Judge Barbara A. Meiers
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Exhibits
Pleading, Ex Parte Motion, Opposition, Reply
- Within Two Days
Pleadings, Ex Parte Motion, Opposition, Reply
- Within 2 Days of Efiling
Adjournments
- Continuances may only be sought by written ex parte application, noticed motion, or oral request, and no continuance request or stipulation is effective until the court grants it.
- For fully stipulated law and motion continuances, the attorney appearing on the hearing date should request priority so the Court can accommodate counsel quickly.
- Continuances can be sought only by written ex parte applications, noticed motions, or sometimes oral requests to the Court. No continuance request or stipulation is effective until approved (granted) by the court. Parties are asked not to call the clerk to ask the clerk for a continuance. Unless it is something that comes up as an emergency or during a hearing, continuance requests are expected to be made before the original date set and in writing. Department 636 does not favor continuances of trial dates so very, very good cause must support such a continuance request.
- +3 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Document Format Requirements1 rule
Motions in limine should be numbered sequentially by each side for easy reference.
Document Filing Requirements17 rules
It should not say "proposed" in the caption and should not have a proof of service attached to it.
A “proposed order” should continue to be included in the package of moving papers and served upon the parties.
- Document
- Motion
Should include
- •Proposed order
A "proposed order" should continue to be included in the package of moving papers and served upon the parties.
- Document
- Motion
Should include
- •Proposed order
The Court asks that all moving parties lodge the original order or judgment that they wish the Judge in Department 636 to sign no later than the hearing set on a motion or as requested by the court after trial. It should not say “proposed” in the caption and should not have a proof of service attached to it. Do not put “Proposed” on that original order or judgment, and most importantly, DO NOT ATTACH A PROOF OF SERVICE TO THE ORIGINAL!
The Court asks that all moving parties lodge the original order or judgment that they wish the Judge in Department 636 to sign no later than the hearing set on a motion or as requested by the court after trial.
In summary judgment papers, every factual statement must be supported by a citation to the supporting declaration(s) and/or exhibit(s) placed next to the statement; citing only the 'statement of undisputed facts' is not permitted.
Court's wording
When a factual claim is made in these documents, just as is the case with regard to all other kinds of motions and responsive papers, a citation to the declaration(s) and/or exhibit(s) supporting that claim assertion must be set forth next to the factual statement, NOT A REFERENCE TO THE "STATEMENT OF UNDISPUTED" FACTS WHICH HAS THE EFFECT OF DIRECTING THE COURT TO SEARCH ONE SOURCE IN ORDER TO GET TO ANOTHER SOURCE FOR EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT FOR THE FACTS IN ISSUE!
Motions and briefs must include evidentiary citations next to factual claims, not just references to separate statement of undisputed facts.
Court's wording
When a factual claim is made in these documents, just as is the case with regard to all other kinds of motions and responsive papers, a citation to the declaration(s) and/or exhibit(s) supporting that claim assertion must be set forth next to the factual statement, NOT A REFERENCE TO THE “STATEMENT OF UNDISPUTED” FACTS WHICH HAS THE EFFECT OF DIRECTING THE COURT TO SEARCH ONE SOURCE IN ORDER TO GET TO ANOTHER SOURCE FOR EVIDENTIARY SUPPORT FOR THE FACTS IN ISSUE!
BUT DO NOT FILE A NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT UNTIL ALL PARTIES ON BOTH SIDES HAVE SIGNED THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.
No motion in limine is to be filed asking the court to order that opposing counsel not do “x,” “y,” or “z,” unless that opposition attorney has first been contacted and stated that they intend to do what the moving party wants to prevent.
of record must be on the phone unless a waiver of participation is earlier filed.
Counsel are to agree on a block of numbers to be allocated to each party for exhibits. (See LASC Local Rule 3.53) The exhibit list shall include the exhibit number and a brief description of the exhibit.
The parties are ordered to meet and confer and file any special verdict forms.
If no agreement is reached, each party is to submit their own proposed special verdict (or special fact finding) forms along with points and authorities supporting what is requested.
Trial briefs are optional (appreciated but not required) at the case management conference, but if submitted they must include a statement of facts with expected evidence and pertinent law on all causes of action and affirmative defenses.
- Document
- Trial brief
Include
- •Statement of facts
Court's wording
The court appreciates trial briefs at or before the time for appearance at the case management conference, but such briefs are not required. If provided, the brief is to include a statement of the facts with a summary of what it is expected the evidence will show along with all pertinent law in support of and/or against all cause of action contentions as well as with respect to affirmative defense matters.
The court has a strong preference for BAJI Instructions, not CACI.
NO CASE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT IS REQUIRED.
NO CASE MANAGEMENT STATEMENT IS REQUIRED.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
All parties must comply with mandatory electronic filing requirements for civil cases per the operative General Order.
