Judge Otis D. Wright II

Counsel must electronically file a Notice of Lodging with the proposed amended pleading as a separate document and include a redlined version as an appendix to the moving papers.

Counsel shall electronically file a “Notice of Lodging” attaching the proposed amended pleading as a document separate from the motion, as well as a “redlined” version of the proposed amended pleading identifying all additions and deletions of material as an appendix to the moving papers.

Page 7 | Motions – Specific Requirements

Attorney-fee motions must be electronically filed and set for hearing under Local Rule 6-1 and the Order.

Motions for attorneys’ fees shall be electronically filed and set for hearing according to Local Rule 6-1 and this Order.

Page 11 | Motions – Specific Requirements

The required proposed order must be filed, served, and electronically lodged.

Each party filing or opposing a motion or seeking the determination of any matter shall file, serve, and electronically lodge a proposed order setting forth the relief or action sought and a brief statement of the rationale for the decision with appropriate citations.

Page 12 | Proposed Orders

A Notice of Unavailability has no legal effect and should not be filed.

A “Notice of Unavailability” has no legal effect and should not be filed.

Page 3 | Calendar Conflicts

Motions in limine must be filed and noticed for hearing under the Scheduling Order, and their hearing dates cannot be later than the Final Pretrial Conference.

Motions in limine shall be filed and noticed for a hearing in accordance with the court’s Scheduling Order. In no case shall any motion in limine be noticed for a hearing date later than the Final Pretrial Conference.

Page 7 | Motions – Specific Requirements

Unless the court orders otherwise, a default-judgment motion must be filed within 14 days after the later of the specified default-entry or claim-resolution events.

Unless the court orders otherwise, motions for default judgment shall be filed within 14 days after the later of (1) entry of default against the last remaining defendant or (2) resolution of all claims against all defendants who have not defaulted.

Page 8 | Motions – Specific Requirements

Opposition or notice of non-opposition to an ex parte application is due within 24 hours of receipt or filing, whichever occurs earlier.

The other parties’ opposition, or notice of non-opposition, to an ex parte application is due 24 hours after the other parties’ receipt of the ex parte application, or within 24 hours after the ex parte application is filed, whichever is earlier.

Page 13 | XII. Ex Parte Applications

An opposition to a TRO application must be filed within 24 hours after service or filing of the application, whichever occurs earlier.

Thus, oppositions to Applications for a TRO must be filed within 24 hours following service of the Application or filing of the Application, whichever is earlier.

Page 14 | XIII. Injunctions and Restraining Orders

Joint report must be submitted at least 7 days before the scheduling order date; counsel must meet at least 21 days before.

Counsel shall meet at least 21 days in advance of the above date to prepare a jointly signed report for the Court, to be submitted no less than 7 days before the above date.

Civil cases

Page 2 | SCHEDULING MEETING OF COUNSEL

Discovery motions must be filed and calendared early enough to allow responses before the discovery cutoff.

Any motion challenging the adequacy of discovery responses must be filed timely, served, and calendared sufficiently in advance of the discovery cutoff date to permit the responses to be obtained before that date, if the motion is granted.

Civil cases

Page 3 | Scheduling Meeting of Counsel

Motions must be set for hearing by the motion cutoff date, not just filed.

All law and motion matters, except for motions in limine, must be set for hearing (not filing) by the motion cutoff date.

Civil cases

Page 4 | Motion Practice

Oppositions and notices of non-opposition must be filed on the Monday preceding three weeks before trial.

Oppositions (or notices of non-opposition) shall be filed on (Monday preceding three weeks before trial.)

Criminal cases

Page 1 | A. PRETRIAL AND TRIAL DATES AND MOTIONS

Motions for written prospective juror questionnaires must be filed no later than eight weeks before the trial date.

If counsel wish to submit a written questionnaire to prospective jurors, a motion shall be made in writing, with the proposed questionnaire attached, no later than eight weeks before the trial date.

Criminal cases

Page 9

Proposed questions for prospective jurors must be filed with the CRD at least one week before trial.

At least one week before trial, each counsel must file with the CRD and serve on opposing counsel any proposed questions to be asked of prospective jurors.

Criminal cases

Page 9

In a putative class action, the parties are directed to act diligently and begin discovery immediately to facilitate an expeditious class-certification motion.

If this action is a putative class action, the parties are to act diligently and begin discovery immediately, so that the motion for class certification can be filed expeditiously.

Page 8 | Motions – Specific Requirements

The court will not rule on a TRO application for at least 24 hours after service on the affected party, unless notice is excused under Rule 65(b) or the interests of justice require otherwise.

The court will not rule on any Application for a TRO for at least 24 hours after the party subject to the requested order has been served, unless notice is excused as per Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 65(b), or unless the interests of justice so require.

Page 14 | XIII. Injunctions and Restraining Orders

Pretrial motions must be filed on or before a date to be set later by the Court.

Pretrial Motions shall be filed on or before (Court will set ALL dates later).

Criminal cases

Page 1 | A. PRETRIAL AND TRIAL DATES AND MOTIONS

Reply briefs (optional) must be filed on the Monday one week before trial.

Replies (optional) shall be filed on ________ (Monday one week before trial).

Criminal cases

Page 1 | A. PRETRIAL AND TRIAL DATES AND MOTIONS

Local Rule 7-12 applies to papers not timely filed, and compliance with motion timing requirements is essential.

