Judge Victor Avila
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Late Filed Document, Ex Parte Opposition
- Chambers Drop Off • Upon Filing
- Hand Delivery • Upon Filing
All filings
Court-wide- Chambers Drop Off • Upon Filing
- Hand Delivery
Courtesy copies
Court-wide- 3 copies
Exhibits
Court-wide- 3 copies • Hand Delivery • At Final Status Conference
Adjournments
- Continuances must be sought by noticed motion or ex parte application unless all parties stipulate or the Court orders otherwise.
- Trial continuances are disfavored and trial dates will be moved only for good cause.
- Requests to continue a motion hearing should be made as far in advance of the hearing as possible.
- +1 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Chambers
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-wideClerk
Phone
Court-widePhone
Court-wideClerk
Document Format Requirements12 rules
Electronic evidence cannot be submitted on USB or flash drives and must be submitted to the Court through its email via a drop box.
The Court cannot use any type of USB or flash drive to review evidence. Please submit such evidence to the Court through its e-mail via a drop box.
E-filed attachments (depositions, declarations, exhibits, transcripts, points and authorities, citations, supporting briefs) must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.
Attachments to primary documents including depositions, declarations, exhibits (including exhibits to declarations), transcripts (including excerpts), points and authorities, citations and supporting brief must be bookmarked and hyper linked.
Electronically filed documents must be in text-searchable PDF form.
Documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable form.
All e-filed documents must be text-searchable PDF; attachments must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.
Documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable form. Attachments to primary documents including depositions, declarations, exhibits (including exhibits to declarations), transcripts (including excerpts), points and authorities, citations and supporting brief must be bookmarked and hyper linked.
All trial exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.
Note: All exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.
Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on LASC form LACIV 129 or in a Word document in the same format.
The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on Los Angeles Superior Court form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format.
Parties must attach copies of the designated transcript pages to the joint chart, with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript.
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.
Counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated, properly-marked exhibits in numerically organized three-ring binders.
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly-marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) ("Exhibit Binders").
Court cannot accept evidence on USB/flash drive; submit evidence via email drop box.
The Court cannot use any type of USB or flash drive to review evidence. Please submit such evidence to the Court through its e-mail via a drop box.
Each designation or counter-designation must be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.
Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.
Documentary exhibits in the Exhibit Binders must be one-sided copies.
Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.
Exhibits longer than one page must be internally paginated.
Note: Any exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.
Document Filing Requirements31 rules
Notice of Settlement must be filed immediately if case settles between Final Status Conference and trial; call Judicial Assistant.
If you settle a case between the date of the Final Status Conference and the trial date, please, in addition to filing a Notice of Settlement at the earliest opportunity, call the Court’s Judicial Assistant and advise her of the settlement.
Document Type
Notice Of Settlement
The parties must jointly prepare and file a witness list in the required column format (name in alphabetical order with accommodations, calling party, expected to testify, testimony description, estimated direct/cross/total hours in hours) with a grand total of estimated times.
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) which state (1) the name of each witness (in alphabetical order), 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, (5) an estimate of the length of direct examination (in hours), (6) an estimate of the length of cross-examination (in hours), and (7) the total estimated length of examination (in hours). At the end of the joint witness list, the parties and any self-represented parties shall add up the estimated times for all witnesses' testimony and tate the grand total in the last column.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Trial brief must identify remaining claims/defenses, legal issues, relief, and other helpful trial info.
Each party shall 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
Each party must file a trial brief identifying the disputed claims and defenses, major legal issues with supporting authorities, relief and damages calculation, and other helpful information.
Each party shall 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
Joint witness list must be in specified format; witnesses not on list may be excluded except for impeachment/rebuttal.
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) which state (1) the name of each witness (in alphabetical order), (2) accommodations needed for the witness (e.g., interpreter), (3) the party calling the witness, (4) whether the witness is actually expected to testify, (5) a brief description of the witness’s expected testimony, (6) an estimate of the length of direct examination (in hours), (7) an estimate of the length of cross-examination (in hours), and (8) the total estimated length of examination (in hours). 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.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
Joint exhibit list must be in specified format; exhibits over one page must be internally paginated.
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) which state, as to each exhibit any party intends to offer at trial: (1) the exhibit number, (2) a brief description of the exhibit including the total number of pages, (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) any evidentiary objections to admission of the exhibit, (7) the date the exhibit was marked for identification, and (8) the date the exhibit was admitted into evidence. Note: All exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.
Document Type
Joint Exhibit List
Witnesses not listed on the joint witness list may be excluded from testifying (except for actual 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 identified on the witness list must first make a showing of good cause to the court.
Document Type
Joint Witness List
The parties must jointly prepare and file an exhibit list in the required column format showing exhibit number, description with page count, offering party, authentication and admissibility stipulations, objections, and marking/admission dates for each exhibit.
