Eastern District of California Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Civil cases

Court will hold hearing if junior attorney (under 5 years) requests oral argument 10 days in advance.

If a written request for oral argument is filed at least 10 days before the scheduled hearing and states that an attorney with less than five (5) years of experience as a practitioner will present oral argument, the Court will hold a hearing.

Civil cases

Attorneys with 7 or fewer years of experience arguing motions increase the likelihood of an oral argument hearing.

Given the diminishing opportunities for young lawyers to argue in court, Judge Singer encourages litigants to consider assigning oral arguments to an attorney with seven (7) years or less experience out of law school. If any party files a notice stating such an attorney from at least one side will argue a motion, the Court will hold the hearing. Otherwise, the Court may find it appropriate in some actions to submit a motion without oral argument.

Parties are encouraged to provide less experienced attorneys opportunity to present oral argument.

The Court values the importance of training less experienced attorneys. The parties are encouraged to consider providing less experienced attorneys with the opportunity to present oral argument.