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Court Rules
Judge

Judge Lauren King

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Western District of Washington

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion
8,400 wds
Motion
15 pgs
Brief
8,400 wds
Default Judgment
8,400 wds

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • 2 copies
  • Never Required
  • Not required

Communication

Email

Chambers, Clerk

natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov
Questions SuggestionsEmergencies
Email

Chambers

kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov
Cases:
Filters:

Page & Word Limits6 rules

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

B. Motion Length

Motion
Up to 15 pages
2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 5
|SectionVIII. DEFAULT AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT
Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Specific briefing schedule for cross-motions for summary judgment.

Motion
Up to 8,400 words
Applies to
  • Cross-motion summary judgment

Court's wording

Consistent with LCR 7(k), if the parties plan on filing cross-motions for summary judgment, they should adhere to the following briefing schedule: (word limit 8,400 words). The motion shall be noted for 49 days from the filing date. • 21 days after plaintiff(s)' motion: defendant(s)' combined response/cross-motion for summary judgment due (word limit 14,000 words). • 21 days after defendant(s)' combined response/cross-motion: plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response due (word limit 8,750 words). • 7 days after plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response: reply from defendant due (word limit 4,200 words). The parties may also propose a different briefing schedule in advance of the deadline. LCR 7(j).

Page LimitsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions for default judgment may include up to 8,400 words. This is longer than the length permitted under the Local Civil Rules. Parties still must certify their compliance with the 8,400 word limit under LCR 7(e)(6).

Motion
Up to 8,400 words
Applies to
  • Default judgment motions
Page LimitsMandatory

Motions for default judgment are limited to 8,400 words, and parties must certify compliance under LCR 7(e)(6).

Default judgment
Up to 8,400 words

Court's wording

Motions for default judgment may include up to 8,400 words. This is longer than the length permitted under the Local Civil Rules. Parties still must certify their compliance with the 8,400 word limit under LCR 7(e)(6).

KingStandingOrderReCivilCases · Jul 2026 · p. 7
|SectionIX. DEFAULT AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT
Page LimitsNoteCriminal cases

The government will normally have six challenges, and the defense will have ten.

LK Criminal Standing Order · p. 3
|SectionA. Criminal Jury Impanelment Procedures
Page LimitsMandatory

Cross-motions for summary judgment follow a specific briefing schedule with word limits: plaintiff's motion (8,400 words), defendant's combined response/cross-motion (14,000 words), plaintiff's combined reply/response (8,750 words), defendant's reply (4,200 words).

Motion for summary judgment
Up to 8,400 words
Combined response cross-motion
Up to 14,000 words in total
Combined reply response
Up to 8,750 words in total
Reply
Up to 4,200 words in total

Court's wording

Consistent with LCR 7(k), if the parties plan on filing cross-motions for summary judgment, they should adhere to the following briefing schedule: • Deadline for dispositive motions: plaintiff(s)' motion for summary judgment due (word limit 8,400 words). The motion shall be noted for 49 days from the filing date. • 21 days after plaintiff(s)' motion: defendant(s)' combined response/cross-motion for summary judgment due (word limit 14,000 words). • 21 days after defendant(s)' combined response/cross-motion: plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response due (word limit 8,750 words). • 21 days after plaintiff(s)' combined reply/response: defendant(s)' reply due (word limit 4,200 words).

Document Format Requirements17 rules

FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

D. Briefs and Exhibits Should be Searchable

Formatting

  • Briefs and exhibits must be searchable
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

C. Citations Should be in the Body of the Brief, Not in Footnotes

FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

Plaintiff(s)' exhibits must be numbered consecutively beginning with 1; defendant(s)' exhibits must be numbered consecutively beginning with 500.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 9
|SectionProcedures for Handling Exhibits
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

Each set of exhibits must be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.

Binding
Three-ring binder
Applies to
  • Trial exhibit

Formatting

  • Appropriately numbered tabs
2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 9
|SectionProcedures for Handling Exhibits
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

• Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player.

