Judge Todd W. Robinson
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Filings > 20 pages
- Hand Delivery • As Soon as Practicable
Adjournments
- Opposing ex parte applications requires 24-hour notice of intent to oppose.
- Continuance/extension requests require meet-and-confer, joint motion if agreed, ex parte if not, filed 3 court days before deadline.
Communication
Chambers
Phone
Chambers
Page & Word Limits5 rules
File all motions in limine, including all trial-related Daubert motions, in a single, omnibus brief not to exceed twenty-five (25) pages.
- Omnibus brief
- Up to 25 pages
- Motion in limine
- Daubert motions
Closing briefs (max 25 pages) may be filed instead of closing arguments within 4 weeks of transcript availability.
- Closing brief
- Up to 25 pages
Court's wording
Rather than hear closing arguments, unless otherwise ordered, the parties will be permitted to file closing briefs not to exceed twenty-five (25) pages within four (4) weeks of the date on which all relevant transcripts become available.
File all oppositions to motions in limine, including all trial-related Daubert motions, in a single, omnibus brief not to exceed twenty-five (25) pages.
- Opposition brief
- Up to 25 pages
- Motion in limine
- Daubert motions
Maximum 5 motions in limine per side, filed as single 25-page omnibus brief.
- Motions in limine
- Up to 25 pages
- In limine motions
- Daubert motions
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Court's wording
absent extraordinary circumstances and without leave of the Court, the Court will entertain no more than five (5) motions in limine—including trial-related Daubert motions—per side. All motions in limine must be filed in a single, omnibus brief not to exceed twenty-five (25) pages.
If voir dire by counsel is permitted, fifteen (15) minutes per side on non-complex cases generally will be allowed.
Document Format Requirements8 rules
Proposed orders should be submitted simultaneously with the accompanying motion in Word format.
- File type
- Word
- Proposed order
Proposed jury instructions must be submitted in Word format to the Judge’s efile email and cc the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.
- File type
- Word
- Jury instructions
Court's wording
The proposed preliminary and final jury instructions must be filed and submitted to the Court in Word format directly to the Judge’s official email address, which is efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov, as well as copy the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at Jessica_A_Ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov.
Proposed forms of verdict must be submitted by email in Word format on the day set for motions in limine.
- File type
- Word
- Verdict form
A binder of exhibits shall be provided for the bench.
All exhibits submitted in support of motions should be excerpted to include only relevant material. All exhibits must also be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.
When referring to an exhibit, counsel should refer to its exhibit number whenever possible to keep a complete record.
Exhibit stickers may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court in advance of trial, or exhibits may be marked electronically with the case number and exhibit numbers.
Defendants must number exhibits starting at 500 instead of using alphabetic letters.
Court's wording
The Court modifies the manner of numbering trial exhibits set forth in Civil Local Rule 16.1(f)(2)(c) as follows: Rather than mark exhibits using alphabetic letters, defendant(s) must number their exhibits beginning at number 500 (or any other number agreed upon with opposing counsel).
Document Filing Requirements31 rules
Motions to seal must include a description of documents to seal, applicable legal standard and analysis, supporting affidavits/declarations, and the documents to be sealed.
Court's wording
Any motion to seal must set forth: (1) a description of the particular document(s) or part of the document(s) the party seeks to seal; (2) the correct legal standard and an analysis of why the standard has been satisfied with respect to the particular document(s); (3) affidavits or declarations in support of the motion; and (4) the documents to be sealed.
Parties must follow Criminal Local Rule 32.1 and ensure Sentencing Guideline recommendations are supported by the record.
Court's wording
The parties are expected to follow Criminal Local Rule 32.1. Additionally, the parties must ensure that their respective Sentencing Guideline recommendations are supported by the record before the Court.
any proposed modification of an instruction from statutory authority or the Ninth Circuit Models must state specifically the modification and the authority supporting the modification.
The Court expects defense counsel, in any felony matter, to read, explain, and provide their client with a copy of the Standard Conditions of Supervised Release prior to sentencing.
