Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Michael Small's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Michael Small?

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.

View ruleSource: page 6, section MOTIONS IN LIMINE AND BIFURCATION MOTIONS

Does Judge Michael Small require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

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.

View ruleSource: page 2, section LAW AND MOTION

What must be included with ex parte application filings before Judge Michael Small?

The rule requires compliance with crc 3.1200. Ex parte applications must comply with California Rules of Court 3.1200 et seq.

View ruleSource: page 3, section EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

What must be included with settled statement filings before Judge Michael Small?

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.

View ruleSource: page 6, section COURT REPORTERS AND SETTLED STATEMENTS

How may parties contact Judge Michael Small's chambers?

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.

View ruleSource: page 2, section LAW AND MOTION

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Michael Small?

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.

View ruleSource: page 1, section CIVILITY AND PROFESSIONALISM

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Michael Small?

A fee is required for covered filings. Jury trial fees must be paid before the Case Management Conference if a jury trial is requested.

View ruleSource: page 3, section SETTING OF THE TRIAL AND STATUS CONFERENCES

Is electronic filing required before Judge Michael Small?

Electronic filing is permitted for the covered filings. Remote appearances are permitted and encouraged in all matters except jury trials.

View ruleSource: page 1, section GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING HEARINGS

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Michael Small?

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.

View ruleSource: page 4, section TRIAL READINESS DOCUMENTS
Complete rules summary for Judge Michael Small

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.

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