Applies to
  • Electronic exhibit

Formatting

  • Windows Media Player compatibility for audio/video
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

• Exhibits must be numbered as follows:

FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

• Exhibits must be on a thumb drive or uploaded to the Court’s Box.com folder in PDF format.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Electronic exhibit

Formatting

  • Thumb drive or Box.com upload
FormattingMandatoryCivil cases

• Each exhibit must be a single PDF document.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Electronic exhibit

Formatting

  • Single PDF document per exhibit
FormattingMandatory

Exhibits must be delivered to the Courtroom Deputy prior to the trial date. Exhibits are to be delivered in the following format: • Exhibits must be on a thumb drive or uploaded to the Court's Box.com folder in PDF format. • Each exhibit must be a single PDF document. • PDF documents should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition if possible and encoded as a searchable PDF. • Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Exhibits
KingStandingOrderReCivilCases · Jul 2026 · p. 10
|SectionE. Procedures for Handling Exhibits
FormattingImportantCivil cases

Citations must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes, with the exception of citations following explanatory footnotes.

FormattingImportant

Citations must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes, with the exception of citations following explanatory footnotes.

FormattingImportant

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted both on the docket and in Word format via e-mail.

File type
Word
FormattingNoteCivil cases

If possible, all PDF documents, including exhibits, should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition ("OCR") and encoded as a searchable PDF.

File type
PDF
Applies to
  • Exhibit
  • Brief

Formatting

  • OCR scanned
  • Searchable
FormattingNoteCivil cases

• PDF documents should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition if possible and encoded as a searchable PDF.

File type
PDF

Formatting

  • OCR scanning recommended
  • Searchable PDF encoding
FormattingNoteCivil cases

Claim construction hearing is scheduled for 5 hours.

Applies to
  • Claim construction motions

Formatting

  • Parties must inform Natalie Wood if more/less time is needed

Court's wording

The claim construction hearing will be set for one full trial day (5 hours). If more or less time is required, the parties are instructed to inform Natalie Wood, Courtroom Deputy, at Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 12
|SectionTutorial and/or Court-Appointed Neutral Expert and Claim Construction Hearing
FormattingNoteCriminal cases

The Court prefers that citations be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes, with the exception of citations following explanatory footnotes.

LK Criminal Standing Order · p. 2
|SectionA. Citations Should be in the Body of the Brief, Not in Footnotes
FormattingNote

If possible, all PDF documents, including exhibits, should be scanned using Optical Character Recognition ("OCR") and encoded as a searchable PDF.

File type
PDF

Document Filing Requirements35 rules

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

A. Jury Instructions

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

E. Procedures for Handling Exhibits

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

D. Objections to Deposition Designations

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Email proposed orders in Word format to specified address.

Document
Motion

Must include

  • Proposed order

Court's wording

Pursuant to this District's Electronic Filing Procedures, the moving party must email a Microsoft Word version of a proposed order to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov. Parties may not send requests for substantive relief to this email address.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

F. Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Following a Bench Trial

Document
Bench trial

Include

  • Proposed findings conclusions
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted on ECF and via email in Word format.

Court's wording

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted both on the docket and in Word format via e-mail. The Court recommends the latest version of the Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instructions as the preferred proposed instructions. Instructions must comply with LCR 51 and include the parties’ proposals for both preliminary and final instructions. Instructions should be sent to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. The proposed instructions should also include a proposed verdict form.

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

The original and one copy of the trial exhibits are to be delivered to Natalie Wood, Courtroom Deputy, seven days before the trial date.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 9
|SectionProcedures for Handling Exhibits
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

All trial exhibits must be pre-marked by counsel. Each exhibit must be clearly marked.

Document
Trial exhibit

Must include

  • Pre-marked
  • Clearly marked
2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 9
|SectionProcedures for Handling Exhibits
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Exhibits must be delivered to the Courtroom Deputy prior to the trial date. Exhibits are to be delivered in the following format:

Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must cite specific record materials.

