Judge Nicole M. Heeseman
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- 3 copies
- Not Required
Exhibits Books
- 3 copies
Communication
Phone
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Each party involved in a discovery dispute to be addressed in an IDC shall file and serve an IDC statement of no more than (5) pages at least three (3) court days before the scheduled IDC.
- IDC statement
- Up to 5 pages per party
Each party involved in a discovery dispute to be addressed in an IDC shall file and serve an IDC statement of no more than (5) pages at least three (3) court days before the scheduled IDC.
- IDC statement
- Up to 5 pages per party
Document Format Requirements5 rules
The exhibits must be pre-marked with the exhibit number and a page number must appear on each page of the exhibit.
- Exhibit
Formatting
- •Pre-marked with exhibit number
- •Page number on each page
Pre-marked Exhibits: The exhibits must be pre-marked with the exhibit number and a page number must appear on each page of the exhibit. Counsel should agree in advance that their respective party will have a range of exhibit numbers, i.e. plaintiff 1-99, defendant 100-199. Each exhibit must identified and listed separately.
An additional copy must be provided to the court, in Microsoft Word format, on a portable storage device such as a flash drive.
- File type
- Word
An additional copy must be provided to the court, in Microsoft Word format, on a portable storage device such as a flash drive. The device will be returned after the court has loaded the document.
- File type
- Word
Dept. S25 provides an HD projector and screen accessible via court-supplied HDMI/VGA cables, and parties may project exhibits from a laptop or tablet using presentation software or a simple PDF.
Court's wording
Department S25 is equipped with a high-definition projector and a ten-foot, high-definition screen. This equipment is accessible from the counsel table using either an HDMI or VGA cable. The cables are provided by the court. Parties may project exhibits to the court, jury and witnesses by loading all exhibits onto a laptop, tablet or other device. There are several evidence presentation software products on the market that can be used with the court's equipment. A simple PDF may also be used.
Document Filing Requirements16 rules
A party who has received a fee waiver may request an official court reporter pursuant to California rule of Court 2.956(b)(3). The request must be made by using the local form (LASC LACIV 269).
Parties must meet and confer and file a single joint exhibit list in chart format showing exhibit number, description, page count, and stipulations to admissibility and authentication.
- Document
- Joint exhibit list
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Court's wording
All parties are ordered to have a meaningful meet and confer and file a single joint exhibit list. The single joint list must be in a chart format with columns showing 1) exhibit number, 2) a brief description of the exhibit, 3) the number of pages of the exhibit, 4) whether, after a meaningful meet and confer, the parties stipulate to the exhibit's admissibility, and 5) whether, after a meaningful meet and confer, the parties stipulate to the exhibit's authentication.
The court encourages an in-person meet and confer conference. The parties must confer on each exhibit separately. It is insufficient to simply compile the list and exchange a blanket refusal to stipulate.
of the joint witness list, the parties and any self-represented parties shall add up the estimated times for all witnesses' testimony and state the grand total in the last column.
Witnesses not listed on the joint witness list may be excluded from testifying (except impeachment or rebuttal), and a party must first show good cause to call an unlisted witness.
Court's wording
Any witness who is not included on the joint witness list is subject to being excluded from testifying at trial other than for purposes of giving actual impeachment or rebuttal testimony. Any party who seeks to elicit testimony from a witness not identified on the witness list must first make a showing of good cause to the court.
All parties are ordered to have a meaningful meet and confer, prepare and provide a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions editing all proposed instructions – no remaining brackets or blanks. If the instructions are disputed, submit a separate set or sets indicating the party proposing and opposing the instruction. Compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 2.1055 is mandatory. An additional copy must be provided to the
Exhibits are to be brought on the first day of the trial.
Parties must meet and confer and develop a single joint list of CACI and special jury instructions in the required chart format with disposition columns.
Court's wording
All parties are ordered to have a meaningful meet and confer and develop a single joint list of Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions (“CACI”) and special jury instructions. The list must be in a chart format with columns showing 1) the number of the instruction, 2) a brief description of the instruction, 3) the party or parties requesting the instruction, 4) four disposition columns showing a) given as requested, b) given as modified, c) withdrawn, d) refused.
In jury trials, counsel and self-represented parties must file a joint proposed general or special verdict form, or separate proposed verdict forms if they cannot agree.
