Judge Lee S. Arian
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- 4 copies
Exhibits
- 3 copies
Summary Judgment Motions
- Chambers Drop Off
- Hand Delivery • Upon Filing
All filings
Court-wide- Chambers Drop Off • Upon Filing
- Hand Delivery
Adjournments
- Continuances of trial, trial setting conferences, CMCs, and MSCs require a stipulation showing good cause, subject to court approval at least 2 court days before the hearing.
- Continuances for trial, TSC, CMC, MSC require stipulation with good cause, approved at least 2 court days before hearing; no stipulation requires noticed motion or ex parte.
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Chambers
Chambers
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Trial briefs are limited to 20 pages, must be signed, filed, and served on all parties.
Trial briefs: (not to exceed 20 pages) These briefs should include a description of the claims, defenses, relief sought, evidentiary disputes, and all issues to be decided at trial along with a discussion of any novel or unusual issues of law, with citations to supporting authorities. The briefs must be signed, filed with the Court and served on all parties.
Trial Brief
20 pages
Trial briefs must not exceed 20 pages.
a. Trial briefs: (not to exceed 20 pages)
Trial Brief
20 pages
Document Format Requirements2 rules
The trial binder must be a 3-ring binder.
the parties shall cooperate in compiling a 3-ring trial binder that shall be delivered to Department U at least 10 court days before the FSC
Exhibits must be pre-numbered, parties must track their own exhibits, unseen exhibits may not be produced at trial (except for impeachment), and the requisite number of exhibit books must be produced.
i. Please Do NOT: 1. Fail to pre-number your exhibits and all pages within exhibits; 2. Expect the clerk to keep track of your exhibits; 3. Produce exhibits at trial which opposing counsel has never seen, unless they are used for impeachment; 4. Fail to produce the requisite number of exhibit books
Document Filing Requirements18 rules
Ex parte applications must comply with CRC rules 3.1200-3.1207 and LASC Rule 3.26, including the notice requirements and an affirmative factual showing of good cause.
Before bringing an ex parte application, counsel should review California Rules of Court 3.1200-3.1207 and Los Angeles County Superior Court Rule 3.26. Please pay particular attention to the notice requirements and the requirement of an affirmative factual showing of good cause.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Ex parte applications require proof of notice and affirmative good cause showing, plus compliance with Cal Rules 3.1200-3.1207 and local Rule 3.26.
Before bringing an ex parte application, counsel should review California Rules of Court 3.1200-3.1207 and Los Angeles County Superior Court Rule 3.26. Please pay particular attention to the notice requirements and the requirement of an affirmative factual showing of good cause.
Document Type
Ex Parte Application
Parties must timely comply with California Rules of Court, rule 3.300 regarding notice of related cases.
The Court requires timely compliance with California Rules of Court, rule 3.300 Re: Notice of Related Cases.
Document Type
Notice Of Related Cases
Counsel must submit case management statements as required by California Rules of Court rule 3.725; failure to comply with the CMC rules and local rules may result in monetary sanctions and/or trial-setting delay.
Counsel must comply with their obligation to submit case management statements pursuant to rule 3.725 of the California Rules of Court.
Document Type
Case Management Statement
Parties must compile a 3-ring trial binder delivered to Department U at least 10 court days before the FSC containing all required documents in the specified order.
1. Trial Binder: the parties shall cooperate in compiling a 3-ring trial binder that shall be delivered to Department U at least 10 court days before the FSC. The binder must include all the following documents placed in the binder in the following order:
Document Type
Trial Binder
The parties must jointly prepare a short, nonargumentative Statement of the Case that is signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Statement of the Case: must be prepared jointly by the parties. It should be a short, nonargumentative written statement of the case to be read to the jury. It must be signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Document Type
Statement Of Case
Trial briefs must describe claims, defenses, relief sought, evidentiary disputes, and issues to be decided at trial, and must be signed and filed with the Court.