Document
Proposed findings conclusions

Must include

  • Specific references

Court's wording

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted following a bench trial must contain specific references to the affidavits, declarations, exhibits, transcripts, and other parts of the record and supporting materials relied upon to support the fact described in the proposed finding/conclusion.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 11
|SectionProposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Following a Bench Trial
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

The Court will not grant a motion to continue a trial date that is not opposed by defense counsel’s client(s) until a speedy trial waiver has been filed.

Document
Motion to continue

Include

  • Speedy trial waiver
LK Criminal Standing Order · p. 2
|SectionC. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

Motions in limine contained in a trial brief that could have been brought by the pretrial motions deadline will be stricken.

LK Criminal Standing Order · p. 2
|SectionD. Motions in Limine
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

Motions to continue trial date require speedy trial waiver except for stipulated/unopposed motions.

Document
Motion to continue

Must include

  • Speedy trial waiver

Court's wording

All motions to continue the trial date except stipulated and unopposed motions shall be accompanied by a waiver of speedy trial beyond the proposed new trial date by the longer of (1) three weeks beyond the noting date of the motion or (2) two weeks beyond the requested trial date.

LK Criminal Standing Order · p. 2
|SectionC. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCriminal cases

Each party shall file its supervised release sentencing memorandum no later than five days in advance of the evidentiary and/or disposition hearing on a supervised release violation.

LK Criminal Standing Order · p. 3
|SectionIII. Supervised Release Violation Hearings
Filing RequirementsMandatory

By filing, attorneys and unrepresented parties certify that the filing is not for an improper purpose.

Court's wording

By filing a pleading, written motion, or other paper, an attorney or unrepresented party "certifies that to the best of the person's knowledge, information, and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances": (1) it is not being presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation.

Filing RequirementsMandatory

Proposed jury instructions must be filed on the docket and emailed in Word format, include preliminary and final instructions, a proposed verdict form, and comply with LCR 51.

Court's wording

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted both on the docket and in Word format via e-mail. The Court recommends the latest version of the https://www.ce9.uscourts.gov/jury-instructions/ as the preferred proposed instructions. Instructions must comply with LCR 51 and include the parties' proposals for both preliminary and final instructions. Instructions should be sent to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. The proposed instructions should also include a proposed verdict form.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

In proposing new deadlines, the parties should endeavor to provide at least as much time between deadlines as shown in the scheduling template in Section I. Judge King will not decrease the amount of time between the summary judgment motion noting date and the trial date, or between the motion in limine noting date and the trial date, unless the parties set forth an extraordinary basis for doing so.

Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Court will not award fees for correcting mistakes in default judgment motions.

Court's wording

The Court urges movants to take care to sufficiently address all relevant information; it will not award fees incurred correcting mistakes. See Stephens v. Marino, White, O'Farrell & Gonzalez, No. C10-5820BHS, 2011 WL 4747920, at *4 (W.D. Wash. Oct. 7, 2011); Johnson v. Peter, No. C21-1602-LK, 2023 WL 22021, at *8 (W.D. Wash. Jan. 3, 2023).

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 7
|SectionC. Content of Motions; No Fee Award for Correcting Errors
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

If additional exhibits are marked in the course of trial (for example, for impeachment purposes), counsel must provide extra copies of the exhibits for opposing counsel and for the Court.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 9
|SectionProcedures for Handling Exhibits
Filing RequirementsImportantCivil cases

Revised exhibit lists must include redlined version showing changes.

Document
Exhibit list

Must include

  • Redlined version

Court's wording

If the exhibit list, pretrial order, or witness list is revised at any time after it is filed with the Court, counsel must file a revised exhibit list with the Court and provide the Courtroom Deputy with a redlined version indicating the changes.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 9
|SectionProcedures for Handling Exhibits
Filing RequirementsImportant

Stipulated protective orders must include a redlined version identifying departures from the model.

Court's wording

LCR 26(c) requires that when parties submit a stipulated protective order for the Court’s approval, they must also provide the Court with a redlined version, identifying departures from the model. LCR 26(c)(2).

KingStandingOrderReCivilCases · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SectionIII. EMAIL ADDRESS FOR STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDERS
Filing RequirementsImportant

A party who serves discovery requests on third parties must provide notice of these discovery procedures to such parties. These parties will be expected to comply with these procedures.

