Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton?

Courtesy copies are required for opposition briefs. Details: 1 copy, delivery within 24 hours, by hand delivery. Courtesy copy of opposition brief to Clerk's Office by noon next day.

View ruleSource: page 4, section CIVIL PRETRIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Does Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery disputes. Face-to-face videoconference required before court relief for discovery disputes

View ruleSource: page 1, section Discovery Disputes

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton?

Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Excludes opposition. Trial briefs limited to 25 pages with no opposition allowed.

View ruleSource: page 3, section CIVIL PRETRIAL INSTRUCTIONS

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton?

Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's rule states these limits: 25 pages. Excludes number of motions. Maximum 10 motions in limine in one document limited to 25 pages.

View ruleSource: page 3, section CIVIL PRETRIAL INSTRUCTIONS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton?

Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's formatting rule includes 12 point type, no kerning or font compression, footnotes must be 12-point font or larger, and sentences must be separated by 2 spaces. Footnotes must be 12-point font or larger and not used to circumvent page limits; sentences must be separated by 2 spaces.

View ruleSource: page 1, section A. PRETRIAL MOTIONS

What must be included with joint letter filings before Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton?

The rule requires proposed resolutions, summary of positions, and description of issues. Joint Letter must detail every disputed issue and each party's position

View ruleSource: page 1, section Discovery Disputes

What must be included with protective order filings before Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton?

The rule requires sealing procedure. Protective orders with sealing provisions must include Civ. L.R. 79-5 compliance procedure

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Protective Orders

How may parties contact Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email pjhpo@cand.uscourts.gov. Microsoft Word version of proposed orders must be emailed to pjhpo@cand.uscourts.gov

View ruleSource: page 2, section Redline Comparisons

How does Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton. Broad protective orders giving parties sealing discretion will not be approved

View ruleSource: page 1, section Proposed Protective Orders
Complete rules summary for Judge Phyllis J. Hamilton

Face-to-face videoconference required before court relief for discovery disputes

Joint Letter (max 5 pages) required within 10 business days after videoconference

Joint Letter must detail every disputed issue and each party's position

Broad protective orders giving parties sealing discretion will not be approved

Protective orders with sealing provisions must include Civ. L.R. 79-5 compliance procedure

Redline comparison required for proposed protective orders and ESI orders

Microsoft Word version of proposed orders must be emailed to pjhpo@cand.uscourts.gov

Confidential documents lose protection when offered as trial exhibits without compelling reasons

Advance written request required to protect confidential documents/testimony at trial

Confidentiality requests must be filed by pretrial papers deadline

Each motion must include a proposed order with relief sought and rationale.

Footnotes must be 12-point font or larger and not used to circumvent page limits; sentences must be separated by 2 spaces.

Sealed documents must follow court's standing order and Civil L.R. 79-5; sealing requests for dispositive motions are rarely granted.

Parties must meet and confer 35 days before pretrial conference to prepare joint pretrial statement.

Joint pretrial statement must be filed 28 days before pretrial conference; separate statements not accepted and may result in sanctions.

Trial briefs limited to 25 pages with no opposition allowed.

Maximum 10 motions in limine in one document limited to 25 pages.

List of deposition excerpts required for non-testifying witnesses.

Witness list required with brief description of testimony.

Exhibit list required with description and sponsoring witness.

Exhibits must be premarked, tabbed, and in binders with specific numbering.

Two sets of exhibits for jury trials, three for court trials to Clerk's Office.

Joint voir dire questions and jury instructions required for jury trials.

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law required for court trials.

Proposed verdict form required with no party references.

Witnesses and exhibits not disclosed require court leave and good cause.

Opposition to motions in limine due 14 days before pretrial conference, no replies.

Courtesy copy of opposition brief to Clerk's Office by noon next day.

Counsel must review unconscious bias video before pretrial conference.

Objections to bias video must be raised at pretrial conference.

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