Judge Andrew G. Schopler
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
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Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits1 rule
The parties are welcome to submit letters in support of their sentencing recommendations, but each party is limited to no more than five such letters.
Document Format Requirements2 rules
In addition to filing these documents, the parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of them.
- File type
- Word
Formatting
- •Microsoft Word or similar digital version
In addition to filing these documents, the parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of them.
Document Filing Requirements59 rules
The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction.
The moving party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
The proposed order must itemize all equipment along with the proposed dates for use in court.
That certification must include the date of the meet-and-confer conference as well as the type of meeting (in person, videoconference, or other court-approved type).
The parties must meet and confer on a joint statement of undisputed facts. By the deadline for the reply brief, the parties must file that joint statement.
The final pretrial order must include proposed verdict forms and voir dire questions and identify any portions that are not unanimously proposed.
Court's wording
In addition to any other requirements, see CivLR 16.1(f)(6), the final pretrial order must include proposed verdict forms and voir dire questions. The parties must specify which portions of the final pretrial order, if any, are not unanimously proposed.
Speedy Trial Act/“Ends of Justice”: Any party seeking to exclude time under the Speedy Trial Act based on the “ends of justice” must file a motion setting forth the specific facts justifying that exclusion based on the required factors. See 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(B).
Certificate of Compliance: The filing party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied. That certification must include the date of
All parties must submit proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions, and the government must specify which, if any, instructions, forms, and questions are jointly proposed. If the defense requests nothing beyond the joint submissions, the defense need not file anything.
Speedy Trial Act exclusions require specific factual justification.
- Document
- Motion to exclude time
Must include
- •Specific facts justifying exclusion
Court's wording
Any party seeking to exclude time under the Speedy Trial Act based on the “ends of justice” must file a motion setting forth the specific facts justifying that exclusion based on the required factors. See 18 U.S.C. § 3161(h)(7)(B).
The filing party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied.
- Document
- Pretrial filings subject to meet and confer
- Placement
- Certificate section
A sealing motion must provide table-form, particularized grounds for each redaction and cannot rely on generalized privilege assertions.
Court's wording
The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction. Motions that merely recite a general privilege category, or that do not provide a particularized explanation for every piece of information sought to be sealed, will be summarily denied.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so. The proposed order must itemize all equipment along with the proposed dates for use in court.
- Document
- Request to use electronic or audio visual equipment
Must include
- •Proposed order
The parties must submit their peremptory strikes simultaneously in writing, in double-blind fashion.
- Document
- Peremptory strikes
Must include
- •Simultaneously in writing, in double-blind fashion
Parties must submit proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions, with a limited defense exception when only joint submissions are requested.
Court's wording
All parties must submit proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions, and the government must specify which, if any, instructions, forms, and questions are jointly proposed. If the defense requests nothing beyond the joint submissions, the defense need not file anything.
Any party seeking to exclude time under the Speedy Trial Act based on the “ends of justice” must file a motion setting forth the specific facts justifying that exclusion based on the required factors.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Specific facts justifying exclusion
When approved equipment is brought into the courthouse, the signed order must be presented to security personnel.
The proposed order must itemize all equipment along with the proposed dates for use in court.
The filing party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction.
All parties must submit proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions, and the government must specify which, if any, instructions, forms, and questions are jointly proposed.
Motions that merely recite a general privilege category, or that do not provide a particularized explanation for every piece of information sought to be sealed, will be summarily denied.
The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction.
The proposed order must itemize all equipment along with the proposed dates for use in court.
The Court may grant a joint dismissal motion retaining jurisdiction if it includes the fully executed magistrate-judge consent and the required language in both the motion and proposed order.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
But the Court may grant a joint motion to dismiss that contains a jurisdiction-retaining provision if: (i) it is accompanied by a fully executed Consent to Exercise of Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge covering all disputes arising out of the settlement agreement; and (ii) the joint motion and proposed order include this language: “The Magistrate Judge shall retain jurisdiction over all disputes between and among the parties arising out of the settlement agreement, including but not limited to the interpretation and enforcement of that agreement’s terms.”
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
The moving party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied.
