Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Exhibit List
- 1 copy • Email
Exhibits
- First Day of Trial
Joint Statement of Case
Trial Brief
- 1 copy • Email
Adjournments
Court-wide
Communication
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Phone
Court-wideChambers
Chambers
Document Format Requirements7 rules
You must file your documents without a hearing date inserted.
When there are no more than five exhibits and no more than 25 total exhibit pages, place a divider sheet before each exhibit; it must be blank except for the 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.
Plaintiff/Petitioner is assigned Exhibits 1 through 200 and Defendant/Respondent is assigned Exhibits 201 through 400.
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.
Document Filing Requirements16 rules
A person seeking a remote appearance based on extenuating circumstances must file 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.
Each party must submit and serve a mandatory settlement conference statement as required by the cited rules.
Court's wording
No later than five court days before the initial date set for the settlement conference, each party must submit to the court and serve on each party a mandatory settlement conference statement as required by CRC 3.1380(c) and Local Rule 1423.
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
To file a non-confidential brief, select eFiling code “Brief” and include “MSC” with the hearing date in the filing description field.
If you wish an MSC Brief to be submitted confidentially, please select “Settlement Conference Statement,” as your eFiling code to ensure it is lodged confidentially. Include the hearing date in the filing description field.
Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
File a joint exhibit list if possible, or separate lists otherwise; use eFiling code “Exhibit List” and enter the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Court's wording
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Witness lists must be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Witness List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions are to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
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.
Trial briefs must use the “Trial Brief” eFiling code and include the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Court's wording
Trial briefs are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e- mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
The joint statement must be for the jury to read during voir dire and its Filing Description must include the trial date followed by “Joint”.
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 three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
If exigent circumstances require a Zoom appearance, the specified request form must be e-filed at least 10 days before trial and served on the other side.
Court's wording
In-person appearances of all parties, witnesses, and counsel is required. If exigent circumstances necessitate a Zoom appearance, local form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, must be e-filed for the court’s consideration at least 10-days prior to trial with service to the other side.
The court appreciates the listing of specific completion dates on the discovery portion of the CMC Statement as opposed to “per code”.
Parties may print or download the Exhibit List local form (SC-1043) from the court’s website at https://www.santabarbara.courts.ca.gov.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Witness lists must be filed electronically using eFiling code “Witness List.”
Witness lists must be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Witness List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
Exhibit lists must be filed electronically using eFiling code “Exhibit List.”
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
Trial briefs must be filed electronically using eFiling code “Trial Brief.”
Trial briefs are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e- mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
The Zoom appearance request must be e-filed.
In-person appearances of all parties, witnesses, and counsel is required. If exigent circumstances necessitate a Zoom appearance, local form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, must be e-filed for the court’s consideration at least 10-days prior to trial with service to the other side.
Page 5 | Non-Jury Trials
The joint statement of the case must be e-filed using the specified eFiling code.
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire, is to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
The proposed jury instructions must be e-filed using the specified code.
A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions are to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
Motions in limine and opposition papers must be e-filed.
Motions in limine are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date; Opposition papers shall be e-filed one (1) court day before the trial date.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The Zoom appearance request form 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
Each party must submit and serve its mandatory settlement conference statement no later than five court days before the initial settlement conference date.
No later than five court days before the initial date set for the settlement conference, each party must submit to the court and serve on each party a mandatory settlement conference statement as required by CRC 3.1380(c) and Local Rule 1423.
Page 3 | Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSCs)
E-file a joint exhibit list when possible, or separate exhibit lists otherwise, at least three court days before trial; also email a courtesy copy and use the required code and filing-description date.
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
E-file trial briefs at least three court days before trial, email a courtesy copy to the specified address, use eFiling code “Trial Brief,” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Trial briefs are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e- mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
E-file witness lists at least three court days before trial, email a courtesy copy to the specified address, use eFiling code “Witness List,” and add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Witness lists must be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Witness List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
Motions in limine must be e-filed at least three court days before trial.