Filing RequirementsImportant

Revised exhibit lists, pretrial orders, or witness lists must be filed and a redlined version provided to the courtroom deputy.

Court's wording

If the exhibit list, pretrial order, or witness list is revised at any time after it is filed with the Court, counsel must file a revised exhibit list with the Court and provide the Courtroom Deputy with a redlined version indicating the changes.

KingStandingOrderReCivilCases · Jul 2026 · p. 10
|SectionE. Procedures for Handling Exhibits
Filing RequirementsImportant

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law must include specific references to the record.

Court's wording

Proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law submitted following a bench trial must contain specific references to the affidavits, declarations, exhibits, transcripts, and other parts of the record and supporting materials relied upon to support the fact described in the proposed finding/conclusion.

KingStandingOrderReCivilCases · Jul 2026 · p. 11
|SectionF. Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law Following a Bench Trial
Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

E. Unpublished Cases

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

A. Table of Authorities is Not Required

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

Judge King does not require a table of authorities.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

Follow Bluebook and local rules for citing unpublished decisions.

Court's wording

Parties must follow the Bluebook and the issuing court's rules regarding citation to unpublished decisions. See, e.g., Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3; GR 14.1(a) ("unpublished opinions of the [Washington] Court of Appeals filed on or after March 1, 2013, may be cited as nonbinding authorities, if identified as such by the citing party, and may be accorded such persuasive value as the court deems appropriate").

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

B. Civil Jury Impanelment Procedures

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

C. The Court's General Voir Dire Questions

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

A party who serves discovery requests on third parties must provide notice of these discovery procedures to such parties. These parties will be expected to comply with these procedures.

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

B. Tutorial and/or Court-Appointed Neutral Expert and Claim Construction Hearing

Filing RequirementsNoteCivil cases

A. Scheduling

Filing RequirementsNote

Judge King does not require a table of authorities.

KingStandingOrderReCivilCases · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SectionV. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING
Filing RequirementsMandatoryCivil cases

Motions for default judgment must include specific content requirements.

Court's wording

Motions for default judgment must provide sufficient information for the Court to enter judgment. Specifically: 1. The movant must establish subject matter jurisdiction and personal jurisdiction. 2. The movant must support a motion for default judgment with a declaration. 3. The movant must address the factors set forth in Eitel v. McCool, 782 F.2d 1470, 1471–72 (9th Cir. 1986). 4. The movant must separately state the amounts owing on the principal claim, liquidated damages (if applicable), pre- and post-judgment interest on the principal claim (if applicable), and reasonable attorney’s fees (if applicable). 5. The movant must provide a concise explanation of how all amounts were calculated, and must support this explanation with adequate evidence establishing the amount of the principal claim, the interest owing, the attorney’s fees, and other relevant amounts. 6. If the claim is based on a contract, the movant must provide the Court with a copy of the contract and draw the Court’s attention to the relevant provisions. 7. If an interest rate other than that provided by 28 U.S.C. § 1961 applies, the movant must state the rate and the reasons for applying it, and include all interest calculations. 8. In diversity cases, the movant must address what jurisdiction’s law applies to their substantive claims and remedies.

2024 06 11KingStandingOrderreCivil Cases · Jun 2024 · p. 7
|SectionC. Content of Motions; No Fee Award for Correcting Errors

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Dispositive motions must be noted at least 90 days before trial.

Specifically, dispositive motions must be noted for at least 90 days prior to trial to allow sufficient time following the noting date to issue a decision on the motion prior to the deadline for motions

Page 3 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 90-DAY RULE

Motions in limine must be filed 35 days before trial, noted for 21 days from filing; opposition due 15 days after filing; no reply without court order.

All motions in limine must be filed no later than 35 days before trial and noted for consideration 21 days from the date of filing. Any opposition papers shall be filed and received by the moving party no later than 15 days after the filing date of the motion. No reply papers shall be filed unless the Court orders otherwise.

Page 6 | H

Trial exhibits must be delivered to the courtroom deputy seven days before trial.