That certification must include the date of the meet-and-confer conference as well as the type of meeting (in person, videoconference, or other court-approved type).
Any foreign-language exhibits must be accompanied by a translation and either: (a) a stipulation that the parties agree to the translation; or (b) a declaration that the exhibit was translated by a court-approved translator.
The parties must specify which portions of the final pretrial order, if any, are not unanimously proposed.
In addition to any other requirements, see CivLR 16.1(f)(6), the final pretrial order must include proposed verdict forms and voir dire questions.
Any foreign-language exhibits must be accompanied by a translation.
- Document
- Foreign language exhibit
Must include
- •Translation
Motions that merely recite a general privilege category, or that do not provide a particularized explanation for every piece of information sought to be sealed, will be summarily denied.
It is the sole responsibility of the party presenting foreign-language testimony to arrange for an interpreter.
Transcripts/exhibits must be provided to opposing party before court appearance.
Court's wording
A party relying on a transcript or an audio/visual exhibit for court must provide the transcript or exhibit to the other side sufficiently before the relevant court appearance to allow the parties to meet and confer on any possible redactions or portions to be shown or heard.
The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction.
Jurisdiction retention allowed with specific consent and language.
- Document
- Settlement
Must include
- •Consent to jurisdiction
Court's wording
But the Court may grant a joint motion to dismiss that contains a jurisdiction-retaining provision if: (i) it is accompanied by a fully executed Consent to Exercise of Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge covering all disputes arising out of the settlement agreement; and (ii) the joint motion and proposed order include this language: “The Magistrate Judge shall retain jurisdiction over all disputes between and among the parties arising out of the settlement agreement, including but not limited to the interpretation and enforcement of that agreement’s terms.”
The proposed order must itemize all equipment along with the proposed dates for use in court.
- Document
- Electronic equipment request
Must include
- •Proposed order
If a case settles, the parties must immediately notify this Court and the assigned Magistrate Judge.
The moving party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
- Document
- Electronic equipment request
Must include
- •Proposed order
When approved equipment is brought into the courthouse, the signed order must be presented to security personnel.
- Document
- Electronic equipment request
Must include
- •Signed order
In addition to any other requirements, see CivLR 16.1(f)(6), the final pretrial order must include proposed verdict forms and voir dire questions.
The parties must specify which portions of the final pretrial order, if any, are not unanimously proposed.
Speaking objections are prohibited. Unless the Court invites further explanation, counsel will limit all objections to their legal basis, such as, “Objection, hearsay.”
Include
- •Objection, hearsay
The parties must submit their peremptory strikes simultaneously in writing, in double-blind fashion.
- Document
- Peremptory strikes
Must include
- •Simultaneously in writing, in double-blind fashion
The Court typically will not retain jurisdiction after settlement, but may do so on a joint motion accompanied by the specified executed consent and containing the required language in both the motion and proposed order.
- Document
- Joint motion to dismiss
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
Typically, the Court will not retain jurisdiction of a settled case. But the Court may grant a joint motion to dismiss that contains a jurisdiction-retaining provision if: (i) it is accompanied by a fully executed Consent to Exercise of Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge covering all disputes arising out of the settlement agreement; and (ii) the joint motion and proposed order include this language: “The Magistrate Judge shall retain jurisdiction over all disputes between and among the parties arising out of the settlement agreement, including but not limited to the interpretation and enforcement of that agreement’s terms.”
When approved equipment is brought into the courthouse, the signed order must be presented to security personnel.
The parties may not file separate statements of disputed or undisputed facts—nor make any arguments in the joint statement—without leave of Court.
The proposed order must itemize all equipment along with the proposed dates for use in court. When approved equipment is brought into the courthouse, the signed order must be presented to security personnel.
The parties are welcome to submit letters in support of their sentencing recommendations, but each party is limited to no more than five such letters. Additional letters may be submitted to the Probation Office, so that they may be summarized in the presentence report. Or the parties may summarize such additional letters in their sentencing memoranda.
When approved equipment is brought into the courthouse, the signed order must be presented to security personnel.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
* Notices and evidence disclosures include notice under Federal Rules of Evidence 404(b) and 609(b), expert reports, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.1 alibi-defense demands, and the like.