Court's wording
For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall prepare and file a joint proposed general verdict form or a joint proposed special verdict form acceptable to all parties. (Local Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(8).) If the parties cannot agree on a joint verdict form, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form.
A fee-waiver party may request an official court reporter (not provided in unlimited civil cases) using local form LASC LACIV 269.
Court's wording
Official court reporters are not provided in unlimited civil cases. A party who has received a fee waiver may request an official court reporter pursuant to California rule of Court 2.956(b)(3). The request must be made by using the local form (LASC LACIV 269).
IDC statements must include a short case description, the discovery dispute at issue, the parties' informal resolution attempts, and any legal authority for the Court to consider.
- Document
- IDC statement
Must include
- •Legal argument
Court's wording
The IDC statement shall include (a) a short description of the case, (b) a description of the discovery dispute including a list or summary of the discovery requests, objections, and/or answers at issue, (c) a description of the parties' informal attempts and any compromises offered to resolve the dispute, and (d) any legal authority the Court should consider in conducting the IDC.
Counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare and file a list of all trial witnesses, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses.
Court's wording
Joint Witness List: The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint list of all witnesses whom any party intends to call at trial, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses. (Local Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(5).)
Joint Statement of the Case: The parties must file a brief, neutral description of the case to be read to the jury. In most instances, it should not exceed two paragraphs.
The joint witness list must be organized in columns stating witness name/expert status/accommodations, calling party, expected appearance, description of testimony, and estimated direct and cross-examination lengths.
Court's wording
The joint witness list shall be organized with columns (in the format set forth below) which state (1) the name of each witness (in alphabetical order), if the witness is being called to testify as an expert, and any special requirements or accommodations needed for the witness (e.g., interpreter), (2) the party calling the witness, (3) whether the witness is actually expected to testify, (4) a brief description of the witness’s expected testimony, (5) an estimate of the length of direct examination (in hours), (6) an estimate of the length of cross-examination
The format should be as follows: JOINT WITNESS LIST Name Party Expected to Brief Description of Length of Length of Total (State if Expert) Calling Testify Testimony Direct Cross Length (Y/N)? (in Hours) (in hours) (in hours)
Parties should use the applicable CACI special verdict form when requesting a special verdict, keep special verdicts simple for the jury, and general verdict forms are preferred.
Court's wording
When a special verdict form is requested, if there is an appropriate CACI special verdict form for a cause of action, affirmative defense, or other finding, the court expects the parties to use the CACI special verdict form. Any proposed special verdict should be in a form that is easily used by the jury, and which does not require the jury to answer unnecessary questions, however, general verdict forms are preferred.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Only self-represented litigants may file ex parte applications in the Clerk's Office on the day of the ex parte hearing.
Only self-represented litigants may file ex parte applications on the day of the ex parte in the Clerk's Office.
Page 1 | HEARINGS - Ex Parte Applications
The moving party must e-file all ex parte application documents by 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing.
The moving party must e-file all documents by 10:00 a.m. on the court day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | HEARINGS - Ex Parte Applications
Only self-represented litigants may file ex parte applications in the Clerk’s Office on the day of the hearing.
Only self-represented litigants may file ex parte applications on the day of the ex parte in the Clerk’s Office.
Page 1 | HEARINGS - Ex Parte Applications
Attorneys must comply with electronic filing requirements; self-represented litigants without e-filing means may file in the courtroom.
Compliance with electronic filing is required for attorneys. Please refer to the Court’s website for electronic filing orders. Self-Represented Litigants without means for filing electronically may file their documents in the courtroom.
Page 3 | MISCELLANEOUS
Attorneys must e-file; self-represented litigants without means to file electronically may file their documents in the courtroom.
Compliance with electronic filing is required for attorneys. Please refer to the Court’s website for electronic filing orders. Self-Represented Litigants without means for filing electronically may file their documents in the courtroom.
Page 3 | HEARINGS
Trial exhibits are received in the courtroom rather than filed electronically.
Trial exhibits are received in the courtroom.
Page 3 | HEARINGS
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Ex parte filing deadline is 10:00 a.m. on the court day prior to the hearing.
The moving party must e-file all documents by 10:00 a.m. on the court day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | HEARINGS - Ex Parte Applications
Ex parte documents must be e-filed by 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing.