Local Rule 7-12 will apply to papers not timely filed by a party. Adherence to these timing requirements is essential to chambers’ preparation of motion matters.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | A. PRETRIAL AND TRIAL DATES AND MOTIONS

A defendant not served within 90 days after filing of the case, including a Doe defendant, will be dismissed under Rule 4(m).

Any defendant, including any “Doe” or fictitiously named defendant, not served within 90 days after the case is filed will be dismissed pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(m).

Page 2 | Service of the Complaint

Plaintiff must promptly serve the complaint under Rule 4 and comply with the specified rules governing proofs of service.

Plaintiff shall promptly serve the complaint in accordance with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4 and shall comply with Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 4(l) and Local Rule 5-3 with respect to all proofs of service.

Page 2 | Service of the Complaint

A party may seek review and reconsideration by motion, which must be filed and served within 14 days after the specified written or oral ruling.

Any party may file and serve a motion for review and reconsideration before this court. See Local Rule 72-2. The moving party must file and serve the motion within fourteen (14) days of service of a written ruling or an oral ruling that the Magistrate Judge states will not be followed by a written ruling.

Page 4 | Discovery

The redlined version must be delivered to opposing counsel at least two hours before the Local Rule 7-3 conference, and counsel must meet again if the plaintiff later revises it.

Before a motion to amend is filed, the redlined version also must be delivered to opposing counsel at least two hours in advance of the Local Rule 7-3 conference; and if the plaintiff later changes the delivered version, counsel will be required to meet again about the revised pleading.

Page 7 | Motions – Specific Requirements

The proposed order must be served when filed by a party filing or opposing a motion or seeking a matter’s determination.

Each party filing or opposing a motion or seeking the determination of any matter shall file, serve, and electronically lodge a proposed order setting forth the relief or action sought and a brief statement of the rationale for the decision with appropriate citations.

Page 12 | Proposed Orders

Plaintiff’s counsel must immediately serve the Order on all parties, including any new parties.

Counsel for Plaintiff shall immediately serve this Order on all parties, including any new parties to the action.

Page 17 | Notice of This Order

In a case brought to the court by noticed removal, the Defendant must serve the Order on all other parties.

If this case came to the court by noticed removal, the Defendant shall serve this Order on all other parties.

Page 17 | Notice of This Order

Plaintiff must immediately serve this standing order on all parties who have not appeared.

Counsel for Plaintiff shall immediately serve this Order on all parties who have not yet appeared in this matter, including any new parties later added to the action.

Civil cases

Page 6 | General

Proposed voir dire questions must be served on opposing counsel at least one week before trial.

At least one week before trial, each counsel must file with the CRD and serve on opposing counsel any proposed questions to be asked of prospective jurors.

Criminal cases

Page 9

Patent file history and electronic copies must be sent directly to Judge Wright's chambers, not filed with Clerk.

The patent file history and the associated flash drives, CD-ROMs, or DVDs should be sent directly to Judge Wright’s chambers and not filed with the Clerk’s office or via CM/ECF.

Civil cases

Page 5 | Patent File History

Counsel must provide the Magistrate Judge’s chambers with copies of the moving papers and responses.

Counsel shall provide the Magistrate Judge’s chambers copies of the moving papers and responses.

Page 4 | Discovery

Courtesy copies of attorney-fee tables must be editable Excel spreadsheets emailed to chambers.

The courtesy copies of the tables shall be prepared in Excel, have all restrictions removed so the spreadsheets can be edited, and be emailed to the court’s chambers email address at FWS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.

Page 11 | Motions – Specific Requirements

Chambers copies of the specified e-filed motions, related papers, ex parte applications and related papers (except pro hac vice applications), and pretrial documents are mandatory and must be delivered to the chambers copy box or sent by overnight mail.

Mandatory chambers copies of the following e-filed documents shall be delivered to Judge Slaughter’s chambers copy box on the 10th Floor of the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Santa Ana or sent via overnight mail: all motions and related documents (oppositions, replies, exhibits); ex parte applications (excluding pro hac vice applications) and related documents (oppositions and exhibits); and all pretrial documents.

Page 13 | XI. Chambers Courtesy Copies

Mandatory chambers copies of sealed documents must be delivered to the Clerk’s Office Intake window for placement in the court’s internal mail box.

Mandatory chambers copies of sealed documents shall be delivered to the Clerk’s Office Intake window, to be placed in the court’s internal mail box.

Page 13 | XI. Chambers Courtesy Copies

Mandatory chambers copies must be delivered by noon on the day following filing.

Mandatory chambers copies must be delivered by noon following the date of filing as required by Local Rule 5-4.5.

Page 13 | XI. Chambers Courtesy Copies

Chambers copies of TRO-related documents must be provided on the day they are filed.

The parties must provide chambers copies of TRO-related documents on the same day they are filed.

Page 14 | XIII. Injunctions and Restraining Orders

Courtesy copies are required for motions for summary judgment.

Courtesy copies are not required, except for motions for summary judgment or motions involving a

Civil cases

Page 4 | Motion Practice

Conformed courtesy copies of motion papers must be delivered to the courtesy box by 2:00 p.m. the next business day, without blue backing.

For these motions only, conformed courtesy copies of moving, opposition, and reply papers shall be delivered to the courtesy box on the 4th FLOOR of the U.S. Courthouse, 350 W. 1st Street, by 2:00 p.m. the following business day. Courtesy copies shall NOT be blue-backed.

Civil cases

Page 5 | Motion Practice

Courtesy copies of all PTC documents must be delivered in a three-ring binder with specific ordering and tabs.

