Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Edward M. Chen's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Edward M. Chen?

Courtesy copies are required for exhibits. Details: 2 copies, delivery upon filing, by chambers drop off. Two sets of exhibits must be submitted.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Exhibits

Does Judge Edward M. Chen require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Edward M. Chen's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motions in limine. Motions in limine require specific timing for service and filing.

View ruleSource: page 4, section C. PRETRIAL MATERIALS

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Judge Edward M. Chen's rule states these limits: 15 pages. Trial briefs limited to 15 pages unless court orders otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Trial Brief

What page or word limits apply to discovery letter brief before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Judge Edward M. Chen's rule states these limits: 3 pages. Discovery disputes must be filed as joint letter briefs (max 3 pages).

View ruleSource: page 2, section 4. Discovery Motions

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Judge Edward M. Chen's formatting rule includes premarked, tagged, three hole punched, and submitted to chambers not filed. Exhibits must be premarked, tagged, three-hole punched, and submitted in binders to chambers (not filed).

View ruleSource: page 6, section Exhibits

What must be included with joint pretrial conference statement filings before Judge Edward M. Chen?

The rule requires caption, judge name, and case number. Joint pretrial conference statement due 21 days before final pretrial conference

View ruleSource: page 1, section B. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT

What must be included with discovery letter brief filings before Judge Edward M. Chen?

The rule requires notice of electronic filing. Discovery letter briefs must be e-filed in specific ECF category.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 4. Discovery Motions

How may parties contact Judge Edward M. Chen's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Edward M. Chen's opposing counsel by in person only as allowed by the rule. Lead counsel must meet and confer 42 days before final pretrial conference

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. MEET AND CONFER

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Requests should be made at least 10 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Edward M. Chen. Depositions must be noticed at least 10 days in advance.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 3. Depositions
Complete rules summary for Judge Edward M. Chen

Meet and Confer required 21 days before Pretrial Conference Statement

Last day to hear dispositive motions is 10 Thursdays before Pretrial Conference

Last day to file dispositive motions is 35 days before hearing

Expert discovery closes 21 days after rebuttal expert disclosure

Rebuttal expert disclosure due 21 days after expert disclosure

Expert disclosure due same as close of non-expert discovery

Trial scheduled for Monday at 8:30 a.m., approximately one year from first CMC

Pretrial Conference scheduled for 4 Tuesdays prior to trial at 2:30 pm

Objections due 10 days before Pretrial Conference

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement/Trial Briefs due 21 days before Pretrial Conference

Non-expert discovery closes Thursday after 10 Thursdays before last day to hear dispositive motions

Lead counsel must meet and confer 42 days before final pretrial conference

Trial briefs limited to 15 pages unless court orders otherwise.

Joint pretrial conference statement due 21 days before final pretrial conference

Joint pretrial conference statement must contain specific information

Joint pretrial statement must include brief description of claims and defenses

Joint pretrial statement must itemize all relief and damages sought

Joint pretrial statement must list all stipulated undisputed facts

Joint pretrial statement must list disputed factual issues organized by counts

Joint pretrial statement must include trial time estimates for each party

Joint pretrial statement must summarize settlement negotiation status

Joint pretrial statement must address magistrate judge consent and feasibility

Joint pretrial statement must address proposed amendments or dismissals

Joint pretrial statement must address bifurcation or separate trial of issues

Joint pretrial statement must include witness list with testimony substance and length estimates

Motions in limine require specific timing for service and filing.

Exhibits must be premarked, tagged, three-hole punched, and submitted in binders to chambers (not filed).

Two sets of exhibits must be submitted.

Simplified jury statement limited to one paragraph unless case is extremely complex.

Discovery disputes must be filed as joint letter briefs (max 3 pages).

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