Court Rules
chief district Judge
Verified Current8 days ago

Judge Dolly M. Gee

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Central District of California

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion
25 pgs
Brief
5 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Filings (Discovery Motion)

Required

Filings (Motion, Opposition)

Required

Filings (>50 pages)

Required

Filings (Chambers Copy)

Upon Request

Filings (All filings)

Required

Adjournments

Must Include

  • 1
    Reason For Request
  • 2
    Proposed New Dates
Notice Required
5Working Days
Notice Required
5Court Days

Communication

Phone

Clerk

Scheduling
Advance Notice Required
Email

Chambers

Judge Gee’s generic chambers e-mail address
Advance Notice Required
Email

Chambers

Scheduling
Advance Notice Required
Phone

Chambers

(213) 894-5452
Status Inquiries
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingCommunicationTRO/InjunctionSummary JudgmentCourtroom ConductBinders/TabsElectronicsDiscovery

Detailed Drafting Rules

Document RequirementMandatory

Discovery-related documents must include “DISCOVERY MATTER” in the caption.

All discovery-related documents must include the words “DISCOVERY MATTER” in the caption to ensure proper routing.

Document Type

Discovery Related Document

Content & Formatting
Caption
Page 2
|SecDISCOVERY
Communication ProtocolImportant

Hearing dates generally need not be cleared in advance, except summary judgment and preliminary injunction motions must be cleared with the courtroom deputy clerk before filing.

It is not necessary to clear a hearing date with the judge’s courtroom deputy clerk before filing a motion, except for motions for summary judgment or preliminary injunction.

Phone

Direct to: Clerk

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    before filing motions for summary judgment or preliminary injunction
Page 3
|SecMOTIONS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Courtesy CopyMandatory

A chambers copy is required when documentary evidence supporting or opposing a motion is more than 50 pages.

If documentary evidence in support of or in opposition to a motion exceeds 50 pages, a Chambers copy is required.

Courtesy Copies Required

When: Page Threshold > 50
Logistics
Quantity1 Copy
TimingUpon Filing
MethodMail/Hand
Page 4
|SecMOTIONS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Format RequirementImportant

For documentary evidence between 50 and 200 pages, it must be separately bound, tabbed, and indexed.

If between 50-200 pages, the evidence must be separately bound and tabbed and include an index.

Applies When:Page Threshold >= 50
Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Securely Bound
Page 4
|SecMOTIONS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Format RequirementImportant

If documentary evidence exceeds 200 pages, it must be filed in a Slant D-Ring binder with an index and right-side tab dividers separating each item.

If such evidence exceeds 200 pages, the documents shall be placed in a Slant D-Ring binder, with an index and with each item of evidence separated by a tab divider on the right side.

Applies When:Page Threshold > 200
Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Tabbed Three Ring
Page 4
|SecMOTIONS - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Format RequirementMandatory

Each proposed amended pleading must be serially numbered to distinguish it from prior amended pleadings.

The proposed amended pleading shall be serially numbered to differentiate it from previously amended pleadings.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 5
|SecMotions to Amend
Format RequirementImportant

Summary judgment papers should use organizational aids like tabs, tables of contents, headings, indices, and pinpoint citations.

The parties should prepare papers in a fashion that will assist the Court in absorbing the mass of facts (e.g., generous use of tabs, tables of contents, headings, indices, pinpoint citations, etc.).

Applies When:Motion Type Set Undefined
Page 6
|SecSummary Judgment Motions
Format RequirementMandatory

The Local Rule 56-1 Separate Statement of Uncontroverted Facts must be formatted in two columns.

The Separate Statement of Uncontroverted Facts required under Local Rule 56-1 shall be prepared in a two-column format.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 6
|SecStatements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes
Format RequirementImportant

Factual statements should be presented in sequentially numbered paragraphs.

The factual statements should be set forth in sequentially numbered paragraphs.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 6
|SecStatements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes
Format RequirementImportant

Each numbered paragraph should contain a narrowly focused fact and address only one subject concisely.

