Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Esther Salas's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Esther Salas?

Courtesy copies are required for all covered filings. Details: 3 copies, delivery before trial, by hand delivery. Three bench books of exhibits must be delivered to the judge for trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER

Does Judge Esther Salas require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Esther Salas's rules set a pre-motion procedure for daubert, in limine, and other. All pre-trial motions including Daubert and in limine motions must be fully briefed and filed 45 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 3, section FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER

What page or word limits apply to sur reply before Judge Esther Salas?

Judge Esther Salas' rule states these limits: 15 pages. Excludes caption, index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificates, exhibits, appendices, and attachments. Sur-replies require permission, limited to 15 pages, due within 7 days.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Reply and Sur-Reply Briefs

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Esther Salas?

Judge Esther Salas' formatting rule includes file format docx, three-column chart format, column 1: exhibit list, column 2: opponent objections with rule/concept, and column 3: proponent admissibility rationale. Submit consolidated joint exhibit list in Word format with three-column chart showing exhibits, objections, and admissibility rationales.

View ruleSource: page 11, section Exhibit Lists and Bench Books

What must be included with pretrial order filings before Judge Esther Salas?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Parties must consult Judge Salas's General Pretrial and Trial Procedures before submitting this document.

View ruleSource: page 1, section FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER

What must be included with pretrial submissions filings before Judge Esther Salas?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Pretrial submissions in paragraphs 2, 18, and 19 must be filed 45 days before trial or will be waived.

View ruleSource: page 1, section FINAL PRETRIAL ORDER

How may parties contact Judge Esther Salas' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Esther Salas' law clerks by email only as allowed by the rule. Cannot justify conduct by claiming law clerk or deputy said so

View ruleSource: page 4, section D. Communication with Law Clerks

How does Judge Esther Salas handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Esther Salas's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file redacted on ecf. Counsel must meet and confer to determine redactions after Request for Disclosure.

View ruleSource: page 20, section Sentencing Memoranda

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Esther Salas?

Judge Esther Salas's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include corresponding request via cm ecf. Oral extension requests must be accompanied by CM/ECF filing

View ruleSource: page 3, section B. Correspondence with the Court

Does Judge Esther Salas require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Esther Salas requires bundling for covered papers. Out-of-town cases scheduled same as local cases.

View ruleSource: page 13, section i. Scheduling

Does Judge Esther Salas encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Esther Salas's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (first 6 years) encouraged to present arguments.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Opportunities for Junior Lawyers
Complete rules summary for Judge Esther Salas

Parties must consult Judge Salas's General Pretrial and Trial Procedures before submitting this document.

Pretrial submissions in paragraphs 2, 18, and 19 must be filed 45 days before trial or will be waived.

Pretrial housekeeping conference scheduled before Judge Salas.

All pre-trial motions including Daubert and in limine motions must be fully briefed and filed 45 days before trial.

Three bench books of exhibits must be delivered to the judge for trial.

Two courtesy copies of trial materials due 45 days before trial.

Trial brief or memorandum required under Local Civil Rule 7.2 for non-jury trials

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law required within one week after non-jury trial

Hypothetical questions for expert witnesses must be submitted to court and opposing counsel

Exhibits must be pre-marked with exhibit stickers

Exhibit list must have three columns with specific content requirements

Three copies of bench book with exhibits required

Must consult relevant rules and docket before contacting court

Oral extension requests must be accompanied by CM/ECF filing

Must send contemporaneous copies to all litigants

Written requests to court must include situation, opposing party position, and specific relief

Phone calls to chambers must provide name, case number, party represented, and question

Motion practice follows Local Civil Rule 7.1 except as specified.

Limited communication with law clerks only for administrative matters or emergencies

Scheduling matters should be directed to Courtroom Deputy

Cannot justify conduct by claiming law clerk or deputy said so

Moving party arranges telephone conferences and contacts chambers after all parties join.

Participants must identify themselves and speak clearly during telephone conferences.

Court will refuse telephone conferences for participants who are discourteous.

Pretrial housekeeping meeting required before jury selection.

Provide names and spelling when contacting chambers for conference calls.

Speak slowly and spell your name during conference calls.

Identify yourself during calls with multiple parties.

Hearings and arguments scheduled ad hoc, no specific days set aside.

No last-minute (less than 48 hours) cancellation/rescheduling requests without emergencies.

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