If the defense requests nothing beyond the joint submissions, the defense need not file anything.
Typically, the Court will not retain jurisdiction of a settled case.
Typically, the Court will not retain jurisdiction of a settled case.
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
The proposed order seeking leave to use courtroom equipment must be lodged at least seven days before the relevant court appearance.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
Civil cases
Page 2 | General Rules
Notices and evidence disclosures (including FRE 404(b)/609(b) notices, expert reports, and FRCrP 12.1 alibi-defense demands) are due 35 days before the motions in limine hearing, unless otherwise ordered.
35 days before MIL hearing Notices* Evidence disclosures* * Notices and evidence disclosures include notice under Federal Rules of Evidence 404(b) and 609(b), expert reports, Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 12.1 alibi-defense demands, and the like.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Motions in limine are due 21 days before the motions in limine hearing, unless otherwise ordered.
21 days before MIL hearing Motions in limine
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Trial briefs, proposed verdict forms, proposed jury instructions, and proposed voir dire questions are due 4 days before the motions in limine hearing, unless otherwise ordered.
4 days before MIL hearing Trial brief Verdict forms (proposed) Jury instructions (proposed) Voir dire questions (proposed)
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Responses to motions in limine are due 7 days before the motions in limine hearing, unless otherwise ordered.
7 days before MIL hearing Responses to motions in limine
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Notices and evidence disclosures are due 35 days before the motions-in-limine hearing.
35 days before MIL hearing Notices* See note (*) below Evidence disclosures*
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Trial briefs and proposed verdict forms, jury instructions, and voir dire questions are due four days before the motions-in-limine hearing.
4 days before MIL hearing Trial brief CrimCR 6, 8 & 9 Verdict forms (proposed) Jury instructions (proposed) Voir dire questions (proposed)
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Motions in limine are due 21 days before the motions-in-limine hearing.
21 days before MIL hearing Motions in limine CrimCR 6 & 7
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Responses to motions in limine are due seven days before the motions-in-limine hearing.
7 days before MIL hearing Responses to motions in limine
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
A party wishing to use electronic or A/V equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave at least seven days before the court appearance.
At least seven days before the relevant court appearance, a party who wishes to use any electronic or audio/visual equipment in court must lodge a proposed order seeking leave to do so.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
The listed filing and disclosure deadlines apply to all trials unless the court orders otherwise.
Unless otherwise ordered, the following deadlines apply for all trials.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Service and Proof of Service Rules
A party relying on a transcript or audio/visual exhibit must provide it to the other side sufficiently before the appearance to allow discussion of possible redactions or portions to be shown or heard.
A party relying on a transcript or an audio/visual exhibit for court must provide the transcript or exhibit to the other side sufficiently before the relevant court appearance to allow the parties to meet and confer on any possible redactions or portions to be shown or heard.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
A party relying on a transcript or audio/visual exhibit must provide it to the other side sufficiently before the appearance to allow discussion of possible redactions or portions to be shown or heard.
A party relying on a transcript or an audio/visual exhibit for court must provide the transcript or exhibit to the other side sufficiently before the relevant court appearance to allow the parties to meet and confer on any possible redactions or portions to be shown or heard.
Civil cases
Page 1 | General Rules
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
When a sealing motion seeks redactions from the public record, the provisionally sealed materials must be marked for redaction under Civil Chambers Rule 2.
If a motion to seal seeks to redact portions of materials from the public record, the provisionally sealed version of those materials must be marked for redaction in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 2 (Redactions).
Civil cases
Page 1 | General Rules
Before filing a motion to seal, parties must meet and confer on the narrowest sealing order, mark provisionally sealed redactions per Rule 2, and explain in table format the particularized grounds for each redaction, or the motion will be summarily denied.
Motions to Seal: Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order, in accordance with Criminal Chambers Rule 6 (Meet-and-Confer Requirement). If a motion to seal seeks to redact portions of materials from the public record, the provisionally sealed version of those materials must be marked for redaction in accordance with Criminal Chambers Rule 2 (Redactions). The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction. Motions that merely recite a general privilege category, or that do not provide a particularized explanation for every piece of information sought to be sealed, will be summarily denied.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
When a sealing motion seeks to redact public-record materials, the provisionally sealed version must be marked for redaction under Criminal Chambers Rule 2.