Each paragraph should contain a narrowly focused statement of fact. Each numbered paragraph should address a single subject as concisely as possible.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 6
|SecStatements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes
Format RequirementMandatory

The opposing party’s Statement of Genuine Disputes must use a two-column format and exactly track the movant’s separate statement.

The opposing party’s Statement of Genuine Disputes of Material Fact must be in two columns and track the movant’s separate statement exactly as prepared.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 6
|SecStatements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes
Format RequirementImportant

If the opposing party submits additional material facts, they must follow the same format required for the moving party’s separate statement.

The opposing party may submit additional material facts that bear on or relate to the issues raised by the movant, which shall follow the format described above for the moving party’s separate statement.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 6
|SecStatements of Uncontroverted Facts and Genuine Disputes
Format RequirementImportant

For disputed facts, the response must address the opposing evidence/reason and may be formatted in either a three-column or two-column layout.

If the fact is disputed, the Response shall restate the opposing party’s evidence and reason for disputing the asserted fact. The moving party may provide a response to the opposing party’s reason for dispute, including any reason why the evidence cited by the opposing party does not create a genuine dispute and/or any additional evidence relevant to the asserted fact. This response may either be presented in three columns, with the response appearing in the right-hand column, or in two columns, with a response provided below each fact.

Page 7
|SecSPECIFIC MOTION REQUIREMENTS
Format RequirementImportant

Responses to additional material facts must follow the same format and continue sequential paragraph numbering without restarting.

The Response may also include any response to additional material facts asserted by the non-moving party, and this response shall follow the format described above for the Statement of Genuine Disputes of Material Fact. The response to these additional facts shall continue in sequentially numbered paragraphs, and shall not restart the numbering.

Page 7
|SecSPECIFIC MOTION REQUIREMENTS
Communication ProtocolMandatory

A Word or WordPerfect copy of the proposed order must be emailed to chambers the same day it is e-filed.

In addition, a copy of the Proposed Order in Word or WordPerfect format shall be emailed to Judge Gee’s generic chambers e-mail address using the CM/ECF System on the day the document is e-filed.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    on the day the document is e-filed
Page 8
|SecPROPOSED ORDERS
Format RequirementImportant

Chambers copies must include tabbed exhibits/declarations where applicable, and blue-backs and hole punches are not required.

All exhibits, declarations, etc. to chambers copies must be tabbed, where applicable. Blue-backs and hole punches are not required.

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 9
|SecCOURTESY COPIES
Format RequirementMandatory

Under-seal chambers copies must be grouped together in a manila envelope labeled “UNDER SEAL.”

Chambers copies of under seal documents shall all be placed together in a manila envelope labeled "UNDER SEAL."

Applies When:Document Type Set Undefined
Page 9
|SecCOURTESY COPIES
Communication ProtocolImportant

Requests to appear by telephone or video require emailing the courtroom deputy clerk (copying opposing counsel) at least 7 days in advance.

If you wish to appear by telephone or video, you must (a) email the courtroom deputy clerk and copy opposing counsel at least seven (7) days in advance of the scheduled appearance;

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    at least seven (7) days in advance of the scheduled appearance
Page 9
|SecTELEPHONIC AND VIDEO HEARINGS
Communication ProtocolImportant

Counsel not opposing an ex parte application must notify the courtroom deputy clerk by phone.

If counsel does not intend to oppose an ex parte application, he or she must inform the courtroom deputy clerk at (213) 894-5452.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Page 10
|SecEX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Document RequirementMandatory

All discovery matters referred to Magistrate Judge; include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption.

All discovery matters have been referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge, who will hear all discovery disputes. The Magistrate Judge's initials follow the District Judge's initials next to the case number. All discovery-related documents must include the words 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption to ensure proper routing.

Document Type

Discovery Motion

Content & Formatting
Caption
Page 2
|SecDISCOVERY
Courtesy CopyMandatory

Chambers copy required for motion evidence over 50 pages, with specific binding requirements based on page count.

