. The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall comply with the statutory notice requirements of Local rule 3.57, subdivision (a).
Page 35 | 3. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
The jointly prepared physical Trial Binder (one-sided, conformed, tabbed copies) must be lodged in Department 516 no later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference.
No later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 516 a physical Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a
Page 36 | 5. TRIAL BINDER
The jointly prepared Motions in Limine Binder must be lodged in Department 516 no later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference.
No later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 516 a Motions in limine Binder.
Page 36 | 3. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
One set of the Exhibit Binders must be brought to the Final Status Conference for the court to review.
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall bring one set of the Exhibit Binder to the Final Status Conference for the court to review.
Page 36 | 4. EXHIBIT BINDERS
Scheduling an IDC does not extend the deadline to file a motion to compel further discovery responses.
Note: Scheduling an IDC does not extend the time to file a motion to compel further responses to discovery.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
Service and Proof of Service Rules
All defendants must be served with the complaint by the case management conference.
All defendants must be served with the complaint by the case management conference.
Page 7 | 5. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
If defendants have not been served by the case management conference, plaintiff must submit a declaration five days before the hearing explaining the service efforts undertaken.
If all defendants have not been served, plaintiff or plaintiff’s counsel must submit a declaration to the court five (5) days prior to the hearing explaining what efforts have been undertaken to accomplish service.
Page 7 | 5. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
FSC documents must be served on all opposing counsel early enough to be received before the FSC date.
and must be served on all opposing counsel early enough to be received by other counsel before the FSC date
Page 19 | 13. TRIAL PROCEDURES - B. Filings and Submissions
All trial exhibits must be exchanged between counsel and self-represented parties no later than 18 calendar days before the final status conference.
No later than 18 calendar days before the final status conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall exchange all exhibits they intend to introduce at trial.
Page 29 | 1. MEET AND CONFER
Filing Fees and Waivers
Parties who have requested a jury trial must comply with CCP section 631 regarding the posting of jury fees.
If any party has requested a jury trial, the party/counsel must comply with California Code of Civil Procedure section 631 regarding the posting of jury fees.
Page 7 | 5. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
Fees must be paid on a daily basis, with the judicial assistant advising the amount owed each day.
Fees must be paid on a daily basis. The judicial assistant will advise you how much is owed each day.
Page 25
Parties who have received a fee waiver may request an official court reporter under CRC 2.956(c) and LASC Local Rule 2.21(a).
A party who has received a fee waiver may request an official court reporter pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.956, subdivision (c), and Superior Court of Los Angeles County Local Rules, rule 2.21, subdivision (a).
Page 19
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of documents containing declarations and/or exhibits must be tabbed.
Any courtesy copies of documents with declarations and/or exhibits must be tabbed. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1110(f).)
Page 9 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - C. Courtesy Copies Not Required Except For Ex Partes and Motion for Summary Judgment Containing Media Exhibits
Department 516 does not require courtesy copies for most filings, but courtesy copies of oppositions to ex parte applications and summary judgment/adjudication motions, oppositions, and replies must be submitted directly to Department 516.
With the exceptions of Oppositions to Ex Parte Applications and Motions for, Oppositions to and Replies to Oppositions to Motions for Summary Judgment or Summary Adjudication, Department 516 does not require courtesy copies of any filed papers. Courtesy copies of Oppositions to Ex Parte Applications and Motions for, Oppositions to, and Replies to Oppositions to Motions for Summary Judgment or Summary Adjudication must be submitted directly to Department 516.
Page 9 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - C. Courtesy Copies Not Required Except For Ex Partes and Motion for Summary Judgment Containing Media Exhibits
The original and 2 copies of all exhibits must be provided to the court at the outset of trial.
The original and 2 copies of all exhibits shall be provided to the court at the outset of trial.
Page 23 | 8. Exhibits
Parties filing or opposing lengthy summary judgment/adjudication motions are strongly encouraged (not required) to submit courtesy copies in one or more three-ring binders organized behind tabs.
Department 516 also strongly encourages the parties filing and opposing lengthy Motions for Summary Judgment or Adjudication, to submit one or more three ring binders organizing the courtesy copy behind tabs.
Page 9 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - C. Courtesy Copies Not Required Except For Ex Partes and Motion for Summary Judgment Containing Media Exhibits
Parties must bring copies of all FSC documents to the Final Status Conference.