Government counsel must provide a list of exhibits and give it to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk on the first day of trial. All exhibits must be pre-marked on the first day of trial.
- Document
- Exhibit
Must include
- •Exhibit list
Objections to evidence must be in opposition or reply brief; no separate objection statements allowed.
Court's wording
Objections to evidence submitted in support of a motion must be contained within the opposition brief, and objections to evidence submitted in support of an opposition must be contained within the reply brief. No separate statements of objections will be allowed or considered.
Rule 11 requires reasonable inquiry and certification of well-grounded filings.
Court's wording
“Rule 11 imposes a duty on attorneys [and pro se litigants] to certify that they have conducted a reasonable inquiry and have determined that any papers filed with the court are well grounded in fact[ and] legally tenable.”
Failure to exercise due care with AI-generated work may result in Rule 11 violations and sanctions.
Court's wording
Accordingly, failure to exercise due care in reviewing and filing work product created with the assistance of generative AI tools may violate Rule 11 and other applicable standards of practice and expose the filer to sanctions or other corrective or disciplinary action.
Dismissal motions retaining jurisdiction require signed Magistrate Judge Consent Form.
- Document
- Joint motion to dismiss
Include
- •Consent to jurisdiction
Court's wording
Any joint motion for dismissal or notice of dismissal that includes a provision that the Court retain jurisdiction will be rejected unless it is accompanied by a Consent to Jurisdiction by a United States Magistrate Judge form ("Consent Form") over all disputes arising out of the settlement agreement, including interpretation and enforcement of the settlement agreement, signed by all parties and their counsel.
Proposed jury instructions due 2 weeks before PTC.
Court's wording
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the parties shall serve their proposed preliminary and final jury instructions on each other with sufficient time to meet, confer, and jointly file a complete set of agreed-upon instructions no later than two (2) weeks before the PTC.
Joint jury questionnaire and verdict form due 2 weeks before PTC.
Court's wording
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, following meet-and-confer efforts, counsel shall serve, file, and lodge in Word format to the E-file Email a joint proposed jury questionnaire for use during voir dire and a joint proposed verdict form no later than two (2) weeks before the PTC.
Objections to supplemental jury instructions due 1 week before PTC.
Court's wording
If the parties file supplemental sets of instructions not agreed upon, any objections shall be due no later than one (1) week before the PTC. Any objection shall contain a concise statement of argument concerning the objection, including citations to authority.
Email jury instructions in Word format to E-file Email.
Court's wording
In addition to filing the proposed preliminary and final jury instructions on the docket, the parties shall email the agreed-upon instructions and any supplemental instructions not agreed upon in Word format to the E-file Email.
Stipulations and agreements must be reduced to writing and marked as an exhibit. All facts that are not contested must be listed in a form suitable to be read to the jury.
Even if the parties stipulate to their admission, the Court will not receive into evidence any exhibits that have not been the subject of witness testimony.
Email jury questionnaire and verdict form in Word format to E-file Email.
Court's wording
In addition to filing the proposed jury questionnaire(s) and verdict form(s) on the docket, the parties shall email the proposed jury questionnaire(s) and verdict form(s) in Word format to the E-file Email.
Any written objections to the other party’s proposed jury questionnaire and/or verdict form must be filed no later than one (1) week before the PTC.
Witness and exhibit lists due to Ms. Ortiz on first day of trial, all exhibits must be pre-marked.
Court's wording
On the first day of trial, each party shall provide Ms. Ortiz with two (2) copies of its witness and exhibit lists in the form specified in Civil Local Rules 16.1(f)(2)(c) and (d). All exhibits must be pre-marked on the first day of trial.
Demonstrative exhibits must be exchanged 7 days before trial, objections due 3 court days before trial.
Court's wording
No later than seven (7) calendar days before the start of trial, the parties shall exchange any demonstrative exhibits that will be used during opening statements or during the testimony of any expert witness. Any objections to the demonstrative exhibits must be filed no later than three (3) court days before the first day of trial.
