Los Angeles Superior Court Document Format Requirements

WARNING

Special jury instructions (from other sources, specially prepared, or substantially modified) must be numbered consecutively per CRC rule 2.1055(b)(3).

“Special jury instructions, meaning instructions from other sources, those specially prepared by the party, or approved instructions that have been substantially modified by the party,” must be numbered consecutively. (CRC, rule 2.1055(b)(3).)

WARNING

Counsel must supply an additional exhibit binder to each opposing party.

Counsel must also additionally supply an exhibit binder to each opposing party.

WARNING

Trial exhibits must be pre-marked with Arabic numerals and each page of multi-page exhibits must be numbered sequentially.

Pursuant to Local Rules 3.52 and 3.53, the exhibits must be pre-marked using Arabic numerals and in instances where exhibits consist of multiple pages, each page must be numbered sequentially.

WARNING

The Court requests that all electronically filed documents be bookmarked and searchable.

The Court requests that all electronically filed documents be bookmarked and searchable. (Local Rule 3.4.)

WARNING

Parties must jointly prepare four tabbed, internally paginated, numerically organized exhibit sets in three-ring binders, with one-sided copies for documentary exhibits.

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.

WARNING

The LACIV 094 form must describe the discovery dispute in font no smaller than 12-point, double or one-and-a-half spaced, and no attachments are allowed.

On LACIV 094 briefly describe the nature of the discovery dispute in font no smaller than 12-point, double or one-and-a-half spaced in the area provided on the form. No attachments are allowed.

WARNING

The Trial Binder must contain one-sided conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents.

consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents

WARNING

The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided conformed copies of all motion papers, arranged 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.

WARNINGCivil cases

Each volume of a multi-volume joint appendix must be clearly labeled on its cover and/or spine (e.g., Vol. 1 of ___).

If the joint appendix consists of more than one volume, each volume shall be clearly labeled on its cover and/or spine (e.g. Vol. 1 of

WARNINGCivil cases

Joint appendix pages must be arranged in numerical Bates-stamped order regardless of which party cited them.

The pages in the joint appendix shall be in numerical Bates-stamped order no matter which party cited the particular page.

WARNINGCivil cases

The traditional mandamus joint appendix must be Bates-numbered consecutively and briefs must refer to evidence by the joint appendix Bates numbers.

Such joint appendix shall be bates-numbered consecutively, and the parties shall refer in their briefs to the evidence by the joint appendix Bates numbers.

WARNINGCivil cases

The joint appendix must be submitted in a three-inch spiral bound or three-ring binder.

The joint appendix must be submitted in a three-inch spiral bound or three-ring binder.

WARNINGCivil cases

Such proposed judgment and writ of mandate should substantially conform to the suggested Form of Judgment and Form of Writ at the end of this document.

Such proposed judgment and writ of mandate should substantially conform to the suggested Form of Judgment and Form of Writ at the end of this document.

WARNINGCivil cases

The trial binder must be organized with Tab A (Trial Briefs), Tab B (Joint Statement of the Case), Tab C (Joint Witness List), Tab D (Joint List of Jury Instructions), and Tab E (Joint and Contested Jury Instructions).

The trial binder shall be organized as follows: Tab A: Trial Briefs Tab B: Joint Statement of the Case Tab C: Joint Witness List Tab D: Joint List of Jury Instructions Tab E: Joint and Contested Jury Instructions

WARNINGCivil cases

Discovery requests and responses should not be marked as exhibits.

Discovery requests and responses should not be marked as exhibits.

WARNING

Exhibits should be numbered consecutively in the lower right-hand corner, with each page delineated by a dash (e.g., Exhibit 1-1, 1-2, 1-3).

Those exhibits can be numbered consecutively in the lower, right-hand corner of each document. Each page should be given an exhibit number, so that if an exhibit contains multiple pages, it should have a "-"(dash) delineating each page. For example, if Exhibit 1 consists of 3 pages, it would be numbered as follows: Exhibit 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3.

WARNING

The motions in limine notebook must include a Table of Contents and tab dividers separating each numbered motion and its corresponding opposition and reply.

The notebook must have both a Table of Contents and tab dividers to separate each numbered motion and its corresponding opposition and reply.

