Judge Cindy Panuco
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Not Required
Jury Instructions
- Before Jury Deliberations
Verdict Form
- 12 copies • Before Jury Deliberations
Adjournments
- Joint trial continuance requests may be made by electronically filing and lodging a stipulation and proposed order with a detailed declaration of grounds, and such proposed orders are not effective until the Court so orders.
- Trial continuance stipulations must demonstrate good cause per CRC 3.1332(c).
- Trial dates are firm and continuances are disfavored; any stipulation to continue must demonstrate good cause showing the continuance is essential, and stipulated continuance orders may be rejected without compelling factual support.
- +1 more
Request must include
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Document Format Requirements19 rules
The Court requests that all electronically filed documents be bookmarked and searchable. (Local Rule 3.4.)
Formatting
- •Bookmarked
- •Searchable
Requests for trial continuances shall not be made on LASC CIV CTRL-242 or any other similar “Optional” form.
Format: The Trial Binder should have labels on the front and side, advising the Court as to the contents. The Trial Binder must have as the first page an Index to the Trial Binder.
- Trial binder
Formatting
- •Front and side labels
- •First page index
Format: The Trial Binder should have labels on the front and side, advising the Court as to the contents. The Trial Binder must have as the first page an Index to the Trial Binder.
The Joint Witness List must be a single combined grid with alphabetized, deduplicated names, interpreter/accommodation notes, calling-party designations, and completed time estimates with sub-totals and grand total.
Court's wording
The Joint Witness List shall be on one grid. There should not be separate grids for plaintiff and defendant. The witness names should be alphabetized by last name and there should be no duplicates. Note whether the witness needs an interpreter, a reasonable accommodation, or has another special need. Designate which party is calling each witness. All time estimates must be filled in and sub-totals and a grand total completed.
Multi-page documentary exhibits must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order.
Court's wording
In addition, documentary exhibits that consist of multiple pages must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order. This requirement is intended to facilitate clear and efficient reference to specific portions of an exhibit during the examination of witnesses.
Exhibits must show only one page number per page; others must be covered.
- Exhibit
Formatting
- •Only one page number per exhibit page
Court's wording
Each page of each exhibit must be internally paginated, e.g., 1-1; 1 2; 2-1, etc. Exhibits should have only ONE page number showing, and all others (e.g., deposition exhibit numbers or document production Bates numbers) should be covered up or otherwise removed.
In addition, documentary exhibits that consist of multiple pages must be internally paginated in sequential numerical order.
Place behind individual tabs the operative Complaint; Answer(s); Cross Complaint(s) and Answer(s); and Stipulation of Facts.
Joint verdict forms must not bear any party's or counsel's name, and any separate proposed forms must each be preceded by a page identifying the proposing party.
Court's wording
The Joint Verdict Form(s) shall not have any party's or counsel's name thereon. If the parties cannot agree on a Joint Verdict Form, or if the verdict form will depend upon circumstances at trial, separate proposed forms are permitted. In that case, each party's proposed form shall be preceded by a page marked, e.g., "Plaintiff's Proposed Verdict Form" or "Defendant's Proposed Verdict Form."
All non-document exhibits shall be identified with a page inserted after the tab with either a disc, a photograph or a description of the exhibit.
Exhibit Binders must have front/side labels, conformed joint exhibit list first, exhibits numbered and tabbed.
- Exhibit binder
Formatting
- •Front and side labels
- •First page: conformed joint exhibit list
- •Exhibits numbered and tabbed
Court's wording
The parties shall jointly prepare three sets of evidentiary exhibit binders (a set for Judge, Judicial Assistant and Witness). The Exhibit Binders shall have labels on the front and side. EACH Exhibit Binder shall have a conformed copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front, followed by all exhibits numbered and tabbed.
EACH Exhibit Binder shall have a conformed copy of the Joint Exhibit List in front, followed by all exhibits numbered and tabbed.
Each exhibit page must be internally paginated (e.g., 1-1, 1-2, 2-1) and show only ONE page number, with all other numbering covered or removed.
Court's wording
Each page of each exhibit must be internally paginated, e.g., 1-1; 1 2; 2-1, etc. Exhibits should have only ONE page number showing, and all others (e.g., deposition exhibit numbers or document production Bates numbers) should be covered up or otherwise removed.
