Northern District of California Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Only one lawyer per witness per party; junior lawyer must conduct examination with brief senior counsel consultation.

There can only be one lawyer per witness per party for all purposes. If a junior lawyer will be responsible for a witness, the junior lawyer may briefly confer with a more senior lawyer during direct or cross examination, but absent leave of Court, only the junior lawyer will speak to the witness or the Court, including for objections.

Law firms with >30 lawyers must submit junior lawyer participation plan in Joint Case Management Conference Statement.

In the Joint Case Management Conference Statement, any law firm with more than 30 lawyers nationwide must submit a specific plan for how it intends, in the case, to provide opportunities to junior lawyers (six years or fewer years out of law school) to argue motions in court, to take depositions, and to examine witnesses at trial. Specific junior lawyers must be identified.

Attorney at case management conference must have full authority to decide issues including trial dates.

The attorney appearing at a case management conference need not be lead counsel, but must have full authority to make decisions about any issue that may come up during the conference, including trial dates.

Junior lawyers and lawyers from underrepresented groups are invited to argue motions and question witnesses; Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue to create opportunities.

Junior lawyers and lawyers from groups that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. ... This Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer or lawyers from underrepresented groups to participate.

Junior lawyers (6 or fewer years out of law school) arguing motions increase likelihood of oral argument.

If a written request for oral argument is filed before issuance of a ruling stating that a lawyer six or fewer years out of law school will conduct all or most of the oral argument, the Court will entertain oral argument on the principle that young lawyers need more opportunities for appearances than they typically receive.

Junior lawyers (6 or fewer years experience) who file a written oral argument request stating they will conduct all/most of the argument may have increased likelihood of oral argument being granted.

In addition, if a written request for oral argument is filed before issuance of a ruling stating that a lawyer six or fewer years out of law school will conduct all or most of the oral argument, the Court will entertain oral argument on the principle that young lawyers need more opportunities for appearances than they typically receive.

Court encourages allowing less experienced lawyers to argue at hearings or examine witnesses.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups, to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial.

Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue for one party to create participation opportunities.

The Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for such attorneys to participate.

Attorneys with 5 or fewer years of experience may request an in-person hearing instead of Zoom.

Although the Court generally hears civil motions by Zoom, if an attorney with five (5) or fewer years of experience requests, the Court will consider holding a live, in-person hearing.

Court encourages junior lawyers to examine witnesses and have important trial roles

The Court strongly encourages the parties to permit junior lawyers to examine witnesses and to have an important role at trial.

Junior lawyers (8 or fewer years) get oral argument opportunities if requested.

If a written request for oral argument is filed before issuance of a ruling stating that a lawyer eight or fewer years out of law school will conduct all or most of the oral argument, the Court will entertain in-person oral argument on the principle that less experienced lawyers need more opportunities for appearances than they typically receive.

Multiple attorneys may argue to allow junior lawyer participation.

The Court permits more than one attorney to present on behalf of a party if this creates an opportunity for less experienced attorneys to participate.

Less-experienced attorneys are encouraged to argue; experienced counsel may argue briefly at end.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters before the Court. More experienced counsel for the same party may still offer argument for a few minutes at the end of the hearing.

Court may vacate hearings without oral argument, but will reschedule if junior lawyer (≤5 years) will argue.

10. The Court may find a matter suitable for disposition without oral argument and vacate the hearing on the matter. If, however, any party advises the Court in writing by no later than two days from the date of the order vacating the hearing that the argument for its side will be conducted by a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law for five or fewer years, then the Court will consider rescheduling the hearing in order to provide that opportunity.

Junior lawyers encouraged to argue and multiple attorneys permitted to argue

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced attorneys to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial. The Court permits more than one attorney to argue for a party at a motion hearing or case management conference.

Court guarantees oral argument for lawyers with 6 or fewer years of experience

The Court has a strong commitment to supporting the development of our next generation of trial lawyers. Parties and senior counsel are encouraged to give newer practitioners the opportunity to argue in court. To that end, the Court will typically guarantee oral argument on any motion handled by a lawyer with 6 or fewer years of experience.

Court encourages parties to allow junior lawyers to examine witnesses and have important trial roles.

The Court strongly encourages the parties to permit junior lawyers to examine witnesses and to have an important role at trial.

Court encourages junior lawyers to examine witnesses and have important trial roles.

The Court strongly encourages the parties to permit junior lawyers to examine witnesses and to have an important role at trial.

The Court encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters argued before the Court.

The Court encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters argued before the Court.

Less-experienced attorneys are encouraged to argue matters before the Court.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters argued before the Court.

Court encourages junior lawyers to examine witnesses and have important trial roles.

The Court strongly encourages the parties to permit junior lawyers to examine witnesses and to have an important role at trial.

Only one lawyer per witness per party; junior lawyer may confer briefly with senior lawyer.

