Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Hernán D. Vera's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Hernán D. Vera?

Courtesy copies are required for attorneys fees motions. Details: 1 copy, delivery upon filing, by email. Excel tables for attorney fee motions must be emailed to chambers with editing enabled.

View ruleSource: page 13, section F. Motions for Attorneys’ Fees

Does Judge Hernán D. Vera require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Hernán D. Vera's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Pre-filing conference required for all motions, including pro se parties.

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Hernán D. Vera?

Judge Hernán D. Vera's rule states these limits: 7000 words; 4200 words. Reply briefs limited to 4,200 words (vs 7,000 for motion/opposition briefs).

What page or word limits apply to motion brief before Judge Hernán D. Vera?

Judge Hernán D. Vera's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 10 pages. Motions briefs limited to 25 pages; replies limited to 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 6, section IX. MOTIONS – GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Hernán D. Vera?

Judge Hernán D. Vera's formatting rule includes other font, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, label first page as 'in camera', and suggested: mark every page in footer as 'in camera'. In camera documents must be labeled “in camera” on first page and suggested on every page.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IN CAMERA DOCUMENTS

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Hernán D. Vera?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed Order must be emailed to chambers in proper format.

What must be included with non public document filings before Judge Hernán D. Vera?

The rule requires notice of electronic filing. Non-publicly filed documents must be served with NEF on all relevant parties.

View ruleSource: page 3, section SERVE NON-PUBLIC DOCUMENTS

How may parties contact Judge Hernán D. Vera's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Hernán D. Vera's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email HDV_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. No ex parte contact with chambers; limited email contact only for appropriate matters; status inquiries prohibited.

How does Judge Hernán D. Vera handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Hernán D. Vera's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file unredacted on ecf. Grant requires filing unredacted document under seal with specific label.

View ruleSource: page 3, section IF APPLICATION IS GRANTED

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Hernán D. Vera?

Requests should be made at least 3 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Hernán D. Vera. The request must include intent to seek leave to file under seal. Filing Party must give 3-day notice to Designating Party before filing under seal application.

Does Judge Hernán D. Vera encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Hernán D. Vera's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court encourages providing opportunities for less experienced and diverse lawyers.

View ruleSource: page 2, section APPEARANCES BY COUNSEL
Complete rules summary for Judge Hernán D. Vera

No mandatory chambers copies or paper copies required for filing under seal.

Filing Party must give 3-day notice to Designating Party before filing under seal application.

Proposed Order must be emailed to chambers in proper format.

Non-publicly filed documents must be served with NEF on all relevant parties.

Declaration supporting seal filing required within 4 days of Application.

Filing Party must take action within 3 days of Court's ruling.

Grant requires filing unredacted document under seal with specific label.

Denied application requires public filing or document not considered.

Partial grant requires public filing of redacted version.

Partial grant also requires filing unredacted document under seal.

Chambers email for all documents including proposed orders in MS Word format.

In camera documents require special handling.

Use “in camera” for Court-only review; don’t substitute with “under seal” or “ex parte”.

In camera documents must be labeled “in camera” on first page and suggested on every page.

Red text or highlighting encouraged for in camera documents.

Avoid sealing applications, declarations, and orders unless they contain sealable information; overbroad requests may be denied.

File Notice of Manual Filing on public docket, then email under-seal documents to CRD.

Email two versions: one with yellow highlights for sealable portions, one unhighlighted for filing.

Denied seal applications result in deletion of emailed files; no public filing.

Granted seal applications result in under-seal filing; filer must serve and file proof of service within 24 hours.

File public redacted versions within 3 days of Court order; redactions limited to previously identified portions.

Use “in camera” for documents submitted solely for Court’s review; avoid “under seal” and “ex parte”.

In camera documents must be labeled “in camera” on first page; red text or highlighting encouraged.

Sealed documents may be unsealed later if legal standards require.

Paper copies and mandatory chambers copies not required for under-seal filings.

Most civil cases must e-file initiating documents.

Plaintiff must promptly serve complaint and file proofs of service.

Court expects prompt service; good cause required for extensions beyond 90 days.

24-hour waiting period after service for emergency relief; opposing papers allowed.

All state court documents must be refiled as supplement to notice of removal.

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