Only pages of large exhibits likely to be used at trial may be included in the Exhibit Binder, and partial exhibits generally will not be admitted without good cause.
Court's wording
The parties shall refrain from including uncommonly large exhibits as a single exhibit if only a few pages are likely to be used at trial. In that case, only those pages should be included in the Exhibit Binder(s). The Court will generally not permit the admission of partial exhibits without good cause.
The Court requests that all electronically filed documents be bookmarked and searchable. (Local Rule 3.4.)
- Electronically filed document
Formatting
- •Electronically filed documents must be bookmarked
- •Electronically filed documents must be searchable
Where reasonably practicable, the Court strongly encourages parties to Bates stamp (or Bates number) documents produced in discovery.
- Documents produced in discovery
Formatting
- •Strongly encouraged where reasonably practicable; not mandatory
The information may be produced in electronic form as a PDF at the option of the producing party.
The Court recommends numbering exhibits with Arabic numerals using distinct sequential number blocks assigned per party.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Use Arabic numerals applied sequentially
Court's wording
The most efficient system for numbering exhibits is to use Arabic numerals, with each party assigned a distinct block of numbers to be applied sequentially. For example, the plaintiff might be assigned numbers 1 through 200, the first defendant numbers 201 through 400, and the second defendant numbers 401 through 600.
Document Filing Requirements31 rules
A fee-waiver party's request for court reporting services must be made using local form LACIV 269 or Judicial Council form FW-020.
Court's wording
The request must be made by using the local form, Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with Fee Waiver (LACIV 269), or Judicial Council form FW-020, and should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested.
For trials without court reporters, parties will be ordered to jointly prepare a settled statement of the testimony and list of evidence admitted each day of the trial.
Unless the Court orders otherwise for good cause shown, evidence must be by declaration or request for judicial notice. (California Rules of Court, rule 3.1304.)
Oral testimony will not be allowed without court permission. Parties seeking permission to introduce oral testimony must file a statement consistent with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1306. (Local Rule 3.7.)
All civil actions filed after January 1, 2024 are subject to the initial discovery Disclosures requirements of CCP §2016.090. The Court may enforce the requirements of section 2016.090 on its own motion or on motion by a party.
The notice must include the hearing details (date, time, and location), and a statement of what relief the ex parte applicant is seeking.
The ex parte applicant must file a declaration containing competent testimony detailing the information given in the notice
Notice of Settlement must be filed electronically by plaintiff using Judicial Council Form CM-200, even if the case settled at a judicial settlement conference.
A party seeking to introduce an unexchanged exhibit on its direct case must file a written declaration containing competent evidence of its inability to comply with the Trial Preparation Order.
Court's wording
NOTE: If a party would like to introduce an exhibit on its direct case that was not exchanged as described herein, the party must file a written declaration containing competent evidence in support of any claim that the party was unable to comply with this Court's Trial Preparation Order and with these policies and procedures.
All documents in the Trial Binder, except the Jury Instructions (Full Text) and the Verdict Form(s) must be signed, filed and conformed before they are put into the Trial Binder.
All documents in the Trial Binder, except the Jury Instructions (Full Text) and the Verdict Form(s) must be signed, filed and conformed before they are put into the Trial Binder.
- Document
- Trial binder
Must include
- •Filed
- •Signed
- •Conformed
All exhibits must be exchanged and pre-numbered, except exhibits anticipated in good faith for impeachment or rebuttal.
Court's wording
Pursuant to California Rule of Court, Rule 3.1110(f), and Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rules 3.52 and 3.53, all exhibits must be exchanged and pre-numbered, except those anticipated in good faith to be used for impeachment or rebuttal.
No exhibit may be referenced by counsel or a witness unless it has been pre-marked with an exhibit number.
Self-represented parties and counsel shall prepare a list of joint and disputed jury instructions, and must also prepare a complete set of printed, full- text and edited proposed jury instructions and include them in the Trial Binder.
When deposition transcript(s) or videotape(s) are to be used in lieu of live testimony (not just for impeachment), a pleading must be prepared setting out all designated testimony, objections and cross-designated testimony.
Self-represented parties and counsel shall prepare and jointly file Joint Verdict Form(s).
END OF COURT DAY: At the end of each trial day counsel must meet and confer and submit to the Court's judicial assistant an agreed-upon list of all exhibits admitted that day.
