Court Rules
Common questions about Judge Brian A. Tsuchida's rules

Does Judge Brian A. Tsuchida require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Brian A. Tsuchida's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Good faith conference required to resolve discovery disputes before filing motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Discovery Disputes

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida?

Judge Brian A. Tsuchida's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing, no kerning or font compression, letter paper, margins top 3 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, footnotes must be at least 10 points, and quotations may be single-spaced. Pleasings must be on 8.5x11 white paper, double-spaced, with 3-inch top margin on first page, 1-inch other margins, 12-point text, and 10-point footnotes.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Form Requirements for Motions & Briefs

What must be included with pleading filings before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida?

The rule requires case number. Each page must have left footer with abbreviated title, case number, and page number; right footer with attorney's law firm address and phone number; all pleadings must be dated and signed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Form Requirements for Motions & Briefs

What must be included with mediation filings before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida?

The rule requires court report and completion deadline. Mediation must be completed by specified date with court report

View ruleSource: page 1, section ORDER DESIGNATING CASE FOR MEDIATION

How may parties contact Judge Brian A. Tsuchida's chambers?

Parties may contact Judge Brian A. Tsuchida's chambers by phone only as allowed by the rule. The rule lists phone (206) 370-8930. All counsel must participate in telephonic call to chambers for immediate discovery disputes.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Discovery Disputes

How does Judge Brian A. Tsuchida handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida. Counsel must advise Court on disposition of confidential matters if sealing request is denied.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Motions to Seal: Requirements

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida?

Requests should be made at least 21 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida. Discovery and non-dispositive motions must be noted no earlier than the 3rd Friday after filing; dispositive motions and preliminary injunction motions must be noted no earlier than the 4th Friday after filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Special Noting Rules where a party is confined
Complete rules summary for Judge Brian A. Tsuchida

Each page must have left footer with abbreviated title, case number, and page number; right footer with attorney's law firm address and phone number; all pleadings must be dated and signed.

First page of all pleadings must include court name, docket number, title, and identity of presenting party.

Pleasings must be on 8.5x11 white paper, double-spaced, with 3-inch top margin on first page, 1-inch other margins, 12-point text, and 10-point footnotes.

Pleasings must comply with Local Rule CR 7(e) length restrictions; over-length pleadings may be returned or arguments beyond limits may be disregarded.

All counsel must participate in telephonic call to chambers for immediate discovery disputes.

Good faith conference required to resolve discovery disputes before filing motion.

Discovery and non-dispositive motions must be noted no earlier than the 3rd Friday after filing; dispositive motions and preliminary injunction motions must be noted no earlier than the 4th Friday after filing.

Court enters order on attendance requirements and confidential settlement memos

Magistrate Judge Tsuchida's clerk schedules settlement conferences

Settlement judge appointment requires prior mediation participation

Court may appoint judge to conduct judicial settlement conference

Magistrate Judge Tsuchida enters order on CR 39.1 mediation designation

Assigned judge decides whether to designate case for mediation

Most civil cases are referred for mediation under Local Rule CR 39.1

Magistrate judges can preside over motor vehicle misdemeanors without consent.

Magistrate judges can preside over certain misdemeanors with defendant consent.

Mediation must be completed by specified date with court report

Parties must agree on mediator or plaintiff's counsel applies for designation

Counsel must meet and negotiate settlement in good faith by specified date

Case designated for mediation under Local Rule CR 39.1

Default judgment motions seeking attorney’s fees must state basis and include counsel’s declaration.

Default judgment motions must state interest rate, reasons, calculations, and prejudgment interest details.

Default judgment motions seeking liquidated damages must provide evidence of entitlement.

Default judgment motions must provide evidence of principal claim and attach relevant contract portions.

Default judgment motions must explain calculations for all amounts.

Default judgment motions must separately state principal claim, liquidated damages, interest, and attorney’s fees.

Default judgment motions must include a declaration.

Default judgment motions must comply with Local Rule CR 55.

Court considers trial evidence, including confidential materials, to be public record unless otherwise determined.

Counsel must advise Court on disposition of confidential matters if sealing request is denied.

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