**District Judge James E. Simmons, Jr.** was appointed to the Southern District of California by President Joseph R. Biden in 2023. Judge Simmons was born in 1979 in Inglewood, California. He was nominated on January 23, 2023, confirmed by the Senate on March 9, 2023, and received his commission on March 10, 2023, filling the seat vacated by Anthony Joseph Battaglia. Before his federal appointment, he served as a judge of the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego from 2017 to 2023. **Education** - Golden Gate University School of Law, J.D., 2004 - University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 2001 **Career** - Private practice, San Diego (2004–2005) - Deputy City Attorney, San Diego (2005) - Deputy District Attorney, San Diego (2006–2017) - Judge, Superior Court of California, County of San Diego (2017–2023)
**Courthouse:** James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse, 333 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 **Chambers:** Courtroom 4B **Phone:** (619) 557-7666 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: E. Blase, (619) 837-6534 - Court Reporter: A. LeGore, (503) 752-4555
Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 20 pages. Details: delivery upon filing, by mail. Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, with specific formatting requirements.
Judge Jr. James E. Simmons's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Briefing schedule must follow Civil Local Rule 7.1(e) unless Court orders otherwise.
Judge Jr. James E. Simmons' rule states these limits: 25 pages. Trial briefs are limited to 25 pages.
Judge Jr. James E. Simmons' rule states these limits: 15 pages. Joint Discovery Motions are limited to 15 pages.
Judge Jr. James E. Simmons' formatting rule includes file format docx. The lodged proposed stipulated protective order must be in Word format.
The rule requires objections to evidence. Objections to evidence must be in opposition or reply brief; separate statements prohibited.
The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders required with all motions and must include "[PROPOSED]" in caption.
Parties may contact Judge Jr. James E. Simmons' chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists email efile_simmons@casd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address with case info in subject line.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Jr. James E. Simmons. Motion to seal required for any sealed filing.
Judge Jr. James E. Simmons's rules specify what an adjournment or extension request must include. The request must include joint motion, declaration, and proposed order. Joint motion and proposed order required for agreed continuances.
Bundling is encouraged for covered papers before Judge Jr. James E. Simmons. Multiple parties must coordinate timing and consolidate briefing for similar motions.
Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Transcript requests for proceedings before Judge Rodriguez must be filed electronically, per instructions on the court's website.
Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, with specific formatting requirements.
Briefing schedule must follow Civil Local Rule 7.1(e) unless Court orders otherwise.
Motion hearing dates must be obtained from chambers before filing, with 3-day filing deadline.
Meet and confer required 7 days before filing most motions, with declaration requirement.
Meet and confer not required for pro se cases, TROs, preliminary injunctions, or summary judgment motions.
Letters, faxes, and emails to chambers are generally prohibited unless required by Local Rule.
Phone calls to chambers limited to obtaining hearing dates for civil motions, with specific restrictions.
Multiple parties must coordinate timing and consolidate briefing for similar motions.
Leave of Court required before filing sur-replies or notices of supplemental authority.
Exception to leave requirement for notices of supplemental authority when binding intervening law changes.
Separate Statements of Fact prohibited unless leave granted; joint statement required by reply brief.
Parties must coordinate filings for consolidated briefing on summary judgment motions.
Parties must meet and confer 15 days before dispositive motion deadline about summary judgment intentions.
Objections to evidence must be in opposition or reply brief; separate statements prohibited.
Proposed orders required with all motions and must include "[PROPOSED]" in caption.
Chambers rule requiring "[PROPOSED]" supersedes ECF Manual Section 2(h).
Proposed orders must not include name and law firm information per ECF Manual.
Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address with case info in subject line.
Proposed orders and signature documents must not be filed on the docket.
Technical motions require email to chambers one week before hearing with technical terms/names.
Court prefers in-person hearings but allows telephonic/video appearances when necessary.
Telephonic/video appearances require emailing Courtroom Deputy at least 3 court days before hearing.
Observers must contact Ms. Blase at least 2 calendar days before hearing for dial-in info.
Meet and confer required with opposing party before filing ex parte motion.
Ex parte motions require declaration documenting contact efforts and meet and confer attempts.
Ex parte motions must be served on opposing counsel via email, fax, or overnight mail.
Joint motion and proposed order required for agreed continuances.
Ex parte continuance motions must be filed at least 2 court days before deadline.
Motion to seal required for any sealed filing.
Motion to seal must specify documents/categories and whether sealed in full or part.