These briefs should include a description of the claims, defenses, relief sought, evidentiary disputes, and all issues to be decided at trial along with a discussion of any novel or unusual issues of law, with citations to supporting authorities. The briefs must be signed, filed with the Court and served on all parties.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Trial briefs must be signed, filed with the Court, and served on all parties.
The briefs must be signed, filed with the Court and served on all parties.
Document Type
Trial Brief
Proposed jury instructions, including a joint packet of contested CACI or special instructions in jury-ready format, must be included in the trial binder.
g. Proposed Instructions: shall be included in the trial binder. These should include a jointly submit a packet of all requested and properly edited CACI or special instructions that are not agreed to by all parties. The instructions shall be submitted in the proper format for presentation to the jury.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
The parties must jointly prepare a chart-format list of proposed jury instructions (including contested ones with proponents/opponents identified), signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
f. List of Proposed Jury Instructions: must be prepared jointly by the parties. It should be prepared in chart format and should include all CACI and special jury instructions that are jointly proposed by the parties as well as those that are requested by one or more of the parties, but opposed by another party. A column in the chart must indicate the proponent(s) and opponent(s) of each proposed instruction. A final column should be included on the right of the Court's notation of whether the instruction was given at trial. The joint list of jury instructions must be signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions List
The parties must jointly prepare a chart-format joint exhibit list with specified columns, signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Exhibit list: must be prepared jointly by the parties. It should be prepared in chart format with each exhibit identified by title and its assigned exhibit number. Additional columns should indicate whether the exhibit will be admitted by stipulation, authenticated by stipulation, or challenged with objections, which shall be set forth in a column for objections. A final column should be included on the right for the Court's notation of whether the exhibit was admitted at trial. The joint exhibit list must be signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Document Type
Joint Exhibit List
All operative pleadings, including operative complaints, cross-complaints, and answers, must be included in the trial binder.
All operative pleadings: must be included in the trial binder. This includes the operative complaints and cross-complaints and the operative answers thereto.
Document Type
Operative Pleadings
The joint witness list must include witnesses' names, direct/cross-examination time estimates, and interpreter needs, and must be signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
all witnesses' names, time estimates for direct and cross-examination, and whether the witness requires an interpreter. The joint witness list must be signed by all parties and filed with the Court.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Verdict forms must be jointly prepared by the parties; if they cannot agree, the Court will provide a general verdict form.
h. Verdict Forms: must be jointly prepared by the parties. If the parties cannot agree on joint verdict forms, then the Court will provide a general verdict form to the jury.
Document Type
Verdict Forms
Reply briefs on motions in limine must be in writing and properly filed and served.
Reply briefs must be in writing and properly filed and served.
Document Type
Reply Brief
Parties must exchange exhibits in advance of trial as required by law.
The parties shall exchange exhibits in advance of trial to the extent required by law.
Document Type
Exhibits
Parties must provide transcripts of recordings in compliance with Cal. R. Ct. 2.1040.
The parties shall comply with Cal. R. Ct. 2.1040, requiring the provision of a transcript of various recordings.
Document Type
Transcript Of Recordings
Requests for official court reporting services by a fee-waiver party must be made on local form SCLAC LACIV 269.
The request must be made by using the local form (SCLAC LACIV 269).
Document Type
Request For Court Reporting Services
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Attorneys must e-file; self-represented litigants without e-filing means may file paper copies in the courtroom.
Compliance with electronic filing is required for attorneys. Please refer to the Court’s website for electronic filing orders. Self-Represented Litigants without means for filing electronically may file their documents in the courtroom.
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Attorneys must comply with electronic filing requirements; electronic filing orders are available on the Court's website.
Compliance with electronic filing is required for attorneys. Please refer to the Court’s website for electronic filing orders.
Page 2 | Filings
Self-represented litigants without the means to file electronically may file their documents in the courtroom.
Self-Represented Litigants without means for filing electronically may file their documents in the courtroom.
Page 2 | Filings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
In trials without a court reporter or electronic recording, a joint daily summary of testimony must be submitted to the court by 4:00 PM on the next court day.