The parties must submit courtesy copies of all PTC documents, to be prepared and delivered to chambers as follows: (i) One copy of all PTC documents (i.e., both plaintiff’s documents and defendant’s documents) shall be delivered to the Court in one three-ring binder; (ii) Each document shall be separated by numerical side-tabs, and shall be placed in the following order: (1) Proposed Pretrial Conference Order; (2) Plaintiff’s Memorandum and Contentions of Facts and Law; (3) Defendant’s Memorandum and Contentions of Facts and Law; (4) Joint Witness List; (5) Joint Exhibit List and Stipulation; (6) Plaintiff’s Proposed Verdict Form; (7) Defendant’s Proposed Verdict Form; (8) Joint Proposed Jury Instructions; (9) Plaintiff’s Disputed Jury Instructions; (10) Defendant’s Disputed Jury Instructions; (11) Joint Statement of the Case; (12) Proposed Voir Dire Questions; (13) Joint Report re: Settlement; and (14) Other Pretrial documents; and (iii) The binder shall include a Table of Contents.

Civil cases

Courtesy copies required for summary judgment motions, substantial evidentiary motions, and pretrial documents.

Courtesy Copies: The Court requires courtesy copies only for Motions for Summary Judgment, motions necessitating a substantial evidentiary record, and pretrial documents. FOR THESE FILINGS ONLY, the Court requires one mandatory chambers copy of all related filed documents.

Civil cases

Two sets of trial exhibits required for clerk on first day of trial.

Counsel must deliver two sets of exhibits to the Court Clerk (one for witnesses and one for the Judge) on the morning of the first day of trial as follows:

Civil cases

Courtesy copies of declarations and objections must be deposited.

Courtesy copies of the declarations and evidentiary objections shall be deposited in the

Civil cases

Page 18 | Declarations of Witnesses in Lieu of Direct Testimony

Terminology document required for Court Reporter with PTCO.

Each party must file with the Court, at the same time counsel lodges the PTCO, a document for the Court Reporter that contains proper names, unusual or scientific terms, or any other foreign or uncommon words that are likely to be used by the parties during the PTC and the Trial.

Civil cases

Courtesy copies of all PTC documents must be delivered in one three-ring binder with specific tab order and TOC.

The parties must submit courtesy copies of all PTC documents, to be prepared and delivered to chambers as follows: (i) One copy of all PTC documents (i.e., both plaintiff’s documents and defendant’s documents) shall be delivered to the Court in one three-ring binder; (ii) Each document shall be separated by numerical side-tabs, and shall be placed in the following order: (1) Proposed Pretrial Conference Order; (2) Plaintiff’s Memorandum and Contentions of Facts and Law; (3) Defendant’s Memorandum and Contentions of Facts and Law; (4) Joint Witness List; (5) Joint Exhibit List and Stipulation; (6) Plaintiff’s Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; (7) Defendant’s Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law; (8) Joint Report re: Settlement; and (9) Other Pretrial documents; (iii) The binder shall include a Table of Contents.

Civil cases

Courtesy copies required for summary judgment motions, evidentiary motions, and pretrial documents.

Courtesy Copies: The Court requires courtesy copies only for Motions for Summary Judgment, motions necessitating a substantial evidentiary record, and pretrial documents. FOR THESE FILINGS ONLY, the Court requires one mandatory chambers copy of all related filed documents.

Civil cases

Three copies of exhibit list required.

(iii) Three (3) copies of the exhibit list.

Civil cases

Two sets of exhibits required for trial (witnesses and Judge).

Counsel must deliver two sets of exhibits to the Court Clerk (one for witnesses and one for the Judge) on the morning of the first day of trial as follows:

Civil cases

Three copies of witness list required, ordered by expected testimony.

(iv) Three (3) copies of the witness list. In addition to the information otherwise required in the exhibit list, the witnesses shall be listed in the approximate order in which they may be called to testify.

Civil cases

Do not deliver courtesy copies of discovery documents to Judge Slaughter’s chambers.

Please do not deliver courtesy copies of discovery documents to Judge Slaughter’s chambers.

Page 3 | Discovery

Parties are encouraged to submit a courtesy copy of the motion and related papers to Judge Slaughter’s chambers copy box on the 10th floor of the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Santa Ana.

Additionally, parties should submit a courtesy copy of the motion and related papers to Judge Slaughter’s chambers copy box, located on the 10th floor of the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Santa Ana.

Page 9 | Motions – Specific Requirements

For a mandatory chambers copy at least one inch thick, the filing party should use a three-ring binder; blue backing is not required.

If the mandatory chambers copy of a document is an inch or more thick, the filing party should place the court’s copy in a three-ring binder (no blue backing is required).

Page 13 | XI. Chambers Courtesy Copies

Chambers copies not required except for summary judgment and evidence-heavy motions.

*** EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY*** No mandatory chambers copies required, EXCEPT FOR motions for summary judgment and any other evidence-heavy motions.

Courtesy copies are not required for the Joint Report.

No courtesy copies of the Joint Report are required.

Civil cases

Page 4 | Joint Report Requirements

No courtesy copies required for discovery documents.

Counsel are directed to contact the Magistrate Judge’s courtroom deputy clerk (CRD) to schedule a hearing on any discovery related matters. Counsel should NOT deliver courtesy copies of these discovery documents to this Court.

Civil cases

Chambers copies must be placed in Judge's courtesy box on 4th floor.