The parties shall jointly prepare three sets of evidentiary exhibit binders (a set for Judge, Judicial Assistant and Witness). The Exhibit Binders shall have labels on the front and side.
If no court reporter is used at trial, the parties must jointly prepare a summary of each day's proceedings and lodge it in the courtroom before proceedings resume.
Court's wording
COURT REPORTERS OR SETTLED STATEMENTS: The Court encourages the parties to bring a court reporter to the courtroom for trial. If no court reporter is used, the parties shall jointly prepare a summary of each day's proceedings, and lodge it in the courtroom before proceedings resume.
Parties must file the appropriate form(s) to request a remote appearance.
Court's wording
Parties must comply with applicable law and rules like the requirement to file the appropriate form or forms to request a remote appearance. (See, e.g., California Rules of Court, rule 3.672, Code of Civil Procedure § 367.75.)
For Song-Beverly Warranty Act and related cases, the Court will usually order the parties to produce copies of the following documents unless there are case-specific reasons to deviate from the list:
Proponents of pattern jury instructions must note if they have been modified.
NOTE: All self-represented parties and counsel should strive to reach stipulations regarding all relevant facts that are not in dispute. These stipulations must be clearly documented and included in the Trial Binder.
To be helpful to the Court, the Trial Binder should include: Trial Briefs (optional but appreciated); Motions in limine; (Jury Trials Only) Joint Statement of the Case; Joint Witness List; Joint Exhibit List
- Document
- Trial binder
Should include
- •Exhibit list
The list of proposed additional questions should be included in the Trial Binder
Requests for accommodation should be filed early using form MC-410 or any written format.
Proposed orders must comply with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1312.
Objections to proposed judgments must comply with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1590.
The Court may assume there is no objection to a proposed order and sign the order without delay, if the non-proposing party has not timely objected or the proponent has filed a statement that the non-proposing party failed to timely object per California Rules of Court, rule 3.1312.
The ex parte applicant must file a declaration containing competent testimony detailing the information given in the notice as well as the information required by California Rules of Court, rule 3.1204.
- Document
- Ex parte application
Must include
- •Declaration
The total time testimony portion of the trial.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Parties must reserve dates for all law and motion hearings through the Court Reservation System (CRS).
Parties must reserve a date for all law and motion hearings through the Court Reservation System (“CRS”).
Page 4 | 9. LAW AND MOTION
Self-represented and e-filing exempt parties must file ex parte applications in person by 11:00 am on hearing day.
Self-Represented Litigants and those exempt from electronic filing must file the ex parte application in person at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. (Local Rule 3.4).
Page 7
Self-represented litigants and parties exempt from e-filing must file ex parte applications in person at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing.
Self-Represented Litigants and those exempt from electronic filing must file the ex parte application in person at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse by 11:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. (Local Rule 3.4).
Page 8 | 11. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Ex parte applications generally must be filed electronically by 10:00 am on the court day prior to the ex parte hearing.
Generally, ex parte applications must be filed electronically by 10:00 am on the court day prior to the ex parte hearing. (Local Rules 3.4(a) and 3.5.)
Page 8 | 11. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Stipulations and proposed orders/judgments must be filed electronically.
Stipulations and proposed orders/judgments are filed electronically.
Page 10 | 13. STIPULATIONS/PROPOSED ORDERS/JUDGMENTS
Stipulations, proposed orders, and judgments must be filed electronically.
Stipulations and proposed orders/judgments are filed electronically.
Page 10
Plaintiffs must file the Notice of Settlement electronically, even if the case settled at a judicial settlement conference.
Notice of Settlement must be filed electronically by plaintiff using Judicial Council Form CM-200, even if the case settled at a judicial settlement conference.
Page 10 | B. Notice Of Settlement And Requests For Dismissal
Plaintiff must file Notice of Settlement electronically using Form CM-200.
Notice of Settlement must be filed electronically by plaintiff using Judicial Council Form CM-200, even if the case settled at a judicial settlement conference.
Page 10
All proposed jury instructions must be submitted to the Court electronically at or before the FSC.
All proposed Jury Instructions shall be submitted to the Court electronically at or before the FSC.