The original and one copy of the trial exhibits are to be delivered to Natalie Wood, Courtroom Deputy, seven days before the trial date.

Page 10 | E. Procedures for Handling Exhibits

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Additional exhibits marked during trial must be copied for opposing counsel and the Court.

If additional exhibits are marked in the course of trial (for example, for impeachment purposes), counsel must provide extra copies of the exhibits for opposing counsel and for the Court.

Page 10 | E. Procedures for Handling Exhibits

B. Courtesy Copies are Not Required

B. Courtesy Copies are Not Required

Civil cases

Page 2 | V. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING

Judge King does not require courtesy copies.

Judge King does not require courtesy copies.

Civil cases

Page 5 | C

Filing Bundling Requirements

Dispositive motions must be filed 120 days before trial.

the Court has instituted a “120-day rule” for dispositive motions.

Civil cases

Page 3 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

Motions in limine must be filed 35 days before trial.

All motions in limine must be filed by 1 Trial – 35 days

Civil cases

Page 3 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

Dispositive motions and expert witness challenges must be filed 120 days before trial.

All dispositive motions and motions challenging expert witness testimony must be filed by this date (see Local Civil Rule ('LCR') 7(d)).

Civil cases

Page 3 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

Discovery-related motions must be filed 6 months before trial.

All motions related to discovery must be filed by Trial – 6 mos

Civil cases

Page 3 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

Parties may propose an alternate briefing schedule in advance; non-compliance may result in striking the cross-motions.

The parties may also propose a different briefing schedule in advance of the deadline. LCR 7(j). If parties file cross-motions for summary judgment without complying with the above briefing schedule or an alternate Court-approved schedule, the Court may strike their cross-motions and order them to comply with the above schedule.

Page 6 | G

Discovery motions must be filed before discovery closes to allow resolution.

The discovery motion deadline is set prior to the close of discovery to allow for resolution of disputes by the close of discovery.

Civil cases

Page 3 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

Motions in limine must be filed early enough to be ruled on before pretrial conference.

The motion in limine deadline is set sufficiently in advance of the pretrial conference to allow the Court to consider and, ideally, rule on such motions prior to the pretrial conference.

Civil cases

Page 4 | I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Meet and confer required before filing dispositive motions.

G. Meet and Confer Required Before Filing Dispositive Motions

Civil cases

Page 2 | V. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING

I. Motions in Limine

I. Motions in Limine

Civil cases

Page 3 | V. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING

Meet and confer required before filing dispositive motions with certification.

Counsel must make a meaningful effort to confer prior to filing a dispositive motion. Such motions must contain a certification of conferral that is clearly visible within either the first substantive paragraph or the final paragraph of the motion. Counsel should provide for at least three business days between attempts to confer and a motion's filing and must explain their specific efforts to comply if contact was not successfully made.

Civil cases

Page 5 | G

Noting dates. All motions in limine must be filed no later than 35 days before trial and noted for consideration 21 days from the date of filing. Any opposition papers shall be filed and received by the moving party no later than 15 days after the filing date of the motion. No reply papers shall be filed unless the Court orders otherwise.

Noting dates. All motions in limine must be filed no later than 35 days before trial and noted for consideration 21 days from the date of filing. Any opposition papers shall be filed and received by the moving party no later than 15 days after the filing date of the motion. No reply papers shall be filed unless the Court orders otherwise.

Civil cases

Page 6 | I

Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine.

Conferral required. Before filing motions in limine, a party must make a good faith effort to meet and confer with the opposing party, and must comply with all other requirements of LCR 7(d)(5). Parties are discouraged from filing motions in limine that do not identify specific evidence or exhibits to be excluded, which request relief at a high level of generality, or which merely ask the Court to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Civil cases

Page 6 | I

Meet and confer required before filing discovery motions.

Before filing a motion to compel or a motion for a protective order, a party must make a good faith effort to meet and confer with the opposing party. Parties are encouraged to submit discovery disputes jointly through the procedure set forth in LCR 37(a)(2).