Chambers copies shall be delivered to and placed in the Judge’s courtesy box, located outside of the Clerk’s office on the 4th floor.

Civil cases

Chambers copies must be placed in Judge's courtesy box on 4th floor.

Chambers copies shall be delivered to and placed in the Judge’s courtesy box, located outside of the Clerk’s office on the 4th floor.

Civil cases

No courtesy copies required for discovery documents.

Counsel are directed to contact the Magistrate Judge’s courtroom deputy clerk (CRD) to schedule a hearing on any discovery related matters. Counsel should NOT deliver courtesy copies of these discovery documents to this Court.

Civil cases

Sealing must be justified item by item; blanket confidentiality claims result in denial of the sealing application.

Sealing must be justified for each individual item—blanket claims of confidentiality will result in the application to seal being denied.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Each item sought to be sealed must have an identified and discussed factual or legal justification establishing good cause or compelling reasons.

For each document or other type of information a party seeks to file under seal, the party must identify and discuss the factual and/or legal justification that establishes “good cause” or “compelling reasons” for the information to be protected.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

An application to seal that contains meritless sealing or redaction requests will be denied.

An application to seal that includes meritless requests to seal or redact documents will be denied.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

The parties should file a complete sealed version and a public redacted version omitting only court-authorized sealed portions.

The parties should file a complete version of the documents under seal and a redacted version for public viewing, omitting only the portions that the court has authorized to be filed under seal.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Applications to file under seal and any resulting sealed filings must comply with Local Rule 79-5, including its application procedure.

Local Rule 79-5 governs applications to file documents under seal. Local Rule 79-5.2.2 explains how to apply to file under seal and how to proceed if leave is granted. Parties must comply with all provisions of Local Rule 79-5.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Sealed chambers copies must be in manilla envelope labeled 'UNDER SEAL'.

Chambers copies of under seal documents shall be placed together in a manilla envelope labeled “UNDER SEAL.”

Civil cases

Sealed chambers copies must be in manilla envelope labeled 'UNDER SEAL'.

Chambers copies of under seal documents shall be placed together in a manilla envelope labeled “UNDER SEAL.”

Civil cases

Documents that are not confidential or privileged in their entirety should not be filed under seal if the confidential portions can be redacted and filed separately with a reasonable amount of effort.

Documents that are not confidential or privileged in their entirety should not be filed under seal if the confidential portions can be redacted and filed separately with a reasonable amount of effort.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Civil actions are subject to a strong presumption of public access.

There is a strong presumption of public access in civil actions. Foltz v. State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 331 F.3d 1122, 1135 (9th Cir. 2003).

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Counsel are strongly encouraged to carefully assess whether sealing or redaction is absolutely necessary for each piece of evidence or argument.

Counsel are strongly encouraged to consider carefully whether sealing or redaction is absolutely required for a given piece of evidence or argument.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Only one proposed PTCO may be submitted; multiple PTCOs are prohibited.

The parties shall submit only ONE proposed PTCO. It is unacceptable to submit multiple or competing proposed PTCOs. See Local Rule 16-7.

Civil cases

Only one joint PTCO may be submitted; multiple PTCOs are prohibited.

The parties shall submit only ONE proposed PTCO. It is unacceptable to submit multiple or competing proposed PTCOs. See Local Rule 16-7.

Civil cases

Page 16 | Joint Witness List

Composite motions to dismiss/summary adjudication are discouraged unless justified.

Unless clearly justified under the circumstances of the case, “motions to dismiss or in the alternative for summary adjudication” are discouraged. These composite motions tend to blur the distinctions between the two motions.

Civil cases

Parties are encouraged to submit a joint Memorandum of Contentions.

The parties are strongly encouraged to submit one joint Memorandum where possible.

Civil cases

Motions for class certification must follow Local Rule 23-3 unless court orders otherwise.

This does not apply to motions for class certification, which must be filed in accordance with Local Rule 23-3 unless the Court expressly orders otherwise.

Civil cases

Page 23 | Local Rule Exemption

Pre-motion letter briefs (max 5 pages) required for summary judgment motions; opposition briefs due within 7 days; no reply without permission.

Prior to filing any summary-judgment motion, the parties must submit letter briefs requesting permission to file the motion. The opening letter brief must be no longer than 5 pages and filed electronically with the Court via CM/ECF as a “Request for Leave to File Motion for Summary Judgment.” The letter brief must state the basis for the summary-judgment motion and reasons why the motion is not premature. Opposition letter briefs must be no longer than 5 pages and filed with the Court no later than 7 days after the opening letter brief. No reply letter briefs may be filed without the Court’s permission. No hearing will be held unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Civil cases

Counsel must meet at least 21 days before the scheduling conference; the meeting may be by telephone but cannot be replaced by written correspondence.

Counsel shall meet no later than twenty-one (21) days prior to the court-ordered Scheduling Conference pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(f) and applicable Local Rules. This meeting may occur telephonically and need not occur in person. A written exchange of correspondence will not satisfy this requirement.

Page 3 | Scheduling Conference and Rule 26(f) Meeting of Counsel

Before filing any motion, counsel must thoroughly discuss its substance and possible resolution with opposing counsel, preferably in person.

Counsel shall take note of Local Rule 7-3, which requires “counsel contemplating the filing of any motion” to “first contact opposing counsel to discuss thoroughly, preferably in person, the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution.”

Page 4 | Pre-Filing Meet and Confer Requirement

The meet-and-confer requirement applies to self-represented parties and has no futility or redundancy exception.

