What are Judge Maria A. Audero's document filing requirements?

Court may decide matters without oral argument under Rule 78 and Local Rule 7-15.

What are Judge Maria A. Audero's junior lawyer participation rules?

Junior lawyers (5 years or fewer) encouraged to argue motions and examine witnesses

What are Judge Maria A. Audero's adjournment and extension requirements?

Defendants not served within 90 days of filing are dismissed unless Court orders otherwise.

What are Judge Maria A. Audero's pre-motion conference rules?

Must seek consent before substituting defendant for Doe; if denied, file motion addressing diversity jurisdiction.

What are Judge Maria A. Audero's formatting requirements?

Attorneys must electronically file all documents.

What are Judge Maria A. Audero's courtesy copy requirements?

Chambers copies are not required unless otherwise notified.

magistrate Judge

Verified Current11 days ago

Judge Maria A. Audero

Central District of California

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion

7,000 wds

Motion

25 pgs

15 pgs

Motion

15 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Filings

Not Required

Filings (Motion For Class Settlement Approval)

Required

Filings (Motion For Attorneys Fees)

Required

Adjournments

Notice Required

90Calendar Days

Must Include

1
Reason For Request
2
Original Date

Notice Required

30Calendar Days

Must Include

1
Reason For Request
2
Original Date

Notice Required

0Calendar Days

Must Include

1
Reason For Request
2
Original Date

Notice Required

60Calendar Days

Must Include

1
Reason For Request
2
Original Date

Must Include

1
Reason For Request
2
Original Date
3
Number Of Previous Requests
4
Previous Requests Granted Or Denied
5
Adversary Position
6
Proposed New Dates
7
Affects Other Dates

Notice Required

7Calendar Days

Notice Required

2Court Days

Notice Required

48Hours

Communication

Email

Chambers

Scheduling

No Status Inquiries

Email

Chambers

MAA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov

SchedulingTechnical Issues

Advance Notice Required

No Status Inquiries

Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingCommunicationMemorandaTRO/InjunctionElectronicsCourtroom ConductExhibitsTOC/TOA

Detailed Drafting Rules

Communication ProtocolMandatory

No ex parte contact with Court/Chambers unless opposing counsel present

With the exception of requesting informal discovery conferences, all parties, including pro se litigants, shall not initiate contact with the Court or its Chambers staff by writing letters, sending email messages, making telephone calls to Chambers, or otherwise communicating with the Court unless opposing counsel is present. All matters must be called to the Court’s attention by appropriate filed application or motion pursuant to Local Rule 83-2.5.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics

Status Inquiries

Prohibited

Status Inquiries

Page 3|SecSelf-Represented Parties/Pro Se Litigants

Communication ProtocolMandatory

Contact CRD by email only; copy all parties; no status inquiries

Counsel shall not initiate contact with the Court or its Chambers staff by telephone or by any other improper ex parte means. Counsel may contact the courtroom deputy clerk (“CRD”) with appropriate inquiries. Inquiring about the status of a ruling or contacting the CRD to continue a proceeding or take it off calendar generally are not appropriate. The preferred method of communication with the CRD is by email to MAA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Counsel must copy all parties on any such email.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

MAA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov

Approved Topics

SchedulingTechnical Issues

Requirements

Advance Notice Required
copy all parties

Prohibited

Status Inquiries

Page 4|SecCommunication with Chambers

Page or Word LimitMandatory

Motions limited to 7,000 words (excluding specified items).

Unless expressly stated otherwise or as excepted in the Local Rules, memoranda of points and authorities in support of or in opposition to motions must not exceed seven thousand (7,000) words, including headings, footnotes, and quotations but excluding the caption, the table of contents, the table of authorities, the signature block, the certification required by Local Rule 11-6.2, and any indices and exhibits.

Page 10|Sec7. GENERAL MOTION REQUIREMENTS

Page or Word LimitMandatory

Handwritten/typewritten briefs limited to 25 pages (excluding specified items).

A handwritten brief or a brief prepared using a typewriter may not exceed twenty-five (25) pages, excluding the caption (if on a separate cover page), the table of contents, the table of authorities, the signature block, and any indices and exhibits.

Page 10|Sec7. GENERAL MOTION REQUIREMENTS

Page or Word LimitMandatory

Replies limited to 15 pages.

Replies must not exceed fifteen (15) pages.

Page 10|Sec7. GENERAL MOTION REQUIREMENTS

Page or Word LimitMandatory

Exceeding page limits results in stricken memoranda.