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) which state, as to each exhibit any party intends to offer at trial: (1) the exhibit number, (2) a brief description of the exhibit including the total number of pages, (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) any evidentiary objections to admission of the exhibit, (7) the date the exhibit was marked for identification, and (8) the date the exhibit was admitted into evidence.
Document Type
Joint Exhibit List
For jury trials, counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare and file a joint list of proposed jury instructions stating, for each instruction, its number, title, requesting party, agreed/contested status, any objection, and whether it was given.
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) which states, as to each proposed jury instruction: (1) the jury instruction number (listed in numerical order), (2) the title of the jury instruction, (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.
Document Type
Joint List Of Proposed Jury Instructions
Joint list of proposed jury instructions must be in specified format for jury trials.
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) which states, as to each proposed jury instruction: (1) the jury instruction number (listed in numerical order), (2) the title of the jury instruction, (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.
Document Type
Joint Jury Instructions List
For jury trials, counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare and file a brief written statement of the case for the court to read to the jury.
For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a brief, joint written statement of the case for the court to read to the jury. (Local Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(4).)
Document Type
Joint Statement Of Case
Joint verdict form must be filed for jury trials; use CACI forms where appropriate.
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 3.25, subd. (g)(8).) If the parties cannot agree on a joint verdict form, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form. The court urges the parties to consider a general verdict form. 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
Verdict Form
For jury trials, the parties must jointly prepare and file a proposed verdict form acceptable to all parties, or, 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 3.25, subd. (g)(8).) If the parties cannot agree on a joint verdict form, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form.
Document Type
Verdict Form
Joint deposition/page line chart must be in specified format with highlighted designations and attached transcripts.
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 Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony”). In the joint chart, each designating party’s designations of deposition or former testimony shall include columns which 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. 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.
Document Type
Joint Deposition Chart
For jury trials, counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions, editing CACI instructions, inserting party names, and removing blanks and irrelevant material.
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 Civil Jury Instructions ("CACI") instructions, inserting party names, and eliminating blanks and other irrelevant or inapplicable material.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
Full-text jury instructions must be on LASC LACIV 129 or equivalent Word format, using CACI instructions where appropriate.
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 Civil Jury Instructions (“CACI”) instructions, inserting party names, and eliminating blanks and other irrelevant or inapplicable material. The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on Los Angeles Superior Court form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format. If there is an appropriate CACI jury instruction on a point of law, the court expects the parties to request the CACI instruction instead of a specially prepared jury instruction.
Document Type
Joint Jury Instructions
Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer to jointly prepare and file a Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony.
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 Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony").
Document Type
Joint Chart Of Page And Line Designations
Motions in limine must comply with CCP 1005 notice, have caption identifying evidence, numbered consecutively.
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 provisions of Code of Civil Procedure section 1005 and file declarations that comply with the requirements of Los Angeles County Court Rule 3.57, subdivision (a). The caption of each motion in limine shall concisely identify the evidence that the moving party seeks to exclude. Parties filing more than one motion in limine shall number them consecutively.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Motions in limine must comply with the notice provisions of CCP section 1005 and include declarations complying with Los Angeles County Court Rule 3.57(a).
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall comply with the statutory notice provisions of Code of Civil Procedure section 1005 and file declarations that comply with the requirements of Los Angeles County Court Rule 3.57, subdivision (a).
Document Type
Motion 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 Binders to the Final Status Conference for the court to review.
Document Type
Exhibit Binder
The Trial Binder's table of contents must include Tabs A through J (Trial Briefs, Joint Witness List, Joint Exhibit List, Joint Statement to the Jury, Jury Instructions, Verdict Forms, Deposition Designations, Operative Pleadings, and Motions in Limine), with bench trials limited to Tabs A, B, C, H, and I.
with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only 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). Tab J: Motions in Limine, unless they are too voluminous and require their own binder.
Document Type
Trial Binder
Where an appropriate CACI jury instruction exists, the court expects the parties to request it instead of a specially prepared instruction.
If there is an appropriate CACI jury instruction on a point of law, the court expects the parties to request the CACI instruction instead of a specially prepared jury instruction.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
When a special verdict form is requested, the court expects the parties to use the applicable CACI special verdict form if one exists.
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
Designating parties must include six required columns in the joint chart: designation number/witness 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 designations of deposition or former testimony shall include columns which 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 Of Page And Line Designations
Counter-designating parties must include six required columns in the joint chart: designation number/witness name, date and type of testimony, page and line counter-designations, objections, the related designation number, and the court's ruling.
In the joint chart, each counter-designating party's counter-designations of additional deposition or former testimony of the witness that relates to the designations shall include columns which 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 counter-designations of the deposition or former testimony requested to be used, (4) any objections, (5) the designation number of the other party's designation to which the counter-designation relates, and (6) the court's ruling.