This requirement applies even to self-represented parties; there is no exception to this rule for parties who appear pro se. Nor are there any exceptions to this rule for futility or redundancy.

Page 4 | Pre-Filing Meet and Confer Requirement

A party may file only one Rule 56 motion, whether for summary judgment or summary adjudication, unless the court grants leave.

No party may file more than one motion pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 56, regardless of whether such motion is denominated a motion for summary judgment or summary adjudication, without leave of court.

Page 8 | Motions – Specific Requirements

For summary judgment motions, the default schedule requires filing the motion at least 42 days, opposition 28 days, and reply 21 days before the hearing; parties may stipulate to a reasonable modified schedule subject to court approval, but every schedule must leave at least 21 days between the reply deadline and the hearing.

This court requires an extended briefing schedule for motions for summary judgment, as set forth below: • Motions for Summary Judgment: Must be filed at least forty-two (42) days before the noticed hearing date. • Opposition: Must be filed twenty-eight (28) days before the noticed hearing date. • Reply: Must be filed twenty-one (21) days before the noticed hearing date. The above briefing schedule is the default. The parties may stipulate to a modified schedule that is reasonable for all parties, subject to court approval. Any briefing schedule must provide the court at least twenty-one (21) days between the reply deadline and the hearing date.

Page 9 | Motions – Specific Requirements

The court will not entertain cross-motions on the same legal issues; counsel wishing to cross-move for summary judgment must meet and confer to determine which party will move and which will oppose the single motion.

Also, the court will not entertain cross-motions that seek to adjudicate the same legal issues. If parties wish to cross-move for summary judgment, their counsel shall meet and confer to determine which party will move and which will oppose the one motion for summary judgment.

Page 9 | Motions – Specific Requirements

The parties must meet and confer before filing an application to seal.

The parties also must meet and confer before filing an application to seal.

Page 12 | Under Seal Filings

Local Rule 7-3 requires counsel to engage in a pre-filing conference 'to discuss thoroughly . . . the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution.'

Local Rule 7-3 requires counsel to engage in a pre-filing conference 'to discuss thoroughly . . . the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution.'

Civil cases

Page 5 | Motion Practice

Settlement conference must be conducted 11 weeks and 1 day before trial.

Last Date to Conduct Settlement Conference 11 weeks and 1 day before trial

Civil cases

Page 20 | SCHEDULING OF TRIAL AND PRE-TRIAL DATES

Motion in limine requires meet and confer conference within 10 days, no later than 21 days before Pretrial Conference.

Before filing any motion in limine, counsel for the parties shall confer pursuant to Local Rule 7-3 in a good faith effort to eliminate the necessity for hearing the motion in limine or to eliminate as many of the disputes as possible. It shall be the responsibility of counsel for the moving party to arrange for this conference. The motion papers must include a declaration showing a good faith meet and confer effort. The conference shall take place in person within 10 calendar days of service upon opposing counsel of a letter requesting such a conference, but in no event later than twenty-one days before the Pretrial Conference. The conference may take place by via video conference call or telephone only if both counsel are not located in the same county in the Central District.

Civil cases

Meet and confer required before filing motions or ex parte applications.

The Parties are required to meet and confer with opposing counsel prior to the filing of a motion or ex parte application under Local Rule 7-3.

Civil cases

Pre-filing conference required 7 days before filing any motion.

The title page of all motions must state the Pretrial Conference date and the Trial date. Counsel must comply with Local Rule 7-3, which requires counsel to engage in a pre-filing conference seven days in advance of filing any motion, “to discuss thoroughly . . . the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution.”

Civil cases

Class certification motions must follow Local Rule 23-3 and meet deadline.

All motions for class certification must be filed according to Local Rule 23-3 and on or before the date specified on the last page of this Order. The Court will rarely grant stipulations or applications to extend that deadline.

Civil cases

Meeting and conferring required before filing motions or ex parte applications.

The Parties are required to meet and confer with opposing counsel prior to the filing of a motion or ex parte application under Local Rule 7-3.

Civil cases

Pre-filing conference required 7 days before filing any motion.

The title page of all motions must state the Pretrial Conference date and the Trial date. Counsel must comply with Local Rule 7-3, which requires counsel to engage in a pre-filing conference seven days in advance of filing any motion, “to discuss thoroughly . . . the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution.”

Civil cases

Ex parte applications require strict procedures; opposition due within 24 hours; no reply unless authorized; decided on papers unless hearing ordered.

The Court will require strict adherence to proper ex parte procedures for any ex parte application filed with the Court. Id. at 492; see also Judge Wright’s Standing Order and Local Rule 7-19. Any opposition to an ex parte application must be filed within 24 hours. Failure to submit a timely opposition constitutes consent to the granting of the application. See Local Rule 7-12. No party may file a reply unless expressly authorized by the Court. All ex parte applications will be decided on the papers and without a hearing unless the Court orders otherwise.

Civil cases

Motion in limine requires meet-and-confer conference within 10 days, in person unless geographically impractical.

Before filing any motion in limine, counsel for the parties shall confer pursuant to Local Rule 7-3 in a good faith effort to eliminate the necessity for hearing the motion in limine or to eliminate as many of the disputes as possible. It shall be the responsibility of counsel for the moving party to arrange for this conference. The motion papers must include a declaration showing a good faith meet and confer effort. The conference shall take place in person within 10 calendar days of service upon opposing counsel of a letter requesting such a conference, but in no event later than twenty-one days before the Pre-Trial Conference. The conference may take place by video conference call of telephone only if both counsel are not located in the same county in the Central District.