If a motion to seal seeks to redact portions of materials from the public record, the provisionally sealed version of those materials must be marked for redaction in accordance with Criminal Chambers Rule 2 (Redactions).
Criminal cases
Page 2 | GENERAL RULES
A sealing motion that only cites a general privilege category or lacks a particularized explanation for each item sought to be sealed will be summarily denied.
Motions that merely recite a general privilege category, or that do not provide a particularized explanation for every piece of information sought to be sealed, will be summarily denied.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | GENERAL RULES
When a sealing motion seeks redaction from the public record, the provisionally sealed materials must be marked for redaction under Civil Chambers Rule 2.
If a motion to seal seeks to redact portions of materials from the public record, the provisionally sealed version of those materials must be marked for redaction in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 2 (Redactions).
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Materials submitted with a sealing motion must be marked for redaction in the provisionally sealed version.
If a motion to seal seeks to redact portions of materials from the public record, the provisionally sealed version of those materials must be marked for redaction in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 2 (Redactions).
Civil cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Sealing motions must provide particularized explanations for each redaction.
Motions that merely recite a general privilege category, or that do not provide a particularized explanation for every piece of information sought to be sealed, will be summarily denied.
Civil cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Proposed redactions must be marked if disputes remain after meet-and-confer.
After that meet-and-confer process, if any disputes remain, a party seeking a court ruling on any transcript disputes must mark the proposed redactions using these or similar methods:
Civil cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Grounds for sealing must be explained in table format.
The parties must explain in a table format the grounds on which they seek to seal each redaction.
Civil cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Redacted materials must be marked for sealing motions.
If a motion to seal seeks to redact portions of materials from the public record, the provisionally sealed version of those materials must be marked for redaction in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 2 (Redactions).
Civil cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Parties relying on transcripts or A/V exhibits must provide them to the other side well before the court appearance to meet and confer on redactions, and any disputed redactions must be marked using the specified methods when seeking a court ruling.
Redactions: A party relying on a transcript or an audio/visual exhibit for court must provide the transcript or exhibit to the other side sufficiently before the relevant court appearance to allow the parties to meet and confer on any possible redactions or portions to be shown or heard. After that meet-and-confer process, if any disputes remain, a party seeking a court ruling on any transcript disputes must mark the proposed redactions using these or similar methods:
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order.
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order, in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 5 (Meet-and- Confer Requirement).
Civil cases
Page 1 | General Rules
The Court will deny a motion if the moving party fails to comply with the meet-and-confer rule.
If the moving party fails to comply with this rule, the Court will deny the motion.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Pretrial Rules — Meet-and-Confer Requirement
The required meet-and-confer must occur in person or by videoconference, not by telephone, email, or written correspondence unless the Court grants leave.
That meeting must be conducted face to face—that is, in person or by videoconference. This requirement cannot be satisfied by telephone, email, or written correspondence, unless the Court grants leave.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Pretrial Rules — Meet-and-Confer Requirement
Before filing a motion, counsel generally must meet and confer to resolve disputed issues.
In general, before filing any motion counsel must meet and confer to resolve the disputed issues.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Pretrial Rules — Meet-and-Confer Requirement
Parties must discuss proposed trial transcript or exhibit redactions and excerpts during meet and confer; unresolved disputes must be submitted for resolution by motion in limine.
If a party wishes for a transcript or exhibit to be redacted or excerpted for trial, that issue must be discussed during the meet-and-confer process. After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on a proposed redaction to a transcript or exhibit—or on the portions to be shown or heard—all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
If the parties cannot agree after meeting and conferring about using an exhibit in opening statement, all sides must seek court resolution by motion in limine.
After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on the use of an exhibit in opening statement, all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
Before filing motions in limine, trial briefs, proposed verdict forms, proposed jury instructions, or proposed voir dire questions, counsel must meet and confer face to face (in person or by videoconference); phone, email, or written correspondence does not satisfy the requirement absent court leave.
