Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Serena R. Murillo's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Serena R. Murillo?

Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: 1 copy, delivery three days before trial, by chambers drop off. USB flash drive with electronic exhibits and deposition excerpts due Friday 12:00 p.m., 3 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 12, section Trial Exhibits

Does Judge Serena R. Murillo require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Serena R. Murillo's rules set a pre-motion procedure for rule 50, rule 59, rule 60, and other. Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before FPTC; oppositions 14 days before.

View ruleSource: page 5, section B. Requirements for Pretrial Documents

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Serena R. Murillo?

Judge Serena R. Murillo's rule states these limits: 10 pages. Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 5, section B. Requirements for Pretrial Documents

What page or word limits apply to joint statement of case before Judge Serena R. Murillo?

Judge Serena R. Murillo's rule states these limits: 1 pages. Joint Statement of Case (jury trials only) must be filed and emailed 14 days before FPTC, max 1 page.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Joint Statement of the Case

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Serena R. Murillo?

Judge Serena R. Murillo's rules include formatting requirements. Evidentiary objections must use three-column format with quote, legal objection, and citation.

View ruleSource: page 10, section Declarations of Direct Testimony

What must be included with discovery filings before Judge Serena R. Murillo?

The rule requires certificate of service. Discovery cut-off date is the deadline for completing depositions, providing discovery responses, and hearing discovery motions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. Schedule and Deadlines

What must be included with pro se filings before Judge Serena R. Murillo?

The rule requires certificate of conference. Pro se litigants must comply with Federal Rules, Local Civil Rules, and court standing orders.

View ruleSource: page 2, section A. Schedule and Deadlines

How may parties contact Judge Serena R. Murillo's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Serena R. Murillo's clerk by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Special court reporter services require 14-day advance notice.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Serena R. Murillo?

Requests should be made at least 19 weeks in advance when this rule applies before Judge Serena R. Murillo. Expert discovery must be completed 19 weeks before FPTC

View ruleSource: page 21, section Schedule of Pretrial and Trial Dates Worksheet

Does Judge Serena R. Murillo encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Serena R. Murillo's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court encourages participation of less experienced or diverse lawyers in trial and FPTC

Complete rules summary for Judge Serena R. Murillo

Discovery cut-off date is the deadline for completing depositions, providing discovery responses, and hearing discovery motions.

Refer to Court's Standing Order for requirements on motions, discovery, filings, courtesy copies, and other matters.

Pro se parties are included in the definition of "counsel" for this order.

Pro se litigants must comply with Federal Rules, Local Civil Rules, and court standing orders.

Court encourages participation of less experienced or diverse lawyers in trial and FPTC

Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before FPTC; oppositions 14 days before.

Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 10 pages.

Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine.

Maximum 5 motions in limine per party without leave.

Witness lists due 28 days before FPTC.

Joint Exhibit List due 28 days before FPTC.

Joint Proposed Jury Instructions due 14 days before FPTC.

Meet and confer schedule for jury instructions: exchange proposals at 35 days, objections at 28 days before FPTC.

Parties must file clean and redline sets of joint and disputed jury instructions 14 days before FPTC.

Disputed jury instructions should be organized by subject matter.

Court may order immediate meet-and-confer for excessive or frivolous jury instruction disputes.

Parties must use specific sources for jury instructions based on applicable law.

Joint verdict form must be filed and emailed to Chambers 14 days before FPTC.

Alternative jury instructions only allowed with reasoned argument; court rarely uses case law-only instructions.

Each jury instruction must be complete, separate, numbered, single-subject, and non-repetitive.

Parties must complete blanks and select options in standard jury instructions.

Jury instructions must include an index with number, title, source, and page number.

Instructions must be listed in order with timing indication (before opening, during trial, or before closing).

Court will meet with parties to settle instructions before closing argument, allowing oral objections.

Each juror receives their own copy of instructions during deliberations.

Competing verdict forms must include proposed forms, redlines, and legal basis.

Joint Statement of Case (jury trials only) must be filed and emailed 14 days before FPTC, max 1 page.

Proposed voir dire questions must be filed and emailed to Chambers 14 days before FPTC.

Each side gets 3 peremptory challenges in jury trials.

Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law must be filed and emailed 28 days before FPTC.

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