Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Lisa J. Cisneros's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 50 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery within 48 hours, by hand delivery. Chambers copies required for filings over 50 pages that require court action.

View ruleSource: page 2, section CHAMBERS COPIES AND PROPOSED ORDERS

Does Judge Lisa J. Cisneros require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for covered motions. Meet and confer required before filing any motion or non-stipulated request, with certification of compliance.

What page or word limits apply to summary judgment motion before Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

Judge Lisa J. Cisneros' rule states these limits: 25 pages. Summary judgment motions limited to one per side, not to exceed 25 pages.

What page or word limits apply to joint letter before Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

Judge Lisa J. Cisneros' rule states these limits: 5 pages. Joint letters limited to 5 pages, 12-point font, single-spaced, 1-inch margins.

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

Judge Lisa J. Cisneros' formatting rule includes file format PDF, text-searchable, and text-to-speech compatible. Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs compatible with text-to-speech readers.

What must be included with deposition filings before Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

The rule requires privilege or form objections only. Deposition objections limited to privilege or form only; speaking objections prohibited.

What must be included with settlement conference statement filings before Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

The rule requires certificate of service, legal argument, and statement of facts. Settlement conference statement due 7 days before conference

How may parties contact Judge Lisa J. Cisneros' chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Lisa J. Cisneros' chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email ljccrd@cand.uscourts.gov. Emergency discovery disputes require email to courtroom deputy before calling.

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Lisa J. Cisneros?

Judge Lisa J. Cisneros's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include reason for request and adversary position. Settlement conference continuance requests must be filed on ECF with compelling reason and other party's position.

View ruleSource: page 5, section 4. Additional Requirements

Does Judge Lisa J. Cisneros encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Lisa J. Cisneros's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (under 5 years) encouraged to argue motions and participate in conferences.

View ruleSource: page 3, section CASE MANAGEMENT
Complete rules summary for Judge Lisa J. Cisneros

Meet and confer required before filing any motion or non-stipulated request, with certification of compliance.

Failure to oppose a motion may be construed as consent to granting the motion unopposed.

Summary judgment motions limited to one per side, not to exceed 25 pages.

AI tools permitted for brief preparation but parties remain fully responsible for accuracy.

Joint letters limited to 5 pages, 12-point font, single-spaced, 1-inch margins.

Individual letters (max 2 pages) allowed when joint letter not possible.

Discovery dispute exhibits limited to 25 pages without leave.

Deposition objections limited to privilege or form only; speaking objections prohibited.

Witness must answer privilege-related questions unless privileged.

Private conferences between deponents and attorneys prohibited except for privilege determination.

Emergency discovery disputes require email to courtroom deputy before calling.

Settlement Conference Statements and Confidential Settlement Letters must be emailed to ljcsettlement@cand.uscourts.gov.

Electronic filings must be text-searchable PDFs compatible with text-to-speech readers.

Communication with Judge Cisneros or staff limited to open court or ECF filings.

Administrative clarification requests may be emailed to courtroom deputy with opposing counsel cc’d.

Last-minute contact with courtroom deputy allowed at ljccrd@cand.uscourts.gov or (415) 522-2043.

Meet and confer required 14 days before settlement conference

Settlement conference statement due 7 days before conference

Court may allow Zoom-only or partial Zoom attendance for settlement conferences.

Settlement conference statement limited to 10 pages, exhibits to 20 pages

Confidential settlement letter due 7 days before conference

Confidential settlement letter limited to 5 pages

Lead trial counsel and parties with full settlement authority must attend settlement conference.

Corporations must send representative with full settlement authority (up to opposing party's demand/offer).

If settlement authority cannot be delegated, designate representative to recommend tentative agreements to governing body.

Zoom attendance requests must be made at pre-settlement conference or well in advance.

Government entities must send representative with settlement authority and knowledge of entity's policies.

When government sues on behalf of individuals, at least one individual must attend settlement conference.

Insured parties must bring carrier representative with full authority to negotiate up to coverage limits.

Representatives requiring consultation before settlement do not have full authority.

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