Civil cases

Page 6 | VII

Motions in limine must be filed by the pretrial motions deadline.

All motions in limine must be filed by the deadline set for pretrial motions.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | D. Motions in Limine

All motions must be filed before the pretrial motions deadline.

All motions, including motions to continue the trial date, shall be made prior to the pretrial motions deadline.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | B. General Motions Practice

In multi-defendant cases, counsel must consult before filing any motion.

In multi-defendant cases, prior to filing any motion, counsel are directed to consult with all other counsel, including counsel for all codefendants, to determine whether the motion can either be stipulated or brought jointly.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | B. General Motions Practice

Before filing a dispositive motion, counsel must confer meaningfully, include a visible certification of conferral, allow at least three business days between conferral attempts and filing, and explain efforts if contact fails.

Counsel must make a meaningful effort to confer prior to filing a dispositive motion. Such motions must contain a certification of conferral that is clearly visible within either the first substantive paragraph or the final paragraph of the motion. Counsel should provide for at least three business days between attempts to confer and a motion's filing and must explain their specific efforts to comply if contact was not successfully made.

Page 5 | F

Before filing a motion to compel or protective order, parties must meet and confer in good faith; joint submission via LCR 37(a)(2) is encouraged.

Before filing a motion to compel or a motion for a protective order, a party must make a good faith effort to meet and confer with the opposing party. Parties are encouraged to submit discovery disputes jointly through the procedure set forth in LCR 37(a)(2).

Page 6 | VII

To reduce the burden of litigation on pro se litigants, pro se parties are not required to meet and confer. However, if at least one party on each side is represented by an attorney, the meet and confer requirement still applies and pro se parties are encouraged, but not required, to attend.

To reduce the burden of litigation on pro se litigants, pro se parties are not required to meet and confer. However, if at least one party on each side is represented by an attorney, the meet and confer requirement still applies and pro se parties are encouraged, but not required, to attend.

Page 5 | F

Before filing motions in limine, parties must confer in good faith; motions should identify specific evidence and avoid general requests.

Before filing motions in limine, a party must make a good faith effort to meet and confer with the opposing party. Parties are discouraged from filing motions in limine that (1) do not identify specific evidence or exhibits to be excluded, (2) request relief at a high level of generality, or (3) merely ask the Court to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence.

Page 6 | H

H. Briefing Schedule for Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment

H. Briefing Schedule for Cross-Motions for Summary Judgment

Civil cases

Page 3 | V. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING

Pro se parties exempt from meet and confer requirement.

To reduce the burden of litigation on pro se litigants, pro se parties are not required to meet and confer. However, if at least one party on each side is represented by an attorney, the meet and confer requirement still applies and pro se parties are encouraged, but not required, to attend.

Civil cases

Page 5 | G

Pretrial motions deadline is typically set six weeks before trial.

The Court typically sets the pretrial motions deadline six weeks before trial.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | C. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Motions to continue must be filed timely; failure to do so constitutes waiver.

Counsel must file motions to continue in a timely manner. For example, absent good cause, motions to continue the pretrial motions deadline must be filed before that deadline; “a failure to timely raise a pretrial objection required by Rule 12, absent a showing of good cause, constitutes a waiver.” United States v. Ghanem, 993 F.3d 1113, 1120 (9th Cir. 2021) (cleaned up).

Criminal cases

Page 2 | C. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline

In proposing new deadlines, the parties should endeavor to provide at least as much time between deadlines as shown in the scheduling template in Section I. Judge King will not decrease the amount of time between the summary judgment motion noting date and the trial date, or between the motion in limine noting date and the trial date, unless the parties set forth an extraordinary basis for doing so.

In proposing new deadlines, the parties should endeavor to provide at least as much time between deadlines as shown in the scheduling template in Section I. Judge King will not decrease the amount of time between the summary judgment motion noting date and the trial date, or between the motion in limine noting date and the trial date, unless the parties set forth an extraordinary basis for doing so.

Page 5 | E

Absent extraordinary delay or other special circumstances, the parties are free to agree among themselves to extend the deadline to answer or otherwise respond to claims, counterclaims, or crossclaims contained in a pleading without a Court order.