If documentary evidence in support of or in opposition to a motion exceeds 50 pages, a Chambers copy is required. If between 50-200 pages, the evidence must be separately bound and tabbed and include an index. If such evidence exceeds 200 pages, the documents shall be placed in a Slant D-Ring binder, with an index and with each item of evidence separated by a tab divider on the right side.

Courtesy Copies Required

When: Page Threshold > 50
Logistics
Quantity1 Copy
TimingUpon Filing
MethodHand Delivery
Appearance
BindingBound On Left
ECF HeaderRequired
Page or Word LimitMandatory

Page limitations are strictly enforced with rare exceptions for good cause; supplemental briefs require prior leave.

See Local Rule 11-6. Only in rare instances and for good cause shown will the Court grant an application to extend these page limitations. No supplemental brief shall be filed without prior leave of Court.

Document RequirementImportant

Statutory and treatise citations must include specific sections, subsections, volumes, and pages.

Statutory references should identify with specificity the sections and subsections referenced. Citations to treatises, manuals, and other materials should include the volume, section, and pages being referenced.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Specific Treatise Citations
Specific Statutory Citations
Format RequirementNote

Summary judgment papers should use tabs, tables of contents, headings, indices, and pinpoint citations.

The parties should prepare papers in a fashion that will assist the Court in absorbing the mass of facts (e.g., generous use of tabs, tables of contents, headings, indices, pinpoint citations, etc.).

Page 6
|SecSummary Judgment Motions
Format RequirementMandatory

Separate Statement of Uncontroverted Facts must use two-column format with fact and supporting evidence.

The Separate Statement of Uncontroverted Facts required under Local Rule 56-1 shall be prepared in a two-column format. The left-hand column sets forth the allegedly undisputed fact. The right-hand column sets forth the evidence that supports the factual statement.

Page 6
|SecSummary Judgment Motions
Format RequirementMandatory

Opposing party's Statement of Genuine Disputes must use two-column format tracking movant's statement.

The opposing party’s Statement of Genuine Disputes of Material Fact must be in two columns and track the movant’s separate statement exactly as prepared. The left-hand column must restate the allegedly undisputed fact, and the right hand column must state either that it is undisputed or disputed.

Page 6
|SecSummary Judgment Motions
Communication ProtocolNote

Telephonic/video appearances allowed with showing of undue hardship

The Court may permit appearances or arguments by way of telephone or video upon a showing that a personal appearance will cause undue hardship.

Phone

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Page 9
|SecTelephonic and Video Hearings
Communication ProtocolMandatory

Telephonic/video appearance requires 7-day advance notice, landline, and 15-minute early availability

If you wish to appear by telephone or video, you must (a) email the courtroom deputy clerk and copy opposing counsel at least seven (7) days in advance of the scheduled appearance; (b) in the case of telephonic appearances, use a landline to call into the bridge line provided by the clerk; and (c) be available at that number for at least 15 minutes before the time of the scheduled hearing.

Phone

Approved Topics
Scheduling
Requirements
  • Advance Notice Required
    7 days
Page 9
|SecTelephonic and Video Hearings
Communication ProtocolNote

Counsel must notify courtroom deputy clerk if not opposing ex parte application

If counsel does not intend to oppose an ex parte application, he or she must inform the courtroom deputy clerk at (213) 894-5452.

Phone

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics
Status Inquiries
Page 9
|SecEx Parte Applications
Page or Word LimitNote

Short briefs (max 5 pages) addressing disputed issues are welcome.

Short briefs (no more than five pages) addressing such disputed issues are welcome.

Page 5
|SecJURY INSTRUCTIONS, VERDICT FORMS & QUESTIONNAIRES

More Judges in Central District of California

Judge André Birotte Jr.
district
Judge Anne Hwang
district
Judge Consuelo B. Marshall
district
Judge Cynthia Valenzuela
magistrate
Judge Dale S. Fischer
senior
Judge Dale S. Fischer
district
Judge David O. Carter
district
Judge Douglas F. McCormick
magistrate