Judge Stephanie S. Christensen's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Discovery motions require a pre-motion conference before filing unless ex parte leave is obtained.
Judge Stephanie S. Christensen's rule states these limits: 2800 words; 2800 words; 2100 words. Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 2800 words; reply briefs limited to 2100 words.
Judge Stephanie S. Christensen's rule states these limits: 1 pages. Jury trial joint statement of the case limited to one page.
Judge Stephanie S. Christensen's formatting rule includes file format docx and submit to chambers email address. Counsel must submit all proposed jury instructions in Microsoft Word format to the chambers email address.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Joint status report must address the state of discovery.
The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Motions in limine must address only one item or category of evidence or witness, i.e., not compound.
Parties may contact Judge Stephanie S. Christensen's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Counsel must immediately send settlement notifications to the Chambers email address upon reaching settlement.
The rule addresses filing timing, filing status, or cure windows. Motions in limine (max 4), memoranda of contentions, jury instructions, and verdict forms must be filed 14 calendar days before initial pretrial conference.
The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party, timing: 14 calendar days before hearing. Plaintiff's counsel must serve proposed jury instructions and verdict forms at least 14 calendar days before the Local Rule 16-2 counsel meeting.
Motions in limine (max 4), memoranda of contentions, jury instructions, and verdict forms must be filed 14 calendar days before initial pretrial conference.
Oppositions to motions in limine must be filed 7 calendar days before initial pretrial conference.
Proposed pretrial order, joint case statement, witness list, glossary, and joint exhibit list must be filed five court days before final pretrial conference.
Pleadings may be amended or parties added up to 90 days from the scheduling conference.
Joint status report must be filed 24 weeks before final pretrial conference and must address the state of discovery.
Joint status report must address the state of discovery.
Motions to add parties or amend pleadings must be scheduled for hearing on or before the established cut-off date.
Discovery and expert discovery cut-off dates require all discovery and related motion hearings to be completed by that date, not just service of requests.
Motions challenging adequacy of discovery responses must be filed early enough to obtain responses before discovery cut-off if granted.
Discovery motions require a pre-motion conference before filing unless ex parte leave is obtained.
Motions in limine must be filed 14 calendar days before the Initial Pretrial Conference.
Depositions must start early enough to complete and allow time for related discovery motions before discovery cut-off.
Written discovery must be served early enough to allow time to challenge deficient responses via motion before discovery cut-off.
All motions except motions in limine must be noticed for hearing on or before the court-established motion cut-off date.
Counsel must complete required ADR proceedings by the deadline set by the Court.
Counsel must immediately send settlement notifications to the Chambers email address upon reaching settlement.
Parties in jury trial cases must notify the Court of any settlement by the Wednesday before the trial week begins.
Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 2800 words; reply briefs limited to 2100 words.
Motions in limine must address only one item or category of evidence or witness, i.e., not compound.
Motions in limine must address specific issues, not broad hearsay exclusions or summary adjudication.
Counsel must meet and confer per Local Rule 7-3 before filing motions in limine.
Proposed Pretrial Conference Order must be filed 5 court days before Final Pretrial Conference.
Proposed Pretrial Conference Order must comply with Local Rules' format and content requirements.
Jury trial joint statement of the case limited to one page.
Joint statement of the case must be filed 5 court days before Final Pretrial Conference.
Joint witness list must be filed 5 court days before Final Pretrial Conference.
Joint witness list must include full names, testimony time estimates, descriptions, and comply with Local Rule 16-5.
Counsel must file Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for court trials unless ordered otherwise.
Proposed Findings of Fact must include citations to admitted evidence; relevant transcript excerpts required if witness testimony establishes a fact.
Counsel must email Microsoft Word versions of Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to chambers email SSC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov in addition to filing.