Judge Sunshine S. Sykes

All emailed submissions to Chambers referred to in this Order must be in Microsoft Word ("Word") format and emailed to SSS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.

Motions in limine and oppositions must not exceed ten (10) pages in length.

The Mandatory Chambers Copy of all motions in limine and associated exhibits must be provided in a three-ring binder. Plaintiffs’ and Defendants’ motions should be placed together in a single 3-inch binder if possible; if these materials do not fit easily into a 3-inch binder, the parties may submit separate binders. In either case, each motion should be tabbed and accompanied by the corresponding Memorandum of Opposition.

Counsel must use the lectern. Counsel should not consume jury time by writing out words and drawing charts or diagrams. All such aids must be prepared in advance. Counsel are not permitted to use any PowerPoint presentations during opening statement unless stipulated to by both parties.

If a party, or the parties, intend to present any evidence by way of deposition, the presentation of such evidence must be done in accordance with Local Rule 16-2.7. In brief, Local Rule 16-2.7 requires: a. the party offering the evidence to identify on the original transcript the portion or portions it is offering by bracketing the questions and answers in the margins; b. the opposing party shall then likewise countermark any testimony that it plans to offer; c. the parties shall agree between themselves to use different

and, at the time of lodging under L.R. 32-1, the party offering the evidence must serve and file a joint index on all parties and the Court that reflects (1) the portions of the depositions offered, (2) which party is offering them, (3) the pages and lines being offered, (4) any objections to each designation, and (5) the grounds for all objections. Counsel are required to meet and confer regarding any objections to designations before filing the index with the Court.

The parties must not attempt to evade the page limitations for briefs by filing multiple motions.

The Court does not conduct telephonic hearings. By default, all hearings, with the exception of hearings on motions in limine, Final Pretrial Conferences, and trials, must proceed remotely by video appearance on Zoom, unless a request is made by the parties to appear in person and this request is granted by the Court. Requests for an in-person appearance must be filed one (1) week before the hearing and must indicate that counsel has met and conferred with opposing counsel consistent with Local Rule 7-3. Hearings on motions in limine, Final Pretrial Conferences, and trials must be heard in person.

Non-Signature Items: must be filed in PDF format. Proposed Signature Items: must be filed as an attachment to the main document in PDF format. All proposed signature items must also be emailed in Microsoft Word ("Word") format to the chambers email at SSS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the day the document is filed. Only proposed order signature items should be emailed to the chambers' email address. Do not email other associated documents and do not use this email address for communication with the Court or the Clerk.

All discovery matters are hereby referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge, who will hear all discovery disputes.

All discovery-related documents must include the words “DISCOVERY MATTER” in the caption to ensure proper routing.

This Court hears civil motions on Fridays beginning at 2:00 pm. If Friday is a national holiday, motions will be heard on the next Friday.

It is not necessary to clear a hearing date with Judge Sykes’ CRD before filing a motion, except for motions for summary judgment, motions for preliminary injunction, and motions for class certification. For these three motions, contact the CRD via the Court’s chambers email address at SSS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov to reserve a hearing date.

If the moving party fails to obtain a date, the motion will be stricken for failure to notice a hearing under Local Rule 6-1.

Pursuant to Local Rule 11-6, Memoranda of Points and Authorities in support of or in opposition to motions, absent leave of Court, must not exceed 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.

Replies must not exceed ten (10) pages.

Pursuant to Local Rule 11-8, all Memoranda of Points and Authorities exceeding ten (10) pages must be accompanied by a Table of Authorities and a Table of Contents.

All briefing must use Times New Roman font. Text must be no less than fourteen (14) point font; footnotes must be no less than twelve (12) point font.

Counsel must adhere to Local Rule 5-4.3 with respect to the conversion of all documents to .pdf format so that when a document is electronically filed, it is in proper size and is .pdf searchable. Further, all documents must be filed in a format so that text can be selected, copied, and pasted directly from the document.

If documentary evidence in support of or in opposition to a motion exceeds 50 pages, the evidence must be separately bound and tabbed and include an index.

If such evidence exceeds 200 pages, the documents must be placed in a three-ring binder, with an index and with each item of evidence separated by a tab divider.

Citations to case law must identify the case cited and the specific page referenced. For example, if a quotation is presented, the associated page citation must be provided. Similarly, if a case is cited in support of a proposition based on language in the opinion, the page on which such language appears must be provided. When citing to legal databases, wherever possible cite to Westlaw rather than Lexis. Bluebook style is required.

Statutory references must identify with specificity the sections and subsections referenced. Citations to treatises, manuals, and other materials should include the volume, section, and pages being referenced. Citations to prior filings in the same action must include the docket entry number, section, and pages referenced. Bluebook style is required.

In addition to the requirements of Local Rule 15-1, all motions to amend pleadings must: (1) state the effect of the amendment; (2) be serially numbered to differentiate the amendment from previous amendments; and (3) identify the pages, line numbers, and wording of any proposed change or addition of material.