Judge Brian A. Tsuchida's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Good faith conference required to resolve discovery disputes before filing motion.
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.
The rule requires good faith attempt. Counsel must meet and negotiate settlement in good faith by specified date
The rule requires mediator filing, mediator agreement, and mediator designation request. Parties must agree on mediator or plaintiff's counsel applies for designation
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.
A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Brian A. Tsuchida. Motions to seal must comply with Local Rule CR 5(g) and include specific descriptions, facts justifying sealing, and a proposed order.
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.
Case designated for mediation under Local Rule CR 39.1
Counsel must meet and negotiate settlement in good faith by specified date
Parties must agree on mediator or plaintiff's counsel applies for designation
Mediation must be completed by specified date with court report
Magistrate judges can preside over certain misdemeanors with defendant consent.
Magistrate judges can preside over motor vehicle misdemeanors without consent.
Pleasings must comply with Local Rule CR 7(e) length restrictions; over-length pleadings may be returned or arguments beyond limits may be disregarded.
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.
First page of all pleadings must include court name, docket number, title, and identity of presenting party.
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.
Motions to seal must comply with Local Rule CR 5(g) and include specific descriptions, facts justifying sealing, and a proposed order.
Motion to seal must be filed before or with the document to be sealed if parties cannot agree.
7-day notice required when filing documents claimed as confidential by other parties.
Counsel must advise Court on disposition of confidential matters if sealing request is denied.
Court considers trial evidence, including confidential materials, to be public record unless otherwise determined.
Most civil cases are referred for mediation under Local Rule CR 39.1
Assigned judge decides whether to designate case for mediation
Magistrate Judge Tsuchida enters order on CR 39.1 mediation designation
Court may appoint judge to conduct judicial settlement conference
Settlement judge appointment requires prior mediation participation
Magistrate Judge Tsuchida's clerk schedules settlement conferences
Court enters order on attendance requirements and confidential settlement memos
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.
Good faith conference required to resolve discovery disputes before filing motion.
All counsel must participate in telephonic call to chambers for immediate discovery disputes.
Default judgment motions must comply with Local Rule CR 55.
Default judgment motions must include a declaration.
Default judgment motions must separately state principal claim, liquidated damages, interest, and attorney’s fees.
Default judgment motions must explain calculations for all amounts.
Default judgment motions must provide evidence of principal claim and attach relevant contract portions.