Los Angeles Superior Court Document Format Requirements

CRITICALCivil cases

Exhibits must be pre-marked using Arabic numerals, and each page of multi-page exhibits must be numbered sequentially.

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

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must jointly lodge tabbed, properly marked, internally paginated exhibit binders for inspection at the FSC and must mark all non-documentary exhibits with a written description behind the corresponding numerical tab.

The parties shall jointly prepare and lodge for inspection at the FSC 3-ring binders containing tabbed, properly marked exhibits, internally paginated, (At trial, the parties will need additional copies of the exhibits for the Court's clerk, for use on the witness stand, and for each counsel.) The 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

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.

CRITICALCivil cases

The parties should submit three ring binders containing any motions in limine. The parties shall organize motions in limine (tabbed in numerical order) with the opposition papers and reply papers for each motion placed directly behind the moving papers. Sheets of colored paper should be used to separate moving papers from oppositions and oppositions from replies.

The parties should submit three ring binders containing any motions in limine. The parties shall organize motions in limine (tabbed in numerical order) with the opposition papers and reply papers for each motion placed directly behind the moving papers. Sheets of colored paper should be used to separate moving papers from oppositions and oppositions from replies.

CRITICALCivil cases

Declarations and/or exhibits filed with court papers must be tabbed.

declarations and/or exhibits must be tabbed. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1110(f).)

CRITICALCivil cases

Parties must jointly prepare and lodge 3-ring trial binders containing conformed copies 2 days before the Final Status Conference.

The parties shall jointly prepare and lodge 2 days prior to the Final Status Conference 3-ring binders containing one set of the conformed copies of all the following:

CRITICALCivil cases

All electronically filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked, per the General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing in Civil.

All electronically filed documents must be text searchable and bookmarked. (See operative General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing in Civil, (http: lacourt.ca.gov/division/civil/pdf/GeneralOrderreMandatoryElectronicFilingforCivil.pdf.)

CRITICAL

Multi-page exhibits must have internally numbered pages corresponding to the exhibit number (e.g., 3.1, 3.2, 3.3).

If an exhibit contains more than one page, the pages must be internally numbered, i.e., 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, etc.

CRITICAL

All trial binder documents must be signed conformed copies from counsel and self-represented parties, each placed behind a separate tab.

conformed copies of each of the following (each signed by counsel and parties representing themselves) behind a separate tab:

CRITICAL

Identical copies of the Exhibit List and all exhibits must be provided in 3-ring binders, one for each party, one for the Court, and one for the witness stand.

Identical copies of the Exhibit List and all exhibits must be provided in 3-ring binders as follows: one for each party, one for the Court, and one for the witness stand.

CRITICAL

Jury trial binders must be jointly prepared, tabbed and organized into 3-ring binders with a Table of Contents in the front, containing the required documents behind Tabs A through G.

For all jury trials, the parties/counsel shall jointly prepare and lodge a trial binder with the Court at least two (2) calendar days before the FSC, containing the required trial documents, tabbed and organized into 3-ring binders, with a Table of Contents in the front of each binder, as follows: Tab A: Trial Briefs of all parties Tab B: Joint Witness List Tab C: Joint Statement to be Read to the Jury Tab D: Joint Exhibit List Tab E: Joint List of Jury Instructions (identifying the agreed upon and contested instructions) Tab F: Joint and Contested Jury Instructions Tab G: Joint and/or Contested Verdict Forms

CRITICAL

Self-represented litigants must staple all papers separately before filing or the filings will be rejected.

All papers filed by self-represented litigants must be stapled separately before filing, or they will be rejected.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be numbered or lettered using pre-agreed party ranges, each exhibit and subpart separately identified and listed, and each page of multi-page exhibits consecutively paginated.

Each exhibit shall be numbered or lettered. All parties shall agree in advance that their respective party will have a range of exhibit numbers or letters (e.g. Plaintiff No. 1: 1-99; Plaintiff No. 2: 100-199; Defendant: A-Z). Each exhibit must be separately identified. Subparts to an exhibit (e.g., 1A, 1B, etc.) must also be identified and listed separately. Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated.

CRITICAL

All document exhibits must be placed in tabbed binders with each page numbered within each tab.

All document exhibits MUST be placed in binders under tabs, and each page must be numbered within each tab.

CRITICAL

The printed hard copy of jury instructions delivered to Department F49 must be on 2-hole punched, perforated paper so instruction identification can be separated from instruction text for jury deliberation.

The printed, hard copy of the jury instructions delivered directly to Department F49 shall be submitted on 2-hole punched, perforated paper so as to allow for separation of the identification of the instruction from the text of the instruction, to be submitted to the jury for reference during deliberation.