Do not file exhibits already on electronic docket; avoid duplication; use precise citations.
- Document
- Exhibits
Must include
- •Precise citations
- •Avoid duplication
Court's wording
Copies of documents already contained on the electronic docket must not be filed as exhibits. The parties must also avoid duplication of exhibits as much as possible. If the same exhibit is referred to in more than one motion noticed for the same day, the exhibit should be filed only once. Similarly, if more than one party refers to the same exhibit relative to a motion noticed for the same day, only one party should file the exhibit. The parties must use precise citations to assist the Court in locating all exhibits.
Factual matters or legal arguments raised by a party for the first time in their reply brief, unless directly in response to the opposition, may not be considered.
If no oral argument requested, include phrase on caption; non-moving party may request oral argument.
- Document
- Motion
- Placement
- Caption
Must include
- •No oral argument requested
Court's wording
If the moving party desires to submit on the papers, the phrase “No Oral Argument Requested” should appear on the caption. Even if no oral argument is requested, the moving party must still obtain a hearing date from chambers, which will remain on calendar unless and until the Court vacates it by separate Order. If the moving party indicates that no oral argument is requested, the non-moving party may request that the Court hold oral argument in its opposition.
AI tools not prohibited but unqualified reliance may result in sanctions.
Court's wording
Although the use of ChatGPT and other such generative artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools is not prohibited, unqualified reliance on such tools may result in filings “replete with misrepresentations and fabricated case law.”
Settlement requires Notice of Settlement and Joint Motion to Dismiss within 28 days if no deadline set.
Court's wording
If a case settles, the parties must notify the Court and the assigned Magistrate Judge as soon as practicable by filing a Notice of Settlement. If the Magistrate Judge does not set a deadline for the filing of a Joint Motion to Dismiss, the parties must file a Joint Motion to Dismiss within twenty-eight (28) calendar days of the settlement.
Peremptory challenges use blind strike method.
Court's wording
The exercise of peremptory challenges will follow. Counsel will exercise their respective challenges using the “blind strike” method. That is, each side will exercise their peremptory challenges simultaneously and confidentially by marking those jurors they wish to excuse on the provided strike sheet.
Counsel must meet and confer in advance of trial and waive the authentication requirement where the authenticity of a document is not at issue.
Only exhibits referenced during trial will be provided to jurors for deliberations.
Court's wording
Absent extraordinary circumstances and regardless of any stipulation by the parties, only those exhibits which have been referenced/utilized during trial will be provided to the jurors for their use during deliberations.
Voluminous documents or exhibits must be culled of unnecessary pages so that only relevant pages, or pages supplying context to the relevant pages, are admitted. Counsel should use summaries or charts to prove the content of voluminous documents, writings, or recordings that cannot be conveniently examined in court. See Fed. R. Evid. 1006.
When referring to an exhibit, counsel should refer to its exhibit number whenever possible to keep a complete record.
Counsel must move for admission before publishing exhibits to jury.
Court's wording
Before publishing an exhibit to the jury, counsel must move for admission of the exhibit and allow the Court to inquire whether the opposing side has any objection to the exhibit being received in evidence.
If an exhibit is being used and counsel’s view is obstructed, counsel may relocate for better viewing without requesting permission from the Court.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
The motion to seal, the proposed sealed document(s), and a proposed order in Word format, should be submitted for review directly to the Judge’s official email address, which is efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov, as well as copy the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at Jessica_A_Ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov.
The motion to seal, the proposed sealed document(s), and a proposed order in Word format, should be submitted for review directly to the Judge’s official email address, which is efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov, as well as copy the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at Jessica_A_Ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | IV. Under Seal Filing Procedures C.
counsel shall email proposed orders on motions directly to the Judge’s official email address, which is efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov, as well as copy the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at Jessica_A_Ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders should be submitted simultaneously with the accompanying motion in Word format.
counsel shall email proposed orders on motions directly to the Judge’s official email address, which is efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov, as well as copy the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at Jessica_A_Ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov. Proposed orders should be submitted simultaneously with the accompanying motion in Word format.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | II. Communications with Chambers
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Supplemental jury instructions must be filed and served immediately upon need.