There can only be one lawyer per witness per party for all purposes. If a junior lawyer will be responsible for a witness, the junior lawyer may briefly confer with a more senior lawyer during direct or cross examination, but absent leave of Court, only the junior lawyer will speak to the witness or the Court, including for objections.

Notify CRD two weeks in advance if junior attorney (under 7 years) will argue.

Notify Judge Pitts's CRD two weeks in advance if an attorney with less than 7 years of experience will argue. Judge Pitts will consider this in deciding whether to hold a hearing.

Senior attorney may provide additional argument if needed.

Judge Pitts will allow additional argument from a senior attorney if needed.

Junior lawyers encouraged to present arguments and examine witnesses.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced attorneys to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial.

Court encourages junior attorneys to present arguments at motion hearings; experienced co-counsel may argue briefly at end.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced attorneys to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial. Co-counsel with more experience may still offer argument for a few minutes at the end of the hearing. Parties may e-mail the Courtroom Deputy in advance of the hearing, with a copy to all other parties, to notify Judge Lin of their intent to utilize this provision.

Court may hear oral argument if junior lawyer (≤5 years) will argue.

10. The Court may find a matter suitable for disposition without oral argument and vacate the hearing on the matter. If, however, a party advises the Court in its noticed motion, or in writing at the time of a motion’s filing, that argument for its side will be conducted by a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law for five or fewer years, the Court will be inclined to hear oral argument to provide that opportunity.

Court encourages junior lawyers from under-represented groups to participate in arguments and witness examination.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups, to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial. The Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for such attorneys to participate.

Lawyers with five or fewer years of experience may prompt the Court to reschedule vacated oral argument hearings if they will conduct the argument.

The Court may find a matter suitable for disposition without oral argument and vacate the hearing on the matter. If, however, any party advises the Court in writing by no later than two days from the date of the order vacating the hearing that the argument for its side will be conducted by a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law for five or fewer years, then the Court will consider rescheduling the hearing in order to provide that opportunity.

Attorneys with 7 or fewer years of experience arguing motions may notify the Courtroom Deputy within 7 days of the hearing to increase the likelihood of an oral hearing; co-counsel with more experience may also present argument.

If a motion will be argued by an attorney who has 7 years or less of experience, counsel may notify the Courtroom Deputy of that fact within 7 days of the hearing. The Court will take this into account in deciding whether to vacate the hearing and submit the motion on the papers, putting a thumb on the scale in favor of a hearing if arguing counsel has 7 years or less of experience. Co-counsel with more than 7 years of experience may still offer argument for a few minutes at the end of the hearing.

Junior lawyers (7 years or less experience) may notify Courtroom Deputy within 7 days of hearing.

If a motion will be argued by an attorney who has 7 years or less of experience, counsel may notify the Courtroom Deputy of that fact within 7 days of the hearing.

Senior co-counsel may argue for a few minutes at the end of hearings with junior lawyers.

Co-counsel with more than 7 years of experience may still offer argument for a few minutes at the end of the hearing.

Junior attorneys (under 7 years experience, fewer than 5 federal motions argued) have increased likelihood of oral argument consideration.

An attorney is considered “junior” for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court. The Court will consider the participation of junior attorneys when determining whether to hear argument.

Junior attorneys (under 7 years, fewer than 5 federal motions) must notify court 1 week before argument.

When a party intends to have a junior attorney argue, it shall notify the Court by emailing Courtroom Deputy Means at askcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least one week before the hearing date. An attorney is considered “junior” for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court.

Junior attorneys (under 7 years experience, fewer than 5 federal motions argued) have increased consideration for oral argument.

An attorney is considered “junior” for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court. The Court will consider the participation of junior attorneys when determining whether to hear argument.

Junior attorneys (under 7 years, fewer than 5 arguments) require 1-week notice to chambers.

When a party intends to have a junior attorney argue, it shall notify the Court by emailing Courtroom Deputy Means at askcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least one week before the hearing date. An attorney is considered "junior" for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court.

Junior attorneys (under 7 years experience, fewer than 5 federal motions argued) must notify the Court one week before hearing to have their participation considered for oral argument.

Skills Development. When a party intends to have a junior attorney argue, it shall notify the Court by emailing Courtroom Deputy Means at askcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least one week before the hearing date. An attorney is considered "junior" for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court. The Court will consider the participation of junior attorneys when determining whether to hear argument.

Parties must notify the Court at least one week before a hearing if a junior attorney (under 7 years experience and fewer than 5 federal motions argued) will argue; the Court will consider this when deciding whether to hear argument.

When a party intends to have a junior attorney argue, it shall notify the Court by emailing Courtroom Deputy Means at askcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least one week before the hearing date. An attorney is considered “junior” for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court. The Court will consider the participation of junior attorneys when determining whether to hear argument.

The Court will consider junior attorney participation when deciding whether to hear argument; parties must notify the Court by email at least one week before the hearing.

When a party intends to have a junior attorney argue, it shall notify the Court by emailing Courtroom Deputy Means at askcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least one week before the hearing date. An attorney is considered “junior” for these purposes if they have fewer than seven years of experience and have argued fewer than five motions in federal court. The Court will consider the participation of junior attorneys when determining whether to hear argument.

