Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Linda Lopez's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Linda Lopez?

Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 75 pages. Details: 1 copy, delivery within 3 days, by mail or courier. Courtesy copies required for filings over 75 pages, delivered within 3 days.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Courtesy Copies

Does Judge Linda Lopez require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

The rule does not state that a pre-motion letter is required, but it sets the applicable pre-motion procedure. 7-day meet-and-confer conference required before filing most motions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section Motion Practice

What page or word limits apply to separate statement before Judge Linda Lopez?

Judge Linda Lopez's rule states these limits: 15 pages. Separate statements for summary judgment motions limited to 15 pages.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Separate Statements

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Linda Lopez?

Judge Linda Lopez's rule states these limits: 10 pages. Excludes caption, index, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, certificates, exhibits, appendices, and attachments. Motions in limine and oppositions limited to 10 pages; attachments also limited to 10 pages.

View ruleSource: page 10, section Motions in Limine

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Linda Lopez?

Judge Linda Lopez's rules include formatting requirements. Proposed orders must not include filer's name or 'proposed' in caption.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Proposed Orders

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Linda Lopez?

The rule requires proposed order. Proposed orders must be submitted with the motion.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Proposed Orders

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Linda Lopez?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Proposed Orders

How may parties contact Judge Linda Lopez's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Linda Lopez's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Letters, faxes, and emails prohibited unless authorized; e-file account only for specific documents.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Communications with Chambers

How does Judge Linda Lopez handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Linda Lopez. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Documents filed under seal must be accompanied by a motion authorizing the sealing.

View ruleSource: page 7, section 4. Seeking Leave to File Documents Under Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Linda Lopez?

Requests should be made at least 35 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Linda Lopez. Motions must be noticed for hearing 35 days after filing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Motion Hearing Dates

Does Judge Linda Lopez require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Linda Lopez requires bundling for covered papers. Stipulations must be filed as joint motions, except for certain dismissals under FRCP 41(a)(1)(A)(ii).

View ruleSource: page 9, section Joint Motions / Stipulations
Complete rules summary for Judge Linda Lopez

Chambers calls limited to counsel with case knowledge; no procedural questions or time estimates.

Letters, faxes, and emails prohibited unless authorized; e-file account only for specific documents.

Discovery matters go to magistrate judge; objections filed as motion under Civ. L.R. 7.1.

7-day meet-and-confer conference required before filing most motions.

Exceptions to meet-and-confer: pro se plaintiffs, TROs/PIs, summary judgment motions.

Motions must be noticed for hearing 35 days after filing.

Chambers may not be contacted for hearing dates.

Oral argument not permitted unless separately ordered.

Oral argument may be requested by separate filing with explanation.

Magistrate judge chambers must be contacted for hearing dates in referred cases.

Proposed orders must be submitted with the motion.

Proposed orders must not include filer's name or 'proposed' in caption.

Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to specific address.

Documents requiring judge's signature must not be filed on docket.

Multiple parties must coordinate for same hearing date.

Multiple parties must coordinate briefing to avoid duplication.

Declaration required if briefing coordination fails.

Sur-replies and notices of supplemental authority require leave of court.

Ex parte request required for leave of court.

Exception for binding intervening law changes.

Notice of supplemental authority must include order/opinion copy.

No argument allowed in notice of supplemental authority.

Cross motions for summary judgment have same deadline as motions.

Parties must coordinate motion and cross motion filings.

No duplication of briefing or exhibits allowed.

Meet and confer required 15 days before dispositive motion deadline.

Multiple parties must coordinate briefing to avoid duplication.

Separate statements for summary judgment motions limited to 15 pages.

Joint motions require a proposed order at the time of filing.

Courtesy copies required for filings over 75 pages, delivered within 3 days.

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