Civil cases

Motions in Limine have specific filing and hearing dates per court schedule.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, motions in limine will be heard on the date specified on the last page of this Order. The moving party shall file with the Court and serve its Motion in Limine on the responding party on or before the date for filing of motions in limine indicated in the Schedule of Trial and Pre-trial Dates. The responding party shall then file with the Court and serve an opposition to the Motion in Limine on the moving party on or before the date specified on the last page of this Order.

Civil cases

Before filing any motion in limine, counsel must confer in good faith pursuant to Local Rule 7-3, with moving counsel responsible for arranging the conference.

Before filing any motion in limine, counsel for the parties shall confer pursuant to Local Rule 7-3 (Civil) in a good faith effort to eliminate the necessity for hearing the motion in limine or to eliminate as many of the disputes as possible. It shall be the responsibility of counsel for the moving party to arrange for this conference.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | A. PRETRIAL AND TRIAL DATES AND MOTIONS / 3. Motions in Limine

A Magistrate Judge will hear all discovery disputes.

All discovery matters have been referred to a Magistrate Judge, who will hear all discovery disputes.

Page 3 | Discovery

Failure to meet and confer in good faith may result in striking or denial of the motion or other relief, including sanctions.

The court may strike, outright deny a motion, or order other relief, including sanctions, if counsel fails to meet and confer in good faith.

Page 4 | Pre-Filing Meet and Confer Requirement

Motions must comply with Local Rule 7 and are heard Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.; if Thursday is a court holiday, hearings move to the next Thursday.

Motions shall be filed in accordance with Local Rule 7. This court hears motions on Thursdays, beginning at 10:00 a.m. If Thursday is a court holiday, motions will be heard on the next Thursday.

Page 4 | Time for Filing and Hearing Motions

The meet-and-confer discussion must narrow the issues for briefing and resolve minor procedural or other non-substantive matters.

Counsel shall discuss the issues sufficiently such that if a motion is still necessary, the briefing may be directed to those substantive issues requiring resolution by the court. Counsel shall resolve minor procedural or other non-substantive matters during the conference.

Page 4 | Pre-Filing Meet and Confer Requirement

Motions in limine hearing scheduled 1 week and 1 day before trial.

Hearing on Motions in Limine at 1:30 p.m. 1 week and 1 day before trial

Civil cases

Page 5 | SCHEDULING OF TRIAL AND PRE-TRIAL DATES

Pretrial conference scheduled 3 weeks and 1 day before trial.

Pretrial Conference at 1:30 p.m. 3 weeks and 1 day before trial

Civil cases

Page 7 | SCHEDULING OF TRIAL AND PRE-TRIAL DATES

Summary judgment motions can be filed anytime with 35 days’ notice required.

Parties need not wait until the motion cutoff to bring motions for summary judgment or partial summary judgment. Early completion of non-expert discovery and filing of motions for summary judgment may eliminate or reduce the need for expensive expert depositions that are normally conducted in the last stages of discovery. However, the Court requires that the party moving for summary judgment will provide no less than thirty-five (35) days’ notice for such motions.

Civil cases

Motions for class certification follow Local Rule 23-3.

This does not apply to motions for class certification, which must be filed in accordance with Local Rule 23-3 unless the Court expressly orders otherwise.

Civil cases

Page 26 | SCHEDULING OF TRIAL AND PRE-TRIAL DATES

A continuance requires good cause and must be requested by stipulation, motion, or ex parte application accompanied by a declaration stating the reasons and, as recommended, the history and disposition of prior requests; stipulations extending court-set dates require court approval to be effective.

Continuances are granted only on a showing of good cause. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b)(4). Requests for continuances must be by stipulation, motion, or ex parte application and must be accompanied by a declaration setting forth the reasons for the requested continuance. The declaration also should include whether there have been any previous requests for continuances and whether these requests were granted or denied by the court. See Local Rule 40-1. Stipulations extending dates set by this court are not effective unless approved by the court.

Page 14 | XIV. Continuances

Opposition to motion must be filed 21 days before hearing date.

Pursuant to Local Rule 7-9, your opposition is due not later than twenty-one (21) days before the date designated for the hearing of the motion.

Page 6 | Motions

Last date to hear motions is 10 weeks and 1 day before trial.

Last Date for Hearing Motions* 10 weeks and 1 day before trial

Civil cases

Page 19 | SCHEDULING OF TRIAL AND PRE-TRIAL DATES

Motions to amend pleadings or add parties must be heard 12 weeks after notice of scheduling date.

Last Date to Hear Motions to Amend Pleadings or Add Parties 12 weeks after Notice of Sch. Date

Civil cases

Page 25 | SCHEDULING OF TRIAL AND PRE-TRIAL DATES

Summary judgment motions require 35 days' notice.

the Court requires that the party moving for summary judgment will provide no less than thirty-five (35) days’ notice for such motions.

Civil cases

Opposition to ex parte applications must be filed within 24 hours.

Any opposition to an ex parte application must be filed within 24 hours. Failure to submit a timely opposition constitutes consent to the granting of the application. See Local Rule 7-12.

Civil cases

Extension requests must include existing dates, good cause reasons, and prior request history.