Only in rare instances will the Court find good cause to grant an application to extend these page limitations. Any memorandum that exceeds the page limit shall be stricken and may not be considered.

Page 10|Sec7. GENERAL MOTION REQUIREMENTS

Format RequirementMandatory

Memoranda must use 14-point Times New Roman font with footnotes in same font and size.

to use only fourteen (14)-point Times New Roman font. Footnotes shall be in the same font and the same size as the body of the memorandum.

Typography

Font FamilyTimes New Roman

Size14 pt

Source PDF

Format RequirementImportant

Case citations must follow Bluebook format with pinpoint citations; Lexis preferred for unreported cases.

Citations to cases must be in Bluebook format. Citations to cases must include pinpoint citations (citations to page numbers). For unreported cases, the Court prefers Lexis citations.

Source PDF

Format RequirementImportant

Statutory citations must include specific sections/subsections; citations to treatises must include volume, section, and pages.

Statutes should be cited in accordance with the Bluebook. Statutory references should identify with specificity the sections and subsections referenced (e.g., "Jurisdiction over this cause of action is based on 47 U.S.C. § 33, which grants the district court jurisdiction over all violations of the Submarine Cable Act."). Statutory citations that do not specifically indicate the appropriate section and subsection (e.g., "Plaintiffs allege that Defendant's conduct violates the Federal Electronic Communication Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2511, et seq.") should be avoided. Citations to treatises, manuals, and other materials should include the volume, section, and pages being referenced.

Source PDF

Communication ProtocolNote

Tentative rulings emailed 1 court day before hearing; hearing vacated if both parties submit on tentative ruling.

The Court rarely issues tentative rulings before hearings. If so, they are typically emailed to counsel one (1) court day before the hearing. If both parties notify the Courtroom Deputy Clerk that they submit on the tentative ruling, the hearing will be vacated.

Email

Direct to: Chambers

Approved Topics

Scheduling

Prohibited

Status Inquiries

Source PDF

Format RequirementMandatory

Amended pleadings must be numbered serially (e.g., "First Amended Complaint").

In addition to the requirements of the Local Rules, all amended pleadings must be numbered serially to differentiate each amendment (i.e., "First Amended Complaint," "Second Amended Complaint").

Source PDF

Document RequirementMandatory

Only one Rule 56 motion allowed without leave of Court; parties cannot evade page limits by filing multiple motions.

Limit. No party may file more than one (1) motion pursuant to Rule 56 regardless of whether such motion is denominated a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication, without leave of the Court. The parties shall not attempt to evade the page limitations for briefs by filing multiple motions.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting

Leave Of Court For Additional Rule 56 Motions

Source PDF

Upcoming Closures

May 25 - Memorial Day

Jun 19 - Juneteenth National Independence Day

Jul 3 - Independence Day (Observed)

Sep 7 - Labor Day

Oct 12 - Columbus Day

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Source Library

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Cacd-Maa-20standing-20order-20-20feb-202024

Updated Feb 1, 2024Standing Order

Files verified against court servers hourly

Judge Profile

Biography

Honorable Maria A. Audero

Magistrate Judge

Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse, Los Angeles

Courtroom 880, 8th Floor

Important Notice

Judge Audero has announced her retirement from the Court effective June 10, 2026. After June 10, 2026, all pending civil cases assigned to Judge Audero will be randomly reassigned.

All parties must comply with the Local Rules.

Procedures
Orders and Additional Documents

Law and Motion Schedule

All Motions, unless otherwise stated herein or ordered by the Court, are heard in person in Courtroom 880 in the Roybal Federal Building.
Civil Motions, including discovery motions, are heard on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. If Thursday is a holiday, the next motion date is the following Thursday. It is not necessary to clear a motion date with the Courtroom Deputy Clerk prior to filing the motion. The Court reserves the right to continue motions sua sponte or decide them on the papers without oral argument. (See Local Civil Rule 7-15.)
Pro Se Motions are to be filed without requesting a hearing date. The Court will determine whether a hearing is necessary and, if so, will set a hearing date.
Discovery Motions are to be scheduled before the Magistrate Judge, if referred by the District Judge. Strict compliance with Local Civil Rule 37 et seq. is required. Counsel should pay particular attention to Local Civil Rules 7-3, 37-1, and 37-2.4. Motions not in compliance with the Local Rules are subject to rejection. Before a party may file a discovery motion, Judge Audero mandates a telephonic informal discovery conference, as discussed in Section 4 of the Judge's Procedures below. Zoom and Telephonic Hearings: Most informal discovery conferences are conducted via telephone or Zoom. The CRD will provide the telephonic dial-in information or Zoom link in advance of the hearing.
Criminal Motions are scheduled as required. The parties must contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk to schedule all such motions.

