Judge S. Kate Vaughan's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Plaintiff must request individualized trial conference within 30 days of filing agreement
Judge S. Kate Vaughan's formatting rule includes other font, 12 point type, single spacing, letter paper, 28 lines per page, margins top 1 inches, bottom 1 inches, left 1 inches, right 1 inches, blue or black ink only, no pencils, white paper only, 8.5x11 inches, and single sided only. Documents must be typed or written in blue/black ink on white 8.5x11 paper, single-sided only.
The rule requires certificate of service and certificate of conference. Parties must file written agreement using court form for Individualized Trial Program
The rule requires certificate of service, certificate of conference, legal argument, and statement of facts. Joint Individualized Trial Statement required 7 days before conference
Parties may contact Judge S. Kate Vaughan's chambers by email only as allowed by the rule. Court does not accept pleadings via email, only through CM/ECF
Judge S. Kate Vaughan's rules set procedures for sealed or redacted filings. Sealed documents must be submitted in person or by mail, not electronically.
Requests should be made at least 90 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge S. Kate Vaughan. Defendants must be served within 90 days of filing complaint.
Yes. Judge S. Kate Vaughan's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Oral argument procedures section begins
Parties must file written agreement using court form for Individualized Trial Program
Plaintiff must request individualized trial conference within 30 days of filing agreement
Joint Individualized Trial Statement required 7 days before conference
Initial disclosures due within 7 days of agreement approval
Case management order requires document exchange 15 days before pretrial conference and discovery completion within 90 days
Pretrial motions (except dispositive) must follow LCR 37 individualized procedure.
Each party limited to one expert witness unless court permits or parties agree.
Seven-person jury standard; six-person jury allowed if juror cannot complete trial.
Each side gets 3 hours for evidence presentation; multi-party trials divide time among plaintiffs/defendants.
Post-trial motions limited to costs/fees, clerical errors, verdict conformity, enforcement, and new trial motions.
Notice of intent to move for new trial must be filed within 10 court days of verdict.
New trial motions limited to judicial misconduct, jury misconduct, or corruption/fraud/undue means.
Appeal requires new trial motion first; appeal only on grounds from subsection (n)(3) unless parties agree.
Name, address, and phone number required on each document.
Sealed documents must be submitted in person or by mail, not electronically.
Document formatting requirements section begins
Motion filing procedures section begins
Sealed document procedures section begins
Oral argument procedures section begins
Verify correct court jurisdiction before filing to avoid missing statute of limitations deadlines.
Family law and landlord-tenant cases belong in state court, not federal court.
Federal law, Social Security, and federal agency decisions belong in federal court.
File in Seattle or Tacoma based on county of claim or defendant residence per Local Civil Rules.
Documents must be typed or written in blue/black ink on white 8.5x11 paper, single-sided only.
All documents must be dated and signed with original signature per FRCP 11(a).
Personal identifiers must be redacted or removed before filing.
Civil Cover Sheet is required with initial filing.
Pro se litigants must provide contact information in Section 1(c).
Only complete jury demand box in Section VII as per LCR 38(b).
Summons issuance timing depends on filing fee vs IFP status.