Applications to extend the time to file any required document or to continue any hearing, Pretrial Conference, or Trial date must set forth the following: (i) The existing due date or hearing date, as well as the discovery cut-off date, the Pretrial Conference date, and the Trial date; (ii) Specific, concrete reasons supporting good cause for granting the extension; and (iii) Whether there have been prior requests for extensions, and whether these requests were granted or denied by the Court.

Civil cases

Extension requests must include existing dates, specific good cause reasons, and history of prior requests.

Applications to extend the time to file any required document or to continue any hearing, Pretrial Conference, or Trial date must set forth the following: (i) The existing due date or hearing date, as well as the discovery cut-off date, the Pretrial Conference date, and the Trial date; (ii) Specific, concrete reasons supporting good cause for granting the extension; and (iii) Whether there have been prior requests for extensions, and whether these requests were granted or denied by the Court.

Civil cases

Summary judgment motions must be noticed at least 35 days in advance; motion deadline typically 8 weeks after discovery cutoff.

The Court typically sets the motion deadline for 8 weeks after the discovery cutoff. Because the Court requires that the party moving for summary judgment provide no less than 35 days’ notice for such motions, and parties must have the Court’s permission to file a summary-judgment motion, parties are advised to file their opening letter briefs well in advance of the motion cutoff.

Civil cases

Markman hearings must be noticed according to Patent Local Rules and scheduling order; failure may result in delays and sanctions.

Parties must notice a Markman hearing (as a motion) according to the timeframe specified in the Patent Local Rules and the Court’s scheduling order. See Patent L.R. 4-6. Failure to properly notice will result in delays, and sanctions may be imposed for failure to abide by the Court’s scheduling order. Pursuant to the Patent Local Rules, the Court may make necessary adjustments to the requested Markman hearing date to accommodate the Court’s calendar.

Civil cases

A continuance of the date set forth in the caption will be granted only for good cause.

A continuance of the date set forth in the caption will be granted only for good cause.

Civil cases

Page 3 | Scheduling Meeting of Counsel

Failure to serve within time limits may result in dismissal for lack of prosecution.

Time limits for service of the complaint are set forth in Fed. R. Civ. P. 4(m). It is important to promptly and properly serve the opposing party, especially with the summons and complaint when initiating an action, because failure to serve within the time limits specified by the Federal Rules may result in the dismissal of your action for lack of prosecution.

Page 5 | Service

Extension requests must be filed ex parte before deadline and demonstrate good cause.

If you need additional time to oppose the motion, you must file and serve an ex parte application requesting an extension of time prior to the date on which your opposition is due, and must demonstrate that the additional time you seek is warranted and that the requested extension is not a crisis of your creation, thus precluding you from seeking ex parte relief.

Page 6 | Motions

Extensions for class certification may be granted based on issue ordering; must include specific date.

The Court will consider extensions based on the ordering of issues (e.g., if the defendant seeks to file a dispositive motion before class certification) on a case-by-case basis. Any stipulations or applications for relief must include a specific date by which the plaintiff will move for class certification (the Court will not grant an open-ended extension).

Civil cases

Extensions for class certification deadline rarely granted; incomplete discovery not sufficient.

The Court will rarely grant stipulations or applications to extend that deadline. Specifically, the failure to complete class discovery before the deadline does not constitute good cause to extend the deadline, unless the parties show specific and concrete reasons why, despite their diligence, the failure to complete discovery was unavoidable.

Civil cases

Counsel must meet 10 days before trial to stipulate on exhibit foundation and best evidence rule.

All counsel are to meet not later than ten (10) days before trial and to stipulate so far as possible as to foundation, waiver of the best evidence rule, and to those exhibits which may be received into evidence at the start of trial.

Civil cases

Court may deny extensions even if all parties stipulate.

The parties are cautioned that the Court will not necessarily grant an extension or continuance simply because all parties have stipulated to it.

Civil cases

Court will not automatically grant extensions even if all parties stipulate.

The parties are cautioned that the Court will not necessarily grant an extension or continuance simply because all parties have stipulated to it.

Civil cases

Extensions for class certification may be granted for issue ordering; must specify specific date.

The Court will consider extensions based on the ordering of issues (e.g., if the defendant seeks to file a dispositive motion before class certification) on a case-by-case basis. Any stipulations or applications for relief must include a specific date by which the plaintiff will move for class certification (the Court will not grant an open-ended extension).

Civil cases

Extensions for class certification deadline rarely granted; incomplete discovery not sufficient.

The Court will rarely grant stipulations or applications to extend that deadline. Specifically, the failure to complete class discovery before the deadline does not constitute good cause to extend the deadline, unless the parties show specific and concrete reasons why, despite their diligence, the failure to complete discovery was unavoidable.

Civil cases

Proposed-order submissions must strictly follow Local Rule 5-4.4.2, including emailing a Microsoft Word copy of the proposed document and a PDF copy of the electronically filed main document to the assigned judge’s generic chambers email address.

The court requires strict compliance with Local Rule 5-4.4.2, which states that “a Microsoft Word copy of the proposed document, along with a PDF copy of the electronically filed main document, shall be e-mailed to the assigned judge’s generic chambers e-mail address,” which for this court is

Page 12 | Proposed Orders

Appropriate inquiries to the Courtroom Deputy must be sent by email with all parties’ counsel copied.

Any appropriate inquiry directed to the Courtroom Deputy must be by email with a copy to counsel for all parties.

Page 15

Counsel must not contact the court or chambers staff through ex parte means, including email or telephone.

Counsel must not attempt to contact the court or chambers staff by email, telephone, or by any other ex parte means.