All parties are to be governed by the operative General Order Re Mandatory Electronic Filing of Civil and amendments thereto posted on the court website at 636www.lacourt.ca.gov.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Filings
All parties must follow the court's mandatory electronic filing General Order for civil cases, as posted on the court website.
All parties are to be governed by the operative General Order Re Mandatory Electronic Filing of Civil and amendments thereto posted on the court website at 636www.lacourt.ca.gov.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Filings
When an order or judgment is submitted for the judge’s signature in Department 636 (as should be the case in all departments), the correct process is to submit the original directly to the courtroom (or in the courtroom at the time of hearing when the signature is sought right after a ruling) where it will be lodged pending the affixing of the judge’s signature.
When an order or judgment is submitted for the judge’s signature in Department 636 (as should be the case in all departments), the correct process is to submit the original directly to the courtroom (or in the courtroom at the time of hearing when the signature is sought right after a ruling) where it will be lodged pending the affixing of the judge’s signature.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Orders
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Ex parte motions must be given to the clerk at 8:30 a.m., Monday through Friday.
8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, Ex Parte motions are to be given to the clerk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | III. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Ex parte motions must be submitted to the clerk at 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, Ex Parte motions are to be given to the clerk.
Civil cases
Page 1 | Hearing times:
A notice of settlement must not be filed until all parties on both sides have signed the settlement agreement.
BUT DO NOT FILE A NOTICE OF SETTLEMENT UNTIL ALL PARTIES ON BOTH SIDES HAVE SIGNED THE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Settlement Conferences
Final Status Conference documents must be filed at least 5 calendar days before the FSC.
Please serve and file all documents at least five (5) days prior to the Final Status Conference. (LASC Local Rule 3.25(f)(1) or otherwise ordered by the court.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Filing and Service of Final Status Conference Documents
All Final Status Conference documents must be served and filed at least five days prior to the FSC.
Please serve and file all documents at least five (5) days prior to the Final Status Conference. (LASC Local Rule 3.25(f)(1) or otherwise ordered by the court.
Civil cases
Page 9 | c) Filing and Service of Final Status Conference Documents
Special verdict forms must be submitted at the time of the final status conference or, if no FSC is held, five days before trial.
They are to be submitted to the court at the time of the final status conference or five days before trial if no FSC is held.
Civil cases
Page 11 | Verdict Forms
Upon settlement, parties must immediately advise the Department 636 courtroom assistant and promptly file a notice of settlement under CRC Rule 3.1385.
If the matter is resolved by settlement, please advise the courtroom assistant in Department 636 of the settlement forthwith, and promptly file a notice of settlement pursuant to CRC Rule 3.1385.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Settlement Conferences
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Please serve and file all documents at least five (5) days prior to the Final Status Conference. (LASC Local Rule 3.25(f)(1) or otherwise ordered by the court.
Please serve and file all documents at least five (5) days prior to the Final Status Conference. (LASC Local Rule 3.25(f)(1) or otherwise ordered by the court.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Filing and Service of Final Status Conference Documents
The initial case management conference notice goes to plaintiff's counsel, who must thereafter give notice of the conference to all other parties.
The Court generally follows and applies the case management rules specified by CRC 3.700 et seq., but the initial case management conference notice is given to plaintiff's counsel, with notice to all other parties to thereafter be given by plaintiff's counsel.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Case Management
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Department 636 requires courtesy copies of all e-filed pleadings (within 2 days of e-filing) and all ex parte motions, oppositions, and replies.
DEPARTMENT 636 REQUESTS AND REQUIRES THAT COUNSEL PROVIDE THE COURT NOT ONLY WITH ALL “COURTESY COPIES” REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE OPERATIVE GENERAL ORDER DEALING WITH E-FILING ISSUES, BUT ALSO WITH COURTESY COPIES OF ALL PLEADINGS WITH THOSE COPIES TO BE PROVIDED WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF THE E-FILING AS WELL AS COURTESY COPIES OF ALL EX PARTE MOTIONS, OPPOSITIONS THERETO AND REPLYS.
Civil cases
Page 1 | I. COURTESY COPIES
Department 636 requires courtesy copies of all pleadings (provided within two days of e-filing) as well as of all ex parte motions, oppositions, and replies, in addition to any courtesy copies required by the e-filing general order.
DEPARTMENT 636 REQUESTS AND REQUIRES THAT COUNSEL PROVIDE THE COURT NOT ONLY WITH ALL "COURTESY COPIES" REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE OPERATIVE GENERAL ORDER DEALING WITH E-FILING ISSUES, BUT ALSO WITH COURTESY COPIES OF ALL PLEADINGS WITH THOSE COPIES TO BE PROVIDED WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF THE E-FILING AS WELL AS COURTESY COPIES OF ALL EX PARTE MOTIONS, OPPOSITIONS THERETO AND REPLYS.
