Judge Rupert A. Byrdsong
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- Hand Delivery
Exhibits
- 5 copies
Joint Statement of Discovery in Dispute
- 1 copy • Hand Delivery • Three Court Days Before Conference
Page & Word Limits2 rules
A joint statement of discovery in dispute (no more than five pages) may be filed and a courtesy copy delivered to the courtroom three court days before the Informal Discovery Conference.
- Joint statement of discovery in dispute
- Up to 5 pages
Except in extraordinary cases, trial briefs should not exceed fifteen pages in length.
- Trial brief
- Up to 15 pages
Document Format Requirements3 rules
All document exhibits MUST be placed in three ring binders, under number tabs, and each page of the Exhibit must be numbered within each tab. (i.e. Exhibit 1 page 1, Exhibit 1/3, or 1.1, etc.)
- Binding
- Tabbed three-ring binder
- Exhibits
The verdict form shall be adapted to CACI with proper spacing. (LACCR 3.172, 3.25(i)(8).)
- Verdict form
Formatting
- •Adapted to CACI with proper spacing
separation of the identification of the instruction from the text of the instruction, to be submitted to the jury for reference during deliberation.
Document Filing Requirements19 rules
All ex parte applications require a proposed order, which shall be submitted separate from the ex parte application.
- Document
- Ex parte application
Must include
- •Proposed order
All trial documents must be filed pursuant to the Final Status Conference Order (except for exhibits).
Said stipulation and order shall state the date the complaint was filed, the proposed continuance date, grounds showing good cause for the continuance, and be submitted with payment of $20.00 stipulation and order fee and first appearance fee of all parties to the stipulation.
The exhibit list must be included in the binders.
- Document
- Exhibits
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Once an agreement is reached, the parties are directed to file a Stipulation and Order with the court.
Trial briefs are mandatory in all cases and must include the eight specified content items covering claims, stipulated facts, admissions, contested issues, authorities, evidentiary issues, and relief/damages breakdown.
- Document
- Trial brief
Must include
- •Legal argument
- •Statement of facts
Court's wording
Trial briefs are mandatory in all cases and must include: 1. A brief description of the claims and defenses presented and the issues to be decided. 2. Statement of ultimate facts or issues to which you will stipulate. 3. Those facts established by admissions in pleadings; admissions by discovery and/or stipulation of counsel. 4. All contested issues of fact. 5. All contested issues of law, together with points and authorities supporting the position of counsel. 6. A list of major evidentiary issues anticipated and any relevant points and authorities in support of a position of counsel. 7. A detailed statement of the relief claimed including a breakdown of the elements of damages claimed. 8. Any other information that will assist the court.
Each motion in limine for the purpose of precluding the mention or display of inadmissible and prejudicial matter in the presence of the jury shall be accompanied by a declaration in compliance with the requirements of Rule 3.57(a) of the LACCR.
The Court requires motion in limine binders submitted on the date of the Final Status Conference.
Any party objecting to any listed exhibit, either as to foundation or admissibility, must file the objection in writing together with a brief statement of the ground for objection. Any objections not so stated as per the foregoing shall be deemed waived except upon a showing of good cause.
Jury instructions shall be submitted as follows: (Note: Jury instructions not submitted in this format will be returned.) A jointly submitted packet of all requested and properly and fully edited CACI jury instructions to which there is no objection. (LACCR, Rule 8.25)
Counsel must jointly prepare and exchange a complete Exhibit List including each document and item of physical evidence. Do not attach the exhibits to the list. Do not include depositions, declarations, motions, interrogatories, responses, or pleadings as exhibits. All items on the Exhibit List must be exchanged and/or reviewed by counsel prior to the Final Status Conference.
Requested jury instructions must be in proper form: party identification at the top, whether given as requested or modified, whether withdrawn, and a signature line for the court.
Court's wording
All requested instructions must be submitted in the proper form, which includes: a) At the top of each requested jury instruction, identification of the party/parties requesting instruction; b) Whether the instruction to be given as requested or as modified; c) Whether the instruction is withdrawn; and d) A signature line for the court.
A general verdict form and, if requested, a special verdict form shall be jointly prepared in draft or final form.
In unlimited civil proceedings, parties who have received a fee waiver pursuant to California Rules of Court rule 3.55(7) may request an official court reporter pursuant to California Rules of Court rule 2.956(b)(3) prior to the hearing or trial on court form LACIV269.
Jointly prepare a short, non-argumentative written statement of the case to be read to the jury.
Each motion must be numbered sequentially (Plaintiff's Motion in Limine No., 1, Defendant's Motion in Limine No.1).
A copy of the exhibit list shall be provided to each counsel, the court, and the clerk of the court. Counsel shall comply with LACCR, Rules 3.52, 3.151, 3.53, 3.149, 3.150, and 3.152.
The jointly prepared witness list must include each witness' name, a brief description of the testimony, a time estimate on direct and cross, any potential scheduling problems, and whether he/she will be assisted by an interpreter.
Each counsel may submit specially requested, properly edited instructions not requested by opposing counsel, inserted into the joint packet for the court's consideration during trial.
Court's wording
Each counsel may submit specifically requested and properly edited instructions not requested by any opposing counsel. These instructions shall be inserted into the aforementioned packet of the jointly submitted jury instructions, all to be considered and discussed by the court at an appropriate time during the pendency of the trial.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory Electronic Filing requirements and papers should be filed at the filing window on the first floor, Room 102.
Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory Electronic Filing requirements and papers should be filed at the filing window on the first floor, Room 102.
Page 1 | FILINGS
Represented litigants must electronically file all documents in limited and unlimited non-complex civil matters through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider.
The Los Angeles County Superior Court has implemented electronic filing of all documents filed in the Limited and Unlimited Non-Complex Civil matters by litigants represented by attorneys pursuant to the operative General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b), represented litigants are required to electronically file documents with the Court through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider.
Page 1 | FILINGS
Final Status Conference documents must be prepared, served, and filed electronically at least five days before the conference.
The following documents shall be prepared, served, and filed electronically at least five days before the Final Status Conference.
Page 4 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Represented litigants must e-file ex parte applications and supporting documents no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing.
Represented litigants: All ex parte applications and documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the ex parte hearing.
Page 1 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
Self-represented litigants must submit ex parte applications no later than 8:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing.
Self-Represented Litigants: Ex Parte applications must be submitted no later 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing.
Page 1 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS
If the case settles before the Final Status Conference, no appearance is required only if a Request for Dismissal or Notice of Settlement is filed directly with the court at least two court days before the conference.
If the action is settled or otherwise resolved before the Final Status Conference, no appearance will be necessary as long as a Request for Dismissal of the entire action or Notice of Settlement under CRC, rule 3.1385 has been filed directly with this court at least two court days before the scheduled Final Status Conference.
Page 4 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
Final Status Conference documents must be filed at least five days before the conference.
The following documents shall be prepared, served, and filed electronically at least five days before the Final Status Conference.
Page 4 | FINAL STATUS CONFERENCE ORDER
Exhibits need not be lodged before the first day of trial, except as necessary for in limine determinations.
Exhibits need not be lodged prior to the first day of trial, except as necessary for any in limine determinations.
Page 6 | EXHIBIT LIST
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Oppositions to motions in limine must be in writing and served at least five court days before the Final Status Conference.
Any opposition to any motion in limine must be in writing and served on opposing party or counsel at least five court days before the Final Status Conference.
Page 5 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Motions in limine must be in writing and served on opposing party or counsel at least ten court days before the Final Status Conference.
All motions in limine must be in writing and shall be served on opposing party or counsel at least ten court days before the Final Status Conference date.
Page 5 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Filing Fees and Waivers
A $20.00 stipulation and order fee plus the first appearance fee of all parties must accompany a continuance stipulation and order.
Said stipulation and order shall state the date the complaint was filed, the proposed continuance date, grounds showing good cause for the continuance, and be submitted with payment of $20.00 stipulation and order fee and first appearance fee of all parties to the stipulation.
Page 2 | CONTINUANCES
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of filed documents must be delivered directly to the courtroom.
Please deliver courtesy copies directly to the courtroom pursuant to the General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing.
Page 1 | FILINGS
A joint statement of discovery in dispute (no more than five pages) may be filed and a courtesy copy delivered to the courtroom three court days before the Informal Discovery Conference.
A joint statement of discovery in dispute (no more than five pages) may be filed and a courtesy copy delivered to the courtroom three court days before the Informal Discovery Conference.
Page 2 | INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES
Exhibits must be brought to court on the first day of trial, with five exhibit books provided for the court, the clerk, the witness stand, and both counsel.
Exhibits must be brought to court on the first day of trial. Five exhibit books must be provided for: the court, the clerk, the witness stand, plaintiff’s and defendant’s counsel.
Page 3 | EXHIBITS
Filing Bundling Requirements
In limine motions must be submitted in discrete packets — a separate packet per motion including moving, opposition, and reply papers.
In limine motions shall be submitted in discrete packets (i.e., a separate packet for each motion) including the moving, opposition, and reply papers.
Page 5 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
An Informal Discovery Conference is required before filing any discovery motion and must be scheduled by the moving party through the Court Reservation System.
An Informal Discovery Conference is required prior to filing ANY discovery motion. Informal Discovery Conferences are held Monday-Thursday at 9:00 a.m. Moving party shall schedule an Informal Discovery Conference by making a reservation through the Court Reservation System.
Page 2 | INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES
All motions in Department 318 must be reserved through the Court Reservation System; motions are heard Monday–Friday at 8:30 a.m. and no written tentative ruling is issued.
All motions to be heard in Department 318 are to be reserved through the Court Reservation System. Follow the links Online Services – Court Reservation System (CRS) on the court's website. Motions are heard Monday- Friday and are set for hearing at 8:30 a.m. The Court does not issue a written tentative ruling.
Page 2 | MOTIONS
Failure to exchange or discuss a motion in limine may result in the court refusing to hear the motion.
Any failure by any party or counsel to exchange or discuss any motion in limine may result in the refusal of the court to hear any such motion in limine pursuant to applicable court rules.
Page 5 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Counsel must meet and confer on all motions in limine, and boilerplate or form motions in limine are disfavored.
Boilerplate or form motions in limine are disfavored. Counsel shall meet and confer on all motions in limine.
Page 5 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Trial date changes may only be requested by ex parte application or noticed motion.
Any request to change trial dates must be made by ex parte application or by noticed motion.
Page 1 | CONTINUANCES
Chambers Communication Rules
Counsel must contact the courtroom within three days to confirm the Informal Discovery Conference is changed from reserved to scheduled.
Counsel are directed to contact the courtroom within three (3) days to ensure that the IDC is changed from reserved to scheduled.
Page 2 | INFORMAL DISCOVERY CONFERENCES