Page 14 | (Jury Trials Only) Joint and Disputed Jury Instructions List and Full Text
Self-represented litigants may file documents in Room 102 at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
Self-represented litigants may file documents in Room 102 at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
Page 16 | 18. CLERK'S OFFICE AND SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANT SUPPORT SERVICES
Self-represented litigants may file documents in person at Room 102, Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
Self-represented litigants may file documents in Room 102 at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.
Page 18
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The settled statement of testimony and admitted evidence must be lodged with the Court no later than the next court session.
This settled statement must be lodged with the Court no later than the next court session.
Page 3
The request must be made by using the local form, Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with Fee Waiver (LACIV 269), or Judicial Council form FW-020, and should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested. If the requesting party receives less than ten days' notice of the hearing or trial, the requesting party must file the request as soon as practicable.
The request must be made by using the local form, Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with Fee Waiver (LACIV 269), or Judicial Council form FW-020, and should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested. If the requesting party receives less than ten days' notice of the hearing or trial, the requesting party must file the request as soon as practicable.
Page 3
Court reporter requests by fee waiver parties must be filed at least 10 calendar days before hearing/trial, or as soon as practicable if less than 10 days' notice.
The request must be made by using the local form, Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with Fee Waiver (LACIV 269), or Judicial Council form FW-020, and should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested. If the requesting party receives less than ten days’ notice of the hearing or trial, the requesting party must file the request as soon as practicable.
Page 3
The party securing a court reporter must provide the Judicial Assistant with the required completed form before the proceedings commence.
The party securing the court reporter must provide the Judicial Assistant with the required, completed form prior to the commencement of the proceedings.
Page 3
A party responding to a Request for Informal Discovery must file, five days before the IDC, either a short brief or the LACIV-094 Form describing why the requested discovery should be denied, including the facts and legal arguments at issue.
Five days before the IDC, a party responding to the Request for Informal Discovery, must file either a short brief, or use the LACIV-094 Form, to briefly describe why the Court should deny the requested discovery including the facts and legal arguments at issue.
Page 5 | C. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDCs”)
Requesting an IDC does not toll any applicable deadline to file a motion to compel. If there is a statutory deadline by which a motion must be filed, the Court expects the parties to stipulate to extend the statutory deadline until after the IDC has been completed. If the parties are unable to agree to extend the deadline, a party should file their motion in compliance with all applicable deadlines. The Court may exercise its discretion to conduct an IDC before hearing the pending motion.
Requesting an IDC does not toll any applicable deadline to file a motion to compel. If there is a statutory deadline by which a motion must be filed, the Court expects the parties to stipulate to extend the statutory deadline until after the IDC has been completed. If the parties are unable to agree to extend the deadline, a party should file their motion in compliance with all applicable deadlines. The Court may exercise its discretion to conduct an IDC before hearing the pending motion.
Page 5 | C. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDCs”)
A proposed protective order must be served and filed within five (5) days after the party serves discovery responses.
If a party believes any of this information should be subject to a protective order, that party shall serve and file a proposed protective order within five (5) days of serving discovery responses
Page 6 | 10. DISCOVERY
Generally, ex parte applications must be filed electronically by 10:00 am on the court day prior to the ex parte hearing. (Local Rules 3.4(a) and 3.5.)
Generally, ex parte applications must be filed electronically by 10:00 am on the court day prior to the ex parte hearing. (Local Rules 3.4(a) and 3.5.)
Page 7
Ex parte applications are due by 10:00 am on the court day prior to the ex parte hearing.
Generally, ex parte applications must be filed electronically by 10:00 am on the court day prior to the ex parte hearing. (Local Rules 3.4(a) and 3.5.)
Page 8 | 11. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Trial Binder must be lodged with Department 224 at least 5 days before each Final Status Conference.
Counsel or self-represented parties must lodge the Trial Binder with Department 224 at least five days before each FSC.
Page 11
The Trial Binder must be lodged with Department 224 at least five days before each Final Status Conference.
Counsel or self-represented parties must lodge the Trial Binder with Department 224 at least five days before each FSC.
Page 11 | 15. FINAL STATUS CONFERENCES AND TRIAL PREPARATION
Lodged trial binders must be picked up within two weeks of filing the Notice of Settlement or they will be discarded.
If trial binders were lodged prior to settlement, they must be picked up within two weeks of filing the Notice of Settlement or they will be discarded.