Conference of Counsel: Counsel must meet and confer to resolve any disputed issues before filing any of the following: pretrial motions in limine, trial briefs, proposed verdict forms, proposed jury instructions, or proposed voir dire questions. That meeting must be conducted face to face—that is, in person or by videoconference. This requirement cannot be satisfied by telephone, email, or written correspondence, unless the Court grants leave.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Disputes over exhibits in opening statements must be resolved through a motion in limine after meet-and-confer.
After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on the use of an exhibit in opening statement, all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
Redaction/excerpt issues for trial must be discussed during meet-and-confer; unresolved disputes must be resolved through a motion in limine.
If a party wishes for a transcript or exhibit to be redacted or excerpted for trial, that issue must be discussed during the meet-and-confer process. After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on a proposed redaction to a transcript or exhibit—or on the portions to be shown or heard—all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
Parties must discuss the meet-and-confer conference and the type of meeting (in person, videoconference, or other court-approved type).
the meet-and-confer conference as well as the type of meeting (in person, videoconference, or other court-approved type).
Criminal cases
Page 3
Parties must meet and confer before filing a sealing motion and seek the narrowest possible sealing order.
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order, in accordance with Criminal Chambers Rule 6 (Meet- and-Confer Requirement).
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Before filing specified pretrial submissions, counsel must conduct a face-to-face meet-and-confer, and phone/email/written exchanges are insufficient absent leave of court.
Counsel must meet and confer to resolve any disputed issues before filing any of the following: pretrial motions in limine, trial briefs, proposed verdict forms, proposed jury instructions, or proposed voir dire questions. That meeting must be conducted face to face—that is, in person or by videoconference. This requirement cannot be satisfied by telephone, email, or written correspondence, unless the Court grants leave.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order.
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order, in accordance with Criminal Chambers Rule 6 (Meet- and-Confer Requirement).
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Telephone, email, and written correspondence do not satisfy the meet-and-confer requirement unless the court grants leave.
This requirement cannot be satisfied by telephone, email, or written correspondence, unless the Court grants leave.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Before filing the listed pretrial and trial documents, counsel must meet and confer to resolve disputed issues.
Counsel must meet and confer to resolve any disputed issues before filing any of the following: pretrial motions in limine, trial briefs, proposed verdict forms, proposed jury instructions, or proposed voir dire questions.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
The required meet-and-confer must take place in person or by videoconference.
That meeting must be conducted face to face—that is, in person or by videoconference.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Discuss proposed transcript or exhibit redactions and excerpts during meet-and-confer; if the parties cannot agree, all sides must seek resolution by motion in limine.
If a party wishes for a transcript or exhibit to be redacted or excerpted for trial, that issue must be discussed during the meet-and-confer process. After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on a proposed redaction to a transcript or exhibit—or on the portions to be shown or heard—all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Criminal cases
If the parties cannot agree after meet-and-confer about using an exhibit in opening statement, all sides must seek court resolution through a motion in limine.
After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on the use of an exhibit in opening statement, all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Criminal cases
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order.
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order, in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 5 (Meet-and- Confer Requirement).
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
The Court will deny a motion if the moving party fails to comply with the meet-and-confer rule.
If the moving party fails to comply with this rule, the Court will deny the motion.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 5. Meet-and-Confer Requirement
Before filing a motion, counsel generally must meet and confer to resolve the disputed issues.
In general, before filing any motion counsel must meet and confer to resolve the disputed issues.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 5. Meet-and-Confer Requirement
The required meet-and-confer must occur in person or by videoconference.
That meeting must be conducted face to face—that is, in person or by videoconference.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 5. Meet-and-Confer Requirement
Telephone, email, or written correspondence cannot satisfy the meet-and-confer requirement unless the Court grants leave.
This requirement cannot be satisfied by telephone, email, or written correspondence, unless the Court grants leave.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 5. Meet-and-Confer Requirement
Meet-and-confer required before filing sealing motions.
Before filing a sealing motion, the parties must meet and confer to agree on the narrowest possible sealing order, in accordance with Civil Chambers Rule 5 (Meet-and- Confer Requirement).
Civil cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Failure to comply with meet-and-confer results in denial.
If the moving party fails to comply with this rule, the Court will deny the motion.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Meet-and-confer required before filing most motions.
