Central District of California Local Rules and Judge Filing Requirements
Filing requirements from local rules, individual practices, standing orders, and published court policies for Central District of California
Federal court local rules are only the first layer. These filing requirements come from individual judges' practices, standing orders, and policies published by the Central District of California. They supplement the district local rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Requirements vary significantly between judges in the same district, so always verify the specific rules for your assigned judge.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Witnesses must review all relevant exhibits before testimony.
- Judge David O. Carter
Ex parte applications must comply with Local Rules 7-19/7-19.1 and include opposing counsel’s position, absent specific good cause.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
Plaintiff must promptly serve the complaint and file proof of service.
- Judge Jesus G. Bernal
Motions in limine must not be disguised summary judgment motions.
- Judge Anne Hwang
Stipulation of factual basis for open plea due 7 days before hearing.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
For documentary evidence between 50 and 200 pages, it must be separately bound, tabbed, and indexed.
- Judge Jesus G. Bernal
Mandatory electronic filing implemented January 1, 2008.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Non-conforming filings will not be considered.
- Judge André Birotte Jr.
Case citations must use Bluebook format with pinpoint citations.
- Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr.
Counsel must ensure witness returns to stand after recess or adjournment.
- Judge David O. Carter
Appropriate inquiries should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk by phone at (714) 338-4543.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
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.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Communications with chambers are governed by specific rules.
- Judge Anne Hwang
Parties must notify Courtroom Deputy Clerk 14 days before sentencing if not filing brief.
- Judge Mark C. Scarsi
All discovery matters are referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge.
- Judge David O. Carter
Date changes are disfavored, trial dates are firm, and the Court may advance trial by up to two weeks.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
Continuances are disfavored, and trial dates are firm and rarely changed.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Continuance rules exist.
- Judge Anne Hwang
Continuance requests must be made at least 7 days before hearing.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Motion for review must be filed within 10 days of magistrate judge's ruling.
- Judge David O. Carter
Entirely sealed filings are not permitted unless the application shows redaction is infeasible.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Sealed filings are permitted.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Sealed filings require Court approval and compliance with Local Rule 79-5.2.2(a).
- Judge André Birotte Jr.
Protective orders must be submitted to Magistrate Judge and cannot allow sealing without further Court order.
- Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr.
Sealed submissions must follow Judge Blumenfeld's pilot program procedures on his webpage.
- Judge Sunshine S. Sykes
Opposition to summary judgment must be filed at least 5 weeks before hearing.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
Counsel must hold a pre-filing meet-and-confer under Local Rule 7-3 before motion practice.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Pre-filing conference required to discuss motion substance and potential resolution.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Emergency relief requests must comply with FRCP 65 and Local Rules 7-19 and 65.
- Judge Jesus G. Bernal
Ex parte applications allowed only for extraordinary relief; misuse may result in sanctions.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
Short briefs (max 5 pages) addressing disputed issues are welcome.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Memoranda limited to 7,000 words or 25 pages for handwritten/typewriter briefs.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Motion memoranda limited to 25 pages; replies limited to 12 pages.
- Judge Jesus G. Bernal
Motion memoranda limited to 25 pages; replies limited to 12 pages.
- Judge André Birotte Jr.
Motion memoranda limited to 25 pages; replies limited to 15 pages.
- Chief Judge Dolly M. Gee
Mandatory chambers copies of discovery-related papers must be delivered to the assigned Magistrate Judge, not this Court.
- Judge André Birotte Jr.
Courtesy/chambers copies are no longer required and should not be sent.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Chambers courtesy copies are required.
- Judge Percy Anderson
Contact magistrate judge's clerk for scheduling; no courtesy copies to district court.
- Judge Jesus G. Bernal
One chambers copy required for specific document types.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Cross-motions on same issues prohibited; parties must meet and confer to determine single moving party.
- Judge André Birotte Jr.
Cross-motions for summary judgment should use 3-brief or 4-brief approach instead of separate motions to avoid overburdening the Court.
- Magistrate Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett
Joint brief required for all MSJs from all moving parties.
- Judge Mark C. Scarsi
Related materials with mixed sealing status must be filed as single docket entry with multiple attachments.
- Magistrate Judge Cynthia Valenzuela
No final pretrial conference or trial until all parties complete ADR.
- Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha
Junior lawyers (under 5 years experience) may increase likelihood of oral argument if noted in bold/underline.
- Judge André Birotte Jr.
Junior counsel encouraged to participate; notice 7 days before hearing increases likelihood of oral argument.
- Judge Wesley L. Hsu
Court encourages junior counsel (5 years or less experience) to participate in proceedings
- Judge Serena R. Murillo
Court encourages participation of less experienced or diverse lawyers in trial and FPTC
- Senior Judge Virginia A. Phillips
Junior lawyers (under 7 years) may increase likelihood of oral argument.