Be sure to bring copies of all documents to the FSC.
Page 19 | 13. TRIAL PROCEDURES - B. Filings and Submissions
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Submitting parties are responsible for redacting confidential information so that it is not publicly disclosed.
It is the submitting party's responsibility to redact confidential information so that confidential information shall not be publicly disclosed.
Page 3 | 2. MANDATORY EFiling
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Parties moving to compel further discovery responses must schedule and complete an Informal Discovery Conference before the hearing (and preferably before filing), or the court may deny the motion.
Parties seeking to compel further responses to discovery should schedule an Informal Discovery Conference (IDC) before the hearing, and preferably, the filing of their motions. The court may deny a motion to compel further responses to discovery if parties fail to schedule and complete an IDC before the scheduled hearing on the motion.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
Parties, through counsel of record with full authority to make binding agreements, must participate in the scheduled IDC.
Therefore, parties, through their respective counsel of record with full authority to make binding agreements, shall participate in the scheduled IDC.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
Parties intending to file a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication must immediately reserve a hearing date on the Court Reservation System and must not wait until discovery is completed.
Any party who intends to file a Motion for Summary Judgment or Summary Adjudication must reserve a hearing date immediately because the reservation dates for such motions are limited on the Court Reservation System, they fill up fast, and the present reservation dates available for such motions are very close to the trial dates being set by the court. Do not wait until discovery has been completed to reserve a hearing date for a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication because, at a later date, hearing dates might not be available at least 30 days before the trial date set in your case.
Page 13 | 6. LAW AND MOTION - A. Reservation Hearing Date
The parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the final status conference to prepare the required trial documents and binders, discuss exhibit admissibility, attempt to stipulate to resolve motions in limine and ultimate facts/legal issues, and attempt to settle the case.
No later than 11 calendar days before the final status conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to do the following: (1) discuss and prepare the documents required in sections 2.B-H below, and the Motions in limine binder, exhibit binders, and trial binders required in sections 3-5 below, (2) discuss admissibility of each trial exhibit, (3) discuss and make a good faith effort to stipulate to resolve each motion in limine, (4) discuss and make a good faith effort to stipulate to ultimate facts and legal issues, and (5) discuss and make a good faith effort to settle the case.
Page 29 | 1. MEET AND CONFER
The court will factor a party's failure to request an IDC or to stipulate to extend the motion filing deadline into its sanctions analysis on a motion to compel.
The court will consider a party's failure to request an IDC and/or failure to stipulate to extend the time for filing of a motion to compel so that an IDC may be held when contemplating appropriate sanctions on the motion.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
In-person appearance at the IDC is preferred but not required if all parties agree; absent agreement, the IDC is conducted virtually.
The court prefers but does not require the parties to appear in person for the IDC if all parties agree. If no agreement, the IDC will be conducted virtually.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Parties are expected to grant reasonable requests for extensions of time to respond to pleadings, discovery, or other matters as professional courtesies.
The court expects all attorneys and parties to grant reasonable requests for professional courtesies, such as requests for reasonable extensions of time for deadlines to respond to pleadings, discovery, or other matters.
Page 1 | 1. CIVILITY AND PROFESSIONALISM
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties or counsel who will be late for a hearing must contact the court staff before the hearing.
If parties/counsel are going to be late for a hearing, please contact the court staff prior to the hearing.
Page 5 | 4. HEARINGS IN GENERAL
Interpreter requests should be made to court staff at least 2 days before the hearing and no later than check-in.
If you require the services of an interpreter for your hearing, please advise court staff no later than when you check in. Courtroom interpreters are not always available on the same day as requested. If you contact court staff at least 2 days prior to your hearing with your request for an interpreter, there is a higher chance one will be available at the time of your hearing.
Page 7 | 5. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCES
The moving/propounding party should reserve an IDC by calling Dept. 516's staff after meeting and conferring about available dates.
After meeting and conferring about available dates for an IDC, the moving/propounding party should reserve an IDC by calling Dept. 516's staff.
Page 11 | 6. LAW AND MOTION
Parties seeking ADR information should contact the court's ADR Office by email at ADRCivil@lacourt.ca.gov.
information, contact the court's ADR Office at ADRCivil@lacourt.ca.gov.
Page 17 | Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)