Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
Exhibit List
- 1 copy • Email • With Filing
Exhibits
- 4 copies • On First Day of Trial
Statement of the Case
- 1 copy • Email • With Filing
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Court-widePhone
Court-widePhone
Court-widePhone
Court-wideChambers
Document Format Requirements6 rules
When there are five or fewer exhibits and their combined pages do not exceed 25, each exhibit must have a blank divider sheet showing only its exhibit number at the bottom.
Court's wording
For five (5) or less exhibits, and where the total number of pages of all exhibits combined does not exceed 25 pages: (If the number of pages exceeds 25, follow the instructions under c - e below) • Each exhibit shall have a divider sheet in front of the actual exhibit. • The divider sheet shall be blank except for the exhibit number displayed at the bottom.
Exhibits must be organized in the order they are listed on the Exhibit List.
For more than five (5) exhibits, exhibit packets shall be assembled in an exhibit binder, using numbered tab pages before each exhibit.
Original deposition transcripts to be used at trial must be available to the court in hard copy.
- File type
- Paper
- Deposition transcript
If the CA State Bar license number is not noted on the card, it must be handwritten.
Plaintiff/Petitioner is assigned Exhibits 1 through 200 and Defendant/Respondent is assigned Exhibits 201 through 400.
Document Filing Requirements15 rules
We DO NOT provide hearing dates for ex parte family law matters prior to the judicial officer’s review. You must file your documents without a hearing date inserted.
A request for a remote appearance based on extenuating circumstances must be filed on local Form SC-2073.
Court's wording
If extenuating circumstances exist that require a remote appearance, the court requires the filing of local Form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing date for the court’s review and consideration.
Case Management Statements are required to be filed for every CMC, unless otherwise specifically ordered.
Trial briefs directed at key controverted issues, complete with points and authorities, shall be submitted to the court no later than three (3) days prior to date set for trial.
- Document
- Trial brief
Must include
- •Legal argument
The requirements are to be filed with the court one (1) week prior to the scheduled MSC.
Witness lists must be e-filed for use at the outset of voir dire, using the specified filing code and description.
Court's wording
Witness lists must be e-filed to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org at least five (5) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Witness List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
File a joint exhibit list when possible, or separate lists otherwise, using the specified filing code and description.
Court's wording
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Use eFiling code “Motion in Limine” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by the motion number and description.
Proposed jury instructions and related materials must be filed using the specified code and description; nonstandard language must be labeled “Special Instruction” and supported in a separate attachment.
Court's wording
A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions, special findings, and verdict forms are to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date. Any proposed language that is added to and/or differs from the CACI approved language shall be identified as a “Special Instruction” in the heading with a separate attachment with any supporting points and authorities. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
A joint statement of the case for the jury must be filed for reading during voir dire, using the specified filing code and description.
Court's wording
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire is to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Trial briefs, with a separate agreed upon statement of the case, are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Mini-opening statements must be submitted in writing by e-filing at least five days before trial, using the specified filing code and description.
Court's wording
Mini-opening statements of no more than three (3) minutes per side are allowed before jury selection. Those must be e-filed with the court in writing at least five (5) days before trial. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “opening”.
The first page of the exhibit packet shall be the Exhibit List. The Exhibit List shall list (in numerical order) the number of the exhibit, the type of exhibit, and a brief description of the exhibit.
- Document
- Exhibit packet
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Counsel must provide the court copies of their Demand for Exchange of Expert Witnesses and Response to that Demand.
Court's wording
Counsel shall provide the court with a copy of their Demand for Exchange of Expert Witnesses and their Response to Demand for Exchange of Expert Witnesses to assist the court in ruling on expert witness issues.
A set of business cards from each attorney shall be presented to the courtroom clerk at the time in limine motions are heard or, at the very latest, on the first day of voir dire.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Written mini-opening statements must be e-filed.
Mini-opening statements of no more than three (3) minutes per side are allowed before jury selection. Those must be e-filed with the court in writing at least five (5) days before trial. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “opening”.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Motions in limine and opposition papers must be filed electronically.
Motions in limine are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial; Opposition papers shall be e-filed at least one (1) court day before the trial date.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Jury trial briefs must be filed electronically at least five court days before trial.
Trial briefs, with a separate agreed upon statement of the case, are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Exhibit lists must be filed electronically.
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
The joint statement of the case must be e-filed five court days before trial.
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire is to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Witness lists must be filed electronically.
Witness lists must be e-filed to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org at least five (5) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Witness List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Proposed jury instructions, pinpoint instructions, special findings, and verdict forms must be e-filed.
A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions, special findings, and verdict forms are to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date. Any proposed language that is added to and/or differs from the CACI approved language shall be identified as a “Special Instruction” in the heading with a separate attachment with any supporting points and authorities. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Before trial begins, counsel must e-lodge all depositions to be used at trial, advise the court of any unsigned depositions, use the “Deposition, Lodged” eFiling code, and put the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Prior to the commencement of trial, counsel shall e-lodge all depositions to be used in trial, with the court and advise the court if there are any depositions which are unsigned. Use eFiling code “Deposition, Lodged”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 6 | Witnesses
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The remote-appearance request must be filed at least 10 calendar days before the hearing.