Chambers

Courtroom Opportunities for New Attorneys (Fives Years or Fewer): The Court recognizes the importance of the development of future generations of practitioners through courtroom opportunities, and strongly encourages parties and their attorneys to allow newer attorneys (with five or fewer years of experience) the opportunity to argue in court. This includes status, case management, and settlement conferences, discovery motions, evidentiary hearings, and all other motions or appearances, particularly those where the newer attorney drafted or contributed significantly to the underlying moving papers or response. The Court encourages parties and senior attorneys to give newer attorneys opportunities to argue substantive motions.
- In support of this policy, the Court gladly will consider the following types of requests: (1) to bifurcate oral argument such that a newer attorney argues only a portion of the motion while a more senior attorney argues the rest; (2) to allocate additional time for oral argument beyond what the Court otherwise might have allocated were a newer attorney not arguing the motion; and (3) to permit another more senior attorney of record to accompany and provide some assistance to the newer attorney who is arguing the motion, where appropriate during oral argument.
- All attorneys, including newer attorneys, will be held to the highest professional standards with regard to any matter as to which experience is largely irrelevant. In particular, all attorneys appearing before the Court are expected to be adequately prepared and thoroughly familiar with the factual record and the applicable law, and to have a degree of authority commensurate with the proceeding.
- The Court recognizes that there may be many different circumstances in which it is not appropriate for a newer attorney to argue a motion. Thus, the Court emphasizes that it draws no inference from a party's decision to not have a newer attorney argue any particular motion before the Court. Additionally, the Court will draw no inference about the importance of a particular motion, or the merits of a party's argument regarding the motion, from the party's decision to have (or not to have) a newer attorney argue the motion.
Filings: All papers filed with the Court shall comply with the Local Rules for the Central District of California, including Local Civil Rules 7 and 11, and Local Criminal Rule 12. Requests to extend any scheduled filing date (either by ex parte application or stipulation) must be filed at least three court days prior to the scheduled date. Extensions are not allowed absent permission by the Court given on a showing of good cause.
Continuances: Requests to extend any scheduled filing date (either by ex parte application or stipulation) must be filed at least three court days prior to the scheduled date. The Court grants continuances of pretrial and trial deadlines only on a timely showing of good cause. The Court applies the same standard of good cause to all extension requests—whether opposed or jointly requested.Good cause requires a specific, detailed, and non-conclusory showing of diligence from the outset of the case, describing: (1) all relevant work previously done (including when each item was completed); (2) all relevant work that remains to be done; (3) why the remaining work could not previously have been done (including efforts made to complete each remaining item); and (4) why the amount of time requested is needed to complete the remaining work.
Mandatory Telephonic Conference for Discovery Disputes: Discovery disputes often may be resolved without the need for formal motion papers. To facilitate the just and expedient resolution of discovery disputes and to conserve the parties' and Court's resources, the Court requires the parties to follow the following procedure for filing discovery motions. This procedure does not apply to ex parte applications or to cases in which a party to a discovery dispute is in custody.
- First, the parties must engage in at least two attempts to resolve the dispute without Court involvement consistent with the pre-filing conference of counsel required by Local Civil Rule 37-1.
- Once the parties have determined that they have reached an impasse, within twenty-four hours after the last conference, or as soon thereafter as practical, the movant must email (cc'ing all other parties) the completed form entitled "Request for Informal Discovery Conference" (available for download under the tab above labeled “Orders and Additional Documents”) to MAA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov, providing the following information: (1) a statement requesting a telephonic conference, including at least three proposed dates and times agreeable to the parties and the two dates of the parties' meet-and-confer efforts to resolve the dispute without Court intervention; and (2) a brief, neutral statement of the discovery dispute, the parties' respective positions, and the specific relief requested. Please attach the discovery requests and responses at issue, if applicable. After its review of the email request, the Court will schedule the telephonic conference if appropriate or advise the parties to proceed by motion under Local Civil Rule 37-2.