Page 10 | C. Disposition Of Lodged Binders, Exhibits, Etc.
The Court holds proposed judgments for 10-15 days (depending on the manner of service) before signing them to consider any timely objections.
The Court is required to hold proposed judgments for 10-15 days and proposed orders for 5-10 days (depending on the manner of service) before signing them, to consider any timely objections.
Page 10 | 13. STIPULATIONS/PROPOSED ORDERS/JUDGMENTS
Service and Proof of Service Rules
If the parties wish to submit on the tentative, please email the courtroom at SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov with notice to opposing counsel (or self-represented party) before 8:30 am on the day of the hearing.
If the parties wish to submit on the tentative, please email the courtroom at SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov with notice to opposing counsel (or self-represented party) before 8:30 am on the day of the hearing.
Page 4 | 9. LAW AND MOTION
Both parties must serve verification along with the documents they produce in discovery.
Plaintiff and Defendant shall serve verification with the documents they produce.
Page 7 | 10. DISCOVERY
Ex parte applicants must notify all parties by 10:00 am the court day before the hearing.
Absent exceptional circumstances, parties filing an ex parte application must notify all parties to the action no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte appearance. (California Rules of Court, rule 3.1203.)
Page 7
Ex parte applicants must notify all parties no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte appearance, absent exceptional circumstances.
Absent exceptional circumstances, parties filing an ex parte application must notify all parties to the action no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte appearance. (California Rules of Court, rule 3.1203.)
Page 7 | 11. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Filing Fees and Waivers
Parties with a CRC rule 3.55 fee waiver may request an official court reporter, while parties without a fee waiver may independently arrange a certified shorthand reporter to serve as an official pro tempore reporter.
A party who has not received a fee waiver pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.55 (6), independently may seek a verbatim record by arranging for a certified shorthand reporter to serve as an official pro tempore reporter. A party who has received a fee waiver pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 3.55 (6) may request an official court reporter pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.956(c)(2).
Page 3
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies are not required but are accepted by the Court.
The Court does not require, but does accept, courtesy copies.
Page 4
Courtesy copies are not required but will be accepted by the Court.
The Court does not require, but does accept, courtesy copies.
Page 4 | 9. LAW AND MOTION
Before the Jury retires for its deliberations, the Court may require one party to make 12 copies of the verdict form on white paper (so each juror may keep track of their own votes on each question) and one copy of the verdict form on blue paper for the Presiding Juror to record the final answers of the entire Jury and to sign.
Before the Jury retires for its deliberations, the Court may require one party to make 12 copies of the verdict form on white paper (so each juror may keep track of their own votes on each question) and one copy of the verdict form on blue paper for the Presiding Juror to record the final answers of the entire Jury and to sign.
Page 14 | (Jury Trials Only) Joint Verdict Form(s)
The Court may require one party to make multiple copies of the final jury instructions for the Jury before deliberations.
Before the Jury retires for deliberation, the Court may require one party to make multiple copies of the final jury instructions for the Jury to use in its deliberations.
Page 14 | (Jury Trials Only) Joint and Disputed Jury Instructions List and Full Text
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A party who believes Song-Beverly discovery material should be subject to a protective order must serve and file a proposed protective order within five days of serving discovery responses.
If a party believes any of this information should be subject to a protective order, that party shall serve and file a proposed protective order within five (5) days of serving discovery responses
Page 6 | 10. DISCOVERY
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Self-represented parties and all trial counsel must meet and confer no later than 15 calendar days before the initial and any succeeding Case Management Conference to address the CRC 3.724 and 3.727 issues.
Self-represented parties and all trial counsel are required to meet and confer by videoconference, telephone or in person no later than 15 calendar days before the date set for the initial and any succeeding Case Management Conference to consider each of the issues identified in California Rules of Court, rules 3.724 and 3.727.
Page 3 | 8. CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
Before filing any discovery motion, counsel with authority to compromise the dispute (preferably trial counsel) must meet and confer by telephone, videoconference, or in person; exchanging letters or emails alone is insufficient.
Pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure section 2016.040, the parties and counsel are ordered to meet and confer to make reasonable, good faith efforts to informally resolve discovery disputes. Before filing a discovery motion, counsel with authority to compromise the dispute (preferably trial counsel) must meet and confer by telephone, videoconference, or in person to resolve or narrow the discovery dispute. Merely exchanging letters or emails is insufficient. The Court expects the parties to work together in good faith to resolve discovery issues.
Page 5 | C. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDCs”)
Counsel must meet and confer in person, by phone, or videoconference to resolve discovery disputes before filing a discovery motion.
Before filing a discovery motion, counsel with authority to compromise the dispute (preferably trial counsel) must meet and confer by telephone, videoconference, or in person to resolve or narrow the discovery dispute. Merely exchanging letters or emails is insufficient.
Page 5
Parties must meet and confer before filing any motion in limine, and motions in limine should be noticed to be heard at the final status conference.
Motions in Limine: Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule, Rule 3.57 requires the parties to meet and confer before filing any motion in limine. The motions should be noticed to be heard at the final status conference, Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule, Rule 3.25(f)(2).
Page 12 | 15. FINAL STATUS CONFERENCES AND TRIAL PREPARATION
Before filing a discovery motion on an unresolved dispute, the parties are requested to schedule an Informal Discovery Conference (heard Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m.) by filing a Form LACIV-094 request describing the discovery at issue, the legal authorities, and any applicable statutory deadlines.
If the dispute remains unresolved, and the deadline to file a motion to compel has not lapsed, the Court requests that the parties schedule an Informal Discovery Conference (“IDC”) prior to filing any discovery motion. The Court hears such conferences Mondays and Wednesdays starting 10:00 a.m., unless it is in trial at which point the Court will reschedule the conference. The parties can reserve IDCs on the Court Reservation System and are instructed to file their Request for an IDC using Form LACIV-094. The IDC Request Form should include information about the discovery at issue, and list the legal authorities relied upon by parties to compel or resist discovery. When filing a request, please indicate whether any statutory deadlines apply and the specific date by which a motion must be filed.
Page 5 | C. Informal Discovery Conferences (“IDCs”)
Parties must meet and confer before the FSC to resolve exhibit objections and attempt stipulations to authenticity, foundation, and/or admission, with the Court expecting most exhibits to be stipulated.
The parties are to meet and confer before the FSC to resolve objections and to attempt to stipulate to authenticity, foundation and/or admission of exhibits. The Court expects that most if not all exhibits will be stipulated to for admission, or at least as to authenticity and foundation. To the extent possible, the Court expects to resolve any final objections at the time of the FSC, to avoid protracted arguments.
Page 13 | Joint Exhibit List
In jury trials, parties must meet and confer before the FSC regarding proposed additional court voir dire questions tailored to the case type.
The parties must meet and confer prior to the FSC regarding additional proposed questions for the Court to ask that are tailored to the type of case, without attempting to precondition prospective jury members to favor one side or the other.
Page 14 | (Jury Trials Only) Proposed Additional Court Voir Dire
Parties must meet and confer before the FSC to agree on any stipulations of fact that may be read to the Jury.
The parties are to meet and confer before the FSC to agree on any stipulations of fact that may be read to the Jury.
Page 14 | Operative Pleadings and Stipulations
Parties are encouraged to schedule an Informal Discovery Conference before filing a discovery motion if dispute is unresolved.
If the dispute remains unresolved, and the deadline to file a motion to compel has not lapsed, the Court requests that the parties schedule an Informal Discovery Conference (“IDC”) prior to filing any discovery motion.
Page 5
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial continuance stipulations must demonstrate good cause per CRC 3.1332(c).
a stipulation to continue the date must be supported by a sufficient basis demonstrating good cause (C.R.C. 3.1332(c)) why the continuance is essential.
Page 10
Trial dates are firm and continuances are disfavored; any stipulation to continue must demonstrate good cause showing the continuance is essential, and stipulated continuance orders may be rejected without compelling factual support.
To ensure the prompt disposition of civil cases, the dates assigned for a trial are firm." California Rule of Court, rule 3.1332(a). All parties and their counsel must regard the date set for trial as certain. The Court has a strong interest in keeping scheduled dates certain. Changes in dates are disfavored. Therefore, a stipulation to continue the date must be supported by a sufficient basis demonstrating good cause (C.R.C. 3.1332(c)) why the continuance is essential. Without such compelling factual support, stipulated orders continuing dates may be rejected.