WARNING

Oppositions to motions in limine must refer to the numbers used by the moving party.

The opposition must refer to the numbers used by the moving party.

WARNING

Motions in limine must be in writing and numbered.

All motions in limine, if any, must be in writing, numbered, and shall be served on all opposing parties and counsel and electronically filed at least ten (10) calendar days before the FSC.

WARNING

Proposed jury instructions must be organized behind Tab F with agreed instructions first, followed by contested instructions.

The parties shall organize proposed jury instructions behind Tab F, with the agreed upon instructions first in order followed by the contested instructions (including special instructions) submitted by each party.

WARNING

Motions in Limine Binders must be organized in tabbed three-ring binders in numerical order with opposition and reply papers placed directly behind the moving papers and colored separator sheets between the moving, opposition, and reply papers.

The Motions in limine Binder(s) shall include 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.

WARNING

Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on Los Angeles Superior Court form SCLAC LACIV 129 or in a Word document in the same format.

The proposedjury instructions shall be prepared on Superior Court of Los Angeles County form SCLAC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format.

WARNING

The Trial Binder must be a physical, tabbed three-ring binder containing conformed copies with a table of contents.

On the date of the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties must jointly prepare and lodge in Department P a physical Trial Binder, consisting of conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following:

WARNING

Documentary exhibits must be one-sided copies.

Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

WARNINGCivil cases

Format

DOCX

an electronic version of the joint witness list, exhibit list, jury instructions, and verdict forms on a thumb/USB drive or CD disk with the documents in Microsoft Word format or compatible format. In the alternative, Counsel may email those documents directly to Department P.

an electronic version of the joint witness list, exhibit list, jury instructions, and verdict forms on a thumb/USB drive or CD disk with the documents in Microsoft Word format or compatible format. In the alternative, Counsel may email those documents directly to Department P.

WARNINGCivil cases

MILs and trial motions should be numbered consecutively with a caption that clearly and concisely identifies the subject of the motion.

MILs and other trial motions should be numbered consecutively, with a caption that clearly and concisely identifies the subject of the motion.

WARNINGCivil cases

Blow-ups of exhibit portions should be identified and marked as sub-part A, and typically will not be admitted into evidence.

Blow-ups of portions of exhibits should be identified and marked as sub-part A. Typically, a blow-up will not be admitted into evidence.

WARNING

Blow-ups of portions of exhibits should be identified and marked as sub-part A.

Blow-ups of portions of exhibits should be identified and marked as sub-part A.

WARNING

The table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked.

The table of contents for any filing must be bookmarked;

WARNING

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.

WARNING

TRIAL BINDER INDEX TAB DOCUMENT A Trial Briefs B Motions in Limine C Joint Statement of the Case D Joint Witness List E Joint Exhibit List F Joint and Disputed Jury Instruction List G Jury Instructions (Full Text) H Verdict Forms I Deposition and Former Testimony Transcript Designations J Operative Pleadings and Stipulations K Proposed Additional Voir Dire Questions for the Court

TRIAL BINDER INDEX TAB DOCUMENT A Trial Briefs B Motions in Limine C Joint Statement of the Case D Joint Witness List E Joint Exhibit List F Joint and Disputed Jury Instruction List G Jury Instructions (Full Text) H Verdict Forms I Deposition and Former Testimony Transcript Designations J Operative Pleadings and Stipulations K Proposed Additional Voir Dire Questions for the Court

WARNING

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.);

WARNING

Multi-page documentary exhibits must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order.

In addition, documentary exhibits that consist of multiple pages must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order.

WARNING

All non-documentary exhibits must be marked and a simple written description of each inserted behind the corresponding numerical tab in the Exhibit Binder.

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 Binder.

WARNING

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 book marked item and briefly describe the item;

WARNING

Designating parties must attach the designated transcript pages to the joint chart with numbered tabs separating each transcript, and highlight each designation using a different color highlighter per party.

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.

WARNING

Copies of all designated transcript pages must be attached to the designation form with different color markings for each party's designations and objections.

Copies of all pages of each transcript so designated shall be attached to the form, annotated with different color markings for Plaintiff's designation, Defendant's objection and Defendant's designation and Plaintiff's objection.