The moving party must e-file all documents by 10:00 a.m. on the court day prior to the hearing.
Page 1 | HEARINGS - Ex Parte Applications
Case Management Conference statements must be filed no later than 15 calendar days before the conference.
Case Management Conference statements are required no later than 15 calendar days prior to the conference pursuant to rule 3.725 of the California Rules of Court.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Case Management Conferences
IDC statements must be filed and served at least 3 court days before the scheduled IDC.
at least three (3) court days before the scheduled IDC.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Discovery Motions
Case Management Conference statements must be filed no later than 15 calendar days prior to the conference.
Case Management Conference statements are required no later than 15 calendar days prior to the conference pursuant to rule 3.725 of the California Rules of Court.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Case Management Conferences
IDC statements must be filed and served at least three court days before the scheduled IDC.
Each party involved in a discovery dispute to be addressed in an IDC shall file and serve an IDC statement of no more than (5) pages at least three (3) court days before the scheduled IDC.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Discovery Motions
lacourt.org by 4:30 p.m. on the day before the scheduled law and motion hearing.
lacourt.org by 4:30 p.m. on the day before the scheduled law and motion hearing.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Law and Motion
Trial documents must be e-filed 5 days prior to the Final Status Conference.
Trial documents due 5 days prior to FSC via e-filing.
Page 3 | MISCELLANEOUS
Trial documents must be e-filed 5 days before the Final Status Conference.
Trial documents due 5 days prior to FSC via e-filing.
Page 3 | HEARINGS
Fee-waiver requests for court reporting services must be filed at least 10 calendar days before the hearing or trial.
The Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with a Fee Waiver should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested.
Page 3 | MISCELLANEOUS
In trials without a court reporter or electronic recording, a joint daily summary of testimony must be submitted to the Court by 4:00 p.m. of the next court day.
Daily Summaries: For trials in which there is no court reporter or electronic recording, Department S25 requires that a joint daily summary of testimony must be completed and submitted to the Court by 4:00 p.m. of the next court day, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Page 3 | MISCELLANEOUS
Motions in limine must be filed 5 days prior to the Final Status Conference hearing date.
All motions in limine must be filed 5 days prior to the Final Status Conference hearing date.
Page 4 | HEARINGS - Motions in Limine
Required FSC documents must be submitted 5 court days prior to the Final Status Conference.
parties must meet and confer and submit to Dept. S25 the following documents 5 court days prior to the Final Status Conference hearing date:
Page 4 | HEARINGS - Final Status Conference Documents
Parties must meet and confer and submit joint trial documents to Department S25 five court days before the Final Status Conference.
Pursuant to Local Rule 3.25(f), parties must meet and confer and submit to Dept. S25 the following documents 5 court days prior to the Final Status Conference hearing date:
Page 4 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Motions in limine must be filed 5 days before the Final Status Conference, with oppositions and replies timely filed before the hearing; late motions in limine will not be considered absent good cause.
Motions in Limine: All motions in limine must be filed 5 days prior to the Final Status Conference hearing date. Any opposition and reply must be timely filed prior to the hearing date. A motion in limine filed after the cut-off date will not be considered unless there is good cause shown.
Page 4 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Joint daily summaries of testimony must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the next court day.
Department S25 requires that a joint daily summary of testimony must be completed and submitted to the Court by 4:00 p.m. of the next court day, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Page 7 | MISCELLANEOUS - Daily Summaries
In trials without a court reporter or electronic recording, a joint daily summary of testimony must be submitted to the Court by 4:00 p.m. of the next court day unless otherwise directed.
For trials in which there is no court reporter or electronic recording, Department S25 requires that a joint daily summary of testimony must be completed and submitted to the Court by 4:00 p.m. of the next court day, unless otherwise directed by the Court.
Page 7 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Depositions should be lodged with the clerk before the start of trial.
Depositions should be lodged with the clerk prior to the start of trial.
Page 7 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Depositions should be lodged with the clerk before the start of trial.
Depositions should be lodged with the clerk prior to the start of trial.
Page 7 | HEARINGS - Depositions
Fee waiver court reporter requests should be filed at least 10 calendar days before the hearing or trial.
The Request for Court Reporting Services by a Party with a Fee Waiver should be filed at least ten calendar days before the hearing or trial for which the reporter is requested.