If extenuating circumstances exist that require a remote appearance, the court requires the filing of local Form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, at least 10 calendar days prior to the hearing date for the court’s review and consideration.
Page 2 | Zoom Appearances
File the MSC/Mediation Requirements with the court one week before the scheduled MSC.
The requirements are to be filed with the court one (1) week prior to the scheduled MSC.
Page 3 | Pre-Trial
Non-jury trial briefs must be submitted no later than three days before trial.
Trial briefs directed at key controverted issues, complete with points and authorities, shall be submitted to the court no later than three (3) days prior to date set for trial.
Page 3 | Non-Jury Trials
E-file the joint statement of the case five court days before the trial date.
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire is to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Exhibit lists must be e-filed at least five court days before trial.
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Mini-opening statements of no more than three (3) minutes per side are allowed before jury selection. Those must be e-filed with the court in writing at least five (5) days before trial. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “opening”.
Mini-opening statements of no more than three (3) minutes per side are allowed before jury selection. Those must be e-filed with the court in writing at least five (5) days before trial. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “opening”.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Jury trial briefs must be e-filed at least five court days before trial.
Trial briefs, with a separate agreed upon statement of the case, are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
E-file proposed jury instructions and related materials five court days before trial.
A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions, special findings, and verdict forms are to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date. Any proposed language that is added to and/or differs from the CACI approved language shall be identified as a “Special Instruction” in the heading with a separate attachment with any supporting points and authorities. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Motions in limine must be e-filed at least five court days before trial.
Motions in limine are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial; Opposition papers shall be e-filed at least one (1) court day before the trial date.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Witness lists must be e-filed at least five court days before trial.
Witness lists must be e-filed to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org at least five (5) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Witness List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
All depositions to be used at trial must be e-lodged before the commencement of trial.
Prior to the commencement of trial, counsel shall e-lodge all depositions to be used in trial, with the court and advise the court if there are any depositions which are unsigned.
Page 6 | Witnesses
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Parties must exchange the Exhibit List and organized proposed exhibits at least five business days before the scheduled hearing or trial, unless the court sets another date; electronic delivery to a self-represented party requires consent and use of that party’s verified email address.
Parties shall exchange their Exhibit List and their proposed exhibits, organized as above, by providing to the other party, copies of the exhibits submitted to the court, at least five (5) business days prior to the scheduled hearing or trial, unless a different date is set by the court. Copies may be provided in their physical form or may be sent electronically to opposing counsel. Copies may be provided in their physical form or may be sent electronically to a self-represented party who consents to electronic delivery of the exhibits, at their verified e-mail address.
Page 6 | Exhibit Requirements
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Email a courtesy copy of the witness list to the stated address at least five court days before trial.
Witness lists must be e-filed to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org at least five (5) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Witness List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Email a courtesy copy of the jury trial brief to the stated address.
Trial briefs, with a separate agreed upon statement of the case, are to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Email a courtesy copy of the exhibit list to the stated address.
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least five (5) court days before the trial date with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Email a courtesy copy of the joint statement of the case to the stated address.
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire is to be e-filed five (5) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM2Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Page 4 | Jury Trials
Four courtesy copies of all exhibits—Court, Witness, Clerk, and Counsel copies—must be brought to court on the first day of trial.
Courtesy copies of all exhibits must be brought to the court on the first day of trial (Court copy, Witness copy, Clerk copy, and Counsel copy).
Page 5 | Exhibit Requirements
Courtesy copies of e-filed documents may be emailed to the Judicial Secretary or department email.
Courtesy copies of any e-filed documents can also be emailed to the Judicial Secretary or department email.
Page 8 | Courtroom Etiquette
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Last-minute cancellations and date changes for an MSC are not authorized.
Last-minute cancellations and date changes are not authorized.
Page 3 | Pre-Trial
Chambers Communication Rules
To request a civil ex parte matter, contact the judicial secretary by phone.
To request a civil ex parte matter, contact Judicial Secretary Alison Villarruel at (805) 614-6500.
Page 2 | Ex Parte Matters (Civil)
Do not submit ex parte correspondence to the judge with exhibits; submitted ex parte communications will not be considered, and arguments must be presented at trial.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT include any ex parte correspondence to the judge with your exhibit submissions. Any ex parte communication submitted will not be read or considered. You must present your arguments at the trial.
Page 6 | Exhibit Requirements
If the exhibits exceed 200, contact the department for numbering guidance.
If exhibits exceed 200, please contact the department for further guidance on numbering.
Page 6 | Exhibit Requirements
Contact the department secretary for guidance on arranging a private reporter.
Please contact the department secretary for further guidance on how to arrange for a private reporter.
Page 7 | Court Reporters
Counsel may contact the Judicial Secretary by phone with questions.
Counsel may contact the Department’s Judicial Secretary, at 805-614-6500 or avillarruel@sbcourts.org if there are any questions.
Page 8 | Courtroom Etiquette