**Magistrate Judge Mitchell D. Dembin** was appointed to the Southern District of California by the district court judges in 2011. Judge Dembin was appointed on March 18, 2011. He retired from the bench in April 2023. Prior to his judicial appointment, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Boston and then as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Cybercrime Coordinator in San Diego. He subsequently served as Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft Corporation and as President of EvidentData, Inc. before returning to the federal bench. **Education** - Western New England Law School, J.D., 1978 - Brooklyn College, City University of New York, B.A., 1975 **Career** - Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Massachusetts, Boston - Assistant U.S. Attorney and Cybercrime Coordinator, Southern District of California - Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft Corporation - President, EvidentData, Inc. - U.S. Magistrate Judge, Southern District of California (2011–2023, retired)
**Note:** Judge Dembin retired in April 2023. He is listed on the court website but no longer actively presides. No current chambers information available.
Courtesy copies are required when a filing is > 20 pages. Details: delivery within 24 hours, by hand delivery. Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, due within 24 hours.
Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for excuse appearance. Written motion required to excuse defendant's appearance, signed by defendant.
The rule requires signature blocks. Counsel must obtain client signatures on essential documents before hearings.
The rule requires original fully executed. Plea documents must be delivered to Courtroom Deputy by 12:00 PM on hearing day.
Parties may contact Judge Mitchell D. Dembin's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone (619) 446-3972. Contact law clerk at (619) 446-3972 before filing excusal request
Judge Mitchell D. Dembin's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Process: file unredacted to chambers. Stipulated protective orders must be filed as joint motions.
Requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance when this rule applies before Judge Mitchell D. Dembin. The request must include reason for request, adversary position, and proposed new dates. Oral bail modification motions require 24-hour advance notice.
Criminal calendars are held Tuesdays/Thursdays at 1:30 PM.
Counsel must obtain client signatures on essential documents before hearings.
Plea documents must be delivered to Courtroom Deputy by 12:00 PM on hearing day.
Sentencing documents must be filed 24 hours before sentencing hearing.
Oral bail modification motions require 24-hour advance notice.
Documents relied upon must be provided 24 hours before hearing.
Joint bail modification motions require signatures from both counsel, defendant, and must reflect Pretrial Services Officer's position.
Court may grant bail modification without hearing.
Bail documents must be presented to Courtroom Deputy for review.
Bail documents must include specific forms and receipts.
Material witness bonds require arraignment date notation.
Written motion required to excuse defendant's appearance, signed by defendant.
Written motion required for hearing continuances with stated reasons.
Requests must be filed at least 7 days before hearing for government response.
Criminal inquiries must be directed to Judge Dembin's Courtroom Deputy.
Stipulated protective orders must be filed as joint motions.
Letters, faxes, and emails to chambers are discouraged unless specifically requested.
Telephone calls to chambers limited to non-substantive matters like scheduling.
Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages, due within 24 hours.
Briefs must be emailed to specific address with confidentiality options
Briefs must include case facts, settlement demand, and prior negotiations
Joint Discovery Plan due 5 days before ENE/CMC
All named parties and authorized representatives must appear in person
Excusal from appearance requires good cause; travel distance insufficient
Must confer with opposing counsel before requesting excusal
Contact law clerk at (619) 446-3972 before filing excusal request
After contacting chambers, file ex parte or joint motion for excusal
Court may convert ENE to telephonic based on briefs
Must confer with opposing counsel before rescheduling ENE
Continuance requests must be made at least 7 days before the scheduled conference.