Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Sunshine S. Sykes's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: 1 copy, delivery same day, by hand delivery. Joint trial binder must be delivered to Courtesy Box by 5:00 PM on trial filing due date.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Trial Preparation

Does Judge Sunshine S. Sykes require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Sunshine S. Sykes's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Lead trial counsel must meet and confer in person 6 weeks before FPTC.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Trial Preparation

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

Judge Sunshine S. Sykes' rule states these limits: 10 pages. Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Trial Preparation

What page or word limits apply to motion before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

Judge Sunshine S. Sykes' rule states these limits: 7000 words. Excludes caption, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificates, exhibits, and indices. Motions briefs limited to 7,000 words (excluding specified items).

View ruleSource: page 14, section Length and Format of Motion Papers

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

Judge Sunshine S. Sykes' formatting rule includes binding three ring binder, tabbed, and accompanying memorandum of opposition. Motions in limine require three-ring binder with specific formatting.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Chambers Copy Requirements

What must be included with motion or stipulation for continuance filings before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

The rule requires proposed order and proposed amended schedule. Motion or stipulation for continuance requires proposed order with amended schedule.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Scheduling Order

What must be included with proposed final pretrial conference order filings before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

The rule requires email to chambers. Proposed FPTCO must be filed and emailed to Chambers at least 2 weeks before FPTC.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Final Pretrial Conference

How may parties contact Judge Sunshine S. Sykes' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Sunshine S. Sykes' chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email SSS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Email submissions to Chambers must be in Word format to SSS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Email submissions to Chambers

How does Judge Sunshine S. Sykes handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes. Must establish good cause or compelling reasons to file under seal.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Sunshine S. Sykes?

Judge Sunshine S. Sykes's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request. Good cause required for continuance motions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Scheduling Order

Does Judge Sunshine S. Sykes require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. Multiple motions addressing separate issues are prohibited unless leave is obtained.

Does Judge Sunshine S. Sykes encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Sunshine S. Sykes's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Court encourages providing hearing opportunities to junior or diverse lawyers who contributed to the case.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Presence of Lead Counsel
Complete rules summary for Judge Sunshine S. Sykes

Motion or stipulation for continuance requires proposed order with amended schedule.

Good cause required for continuance motions.

Refer to Civil Standing Order for additional requirements.

Email submissions to Chambers must be in Word format to SSS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.

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

Proposed FPTCO must be filed and emailed to Chambers at least 2 weeks before FPTC.

Parties must use the template for Proposed FPTCO.

Parties must agree on uncontested facts for jury reading at trial start.

Factual issues in dispute should list ultimate facts, not argue evidence sufficiency.

Factual issues should track claim/defense elements for jury findings.

Legal issues should state issues requiring Court rulings.

Lead trial counsel must meet and confer in person 6 weeks before FPTC.

Court may take FPTC/trial off calendar or impose sanctions for non-compliance.

All pretrial documents must be filed and emailed to Chambers on due date.

Joint trial binder must be delivered to Courtesy Box by 5:00 PM on trial filing due date.

Motions in limine must be noticed 1 week before FPTC and 1 week after trial filings.

Court may rule orally on motions in limine instead of in writing.

Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 10 pages.

Parties limited to 5 motions in limine each unless Court grants leave.

Replies to motions in limine are not allowed and will be stricken.

Parties must meet and confer before filing motions in limine.

Court prefers Daubert motions heard 4 weeks before other motions in limine.

Motions in limine require three-ring binder with specific formatting.

Withdrawal/non-opposition notices required per Local Rule 7-16.

Meet and confer on jury instructions 3 weeks before FPTC.

Joint Witness List requires specific format and content with deadline.

Amended Joint Witness List deadline: noon Friday before trial.

Joint Exhibit List requires specific format with objection column.

Amended Joint Exhibit List filing requirement.

Parties must agree on jury instructions before submission.

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