- If the movant is unable to obtain the cooperation of the opposing party with respect to (1) satisfying the parties’ joint obligation to meet and confer twice in an effort to resolve the dispute, and/or (2) completing its portion of the Request for Informal Discovery Conference, the movant unilaterally may submit (cc’ing all other parties) its portion of the Request for Informal Discovery Conference, which shall be accompanied by an under-oath declaration from the movant’s attorney, or the movant him/herself if in pro per, detailing all of the movant’s efforts to comply with these requirements and the results of such efforts. The opposing party shall, within twenty-four hours after receipt of the unilateral submission, submit (cc’ing all other parties) its portion of the Request for Informal Discovery Conference, accompanied by an under-oath declaration from its counsel, or the opposing party him/herself if in pro per, responding to the movant’s allegations regarding non-cooperation. After review of these submissions, the Court will instruct the parties regarding the process that will follow.
- Discovery motions shall not be filed until the Court has conducted a pre-motion telephonic conference unless the movant has obtained leave of Court. The Court may strike any discovery motion violating this procedure.
Calendar Conflicts: While the Court expects that counsel will conduct themselves professionally and will not deliberately schedule any proceeding when counsel are unavailable, a “Notice of Unavailability” has no legal effect and should not be filed. To request a change of hearing date because of a calendar conflict, the parties shall notify the Courtroom Deputy Clerk via email as soon as the need to reschedule a hearing is discovered, and no later than five court days before the scheduled proceeding. Counsel shall attempt to secure opposing counsel’s agreement to stipulate to a new date and submit a stipulation and proposed order no later than five court days before the scheduled hearing. If a stipulation is not forthcoming, the request shall be made by ex parte application.
Stipulated Protective Orders: Absent unusual circumstances, the parties shall prepare their protective orders based on the model protective order that is available for download under the tab above labeled “Orders and Additional Documents”. When the parties submit a protective order, a redline also shall be filed showing all differences between the submitted order and model order. If counsel do not make any changes to the model order, a statement so signifying shall be filed. Counsel is advised that the Court will not approve any protective order that eliminates or modifies Section 7.2 of the model protective order. Counsel shall email Chambers the proposed stipulated protective order in Microsoft Word format. Failure to comply with the requirements in this paragraph will result in denial of the stipulated protective order without prejudice.
Ex Parte Applications: A party seeking ex parte relief, including a temporary restraining order, must comply with Local Rule 7-19. The applicant must notify the other party (or parties) that opposing papers are to be filed no later than two court days following service. The Court generally will not rule on an ex parte application for at least two court days after the party subject to the requested order has been served unless service is excused. Opposing counsel should advise the Courtroom Deputy Clerk as soon as possible whether their client intends to oppose the ex parte application. The Court considers ex parte applications on the papers and usually does not set these matters for hearing. A last-minute application or stipulation that is denied will not serve to relieve a party of an underlying obligation (e.g., a soon-to-expire deadline). Sanctions may be imposed for misuse of ex parte applications. A party submitting an ex parte application need not provide a party in custody with oral notice prior to filing, but shall make all reasonable efforts to provide notice as quickly as practicable, consistent with Local Civil Rules 7-19 and 7-19.1. Any party relying on this policy shall state in the application (1) that the party in custody is incarcerated, and (2) all steps that have been or will be taken to provide the person in custody with prompt notice.
Tentative Rulings: The Court rarely issues tentative rulings before hearings. If so, they are typically emailed to counsel the day before the hearing. If both parties notify the Courtroom Deputy Clerk that they submit on the tentative ruling, the hearing will be vacated.
Under-Seal Documents: Parties shall make every effort to limit the number and volume of under-seal filings. In most circumstances, parties should seek to file under seal only the specific exhibits or documents for which there is a valid basis for filing under seal. Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 79-5.2.2, except in sealed civil cases, “no document may be filed under seal without prior approval by the Court.” When seeking the Court’s approval for an under seal filing, the submitting party shall comply with the procedures established in Local Civil Rule 79-5.2.2(a). Because documents filed under seal are only visible on CM/ECF or PACER to Court personnel and the party that filed the document, a party electronically filing a document under seal may not rely on the Court’s CM/ECF system to effect service as provided in Local Civil Rule 5-3.2.1. Therefore, documents filed electronically under seal must be served in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5. Additionally, at the time of filing, the documents filed electronically under seal must be accompanied either by a Proof of Service in the form required by Local Civil Rule 5-3.1.2 or a declaration explaining why service is not required. The submission of documents for in camera review is governed by Local Civil Rule 79-6.