Supplemental instructions must be filed and served as soon as the need for them becomes apparent.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | VI.B. Jury Instructions
Proposed preliminary and final jury instructions due 1 week before in limine motion hearing unless otherwise ordered.
The parties must submit proposed preliminary and final jury instructions to the Court no later than one (1) week prior to the in limine motion hearing date, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | VI.B. Jury Instructions
five (5) court days before the date of trial, serve and file briefs on all significant disputed issues of law, including foreseeable procedural and evidentiary issues.
five (5) court days before the date of trial, serve and file briefs on all significant disputed issues of law, including foreseeable procedural and evidentiary issues.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | VI.C. [Disputed Issues Briefs]
Proposed verdict forms must be submitted on the day set for motions in limine.
Proposed forms of verdict must be submitted by email in Word format on the day set for motions in limine.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | VI.D. Proposed Voir Dire Questions and Verdict Forms
Proposed voir dire questions may be served and filed on the day of motions in limine.
Counsel may serve and file proposed voir dire questions on the day set for motions in limine.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | VI.D. Proposed Voir Dire Questions and Verdict Forms
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Government counsel must deliver the exhibit list to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk on the first day of trial.
Government counsel must provide a list of exhibits and give it to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk on the first day of trial.
Criminal cases
Page 5 | Exhibits
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Any document exceeding 20 pages (including attachments/exhibits) requires a file-stamped courtesy copy delivered to the Clerk’s Office within 24 hours of filing; filings with over 3 exhibits must have tabbed exhibits and a table of exhibits.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, for any document that exceeds twenty (20) pages in length (including attachments and exhibits), the filing party must deliver a file-stamped courtesy copy to the Clerk’s Office within twenty-four (24) hours after filing. If a filing has more than three exhibits, the exhibits must be tabbed and listed in a table of exhibits.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | III. Motions B. Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies required for filings over 20 pages; single-sided preferred; exhibits tabbed and listed if over 3.
Parties must provide the Court with courtesy copies of any filings exceeding twenty (20) pages in length, including all attachments and exhibits, as soon as practicable after filing. Courtesy copies may be delivered by mail, express package delivery service, courier, or hand to chambers at 333 W. Broadway, Suite 1410, San Diego, CA 92101, or the Clerk’s Office at 333 W. Broadway, Suite 420, San Diego, CA 92101. The Court prefers courtesy copies of memoranda to be printed single-sided. If a filing has more than three (3) exhibits, the exhibits must be tabbed and listed in a table of exhibits.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A. Generally Applicable Rules
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Must meet and confer before sealing based on another party's confidential designation.
If the moving party seeks to file a document under seal based on another party’s designation of the document as “confidential” under a protective order, the moving party must first meet and confer with the designating party to determine whether the designating party maintains that any portion of the document must be filed under seal.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 4. Motions for Leave to File Documents Under Seal
Proposed redactions must be highlighted or bracketed in sealed lodgment.
The proposed redactions must be evident (either highlighted or bracketed) from the sealed lodgment.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 4. Motions for Leave to File Documents Under Seal
Motions to seal require specific document description and declaration of compelling reasons.
Any party filing a motion for leave to file documents under seal must provide the Court with (1) a specific description of each document or portion of a document they seek to protect, and (2) a declaration showing sufficiently compelling reasons or good cause to protect those documents from disclosure.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 4. Motions for Leave to File Documents Under Seal
Sealing standard strictly applied; redactions must be narrowly tailored.
The standard for filing documents under seal will be strictly applied, and all proposed redactions must be as narrowly tailored as possible.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 4. Motions for Leave to File Documents Under Seal
Filing Bundling Requirements
Multiple motions by same party on same date must be briefed together in single 25-page memorandum.
When the same party (or more than one party represented by the same counsel) notices multiple motions for the same hearing date, the motions must be briefed together in a single memorandum of points and authorities not to exceed twenty-five (25) pages in length.