For trials in which there is no court reporter or electronic recording, Department U requires that a joint daily summary of testimony must be completed and submitted to the court by 4:00 PM on the next court day.
Page 4 | Daily Summaries
Joint daily trial testimony summaries must be submitted by 4 PM on the next court day if no court reporter/electronic recording.
For trials in which there is no court reporter or electronic recording, Department U requires that a joint daily summary of testimony must be completed and submitted to the court by 4:00 PM on the next court day.
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All original or certified copy depositions must be lodged with the Court before trial begins.
Depositions: All original/certified copy depositions must be lodged with the Court prior to the beginning of trial.
Page 6 | Trial Management Order - A. Final Status Conference Orders - 1.e.ii Depositions
Original or certified depositions must be lodged with the Court before trial starts.
All original/certified copy depositions must be lodged with the Court prior to the beginning of trial.
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Motions in limine must be filed and served at least 10 court days before FSC; oppositions at least 5 court days before FSC.
All motions in limine must be in writing and must be filed and served at least 10 court days before the FSC. Any opposition to a motion in limine must be in writing and must be filed and served at least 5 court days before the FSC. Reply briefs must be in writing and properly filed and served.
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Oppositions to motions in limine must be filed and served at least 5 court days before the final status conference.
Any opposition to a motion in limine must be in writing and must be filed and served at least 5 court days before the FSC.
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Motions in limine must be in writing and filed and served at least 10 court days before the Final Status Conference.
All motions in limine must be in writing and must be filed and served at least 10 court days before the FSC.
Page 7 | Final Status Conferences and Trials
Oppositions to motions in limine must be in writing and filed and served at least 5 court days before the Final Status Conference.
Any opposition to a motion in limine must be in writing and must be filed and served at least 5 court days before the FSC.
Page 7 | Final Status Conferences and Trials
Fee waiver court reporter requests must be filed at least 10 calendar days before hearing/trial.
The Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with a Fee Waiver should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested.
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A party with a fee waiver must file the Request for Court Reporting Services at least 10 calendar days before the hearing or trial; the clerk will notify the requester if no official reporter is available, and notice of reporter availability may not come until the day of the trial hearing.
The Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with a Fee Waiver should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested.
Page 3 | Court Reporters
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Trial briefs must be served on all parties.
The briefs must be signed, filed with the Court and served on all parties.
Page 5 | Trial Management Order - A. Final Status Conference Orders - 1.a Trial Briefs
When all parties notify the clerk they are submitting on the tentative ruling, it becomes the court's order and the prevailing party must give notice of the ruling.
Upon receiving such notice from all parties to a motion, the tentative ruling will become the order of the Court and the prevailing party shall give notice of the ruling.
Page 3 | Tentative Rulings
Filing Fees and Waivers
Jury fees must be posted on or before the initial case management conference date, or the party risks a jury waiver under CCP section 631(f)(5).
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, jury fees must be posted on or before the date scheduled for the initial case management conference. Failure to timely post jury fees may result in a jury waiver pursuant to CCP section 631(f)(5).
Page 4 | Jury Fees
Jury fees must be posted on or before the initial case management conference, else risk waiver.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, jury fees must be posted on or before the date scheduled for the initial case management conference. Failure to timely post jury fees may result in a jury waiver pursuant to CCP section 631(f)(5).
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Self-represented litigants with a granted fee waiver may use LACourtConnect at no cost and may be asked to provide a copy of the fee waiver order when scheduling a remote appearance.
Self-represented litigants who have been granted a fee waiver may use LACourtConnect at no cost. You may be asked to provide a copy of your fee waiver order when scheduling your telephonic or video appearance (when available).
Page 1 | Telephonic/Video Appearances
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies required for summary judgment motions and voluminous exhibits, submitted to box outside Dept U.
Courtesy copies are required for summary judgment motions and for voluminous compilations of exhibits. Courtesy copies shall be submitted by depositing the copy in the “Courtesy Copy” box located in the hallway outside Department U.
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Courtesy copies are required for summary judgment motions and must be deposited in the Courtesy Copy box in the hallway outside Department U.
