Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Susan Illston's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Susan Illston?

Courtesy copies are required for pretrial orders. Details: 2 copies, delivery upon filing, by hand delivery. Two paper courtesy copies required for all pretrial conference filings.

View ruleSource: page 5, section c. Paper Courtesy Copies

Does Judge Susan Illston require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Susan Illston's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Counsel must confer before filing any motion under Criminal Local Rule 17.1-1(b).

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER FOR PRETRIAL PREPARATION (CRIMINAL)

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Susan Illston?

Judge Susan Illston's rules include formatting requirements. Pretrial conferences are held in person in San Francisco, Courtroom 1, 17th Floor.

View ruleSource: page 6, section c. Pretrial conferences will be held in person

What must be included with pretrial conference statement filings before Judge Susan Illston?

The rule requires joint filing and exhibit list. Joint pretrial conference statement required 14 days before pretrial conference

View ruleSource: page 1, section PRETRIAL INSTRUCTIONS

What must be included with daily transcript filings before Judge Susan Illston?

The rule requires notice of electronic filing. Daily transcripts/realtime reporting must be arranged at least 14 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section d. Daily Transcripts/Realtime Reporting

How may parties contact Judge Susan Illston's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Susan Illston's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. Do not call Chambers; contact courtroom deputy at 415-522-2028.

View ruleSource: page 5, section b. Please DO NOT call Chambers

How does Judge Susan Illston handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Susan Illston. Good faith determination required before designating information as confidential.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 9. Filing Documents Under Seal in Civil Cases

Does Judge Susan Illston encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Susan Illston's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Less-experienced attorneys encouraged to participate in witness examination at trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section e. Skills Development
Complete rules summary for Judge Susan Illston

Two paper courtesy copies required for all pretrial conference filings.

Joint pretrial conference statement required 14 days before pretrial conference

Pretrial conference statement due 14 days before pretrial conference

Counsel must meet and confer in good faith before complying with pretrial requirements

Email Word copy of joint jury instructions to SIPO@cand.uscourts.gov

Email Word copy of proposed Findings and Conclusions to SIPO@cand.uscourts.gov

Three sets of trial exhibits to be delivered to Chambers on Friday before trial

Daily transcripts/realtime reporting must be arranged at least 14 days before trial.

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

Do not call Chambers; contact courtroom deputy at 415-522-2028.

Pretrial conferences are held in person in San Francisco, Courtroom 1, 17th Floor.

Counsel must confer before filing any motion under Criminal Local Rule 17.1-1(b).

Motion filers must show exclusions under 18 U.S.C. § 3161 and calculate excludable time.

Motions in limine must be filed 14 days before pretrial conference; oppositions due 7 days before.

Pretrial conference scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Government must file trial memorandum, witness list, jury instructions, verdict form, and exhibit lists.

Defense counsel must file jury instructions, verdict form, and voir dire questions 7 days before pretrial conference.

Counsel must confer and discuss evidentiary objections and trial simplification with the court.

Counsel must submit agreed voir dire questions; separate submissions for disagreements; no counsel voir dire without leave.

Parties must jointly file 2-4 sentence case description 7 days before pretrial conference.

Exhibits must be pre-marked with sequential numbers; only lists filed with court; two copies lodged in binders.

Courtesy copies required for all filings per Standing Order ¶ 4, plus witness/exhibit lists to court reporter.

One party must file all admitted exhibits within 10 days of verdict per Civil L.R. 5-1(g).

Paper courtesy copies required for filings over 10 pages (1 set), 2 sets for pretrial conference filings.

Courtesy copies must be unstapled, 3-hole punched, with ECF stamp, delivered by noon 2 days after filing.

Two sets of paper courtesy copies required for pretrial conference filings.

Refer to Section 9(c) for courtesy copy instructions on motions to seal.

One summary judgment motion per party; additional motions require leave of court.

Parties must review courtroom technology information on court website.

Equipment pre-test questions go to Courtroom Deputy.

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