Civil cases
Page 3 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
Summary judgment and Daubert motions consolidated on single hearing date; 25-page limit without leave.
Absent leave of the Court, all motions for summary judgment and summary-judgment- related Daubert motions will be set for a single hearing date in the interests of judicial economy and efficiency. Accordingly, pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7.1(h), no party (or more than one party represented by the same counsel) may file a memorandum exceeding twenty-five (25) pages without requesting from the Court an extension of the default page limits at least three (3) court days before the memorandum is to be filed.
Civil cases
Page 4 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
If multiple parties are moving for substantially the same relief, they must make every effort to obtain the same hearing date for their motions. If multiple parties are moving for substantially the same relief or opposing a motion seeking substantially the same relief sought against them and noticed for the same hearing date, counsel must make every effort to coordinate and consolidate the briefing or use the notice-of-joinder procedure to avoid duplication in briefing.
If multiple parties are moving for substantially the same relief, they must make every effort to obtain the same hearing date for their motions. If multiple parties are moving for substantially the same relief or opposing a motion seeking substantially the same relief sought against them and noticed for the same hearing date, counsel must make every effort to coordinate and consolidate the briefing or use the notice-of-joinder procedure to avoid duplication in briefing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
All stipulations must be filed as joint motions.
All stipulations must be filed as joint motions.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 2. Joint Motions
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Motions in limine due 2 weeks before hearing, opposition due 1 week before hearing unless otherwise ordered.
Motions in limine are due two (2) weeks before the hearing, with any opposition due one (1) week before the hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | VI.A. Motions in Limine
Meet and confer required before filing most motions; statement of compliance required in notice of motion.
Unless otherwise excused by the Court, before filing any motion except a motion in a case involving an incarcerated pro se party, the parties must meet and confer in good faith, preferably in person and not by email, to attempt to resolve the issue without involving the Court. The movant(s) must include a statement of compliance with this provision in their notice of motion. Failure to include a statement of compliance may result in the striking or summary denial of the motion.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A. Generally Applicable Rules
Motion hearing dates must be obtained from chambers before filing; papers due within 3 days of obtaining date.
Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7.1(b), all dates for motion hearings must be obtained by calling chambers before filing any motion. Motion papers must be filed and served within three (3) calendar days of obtaining a motion hearing date from chambers. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the forfeiture of the assigned hearing date.
Civil cases
Page 3 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
Failure to timely oppose a motion may be construed as consent to granting.
An opposing party’s failure timely to file an opposition to any motion may be construed as consent to the granting of the motion pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7.1(f)(3)(c). Take note that the Court’s default briefing schedule differs from that appearing in the District’s Civil Local Rules. See infra Section III.B.2.
Civil cases
Page 2 | A. Generally Applicable Rules
Surreplies and notices of supplemental authority require leave of Court unless binding law changes.
Surreplies and notices of supplemental authority may not be filed without leave of Court, unless there is a subsequent change in binding law that is directly on point. Under these circumstances, the party may file a notice of supplemental authority that includes a copy of the order or opinion and any case-identifying information. Counsel may not include any argument in the notice; the Court will request supplemental briefing if necessary.
Civil cases
Page 3 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
Civil motions scheduled for Thursday afternoons at 1:30 PM; oral argument typically held.
Civil motions will generally be scheduled for Thursday afternoons, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Court typically hears oral argument on all civil motions. If the Court determines that a matter may be resolved on the papers without oral argument in accordance with Civil Local Rule 7.1(d)(1), the Court will issue an Order vacating the hearing.