Document Type
Joint Chart Of Page And Line Designations
The caption of each motion in limine 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 more than one motion in limine must number the motions consecutively.
Parties filing more than one motion in limine shall number them consecutively.
Document Type
Motion In Limine
Non-documentary exhibits must be marked and accompanied by a simple written description placed behind the corresponding numerical tab in the Exhibit Binders.
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall mark all non-documentary exhibits and insert a simple written description of the exhibit behind the corresponding numerical tab in the Exhibit Binders.
Document Type
Exhibit Binder
Each exhibit in the Judicial Assistant's copy of the Exhibit Binder must have the court's yellow evidence tags filled in with only the case number and exhibit number.
The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall also place the court's yellow evidence tags (with only the case number and exhibit number filled in) on each exhibit in the Judicial Assistant's copy of the Exhibit Binder.
Document Type
Exhibit Binder
Proposed jury instructions must be grouped behind Tab F in order with cover sheets: agreed-upon instructions, plaintiff's requested instructions defendant objects to, and defendant's requested instructions plaintiff objects to.
The parties shall organize proposed jury instructions into groups behind Tab F in the following order (labeled by cover sheets): (1) agreed-upon instructions, (2) plaintiff's requested instructions to which defendant objects, and (3) defendant's requested instructions to which plaintiff objects.
Document Type
Proposed Jury Instructions
The court urges the parties to consider using a general verdict form.
The court urges the parties to consider a general verdict form.
Document Type
Verdict Form
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Represented parties must e-file civil documents in text-searchable PDF with bookmarked attachments; self-represented exempt.
All represented parties are to comply with LASC Rule 3.4 and the operative General Order for a Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil. Documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable form. Attachments to primary documents including depositions, declarations, exhibits (including exhibits to declarations), transcripts (including excerpts), points and authorities, citations and supporting brief must be bookmarked and hyper linked. Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory electronic filing, although they are encouraged to participate in electronic filing and service.
Page 2 | FILINGS
Ex parte applications and support must be e-filed by 10am court day before hearing; oppositions by 8:30am day of hearing. Self-represented exempt.
All ex parte applications and documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing. Any written opposition shall be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory Electronic Filing requirements.
Page 2 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Self-represented litigants are exempt from the mandatory e-filing requirements for ex parte filings under CRC 2.253(b)(2).
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory Electronic Filing requirements.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
All represented parties must comply with LASC Rule 3.4 and the General Order mandating electronic filing for civil cases.
All represented parties are to comply with LASC Rule 3.4 and the operative General Order for a Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
All trial documents must be filed pursuant to the mandatory electronic filing order, but self-represented litigants are exempt.
All trial documents are to be filed pursuant to the General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil dated November 5, 2018. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.253 (b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from the mandatory electronic filing requirement.
Page 5 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing but are encouraged to participate in electronic filing and service.
Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory electronic filing, although they are encouraged to participate in electronic filing and service.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be e-filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.
All ex parte applications and documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be e-filed by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.
All ex parte applications and documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.
Page 2 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Written opposition to an ex parte application must be e-filed by 8:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing.
Any written opposition shall be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Ex parte oppositions must be e-filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing.
Any written opposition shall be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing.
Page 2 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Trial documents must be filed and served no later than 5 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: 1. TRIAL BRIEFS... 2. JOINT WITNESS LIST... 3. JOINT EXHIBIT LIST... 4. JOINT STATEMENT TO BE READ TO THE JURY... 5. JOINT LIST OF PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS... 6. JURY INSTRUCTIONS... 7. VERDICT FORM(S)... 8. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY
Page 5 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Trial documents (trial briefs, joint witness list, joint exhibit 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 5 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Motions in limine too voluminous for Trial Binder must be filed no later than 3 court days before Final Status Conference.
If the motions in limine are too voluminous to fit behind Tab J in the Trial Binder, the parties must submit a separate motion in limine no later than three court days before the Final Status Conference.
Page 10 | E. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
If motions in limine are too voluminous for Tab J of the Trial Binder, they must be submitted separately no later than three court days before the Final Status Conference.
If the motions in limine are too voluminous to fit behind Tab J in the Trial Binder, the parties must submit a separate motion in limine no later than three court days before the Final Status Conference.
Page 11 | Motions in Limine (Trial Documents)
Trial Binder must be filed no later than 3 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 deliver to Department B a Trial Binder...
Page 11 | G. TRIAL BINDER
The Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided conformed copies tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents, is due no later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference (bench trials require only Tabs A, B, C, H, and I).
No later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' ... Department B a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only the documents listed under Tabs A, B, C, H, and I)
Page 12 | G. TRIAL BINDER
A Notice of Settlement must be filed at the earliest opportunity when a case settles between the Final Status Conference and the trial date.