In general, before filing any motion counsel must meet and confer to resolve the disputed issues.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Certification must include date and type of meet-and-confer.
That certification must include the date of the meet-and-confer conference as well as the type of meeting (in person, videoconference, or other court-approved type).
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Nonmoving party refusal may result in attorney fee sanctions.
If counsel for the nonmoving party refuses to meet and confer as required by this rule, the Court may order payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Counsel must meet and confer before filing motions, subject to listed exceptions.
In general, before filing any motion counsel must meet and confer to resolve the disputed issues.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Exceptions to meet-and-confer requirement listed.
The only motions excepted from this rule are: (i) applications for temporary restraining orders, (ii) joint motions, (iii) ex parte applications, (iv) motions involving a pro se plaintiff who is not an attorney, and (v) motions made during or after trial.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Meet-and-confer must be in person or by videoconference.
That meeting must be conducted face to face—that is, in person or by videoconference.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Telephone/email/written correspondence not permitted for meet-and-confer.
This requirement cannot be satisfied by telephone, email, or written correspondence, unless the Court grants leave.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
Certification of meet-and-confer required with motion.
The moving party must include a certification or declaration documenting that this rule has been satisfied.
Civil cases
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES
If parties cannot resolve exhibit-use disputes for opening statements after meet-and-confer, they must file a motion in limine.
After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on the use of an exhibit in opening statement, all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
Parties must meet and confer on transcript or exhibit redactions/excerpts before seeking court resolution by motion in limine.
If a party wishes for a transcript or exhibit to be redacted or excerpted for trial, that issue must be discussed during the meet-and-confer process. After meeting and conferring, if the parties cannot agree on a proposed redaction to a transcript or exhibit—or on the portions to be shown or heard—all sides must seek court resolution of that issue through a motion in limine.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Motions in Limine
The meet-and-confer requirement does not apply to TRO applications, joint motions, ex parte applications, motions involving a non-attorney pro se plaintiff, or motions made during or after trial.
The only motions excepted from this rule are: (i) applications for temporary restraining orders, (ii) joint motions, (iii) ex parte applications, (iv) motions involving a pro se plaintiff who is not an attorney, and (v) motions made during or after trial.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Pretrial Rules — Meet-and-Confer Requirement
If nonmoving counsel refuses to meet and confer, the Court may order payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees.
If counsel for the nonmoving party refuses to meet and confer as required by this rule, the Court may order payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Pretrial Rules — Meet-and-Confer Requirement
The meet-and-confer requirement does not apply to TRO applications, joint motions, ex parte applications, motions involving a non-attorney pro se plaintiff, or motions made during or after trial.
The only motions excepted from this rule are: (i) applications for temporary restraining orders, (ii) joint motions, (iii) ex parte applications, (iv) motions involving a pro se plaintiff who is not an attorney, and (v) motions made during or after trial.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 5. Meet-and-Confer Requirement — Exceptions
The Court may order reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, if nonmoving-party counsel refuses to meet and confer.
If counsel for the nonmoving party refuses to meet and confer as required by this rule, the Court may order payment of reasonable expenses, including attorney fees.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 5. Meet-and-Confer Requirement
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuance requests must be filed or emailed to the courtroom deputy by close of business two court days before the hearing (oral motions generally denied), with late-breaking emergencies raised as soon as possible along with an explanation of the exigency.
Timing: Oral continuance motions will generally be denied. Any continuance request must be filed or emailed to the courtroom deputy by close of business, two court days before the hearing. For any late-breaking, unforeseen emergencies, the continuance request must be made as soon as possible and explain the exigency.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Continuance requests must be submitted by close of business two court days before the hearing, with emergency requests filed as soon as possible and explaining the exigency.
Any continuance request must be filed or emailed to the courtroom deputy by close of business, two court days before the hearing. For any late-breaking, unforeseen emergencies, the continuance request must be made as soon as possible and explain the exigency.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Continuance requests must be filed 2 court days before hearing; emergencies require immediate explanation.
Oral continuance motions will generally be denied. Any continuance request must be filed or emailed to the courtroom deputy by close of business, two court days before the hearing. For any late-breaking, unforeseen emergencies, the continuance request must be made as soon as possible and explain the exigency.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
A continuance request must be filed or emailed to the courtroom deputy by close of business two court days before the hearing.