Civil cases
Page 3 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
If opposing parties intend to move for summary judgment, cross-motions and a consolidated briefing schedule are appropriate. As discussed through the meet-and-confer process, see supra Section III.A.1, one party (or more than one party represented by the same counsel) shall file its motion for summary judgment together with any summary-judgment-related Daubert motions by the deadline for pre-trial motions set by the Magistrate Judge in the operative scheduling order. Within three (3) calendar days of being served with the summary judgment motion, the opposing party (or more than one party represented by the same counsel) shall file an
If opposing parties intend to move for summary judgment, cross-motions and a consolidated briefing schedule are appropriate. As discussed through the meet-and-confer process, see supra Section III.A.1, one party (or more than one party represented by the same counsel) shall file its motion for summary judgment together with any summary-judgment-related Daubert motions by the deadline for pre-trial motions set by the Magistrate Judge in the operative scheduling order. Within three (3) calendar days of being served with the summary judgment motion, the opposing party (or more than one party represented by the same counsel) shall file an
Civil cases
Page 4 | B. Rules for Noticed Motions
Court prefers opposing party be served and given opportunity to oppose TRO motions.
The Court’s strong preference is for the opposing party to be served and afforded a reasonable opportunity to file an opposition.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 1. Temporary Restraining Orders
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
All requests for continuances should be made as soon as counsel become aware of the need for a continuance by contacting the Courtroom Deputy Clerk by email. If counsel stipulate to the continuance, a joint motion should be filed with chambers and a proposed order should be emailed. The joint motion must include the original date, the requested date for continuance (obtained from the Courtroom Deputy Clerk prior to filing), the grounds for continuance, and, if applicable, the basis for an exclusion of time under the Speedy Trial Act. All motions shall be filed no later than two (2) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. An acknowledgment of the next court date must be filed by all out of custody defendants simultaneously with the motion.
All requests for continuances should be made as soon as counsel become aware of the need for a continuance by contacting the Courtroom Deputy Clerk by email. If counsel stipulate to the continuance, a joint motion should be filed with chambers and a proposed order should be emailed. The joint motion must include the original date, the requested date for continuance (obtained from the Courtroom Deputy Clerk prior to filing), the grounds for continuance, and, if applicable, the basis for an exclusion of time under the Speedy Trial Act. All motions shall be filed no later than two (2) business days prior to the scheduled hearing. An acknowledgment of the next court date must be filed by all out of custody defendants simultaneously with the motion.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | II. Communications with Chambers C. Requests for Continuances
Telephonic appearance requires ex parte motion filed 3 court days before hearing.
Any party requesting to appear telephonically must obtain leave of the Court by filing an ex parte motion at least three (3) court days before the scheduled hearing.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 8. Telephonic Appearances
Opposing ex parte applications requires 24-hour notice of intent to oppose.
If a party intends to oppose an ex parte application, that party must file a notice as soon as practicable and within twenty-four (24) hours of the filing of the ex parte application stating their intent to oppose the ex parte application and the date on which the opposition will be filed.
Civil cases
Page 6 | 3. Ex Parte Applications
Continuance/extension requests require meet-and-confer, joint motion if agreed, ex parte if not, filed 3 court days before deadline.
Parties requesting a continuance of a court date or an extension of a deadline must meet and confer with all other parties who have made an appearance prior to contacting the Court. If all appearing parties reach an agreement, they should file a joint motion. If no other parties have appeared or the appearing parties fail to reach an agreement, the party requesting the continuance or extension must file an ex parte application complying with all applicable rules and satisfying the relevant legal standard. Absent extraordinary circumstances, any request for a continuance or extension must be filed no later than three (3) court days before the relevant date.
Civil cases
Page 7 | V. Settlement
Chambers Communication Rules
Letters and emails to chambers are prohibited, unless specifically requested by the Court. If letters and/or emails are requested, copies of the same shall be simultaneously delivered to all counsel.
Letters and emails to chambers are prohibited, unless specifically requested by the Court. If letters and/or emails are requested, copies of the same shall be simultaneously delivered to all counsel.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | II. Communications with Chambers A. Letters/Emails
Proposed jury instructions must be emailed to the Judge’s official efile address and cc the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.
The proposed preliminary and final jury instructions must be filed and submitted to the Court in Word format directly to the Judge’s official email address, which is efile_Robinson@casd.uscourts.gov, as well as copy the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at Jessica_A_Ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | VI.B. Jury Instructions
Counsel must email the Courtroom Deputy Clerk to inquire before requesting waiver of Criminal History or Pre-Sentence Report preparation.