Page 10 | 14. TRIAL CONTINUANCES
Requests for trial continuances must not be made on LASC CIV CTRL-242 or any other similar 'Optional' form.
Requests for trial continuances shall not be made on LASC CIV CTRL-242 or any other similar "Optional" form.
Page 11
Joint trial continuance requests may be made by electronically filing and lodging a stipulation and proposed order with a detailed declaration of grounds, and such proposed orders are not effective until the Court so orders.
Parties jointly requesting a trial continuance may electronically file and lodge a stipulation and proposed order, including a detailed declaration of the grounds for the requested continuance or extension of time. California Rule of Court, rule 3.1332(c)-(d). Proposed orders regarding continuances do not become effective unless and until this Court so orders.
Page 11
Chambers Communication Rules
If the parties wish to submit on the tentative, please email the courtroom at SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov with notice to opposing counsel (or self-represented party) before 8:30 am on the day of the hearing.
If the parties wish to submit on the tentative, please email the courtroom at SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov with notice to opposing counsel (or self-represented party) before 8:30 am on the day of the hearing.
Page 4
If the parties wish to submit on the tentative, please email the courtroom at SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov with notice to opposing counsel (or self-represented party) before 8:30 am on the day of the hearing.
If the parties wish to submit on the tentative, please email the courtroom at SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov with notice to opposing counsel (or self-represented party) before 8:30 am on the day of the hearing.
Page 4 | 9. LAW AND MOTION
Emails to the Department 224 address receive a response only regarding tentative rulings; emails on any other subject will not be answered.
SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov (emails regarding anything other than tentative rulings will not receive a response)
Page 1 | Courtroom Information, Policies and Procedures
Parties must use CRS to continue or withdraw motions and must also telephone the courtroom so it is aware of any changes.
Parties must use CRS to continue or withdraw motions; please also telephone the courtroom so we are aware of any changes.
Page 4 | 9. LAW AND MOTION
Parties must not contact the department to inquire about the status of proposed judgments or orders until the applicable holding period (10-15 days for judgments; 5-10 days for orders) has expired.
Prior to these time periods, please refrain from contacting the department to inquire on the status of your documents.
Page 10 | 13. STIPULATIONS/PROPOSED ORDERS/JUDGMENTS
Telephone Number: (213) 633-0253 Courtroom Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Courtroom is closed during the lunch hour)
Telephone Number: (213) 633-0253 Courtroom Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Courtroom is closed during the lunch hour)
Page 1
Courtroom email only responds to tentative ruling emails; other emails receive no response.
SMCDept224@lacourt.ca.gov (emails regarding anything other than tentative rulings will not receive a response)
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Department 224's courtroom telephone number is (213) 633-0253, and the courtroom is open 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m., closed during the lunch hour.
Telephone Number: (213) 633-0253 Courtroom Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Courtroom is closed during the lunch hour)
Page 1 | Courtroom Information, Policies and Procedures
Proposed judgments are held 10-15 days, proposed orders 5-10 days before signing; do not inquire before these periods.
The Court is required to hold proposed judgments for 10-15 days and proposed orders for 5-10 days (depending on the manner of service) before signing them, to consider any timely objections. Prior to these time periods, please refrain from contacting the department to inquire on the status of your documents.
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The Clerk's Office can be reached at (213) 830-0800.
Clerk's Office: (213) 830-0800
Page 16 | 18. CLERK'S OFFICE AND SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANT SUPPORT SERVICES
Self-Help Services for self-represented litigants can be reached at (213) 830-0845.
Self-Help Services: (213) 830-0845
Page 16 | 18. CLERK'S OFFICE AND SELF-REPRESENTED LITIGANT SUPPORT SERVICES
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
The Court encourages (but does not require) senior counsel to let a junior lawyer who substantially helped draft motion papers or prepare a trial examination speak, practice before the Court, or examine a witness.
The Court encourages and welcomes active participation by less-experienced attorneys. When more than one attorney represents a client, and where a more junior lawyer has played a substantial part in drafting motion papers or preparing a trial examination, the Court encourages (but does not require) the more senior lawyer to allow the more junior lawyer to speak and practice before the Court and/or to examine a witness.
Page 16 | 20. LESS-EXPERIENCED ATTORNEYS