Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Vince Chhabria's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Vince Chhabria?

Courtesy copies are required for motions, exhibits, and declarations. Details: 1 copy, delivery within 7 business days, by flash drive. Flash drive with attachments required for filings with more than 10 attachments.

Does Judge Vince Chhabria require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Vince Chhabria's rules set a pre-motion procedure for daubert. Daubert motions must be filed in the same brief as summary judgment motion or opposition.

What page or word limits apply to joint discovery letter before Judge Vince Chhabria?

Judge Vince Chhabria's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Discovery disputes require joint letter (max 5 pages) with proposed orders.

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Vince Chhabria?

Judge Vince Chhabria's rule states these limits: 25 pages; 15 pages. Class certification briefs limited to 25 pages (support/opposition) and 15 pages (reply).

View ruleSource: page 13, section Class Certification Motions

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Vince Chhabria?

Judge Vince Chhabria's formatting rule includes file format PDF, motion as separate pdf, declaration as separate pdf, and each exhibit as separate pdf. Motions and declarations must be filed as separate PDFs on ECF.

What must be included with general filings before Judge Vince Chhabria?

The rule requires local rule certificate. Parties must follow FRCP, Civil Local Rules, and General Orders except where superseded by this standing order.

What must be included with extension request filings before Judge Vince Chhabria?

The rule requires proposed order and table of contents. Extension requests must include proposed order and chart of current/proposed deadlines.

How may parties contact Judge Vince Chhabria's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Vince Chhabria's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Notify Bhavna Sharma by call and email for TROs, 24-hour stipulations, or other emergencies.

How does Judge Vince Chhabria handle sealed or redacted filings?

Judge Vince Chhabria's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Strict compliance required with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except for 79-5(d)(2).

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Vince Chhabria?

Requests should be made at least 72 hours in advance when this rule applies before Judge Vince Chhabria. Motion to continue hearing must be filed at least 72 hours before scheduled appearance.

Does Judge Vince Chhabria require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. Cross-motions for summary judgment require four sequential briefs, not simultaneous pairs.

View ruleSource: page 10, section SUMMARY JUDGMENT

Does Judge Vince Chhabria encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Vince Chhabria's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Junior lawyers (7 years or less experience) may notify Courtroom Deputy within 7 days of hearing.

Complete rules summary for Judge Vince Chhabria

Motion to continue hearing must be filed at least 72 hours before scheduled appearance.

Extension requests must be filed at least 72 hours before deadline.

Parties must follow FRCP, Civil Local Rules, and General Orders except where superseded by this standing order.

Notify Bhavna Sharma by call and email for TROs, 24-hour stipulations, or other emergencies.

Opposing party should not respond to TROs or emergency relief unless instructed by Court.

Emergency applications exempt from 15-page brief limit.

Extension requests must include proposed order and chart of current/proposed deadlines.

Case management conference can be moved to 15 days after dispositive motion to dismiss hearing.

Trial dates typically set 12-16 months after complaint filing.

Pretrial conference 1-2 weeks before trial; dispositive motions due 2-3 months before pretrial.

Case management conference continuances require separate filing at least 72 hours before.

Discovery disputes require joint letter (max 5 pages) with proposed orders.

Motions and declarations must be filed as separate PDFs on ECF.

Cross-motions for summary judgment require four sequential briefs, not simultaneous pairs.

Flash drive with attachments required for filings with more than 10 attachments.

Paper courtesy copies not required unless requested; digital copies may be ordered.

Proposed orders not needed for most substantive motions; required for administrative motions, ex parte applications, discovery disputes, and factual findings.

Strict compliance required with Civil Local Rule 79-5, except for 79-5(d)(2).

Motions to seal are almost always denied and may result in sanctions if frivolous.

Class certification briefs limited to 25 pages (support/opposition) and 15 pages (reply).

Briefs limited to 15 pages (support/opposition) and 10 pages (reply) for most substantive motions.

Briefs must use Times New Roman 12pt, double-spaced, with specific exclusions from page count.

Final briefs must be filed at least 14 days before the hearing.

Page limit increase motions must be filed at least 72 hours before brief deadline.

Simultaneous briefing is prohibited for all motions.

Preliminary injunction briefs limited to 25 pages (support/opposition) and 15 pages (reply).

Summary judgment briefs limited to 25 pages (support/opposition) and 15 pages (reply).

Daubert motions must be filed in the same brief as class certification motion.

Daubert oppositions/replies must be filed in same briefs as class certification merits.

Opposing party may file 5-page Daubert reply brief within 7 days of class certification reply.

More Judges in Northern District of California

Ajay S. Krishnan
Magistrate Judge
Alex G. Tse
Magistrate Judge
Araceli Martínez-Olguín
Judge
Beth Labson Freeman
Judge
Charles R. Breyer
Senior Judge
Charles R. Breyer
Senior Judge
Claudia Wilken
Senior Judge
Edward J. Davila
Senior Judge