If the parties jointly wish to waive the preparation of a Criminal History Report or Pre-Sentence Report, counsel must email the Courtroom Deputy Clerk to inquire before making any such request.
Criminal cases
Page 3 | V.B. Immediate Sentencing
Proposed verdict forms must be submitted via email on the day of motions in limine.
Proposed forms of verdict must be submitted by email in Word format on the day set for motions in limine.
Criminal cases
Page 4 | VI.D. Proposed Voir Dire Questions and Verdict Forms
Chambers phone calls limited to scheduling; letters/faxes/emails prohibited unless authorized.
Telephone calls to chambers are permitted only for scheduling or calendaring motion hearings or as otherwise authorized by the Court. Court personnel are prohibited from interpreting Orders, discussing the merits of a case, giving legal advice (including advice on procedural matters), assisting with filings, or speculating as to when an Order will be issued. Letters, faxes, and emails are prohibited unless otherwise authorized by the Court.
Civil cases
Page 1 | I. Communications with Chambers
Email technical terms/names to chambers one week before technical motion hearings.
For technical motions, the parties must send an email to chambers one (1) week prior to the hearing with a list of pertinent technical terms and/or proper names to assist the court reporter.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 7. List of Terms/Names
Observers must contact chambers one calendar day before hearing for dial-in info.
Any individual requesting to observe telephonically must contact chambers at least one (1) calendar day before the scheduled hearing to obtain the public dial-in information.
Civil cases
Page 5 | 8. Telephonic Appearances
Consent Form must be emailed, not filed on ECF, to efile_robinson@casd.uscourts.gov.
Pursuant to Section 2(h) of the ECF Manual, the fully executed Consent Form must NOT be filed on the docket with the joint motion for dismissal or notice of dismissal, but rather should be emailed to efile_robinson@casd.uscourts.gov (the “E- file Email”).
Civil cases
Page 7 | V. Settlement
Counsel must email the Courtroom Deputy Clerk as soon as possible if a disposition is scheduled in a case calendared for motions or trial.
Any time a case is calendared for motions and/or trial counsel for either side knows that a disposition is to take place, counsel has a duty to email the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at the earliest available time to inform the Court of the disposition.
Criminal cases
Page 2 | III. Motions C. Notice to Court of Disposition
Requests at start of day or after recess generally denied.
Requests to see the Court outside the presence of the jury when the Court is about to begin the day of trial or reconvene following a recess generally will not be granted.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Bench Conferences
Sidebar conferences disfavored; request at recess or end of day.
Sidebar conferences are disfavored. If counsel desire to speak to the Court outside the jury’s presence, counsel may request to do so at the start of a recess or at the end of the day.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Bench Conferences
No talking to opposing counsel in front of jury.
Refrain from talking to each other in the presence of the jury. If clarification on a matter is needed, please seek clarification from the Court and not directly from counsel.
Civil cases
Page 10 | Other
For docketing, scheduling, or calendaring matters, contact Courtroom Deputy Jessica Ortiz via phone at 619-321-0777; court personnel cannot give legal advice or discuss case timing/merits.
For docketing, scheduling, and calendaring matters, contact Courtroom Deputy Jessica Ortiz at 619-321-0777 or by email at Jessica_a_ortiz@casd.uscourts.gov. Court personnel are prohibited from giving legal advice or discussing the timing or merits of a case.
Criminal cases
Page 1 | II. Communications with Chambers B. Telephone Calls
Electronic filing questions should be directed to Clerk’s Office, CM/ECF Helpline, or CASD CM/ECF Helpdesk after consulting Local Rules and ECF Manual.
Any questions or concerns regarding electronic filing should be directed to the Clerk’s Office, the CM/ECF Helpline, or the CASD CM/ECF Helpdesk after first consulting the Local Rules and ECF Manual.
Civil cases
Page 1 | I. Communications with Chambers