Courtesy copies are required for summary judgment motions and for voluminous compilations of exhibits. Courtesy copies shall be submitted by depositing the copy in the “Courtesy Copy” box located in the hallway outside Department U.
Page 2 | Courtesy Copies
Three exhibit binders must be provided: one for the Judicial Assistant (to be marked), one courtesy copy for the Judge, and one for the witness stand.
e. Three Exhibit Binders: 1 for the Judicial Assistant that will be marked; 1 courtesy copy for the Judge; and 1 copy for the witness stand.
Page 6 | Trial Management Order - A. Final Status Conference Orders - 1.e Three Exhibit Binders
Proponent must bring 4 copies of exhibits used for impeachment/not disclosed to opposing counsel.
if a party uses an exhibit at trial which was not provided to opposing counsel, e.g., an exhibit used for impeachment and not disclosed in discovery, then the proponent is responsible for bringing 4 copies (one for the Judicial Assistant, one for the Court, one for opposing counsel, and one for the witness).
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Proponent of an exhibit not previously disclosed to opposing counsel (e.g., an undisclosed impeachment exhibit) must bring 4 copies - one for the Judicial Assistant, the Court, opposing counsel, and the witness.
opposing counsel, e.g., an exhibit used for impeachment and not disclosed in discovery, then the proponent is responsible for bringing 4 copies (one for the Judicial Assistant, one for the Court, one for opposing counsel, and one for the witness).
Page 10 | 5. Exhibits
Filing Bundling Requirements
3-ring trial binder with specified documents in order must be delivered to Dept U at least 10 court days before FSC.
the parties shall cooperate in compiling a 3-ring trial binder that shall be delivered to Department U at least 10 court days before the FSC. The binder must include all the following documents placed in the binder in the following order:
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When multiple motions are filed, parties should make efforts to schedule them on the same hearing date.
If multiple motions are filed, please make efforts to schedule them on the same date.
Page 2 | Scheduling Law and Motion Hearings
Stipulations as to undisputed facts should be reduced to writing, filed with the Court, and included in the trial binder if reached before trial.
Such stipulations should be reduced to writing and filed with the Court. They should also be included in the trial binder, if reached before trial.
Page 7 | B. Trial
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Trial counsel must meet and confer before filing discovery motions.
Before filing a discovery motion, trial counsel (meaning the lawyers who will try the case) should meet and confer in person, by phone, or by videoconference to resolve, or at least narrow the dispute.
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CRS is required to schedule law and motion hearings in Department U.
The Court reservation system (CRS) is required for scheduling law and motion hearings in Department U.
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Parties are prohibited from reserving more than one hearing date for the same motion.
Please note, you are prohibited from reserving more than one hearing date for the same motion.
Page 2 | Scheduling Law and Motion Hearings
Parties must meet and confer before filing any motion.
The parties should meet and confer before filing any motion and avoid filing any motion which is designed to delay the proceedings or filed solely for tactical reasons.
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Demurrers must comply with the meet and confer requirements of Code of Civil Procedure section 430.41, and demurrers filed without compliance may be taken off calendar.
Counsel considering filing a demurrer should review the new requirements, including meet and confer requirements, set forth in Code of Civil Procedure section 430.41, and rethink whether a demurrer is necessary or even advisable. Demurrers filed without compliance with the meet and confer requirements may be taken off calendar.
Page 2 | Demurrers
Law and motion hearings in Department U must be scheduled through the Court Reservation System (CRS), which is available 24/7 by computer or smartphone.
The Court reservation system (CRS) is required for scheduling law and motion hearings in Department U. CRS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and reservations can be made from a computer or smartphone.
Page 2 | Scheduling Law and Motion Hearings
Demurrers must comply with meet and confer requirements under CCP 430.41 or risk being taken off calendar.
Demurrers filed without compliance with the meet and confer requirements may be taken off calendar.
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Counsel and self-represented litigants must meet and confer at least 10 court days before FSC to exchange required documents.