CRITICAL

Self-represented litigants must staple all papers separately before filing, or they will be rejected.

All papers filed by self-represented litigants must be stapled separately before filing, or they will be rejected.

CRITICAL

Printed jury instructions delivered to Dept F49 must be on 2-hole punched, perforated paper.

The printed, hard copy of the jury instructions delivered directly to Department F49 shall be submitted on 2-hole punched, perforated paper so as to allow for separation of the identification of the instruction from the text of the instruction, to be submitted to the jury for reference during deliberation.

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on form SCLAC LACIV 129 or a matching Word document 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.

CRITICAL

Exhibit binders must be tabbed three-ring binders with one-sided copies, numerically organized exhibits, each with separate exhibit numbers.

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare at least three sets of tabbed exhibit binders organized numerically in three-ring binders (Exhibit Binders): a set for the Court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses, in addition to any sets necessary for each party. Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies. All multi-page exhibits must have each page separately numbered. Separate documents and photographs shall not be grouped into one exhibit, but must be separately numbered with their own exhibit number.

CRITICALCivil cases

Format

DOCX

Counsel shall bring to Department P copies of all trial documents and 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.

Counsel shall bring to Department P copies of all trial documents and 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.

CRITICALCivil cases

All motions must comply with the California Code of Civil Procedure and California Rules of Court as to format and filing, or risk denial and/or sanctions.

The Court expects counsel to be familiar with and abide by the California Code of Civil Procedure and the California Rules of Court with respect to the format and filing of all motions. Failure to comply with the relevant code sections or rules may result in denial of the motion and/or sanctions.

CRITICALCivil cases

MILs must comply with LASC Rule 3.57.

MILs must comply with LASC Rule 3.57.

CRITICALCivil cases

Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated.

Each page of a multi-page exhibit must be consecutively paginated.

CRITICALCivil cases

Non-documentary exhibits must be represented in a binder with a simple written description.

Non-documentary exhibits shall be represented in a binder with a simple written description.

CRITICALCivil cases

Bulk exhibits such as voluminous medical records are not permitted; counsel must separately mark and identify the specific items within a bulk exhibit.

Bulk exhibits, e.g., voluminous medical records will not be permitted. Counsel must separately mark and identify the specific items within a bulk exhibit.

CRITICAL

Format

PAPER

All jury instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.

All instructions must be submitted on perforated paper forms.

CRITICAL

Exhibits must be consecutively paginated.

exhibit must be consecutively paginated.

CRITICAL

Exhibits should be numbered. Counsel should agree in advance that their respective party will have a range of exhibit numbers, i.e., plaintiff 1-99; defendant 100-199. Each exhibit must be separately identified. Subparts to an exhibit, i.e., 1A, 1B, etc., must also be identified and listed separately.

Exhibits should be numbered. Counsel should agree in advance that their respective party will have a range of exhibit numbers, i.e., plaintiff 1-99; defendant 100-199. Each exhibit must be separately identified. Subparts to an exhibit, i.e., 1A, 1B, etc., must also be identified and listed separately.

CRITICAL

Bulk exhibits such as voluminous medical records are not permitted, and specific items within any bulk exhibit must be separately marked and identified.

Bulk exhibits, e.g., voluminous medical records, will not be permitted. Counsel must separately mark and identify the specific items within a bulk exhibit.

CRITICAL

Each page of each exhibit must be internally paginated (e.g., 1-1; 1-2; 2-1).

Each page of each exhibit must be internally paginated, e.g., 1-1; 1 2; 2-1, etc.

CRITICAL

Parties must jointly prepare three sets of tabbed, internally paginated, numerically organized exhibits in three-ring binders (for the court, the Judicial Assistant, and the witnesses), with one-sided copies of documentary exhibits.

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare three 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.

CRITICAL

The Trial Binder must consist of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder prepared in compliance with Exhibits 1–7 (pages 8–15).

consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder prepared in compliance with Exhibits 1 – 7, pages 8 - 15 below.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

Each document accompanying a 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;

CRITICAL

Non-document exhibits must be identified with a page inserted after the tab containing a disc, photograph, or description of the exhibit.

All non-document exhibits shall be identified with a page inserted after the tab with either a disc, a photograph or a description of the exhibit.

CRITICAL

additional questions should be in the same format as the standard voir dire questions in Trial Preparation Order, Exhibit 7, paragraph B (i.e., Yes or No answers with Yes answers leading to additional inquiry) and shall be included in the Trial Binder at TAB K.

additional questions should be in the same format as the standard voir dire questions in Trial Preparation Order, Exhibit 7, paragraph B (i.e., Yes or No answers with Yes answers leading to additional inquiry) and shall be included in the Trial Binder at TAB K.