Page 15

Communications with Chambers: Pursuant to Local Rule 83-2.11, parties shall refrain from writing letters to the judge, making telephone calls to chambers, or otherwise communicating with a judge unless opposing counsel is present. You may contact the Courtroom Deputy, at (213) 894-8266, with appropriate inquiries. The Courtroom Deputy is not an attorney, and will not provide you with any legal advice. The Courtroom Deputy cannot waive any of the requirements of this, or any other, Order. Should you wish to bring any matter to the attention of the Court, you must do so in writing, and file it and serve it on the opposing party.

Communications with Chambers: Pursuant to Local Rule 83-2.11, parties shall refrain from writing letters to the judge, making telephone calls to chambers, or otherwise communicating with a judge unless opposing counsel is present. You may contact the Courtroom Deputy, at (213) 894-8266, with appropriate inquiries. The Courtroom Deputy is not an attorney, and will not provide you with any legal advice. The Courtroom Deputy cannot waive any of the requirements of this, or any other, Order. Should you wish to bring any matter to the attention of the Court, you must do so in writing, and file it and serve it on the opposing party.

Page 3 | Communications with Chambers

Counsel must follow the applicable Magistrate Judge’s webpage procedures for scheduling matters for hearing.

Counsel must follow the Magistrate Judge’s procedures for scheduling matters for hearing. These procedures are stated on each Magistrate Judge’s webpage.

Page 3 | Discovery

Counsel must notify both judges’ courtroom deputies at least three days in advance.

Counsel shall notify both of the Judges’ courtroom deputies at least three (3) days in advance.

Page 3 | Calendar Conflicts

Calls and emails asking about the status of submitted motions, stipulations, or proposed orders will not be returned.

Calls or emails regarding the status of submitted motions, stipulations, or proposed orders will not be returned.

Page 15

Counsel must not ask the Courtroom Deputy about case status or seek legal advice, and should not ask about procedures readily answered by the cited rules or standing orders.

Counsel must not contact the Courtroom Deputy regarding the status of any matter before the court or seek any legal advice. Nor should counsel contact the Courtroom Deputy to inquire about court procedure when the answer is readily available by consulting the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Local Rules, or the court’s standing orders.

Page 15

Parties expected to resolve discovery issues themselves; Magistrate Judge rules on discovery motions unless otherwise directed.

The Court expects the parties to resolve discovery issues by themselves in a courteous, reasonable, and professional manner. Unless otherwise directed, the assigned Magistrate Judge will rule on all discovery motions and handle all discovery issues.

Civil cases

Counsel may email the Courtroom Deputy about appropriate matters only at the listed chambers email address.

Counsel may, for appropriate matters only, contact the Courtroom Deputy via the court’s chambers email at FWS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.

Page 15

Pro se parties can use EDSS to electronically file documents.

The Court's Electronic Document Submission System ("EDSS") allows people without lawyers who have pending cases in the United States District Court for the Central District of California or who wish to file a new case to submit documents electronically to the Clerk's Office. To access EDSS and for additional information, visit the Court's website at https://apps.cacd.uscourts.gov/edss

Page 3 | Communications with Chambers

Discovery disputes are resolved by, and should be brought to the attention of, the magistrate judge assigned to the action. Discovery should begin early in the litigation and may commence prior to the Scheduling Conference.

Discovery disputes are resolved by, and should be brought to the attention of, the magistrate judge assigned to the action. Discovery should begin early in the litigation and may commence prior to the Scheduling Conference.

Page 6 | Discovery

Counsel may call the CRD to arrange a visit to practice using courtroom equipment when the Court is not in session.

Call the CRD if you wish to visit when the Court is not in session to practice using the equipment.

Criminal cases

Page 10 | E. INSTRUCTIONS GOVERNING PROCEDURE DURING TRIAL

The court encourages lead counsel to allow junior counsel to participate fully, including arguing motions and examining trial witnesses.

In an effort to provide more experience to the next generation of practitioners, the court encourages lead counsel to permit junior counsel to fully participate in court proceedings, including to argue motions and to examine witnesses at trial.

Page 2 | Presence of Lead Counsel

Court may dispense with oral argument; encourages junior attorneys to present arguments.

The Court, in its discretion, may dispense with oral argument on a motion. Fed. R. Civ. P. 78(b); C.D. Cal. L.R. 7-15. However, the Court also encourages law firms to contribute to the professional development of new attorneys by allowing them to present oral argument to the Court on motions.

Civil cases

less than four years’ experience will present oral argument, the Court will hold a hearing on that motion. This notice must be filed no later than fourteen days before the hearing. The Court will take into account the attorney’s inexperience when considering their oral arguments.

less than four years’ experience will present oral argument, the Court will hold a hearing on that motion. This notice must be filed no later than fourteen days before the hearing. The Court will take into account the attorney’s inexperience when considering their oral arguments.

Civil cases

less than four years’ experience will present oral argument, the Court will hold a hearing on that motion. This notice must be filed no later than fourteen days before the hearing.

less than four years’ experience will present oral argument, the Court will hold a hearing on that motion. This notice must be filed no later than fourteen days before the hearing.

Civil cases

Court may dispense with oral argument; encourages junior attorney participation.

The Court, in its discretion, may dispense with oral argument on a motion. Fed. R. Civ. P. 78(b); C.D. Cal. L.R. 7-15. However, the Court also encourages law firms to contribute to the professional development of new attorneys by allowing them to present oral argument to the Court on motions.

Civil cases