WARNING

All exhibits must be pre-numbered in advance of trial, except exhibits anticipated to be used solely for impeachment.

All exhibits must be exchanged between the parties and pre- numbered in advance of the trial, except those exhibits that are reasonably and in good faith anticipated to be used solely for purposes of impeachment.

WARNING

The court's yellow evidence tags (with only the case number and exhibit number filled in) must be placed on each exhibit in the Judicial Assistant's set; the sentence continues on the next page.

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

WARNING

Exhibits should have only ONE page number showing, and all others (e.g., deposition exhibit numbers or document production Bates numbers) should be covered up or otherwise removed.

Exhibits should have only ONE page number showing, and all others (e.g., deposition exhibit numbers or document production Bates numbers) should be covered up or otherwise removed.

WARNING

Each designation or counter-designation in the joint chart 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.

WARNING

Documentary exhibits must be copied one-sided.

Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

WARNINGCivil cases

The final submission must be lodged via USB drive, with hard copy/paper in 3-ring binders only if requested by the court.

At least five days before the Final Status Conference, the testimony designating party must lodge with the court via USB drive (and/or hard copy/paper in 3 ring binders, if requested by the court):

WARNINGCivil cases

Responses to the Standard Request for Production must identify responsive documents by Bates stamp number, and each produced document must be Bates stamped with the defendant name abbreviation, the request number, and the page numbers produced.

Defendant shall respond to oOo each request, by identifying the specific documents that are responsive to the request by Bates stamp number. Each document produced must be Bates stamped with 1) an abbreviation for BS the Defendants’ name; 2) the number of the request for production; and 3) the pages produced for that request.

WARNINGCivil cases

Parties should submit transcripts in proper paginated form, with one page of testimony per printed page. If only a .txt version of the transcript is available, parties must paginate the transcript (in Word, for example) and print it to PDF, so that each page of the transcript corresponds to a single page of the document. Condensed transcripts, with four pages per sheet, are difficult to process electronically and are disfavored.

Parties should submit transcripts in proper paginated form, with one page of testimony per printed page. If only a .txt version of the transcript is available, parties must paginate the transcript (in Word, for example) and print it to PDF, so that each page of the transcript corresponds to a single page of the document. Condensed transcripts, with four pages per sheet, are difficult to process electronically and are disfavored.

WARNINGCivil cases

Documents produced after the initial production must be labeled in consecutive Bates stamp number order.

Any DH BR DH documents that are subsequently produced must be labeled in consecutive Bates stamp number order.

WARNINGCivil cases

Testimony transcripts highlighted to correspond with the designations. Parties should use light colors for highlighting, as dark colors make the text illegible.

Testimony transcripts highlighted to correspond with the designations. Parties should use light colors for highlighting, as dark colors make the text illegible.

WARNINGCivil cases

In circumstances where portions of the deposition Testimony are designated for protection, the transcript pages containing "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential" Information may be separately bound by the court reporter, who must affix to the top of each page the legend "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential," as instructed by the Designating Party.

In circumstances where portions of the deposition Testimony are designated for protection, the transcript pages containing "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential" Information may be separately bound by the court reporter, who must affix to the top of each page the legend "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential," as instructed by the Designating Party.

WARNINGCivil cases

Confidential or Highly Confidential deposition testimony may be designated either by identifying the qualifying portions on the record before the close of the deposition or by designating the entirety of the deposition testimony.

For Testimony given in depositions the Designating Party may either: i. identify on the record, before the close of the deposition, all "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential" Testimony, by specifying all portions of the Testimony that qualify as "Confidential" or "Highly Confidential;" or ii. designate the entirety of the Testimony at the deposition as

WARNINGCivil cases

Three charts in Word or Adobe format (and/or hard copy if ordered) must be organized separately by tier, with a separate set of charts submitted for each transcript.

Three charts, in Word® or Adobe® format, (and/or hard copy/paper, if ordered by the court) organized separately into Tier One, Tier Two and Tier Three, in the matrix set forth below containing the designation, objection, counter-designation, and response to counter-designation, together with a column on the far right side of the chart for the court's rulings. A separate set of charts should be submitted for each transcript.