Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for discovery. Details: 3 pages. Three-page single-spaced letter brief required before informal discovery conference.
Judge Daniel E. Butcher's rule states these limits: 7 pages. ENE Statements limited to 7 pages with specific formatting.
Judge Daniel E. Butcher's rule states these limits: 10 pages. Excludes exhibits. Confidential Settlement Statements limited to 10 pages excluding exhibits.
The rule requires settlement authority. Parties with settlement authority must attend ENE with full authority to settle.
The rule requires certificate of service. Confidential ENE Statement due 7 calendar days before ENE via email.
Parties may contact Judge Daniel E. Butcher's chambers by letter ecf only as allowed by the rule. Letters and emails to chambers are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Daniel E. Butcher. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Motions to seal and sealed documents must comply with ECF Manual Section 2(j).
Judge Daniel E. Butcher's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. ENE must be held within 45 days of answer filing; continuances strongly disfavored.
Parties with settlement authority must attend ENE with full authority to settle.
Client representatives needing consultation must attend entire ENE/MSC.
All parties must comply with Local Rule 2.1 on professionalism.
Contact information for chambers staff (law clerks and courtroom deputy).
Chambers communication limited to administrative matters and discovery disputes.
Letters and emails to chambers are prohibited unless specifically authorized.
ENE must be held within 45 days of answer filing; continuances strongly disfavored.
Confidential ENE Statement due 7 calendar days before ENE via email.
ENE Statements limited to 7 pages with specific formatting.
Joint Discovery Plan due 7 days before ENE/CMC.
Confidential Settlement Statement due 7 days before settlement conference via email.
Confidential Settlement Statements limited to 10 pages excluding exhibits.
Three-page single-spaced letter brief required before informal discovery conference.
Motions to seal and sealed documents must comply with ECF Manual Section 2(j).
Discovery motions must include verbatim requests, responses, and privilege log items.
Correspondence attachments prohibited unless material or evidencing breach.
Proposed order not required for discovery motions.
Discovery disputes must be initiated within 30 days of triggering event.
ENE/MSC/settlement conferences can be continued by joint call/email to chambers after meet-and-confer.
Scheduling Order deadlines can be continued via Joint Motion for Continuance filed at least 7 days before deadline.
Joint Motion for Continuance must include 6 specific elements: reason, previous requests, good cause, opposition details, impact on other dates, and mediation date if applicable.
Filing Joint Motion for Continuance does not excuse compliance with existing deadlines until granted.
Requests to extend motion cut-off, pre-trial, or trial dates require exceptional circumstances.
Documents may only be filed under seal with court order showing privileged or protectable information; sealing request limited to specific confidential portions.
Protective orders must include provisions for disposition of confidential/sealed materials after case conclusion.
CM/ECF guidance available in ECF Manual at provided URL.
Protective orders must include objection procedures for confidential designations with 7-day meet-and-confer requirement.
Court may modify protective order terms for good cause or interest of justice, with parties preferring advance notice.
Lodging documents requires emailing to efile_butcher@casd.uscourts.gov, not filing on CM/ECF.
Filing under seal requires compliance with Local Rule 79.2 and ECF Manual Section 2(j).