Judge Tse encourages oral argument by junior lawyers.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys.

Court will hear oral argument if junior lawyer (4 or fewer years) requests it.

The Court sometimes rules on the papers, issuing a written order and vacating the hearing. If a written request for oral argument is filed before a ruling, stating that a lawyer of four or fewer years out of law school will conduct the oral argument or at least the lion's share, then the Court will hear oral argument, believing that young lawyers need more opportunities for appearances than they usually receive.

Junior lawyers (under 4 years) may increase likelihood of oral argument if requested 7+ days before hearing.

If a written request for oral argument is filed at least seven days before the hearing, stating that a lawyer of four or fewer years out of law school will conduct the oral argument (or at least the lion's share), then the Court will strongly consider hearing oral argument, believing that young lawyers need more opportunities for appearances than they usually receive.

Court encourages giving less-experienced lawyers opportunities to participate in proceedings.

The court encourages parties to give less-experienced lawyers an opportunity to participate in all court proceedings and to let the court know during the scheduling process.

Junior lawyers (under 5 years) encouraged to argue motions and participate in conferences.

The Court encourages parties to contribute to the development of the bar by permitting lawyers with less than five years of experience to argue motions, have a significant participatory role in settlement conferences, and examine witnesses at trial.

Court encourages permitting less experienced lawyers to present at Planning and Settlement Conferences, and may allow multiple lawyers to present.

The Court strongly encourages Parties to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups and/or First Generation lawyers, to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting a Party’s positions at the Planning Conference and the Settlement Conference. The Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to present a Party’s positions if this creates an opportunity for such lawyers to participate.

Firms with >25 lawyers must submit junior lawyer development plan in case management statement.

In the joint case management conference statement, any law firm with more than 25 lawyers nationwide shall submit a specific plan for how that firm intends, in this case, to provide opportunities for less experienced lawyers (six years or less out of law school) to develop skills by participating meaningfully in court and in the case, including a plan for such lawyers to argue motions in court, to take and defend depositions, to represent a Party in court at case management and other conferences, to present Party positions at settlement conferences, to present argument during pretrial conferences and during trial, to examine (including cross-examine) witnesses at trial, and to participate meaningfully at any other court proceeding. Specific junior lawyers shall be identified.

Parties must indicate if less experienced lawyer will argue motion and may request in-person hearing.

Parties shall indicate in their motion or opposition papers (or by a separate notice filed contemporaneously therewith) if they intend to have a less experienced lawyer argue all or part of the motion and may request an in-person hearing for that purpose.

Court encourages senior lawyers to allow junior/less experienced lawyers to participate actively in proceedings.

The Court strongly encourages Parties and senior lawyers to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups and/or First Generation lawyers, to participate actively in proceedings by presenting argument or a Party’s positions at a case management conference, motion hearing, settlement conference, pretrial conference, or at trial. The Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to present positions or argue for one Party if this creates an opportunity for such lawyers to participate.

Court encourages junior lawyers (under 5 years) to participate in hearings/trial and will extend time limits.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers to have an important role in hearings and at trial. The Court will extend the time limits for an associate with fewer than five years.

Time limits extended for associates with fewer than 5 years of experience.

The Court will extend the time limits for an associate with fewer than five years.

Junior lawyers encouraged to participate in arguments and witness examination

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced attorneys to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial.

Court encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters argued before the Court.

Junior lawyers and underrepresented attorneys invited to argue motions and question witnesses

Junior lawyers and lawyers from groups that have been historically underrepresented in the legal profession are invited to argue motions they have helped prepare and to question witnesses with whom they have worked. Opportunities to train young attorneys and attorneys from underrepresented groups in oral advocacy are rare because of the decline of trials. Where such lawyers are familiar with the matter under consideration, but have little experience arguing before a court, they should be encouraged to speak by the law firms involved in the case. This Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for a junior lawyer or lawyers from underrepresented groups to participate.

Parties may indicate junior lawyer will argue motion in motion papers.

Parties may indicate in their motion papers if they intend to have a junior lawyer argue the motion and request a hearing for that purpose.

Court encourages junior lawyers to have important roles in hearings and trial.

Opportunities for Junior Lawyers. The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers to have an important role in hearings and at trial.

Court encourages allowing less experienced lawyers to argue motions or examine witnesses.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups, to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial.

Attorneys with 5 or fewer years of experience may request an in-person hearing instead of Zoom.

Although the Court generally hears civil motions by Zoom, if an attorney with five (5) or fewer years of experience requests, the Court will consider holding a live, in-person hearing.

Less-experienced attorneys encouraged to participate in witness examination at trial.

The Court welcomes and encourages less-experienced attorneys to play an important role at trial, including in witness examination.

Court encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys.

The Court welcomes and encourages oral argument by less-experienced attorneys on any matters argued before the Court.