If you settle a case between the date of the Final Status Conference and the trial date, please, in addition to filing a Notice of Settlement at the earliest opportunity, call the Court’s Judicial Assistant and advise her of the settlement.
Page 3 | INFORMATION RE SPECIFIC HEARINGS - TRIAL AND FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE DATES
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Counsel and self-represented parties must exchange all trial exhibits 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 4 | C. MEET AND CONFER
Counsel and self-represented parties must serve the required trial documents at the time of filing, 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 5 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Trial documents must be served on all parties no later than 5 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 5 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are required only for late-filed documents and ex parte oppositions, delivered to Department B.
Courtesy copies are not requested except for any late-filed document and any ex parte opposition. Please deliver courtesy copies directly to Department B.
Page 1 | COURTESY COPIES
Courtesy copies are required only for late-filed documents and ex parte oppositions, and must be delivered directly to Department B.
Courtesy copies are not requested except for any late-filed document and any ex parte opposition. Please deliver courtesy copies directly to Department B.
Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Filing Bundling Requirements
Motions in limine and related papers must be bound in tabbed three-ring binders with colored separators.
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.
Page 10 | E. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Four sets of tabbed, internally paginated exhibit binders in three-ring binders required for trial.
The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly-marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) (“Exhibit Binders”). Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies. Note: Any exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.
Page 11 | F. EXHIBIT BINDERS
Trial Binder must be filed 3 calendar days before Final Status Conference, with specified tabs in three-ring binder.
No later than three calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall deliver to Department B a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only the documents listed under Tabs A, B, C, H, and I): Tab A: Trial Briefs... Tab J: Motions in Limine, unless they are too voluminous and require their own binder.
Page 11 | G. TRIAL BINDER
Motions in limine, along with their opposition and reply papers, must be bundled in one or more tabbed three-ring binders with colored separator sheets between moving, opposition, and reply papers.
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.
Page 11 | Motions in Limine (Trial Documents)
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Counsel must exhaust meet and confer efforts before filing any discovery motion.
The Court requires all counsel to exhaust meet and confer efforts before filing a discovery motion.
Page 1 | DISCOVERY
All motion hearing dates must be reserved through the Court Reservation System (CRS), except with leave of court, and motions are heard Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
All motion hearing dates must be reserved using the Court Reservation System (CRS) except with leave of Court. Follow the link- Online Services-Court Reservation System (CRS) on the Court's website. Motions are heard on Fridays at 8:30 a.m.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
A motion date must be reserved on CRS before bringing an ex parte application to shorten time.
A motion date must be reserved on CRS prior to bringing an Ex Parte Application to Shorten Time.
Page 2 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Motions in limine must be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.
Motions in limine shall be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.
Page 10 | E. MOTIONS IN LIMINE
The Court will hold an informal discovery conference (IDC) upon request, and counsel may call the Judicial Assistant to schedule one.
Upon request of counsel, the Court will conduct an informal discovery conference afternoon, when the Court is not in session for trials. Counsel may call the Judicial Assistant to set up a time for an IDC.
Page 2 | DISCOVERY
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances must be sought by noticed motion or ex parte application unless all parties stipulate or the Court orders otherwise.
Trial or other continuances must be heard on a noticed motion or Ex Parte Application basis unless otherwise stipulated to by all parties or ordered by the Court.
Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Continuances require noticed motion or ex parte application unless stipulated or court-ordered; trial continuances need good cause.
CONTINUANCES: Trial or other continuances must be heard on a noticed motion or Ex Parte Application basis unless otherwise stipulated to by all parties or ordered by the Court. Trial continuances are generally disfavored -- trial dates should be considered firm and will be moved only upon a showing of good cause. The Court appreciates receiving requests to continue a motion hearing as far in advance of such hearing as possible.
Page 1 | CONTINUANCES
Trial continuances are disfavored and trial dates will be moved only for good cause.
Trial continuances are generally disfavored -- trial dates should be considered firm and will be moved only upon a showing of good cause.
Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Requests to continue a motion hearing should be made as far in advance of the hearing as possible.
The Court appreciates receiving requests to continue a motion hearing as far in advance of such hearing as possible.
Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must call the Judicial Assistant at 818-260-8438 to advise of settlement between Final Status Conference and trial date.
If you settle a case between the date of the Final Status Conference and the trial date, please, in addition to filing a Notice of Settlement at the earliest opportunity, call the Court’s Judicial Assistant and advise her of the settlement.
Page 3 | TRIAL AND FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE DATES
If a case settles between the Final Status Conference and the trial date, the party must call the Court's Judicial Assistant to advise her of the settlement.
If you settle a case between the date of the Final Status Conference and the trial date, please, in addition to filing a Notice of Settlement at the earliest opportunity, call the Court’s Judicial Assistant and advise her of the settlement.
Page 3 | INFORMATION RE SPECIFIC HEARINGS - TRIAL AND FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE DATES