To prepare for the Final Status Conference (FSC), counsel and/or self-represented litigants shall meet and confer on the telephone or by video conference at least 10 court days before the FSC to discuss, arrange for the exchange of, and the submission to the Court all documents identified in LACSCR 3.25(f) and(f)(3)-(8).
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Counsel must confer on all motions in limine before the Court considers them.
confer on all motions in limine before they are considered by the Court.
Page 7 | Final Status Conferences and Trials
Parties should meet and confer before filing any motion and avoid filing motions designed to delay the proceedings or filed solely for tactical reasons.
The parties should meet and confer before filing any motion and avoid filing any motion which is designed to delay the proceedings or filed solely for tactical reasons.
Page 2 | Scheduling Law and Motion Hearings
Before filing a discovery motion, trial counsel should meet and confer in person, by phone, or by videoconference to resolve or narrow the dispute; the court strongly discourages discovery motions.
The court strongly discourages discovery motions and encourages informal resolution of discovery disputes. The rules governing discovery are very clear, and virtually all disputes can be resolved through communication and good faith discussion. Before filing a discovery motion, trial counsel (meaning the lawyers who will try the case) should meet and confer in person, by phone, or by videoconference to resolve, or at least narrow the dispute.
Page 2 | Discovery Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances of trial, trial setting conferences, CMCs, and MSCs require a stipulation showing good cause, subject to court approval at least 2 court days before the hearing.
Trial, trial setting conferences, Case management conferences and mandatory settlement conferences may be continued by stipulation setting forth the facts showing good cause for the continuance, subject to approval by the Court at least 2 court days before the hearing.
Page 3 | Continuances
Continuances for trial, TSC, CMC, MSC require stipulation with good cause, approved at least 2 court days before hearing; no stipulation requires noticed motion or ex parte.
Trial, trial setting conferences, Case management conferences and mandatory settlement conferences may be continued by stipulation setting forth the facts showing good cause for the continuance, subject to approval by the Court at least 2 court days before the hearing. If there is no stipulation, any party may seek a continuance by noticed motion or ex parte application.
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Law and motion matters may be continued through the CRS system.
Law and motion matters may be continued by the CRS system.
Page 3 | Continuances
Absent a stipulation, any party may seek a continuance by noticed motion or ex parte application.
If there is no stipulation, any party may seek a continuance by noticed motion or ex parte application.
Page 3 | Continuances
The Court will generally accommodate scheduling conflicts that are raised in a timely manner.
The Court will generally accommodate timely-raised scheduling conflicts.
Page 7 | Trial Schedule
Chambers Communication Rules
Litigants must register on LACourtConnect at least two hours before a remote appearance; failure to timely register precludes remote participation, and landline appearances are not permitted.
Be aware that litigants must register at least two hours before the appearance. Failure to timely register will preclude your ability to participate remotely. No landline appearances are permitted.
Page 1 | Telephonic/Video Appearances
Counsel and self-represented parties who intend to submit on the tentative ruling without oral argument must advise the court clerk (tentative rulings are transmitted by email, so the court must have a correct email address on file).
All counsel and self-represented parties that intend to submit on the tentative ruling and do not wish oral argument, should advise the Court's clerk.
Page 3 | Tentative Rulings
During jury deliberations, parties and counsel must stay within fifteen minutes of the courthouse and provide the Court clerk a telephone number for immediate contact.
During jury deliberations, the parties and counsel must stay within fifteen minutes from the courthouse, unless granted leave to do otherwise, and must provide the Court clerk with a telephone number that allows for immediate contact.
Page 7 | Trial Schedule
Courtroom is open 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM daily.
Courtroom hours: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
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Counsel may schedule an informal discovery conference (IDC) by calling the courtroom at (818) 901-4608.
The Court is amenable to participating in informal discovery conferences upon request of all counsel. Please call (818) 901-4608 if you wish to schedule an IDC.
Page 2 | Discovery Motions
Call (818) 901-4608 to schedule an informal discovery conference with the Court.
The Court is amenable to participating in informal discovery conferences upon request of all counsel. Please call (818) 901-4608 if you wish to schedule an IDC.
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