Settlement Conferences: Please contact the CRD at MAA_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov to coordinate. Judge Audero’s preferred days for Settlement Conferences are Thursdays. A one-hour organizational call will be held via Zoom approximately one month before the Settlement Conference. Settlement Conferences are held in person unless prior approval is granted for remote attendance. Parties must have settlement authority.
Duty to Notify of Settlement: Counsel must advise the Court immediately if the case or any pending matter has been resolved. Failure to provide timely notice of settlement or resolution of pending matters may result in sanctions.
Communication with the Court: Counsel shall not initiate contact with the Court or its Chambers staff by telephone or by any other improper ex parte means. Counsel may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk with appropriate inquiries. Inquiring about the status of a ruling or contacting the Courtroom Deputy Clerk to continue a proceeding or take it off calendar generally are not appropriate. The preferred method of communication with the Courtroom Deputy Clerk is by email to MAA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Counsel must copy all parties on any such email. To facilitate communication with the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, counsel should list their email addresses along with their telephone numbers on all papers.
Chambers Copies: No mandatory chambers copies are required, unless otherwise notified by the Court.
Telephonic Appearances: Where the Court orders an in-person appearance, telephonic appearances are allowed only on prior approval of the Court upon a showing of good cause. Any party who wishes to appear at a hearing telephonically must make such a request at least two court days before the hearing by emailing the Courtroom Deputy Clerk and copying opposing counsel.
Special Appearances: The Court does not permit special appearances. Counsel of record shall appear at all court proceedings.
Interpreters: If needed, it is the responsibility of the parties to obtain the services of an interpreter by contacting the Interpreter's Office at (213) 894-4599. If the government is the moving party, the government should contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.
Electronic Equipment in Court: Counsel should contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk regarding procedures for using or bringing electronic equipment into the courtroom.
Criminal E-Filing Pilot Project Requirements: In accordance with General Order 19-01, counsel are directed to email all electronically filed documents to: MAA_CrimDuty@cacd.uscourts.gov. Additionally, the following practices must be followed:
- The subject line of the email must include the following information: the generic name, case number, title, and date filed, as follows (example): USA v. Search Warrant - 2:24-mj-0023 - Application for a Search Warrant filed on 2/20/2024.
- To ensure efficient handling and clear communication, please submit only one case and one warrant per email.
- When submitting the same affidavit for multiple related warrants, please include a numerical sequence (such as "1 of 4," "2 of 4," etc.) in the subject line to the email submitting each warrant.
- Federal law enforcement agents and the U.S. Attorney's Office shall advise the Courtroom Deputy Clerk in advance of the anticipated submission of lengthy affidavits in support of warrants, criminal complaints, and other applications for the Court's review.
- Once it is determined that the documents are in compliance, Chambers will contact the agent telephonically to swear out any necessary warrants.
- Please ensure that Judge Audero's name and the correct date are on the documents.
- FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS MAY RESULT IN A DELAY IN PROCESSING.
Transcripts: For general information on how to order a transcript of any reported or digitally recorded proceeding, please contact (213) 894-3015 or visit the Court's website ( www.cacd.uscourts.gov) section referring to Court Reporter/Recorder Transcript.
Electronic Document Submission System: Litigants who are not represented by attorneys may now submit documents for filing through the Court's Electronic Document Submission System ("EDSS") instead of mailing or bringing documents to the Clerk's Office. EDSS is not the same as filing documents electronically in the Court's CM/ECF System. Registration is not required in order to use EDSS and you do not need a PACER account; only internet access and an email address are required. Attorneys may not use EDSS to submit documents on behalf of their clients. To access EDSS and for additional information, visit the Court's website at https://apps.cacd.uscourts.gov/edss.
Artificial Intelligence: Any party who uses generative artificial intelligence to generate any portion of a brief, pleading, or other filing (such as ChatGPT, Harvey, CoCounsel, Google Bard, or any other such application) must attach to the filing a separate declaration disclosing the use of artificial intelligence and certifying that the party has reviewed the source material and verified that the artificially-generated content in the filing is accurate and complies with the filer’s Rule 11 obligations.

Mandatory Chambers Copies

No mandatory chambers copies are required, unless otherwise notified by the Court.

Daily Calendar

| | | | --- | --- | | 02/17/2026 | View Calendar | | 02/18/2026 | View Calendar |

Courtroom Deputy Clerk

Marina Moreno-Carrillo

2138940381

MAA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov

Verified Feb 17, 2026, 10:51 AM UTC