Motions in limine are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date;
Page 5 | Jury Trials
Proposed jury instructions must be e-filed three court days before trial.
A list of proposed jury instructions by CACI numbers and any pinpoint instructions are to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date. Use eFiling code “Jury Instructions, Proposed, Filed”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
The joint statement of the case must be e-filed three court days before trial, with an emailed courtesy copy.
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire, is to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
Opposition papers to motions in limine must be e-filed one court day before trial.
Opposition papers shall be e-filed one (1) court day before the trial date.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
The Zoom appearance request must be e-filed at least 10 days before trial.
In-person appearances of all parties, witnesses, and counsel is required. If exigent circumstances necessitate a Zoom appearance, local form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, must be e-filed for the court’s consideration at least 10-days prior to trial with service to the other side.
Page 5 | Non-Jury Trials
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Parties must exchange the Exhibit List and proposed exhibits at least five business days before the hearing or trial, unless the court sets another date; physical copies are allowed, and electronic delivery to a self-represented party requires consent and use of the 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 4 | Exhibit Requirements
The Zoom appearance request must be served on the other side.
In-person appearances of all parties, witnesses, and counsel is required. If exigent circumstances necessitate a Zoom appearance, local form SC-2073, Request to Appear by Zoom Videoconference/Order, must be e-filed for the court’s consideration at least 10-days prior to trial with service to the other side.
Page 5 | Non-Jury Trials
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Bring courtesy copies of all exhibits to court on the first day of trial for the court, witness, clerk, and each counsel.
Courtesy copies of all exhibits shall be brought to the court on the first day of trial (Court copy, Witness copy, Clerk copy, and a copy for each Counsel).
Page 3 | Exhibit Requirements
Email one courtesy copy of the exhibit list to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org.
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
Email one courtesy copy of each trial brief to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org.
Trial briefs are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e- mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
Email one courtesy copy of the witness list to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org.
Witness lists must be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org.
Page 4 | Non-Jury Trials
A courtesy copy of each witness list must be emailed to the specified address.
Witness lists must be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, to show to the jury at the outset of voir dire, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Witness List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
A courtesy copy of each exhibit list must be emailed to the specified address.
A joint exhibit list, to the extent possible, and separate exhibit lists otherwise, is to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Exhibit List”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
A courtesy copy of each trial brief must be emailed to the specified address.
Trial briefs are to be e-filed at least three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e- mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Trial Brief”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
A courtesy copy of the joint statement of the case must be emailed to the specified address.
A joint statement of the case for the benefit of the jury to be read during voir dire, is to be e-filed three (3) court days before the trial date, with a courtesy copy e-mailed to SM4Continue@sbcourts.org. Use eFiling code “Statement”. Add the trial date in the Filing Description field followed by “Joint”.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
To lodge an MSC brief confidentially, select “Settlement Conference Statement” as the eFiling code.
If you wish an MSC Brief to be submitted confidentially, please select “Settlement Conference Statement,” as your eFiling code to ensure it is lodged confidentially.
Page 3 | Mandatory Settlement Conferences (MSCs)
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Motions in limine are usually heard on the first day of trial.
Motions in limine are usually heard on the first day of trial.
Page 5 | Jury Trials
Chambers Communication Rules
Do not include ex parte correspondence with exhibit submissions; 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 4 | Exhibit Requirements
Contact the department for exhibit-numbering guidance if exhibits exceed 200.
If exhibits exceed 200, please contact the department for further guidance on numbering.
Page 4 | Exhibit Requirements
Counsel may contact the Department Secretary with questions using the listed phone number or email address.
Counsel may contact the Department Secretary, at 805-614-6515 or twinn@sbcourts.org if there are any questions.
Page 6 | Court Reporters
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 6 | Court Reporters
To request a civil ex parte hearing, contact Judicial Secretary Torey Winn by telephone.
To request a civil ex parte hearing, contact Judicial Secretary Torey Winn at (805) 614-6515.
Page 2 | Ex Parte Matters (Civil)