Page 7 | MISCELLANEOUS - Court Reporters
Service and Proof of Service Rules
When all parties submit on the tentative ruling, it becomes the order of the Court and the prevailing party must give notice of the ruling.
Upon receiving such notice from all parties to a motion, the tentative ruling will become the order of the Court and the prevailing party shall give notice of the ruling.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Law and Motion
Filing Fees and Waivers
Jury fees must be paid in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure Section 631.
Jury fees must be paid in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure Section 631.
Page 7 | HEARINGS - Jury Fees
Jury fees must be paid in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure Section 631.
Jury fees must be paid in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure Section 631.
Page 7 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Three tabbed sets of Exhibits Books must be delivered to Dept. S25.
Please provide 3 sets of Exhibits Books, tabbed and indexed, and delivered to Dept. S25. (One set for the clerk, one set for the judge, and one set for the witness box).
Page 6 | HEARINGS - Exhibits Books
Exhibits Books: Please provide 3 sets of Exhibits Books, tabbed and indexed, and delivered to Dept. S25. (One set for the clerk, one set for the judge, and one set for the witness box).
Exhibits Books: Please provide 3 sets of Exhibits Books, tabbed and indexed, and delivered to Dept. S25. (One set for the clerk, one set for the judge, and one set for the witness box).
Page 6 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Courtesy copies are not required.
Courtesy copies are not required.
Page 3 | MISCELLANEOUS
Courtesy copies are not required in Department S25.
Courtesy copies are not required.
Page 3 | HEARINGS
Filing Bundling Requirements
Parties should make efforts to schedule multiple filed motions on the same hearing date.
If multiple motions are filed, please make efforts to schedule them on the same date.
Page 1 | HEARINGS - Law and Motion
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
All parties must meet and confer before filing any motion in limine per Local Rule 3.57.
Local Rule 3.57 requires all parties to meet and confer before filing any motion in limine.
Page 4 | HEARINGS - Motions in Limine
All parties must meet and confer before filing any motion in limine, per Local Rule 3.57.
Local Rule 3.57 requires all parties to meet and confer before filing any motion in limine.
Page 4 | Final Status Conferences, Jury and Court Trials
Trial counsel should meet and confer before filing a discovery motion.
Before filing a discovery motion, trial counsel should meet and confer in person, by phone, or by videoconference to resolve, or at least narrow the dispute.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Discovery Motions
Before filing a discovery motion, counsel should meet and confer by any means, and the Court will participate in an informal discovery conference (IDC) upon request of all counsel.
Before filing a discovery motion, trial counsel should meet and confer in person, by phone, or by videoconference to resolve, or at least narrow the dispute. The Court is amenable to participating in informal discovery conferences (IDC) upon request of all counsel.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Discovery Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Law and motion matters may be continued via CRS, stipulation and order, or ex parte application; telephone continuances are prohibited.
Continuances/ Off Calendar: Law and motion matters may be continued by the CRS system, by Stipulation and Order, or by Ex Parte Application. Telephone continuances are not permitted. Matters may be taken off- calendar by directly contacting the courtroom.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Continuances/ Off Calendar
Law and motion continuances may be obtained via the CRS system, Stipulation and Order, or Ex Parte Application; telephone continuances are not permitted.
Law and motion matters may be continued by the CRS system, by Stipulation and Order, or by Ex Parte Application. Telephone continuances are not permitted.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Law and Motion (Continuances/Off Calendar)
Chambers Communication Rules
All counsel and self-represented parties that intend to submit on the tentative ruling and do not wish oral argument, should advise the Court's clerk.
All counsel and self-represented parties that intend to submit on the tentative ruling and do not wish oral argument, should advise the Court's clerk.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Law and Motion
The courtroom telephone number is (562) 256-2217 and the courtroom is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Courtroom Telephone Number: (562) 256-2217 Courtroom Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Courtroom Telephone Number: (562) 256-2217
Courtroom Telephone Number: (562) 256-2217
Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION
Matters may be taken off-calendar by directly contacting the courtroom.
Matters may be taken off-calendar by directly contacting the courtroom.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Law and Motion (Continuances/Off Calendar)
Call the courtroom to schedule an informal discovery conference (IDC).
Please call the courtroom if you wish to schedule an IDC.
Page 2 | HEARINGS - Discovery Motions