Civil cases
Page 1 | I. COURTESY COPIES
Even if the exhibits are being displayed on screen, a binder with the exhibits should be provided for the court, the witness and each counsel.
Even if the exhibits are being displayed on screen, a binder with the exhibits should be provided for the court, the witness and each counsel.
Civil cases
Page 11 | Exhibits
Filing Bundling Requirements
Parties may submit joint trial documents in all cases, but joint submissions are not required unless specifically ordered by the court.
The parties are welcome to submit joint trial documents in all cases (see LR 3.25(g), but they are not required unless specifically ordered.
Civil cases
Page 9 | b) FSC Settings
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
A motion in limine seeking to restrain opposing counsel's conduct may not be filed unless the moving party first contacts opposing counsel and that attorney states an intent to do the act; motions in limine must also not be misused or frivolous.
No motion in limine is to be filed asking the court to order that opposing counsel not do “x,” “y,” or “z,” unless that opposition attorney has first been contacted and stated that they intend to do what the moving party wants to prevent. Also, motions in limine should not be misused or frivolous such as general requests to direct an opponent “not to use documents not produced in discovery” or “not to ask leading questions,” etc.
Civil cases
Page 9 | In Limine Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuances can be sought only by written ex parte applications, noticed motions, or sometimes oral requests to the Court. No continuance request or stipulation is effective until approved (granted) by the court. Parties are asked not to call the clerk to ask the clerk for a continuance. Unless it is something that comes up as an emergency or during a hearing, continuance requests are expected to be made before the original date set and in writing. Department 636 does not favor continuances of trial dates so very, very good cause must support such a continuance request.
Continuances can be sought only by written ex parte applications, noticed motions, or sometimes oral requests to the Court. No continuance request or stipulation is effective until approved (granted) by the court. Parties are asked not to call the clerk to ask the clerk for a continuance. Unless it is something that comes up as an emergency or during a hearing, continuance requests are expected to be made before the original date set and in writing. Department 636 does not favor continuances of trial dates so very, very good cause must support such a continuance request.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Continuances
Continuances may only be sought by written ex parte application, noticed motion, or oral request, and no continuance request or stipulation is effective until the court grants it.
Continuances can be sought only by written ex parte applications, noticed motions, or sometimes oral requests to the Court. No continuance request or stipulation is effective until approved (granted) by the court.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Continuances
Trial date continuances are disfavored and require very, very good cause.
Department 636 does not favor continuances of trial dates so very, very good cause must support such a continuance request.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Continuances
For fully stipulated law and motion continuances, the attorney appearing on the hearing date should request priority so the Court can accommodate counsel quickly.
If all parties have agreed upon a continuance as to a law and motion matter and an attorney comes to court on the hearing date to request same, priority should be requested to enable the Court to accommodate counsel quickly.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Continuances
Unless it is something that comes up as an emergency or during a hearing, continuance requests are expected to be made before the original date set and in writing.
Unless it is something that comes up as an emergency or during a hearing, continuance requests are expected to be made before the original date set and in writing.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Continuances
In discovery, only one brief time extension should generally be granted for deposition dates or compliance with discovery requests, and if compliance still is not forthcoming, a motion to compel should be made.
All counsel and parties must act in accordance with the “one-year-to-trial rule” set forth in the California Rules of Court. This means, for example, that when opposing counsel says that a deposition date set in a notice is not convenient or a continuance is asked to comply with a date noticed to comply with a discovery request, generally only one brief time extension should be granted and no more. Should compliance not then be forthcoming, a motion to compel should be made.
Civil cases
Page 7 | Discovery
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must not call the courtroom to schedule motion hearing dates.
Please do not call the courtroom to schedule a motion date.
Civil cases
Page 3
Parties are asked not to call the clerk to ask the clerk for a continuance.
Parties are asked not to call the clerk to ask the clerk for a continuance.
Civil cases
Page 5 | Continuances
Parties may arrange a conference call or chambers visit with all counsel and the Court for informal mediation of demurrers, discovery disputes, and other law and motion matters.
The Court is amenable to informally mediating demurrers, discovery disputes and other law and motion matters. Please feel free to set up a conference call or a chambers visit with all counsel and the Court if such a call or visit might be helpful.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Phone Conferences
A letter or email with all parties on notice one day before a joint call is helpful so the court can consider the issues in advance.
A letter or e-mail with all parties on notice thereof is helpful a day before the call to allow the court to consider the issues before the joint call.
Civil cases
Page 9 | Phone Conferences
After the parties waive a Final Status Conference, any party may later call the clerk to request that a FSC be set.
If the parties waive, any party can later call the clerk and ask that a FSC be set.
Civil cases
Page 9 | a) Waiver