Any continuance request must be filed or emailed to the courtroom deputy by close of business, two court days before the hearing.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
For a late-breaking, unforeseen emergency, a continuance request must be made as soon as possible and explain the exigency.
For any late-breaking, unforeseen emergencies, the continuance request must be made as soon as possible and explain the exigency.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Oral motions for continuances will generally be denied.
Oral continuance motions will generally be denied.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | GENERAL RULES
Chambers Communication Rules
The parties must immediately notify the Court and assigned Magistrate Judge when a case settles.
If a case settles, the parties must immediately notify this Court and the assigned Magistrate Judge.
Civil cases
Page 2 | Pretrial Rules — Settlement and Dismissal
The parties must email chambers a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of the verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
The parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of the verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Final Pretrial Order
Parties must email chambers a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of proposed jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions.
In addition to filing these documents, the parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of them.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | Verdict Forms, Jury Instructions, Voir Dire Questions
Parties must email chambers a digital Word-format version of the jury-instruction-related submissions in addition to filing them.
In addition to filing these documents, the parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of them.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | Verdict Forms, Jury Instructions, Voir Dire Questions
Email digital versions of jury instructions, verdict forms, and voir dire questions to chambers.
In addition to filing these documents, the parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of them.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | TRIAL RULES
In addition to filing the jury-trial submissions, parties must email chambers a Microsoft Word or similar digital version.
In addition to filing these documents, the parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of them.
Criminal cases
The parties must immediately notify the Court and assigned Magistrate Judge when a case settles.
If a case settles, the parties must immediately notify this Court and the assigned Magistrate Judge.
Page 2 | PRETRIAL RULES — 6. Settlement and Dismissal
The parties must email chambers digital versions of the verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions in Microsoft Word or a similar format.
The parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of the verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
Page 3 | 9. Final Pretrial Order
Parties must email chambers a Word or similar digital version of verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
The parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of the verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
Civil cases
Page 3 | Final Pretrial Order
Email chambers with digital verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
The parties must email chambers (efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov) a Microsoft Word or similar digital version of the verdict forms, voir dire questions, and jury instructions.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Final Pretrial Order
Sidebar conferences discouraged; address issues at pretrial conference or motions in limine.
Sidebar conferences are strongly discouraged. Counsel should proactively address evidentiary issues at the final pretrial conference or in motions in limine. For unforeseen issues arising during trial, counsel should raise the matter with the Court in the morning before the jury arrives, during breaks, or after the jury is released for the day.
Civil cases
Page 4 | Sidebars
Contact the Courtroom Deputy by email at lilliana_cervantes@casd.uscourts.gov for trial/hearing procedure matters.
Trial/hearing procedure ....lilliana_cervantes@casd.uscourts.gov (Courtroom Deputy)
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Contact Information
For docketing and CM/ECF matters, contact the Clerk's Office at (619) 557-5600, the CM/ECF Helpline at (866) 233-7983, or the CM/ECF Helpdesk at ecfhelp@casd.uscourts.gov.
Docketing, CM/ECF ........(619) 557-5600 (Clerk’s Office) ..........................................(866) 233-7983 (CM/ECF Helpline) ..........................................ecfhelp@casd.uscourts.gov (CM/ECF Helpdesk)
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Contact Information
The Clerk’s Office provides a CM/ECF helpline phone number for CM/ECF-related assistance.
..........................................(866) 233-7983 (CM/ECF Helpline)
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Contact Information
Chambers provides an email contact through the courtroom deputy for trial and hearing procedure communications.
Trial/hearing procedure ....lilliana_cervantes@casd.uscourts.gov (Courtroom Deputy)
Criminal cases
Page 1 | Contact Information
Chambers phone contact is provided for hearings and civil matters.
(619) 557-6480 (Chambers Phone)
Civil cases
Page 1 | Contact Information
Chambers email contact is provided for hearings and civil matters.
efile_schopler@casd.uscourts.gov (Chambers Email)
Civil cases
Page 1 | Contact Information