CRITICAL

The Trial Binder must have front and side labels and an Index as the first page, both in the format of Trial Preparation Order Exhibit 1.

FORMAT: The Trial Binder shall have labels on the front and side in the format attached as Trial Preparation Order, Exhibit 1. The Trial Binder must have as the first page an Index to the Trial Binder, in the format attached as Trial Preparation Order, Exhibit 1.

CRITICAL

B. Exhibit Binder Plaintiff v. Defendant Case No. __________ Exhibit Binder(s) If there will be more than one Exhibit Binder, then label on the front and side, e.g., "Exhibit Binder I of IV - Exhibits 1 - 25."

B. Exhibit Binder Plaintiff v. Defendant Case No. __________ Exhibit Binder(s) If there will be more than one Exhibit Binder, then label on the front and side, e.g., "Exhibit Binder I of IV - Exhibits 1 - 25."

CRITICAL

Parties must not include uncommonly large exhibits as a single exhibit when only a few pages are likely to be used at trial; only those pages belong in the Exhibit Binder(s).

The parties shall refrain from including uncommonly large exhibits as a single exhibit if only a few pages are likely to be used at trial. In that case, only those pages should be included in the Exhibit Binder(s).

CRITICAL

No exhibit may be referenced by counsel or a witness unless pre-marked with an exhibit number, using Arabic numerals in distinct sequential blocks assigned per party.

No exhibit may be referenced by counsel or a witness unless it has been pre- marked with an exhibit number. The most efficient system for numbering exhibits is to use Arabic numerals, with each party assigned a distinct block of numbers to be applied sequentially. For example, the plaintiff might be assigned numbers 1 through 200, the first defendant numbers 201 through 400, and the second defendant numbers 401 through 600.

CRITICAL

Format

PDF

E-filed documents must be in PDF, text searchable format when technologically feasible without impairment of the document's image.

Electronic documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable format when technologically feasible without impairment of the document’s image;

CRITICAL

Format

DOCX

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

The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on Los Angeles Superior Court form LASCIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format.

CRITICAL

Each Exhibit Binder must have a conformed Joint Exhibit List at the front followed by all exhibits numbered and tabbed.

EACH Exhibit Binder shall have a conformed copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front, followed by all exhibits numbered and tabbed.

CRITICAL

Trial continuance requests must not be made on LASC CIV CTRL-242 or any similar 'Optional' form.

Requests for trial continuances shall not be made on LASC CIV CTRL-242 or any other similar "Optional" form.

CRITICAL

Exhibit binders must not be labeled by party (e.g., 'Plaintiff's Exhibit Book I of III'); a single shared sequential labeling format (e.g., 'Exhibit Book I of V') is required.

Do NOT label them by party, e.g., "Plaintiff's Exhibit Book I of III" and "Defendant's Exhibit Book I of II" instead of "Exhibit Book I of V," etc.

CRITICAL

Parties must jointly prepare three sets of evidentiary exhibit binders (Judge, Judicial Assistant, Witness) with front and side labels formatted per Trial Preparation Order Exhibit 1.

The parties shall jointly prepare three sets of evidentiary exhibit binders (a set for Judge, Judicial Assistant and Witness). The Exhibit Binders shall have labels on the front and side in the format described in the Trial Preparation Order, Exhibit 1, see attached below.

CRITICAL

Trial and Exhibit Binders must use tabs placed on the right side (not the bottom) and may not contain stapled documents.

Tabs are required and must be on the right side, not the bottom. Do not put stapled documents in any of the binders.

CRITICAL

Trial binders must be labeled on the front and spine with 'Plaintiff v. Defendant', the case number, and either 'Trial Binder' or 'Trial Binder I – Tabs A - ___' identifying the last tab included.

LABELS ON FRONT AND SPINE OF TRIAL AND EXHIBIT BINDERS A. Trial Binder Plaintiff v. Defendant Case No. __________ Trial Binder or, Trial Binder I – Tabs A - ___ (e.g., Tab A – Tab K, or whichever is the last Tab in that binder

CRITICAL

Motions to compel further responses require a four-column joint statement with specified columns.

In the event a motion to compel further responses is filed, the parties are required to submit a JOINT STATEMENT consisting of a four-column document set up as follows: The first column will identify the number of the discovery request; the second, the text of the discovery request; the third, the text of the response; and the fourth, brief bullet-point statements, one from each party, as to why a further response should or should not be compelled.

CRITICAL

Parties must attach copies of the designated or counter-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.

CRITICAL

The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided conformed copies of all motions in limine, opposition, and reply papers in tabbed three-ring binders with colored separator 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.