Absent extraordinary delay or other special circumstances, the parties are free to agree among themselves to extend the deadline to answer or otherwise respond to claims, counterclaims, or crossclaims contained in a pleading without a Court order.

Page 4 | II. PARTIES MAY AGREE TO EXTEND DEADLINE TO ANSWER PLEADING

Chambers Communication Rules

Contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue trial date.

Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, counsel is directed to contact the Court’s courtroom deputy, Natalie Wood, by email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the parties’ proposed new trial date is acceptable to the Court.

Criminal cases

Page 2 | C. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline

Moving party must email a Microsoft Word version of proposed order to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov; no substantive relief requests to that address.

Pursuant to this District's Electronic Filing Procedures, the moving party must email a Microsoft Word version of a proposed order to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov. Parties may not send requests for substantive relief to this email address.

Page 6 | VI

Redlined versions of stipulated protective orders must be emailed to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

The redlined version must be submitted to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Page 4 | III. EMAIL ADDRESS FOR STIPULATED PROTECTIVE ORDERS

Exhibit list must be emailed in Microsoft Word format to the courtroom deputy prior to the trial date.

An exhibit list in Microsoft Word format must be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov prior to the trial date.

Page 11 | X. TRIALS

Contact Courtroom Deputy for urgent discovery disputes.

When presented with disputes regarding discovery issues that are particularly time- sensitive, counsel may jointly contact the Courtroom Deputy, Natalie Wood, by email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov to request, and if granted, make arrangements for a telephone or virtual conference with the Court.

Civil cases

Page 6 | VII

Parties may submit questions on, or suggestions for improvement to, this Standing Order to Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. If the party has a case before the Court, all parties must be copied on the message.

Parties may submit questions on, or suggestions for improvement to, this Standing Order to Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. If the party has a case before the Court, all parties must be copied on the message.

Civil cases

Page 12 | QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THIS STANDING ORDER

For time-sensitive discovery disputes, counsel may jointly email the courtroom deputy to request a telephone or virtual conference.

When presented with disputes regarding discovery issues that are particularly time- sensitive, counsel may jointly contact the Courtroom Deputy, Natalie Wood, by email at natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov to request, and if granted, make arrangements for a telephone or virtual conference with the Court.

Page 6 | VII

Proposed jury instructions must be emailed in Word format to specified chambers email addresses.

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted both on the docket and in Word format via e-mail. The Court recommends the latest version of the https://www.ce9.uscourts.gov/jury-instructions/ as the preferred proposed instructions. Instructions must comply with LCR 51 and include the parties' proposals for both preliminary and final instructions. Instructions should be sent to kingorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. The proposed instructions should also include a proposed verdict form.

Page 8 | X. TRIALS

Parties must coordinate with the courtroom deputy at the pretrial conference to schedule equipment testing.

Training on the evidence presentation devices in the courtroom strongly encouraged. See https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/attorneys/trial-support for more information. At the pretrial conference, the parties must coordinate with the Courtroom Deputy to schedule a time to test any equipment that the parties wish to use at trial.

Page 10 | E. Procedures for Handling Exhibits

Questions should be directed to natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Questions should be directed to natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Page 11 | X. TRIALS

Parties should contact the courtroom deputy if the claim construction hearing needs more or less time than one full trial day.

The claim construction hearing will be set for one full trial day (5 hours). If more or less time is required, the parties are instructed to inform Natalie Wood, Courtroom Deputy, at Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov.

Page 12 | XII. PATENT CASES

Questions or suggestions about the Standing Order may be emailed to Natalie Wood; if the party has a case, all parties must be copied.

Parties may submit questions on, or suggestions for improvement to, this Standing Order to Natalie_Wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. If the party has a case before the Court, all parties must be copied on the message.

Page 12 | XIV. QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THIS STANDING ORDER

About United States District Judge Lauren King

Judge Lauren King serves as a United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, sitting in Seattle.

No biographical narrative was available on the court website at the time of research.

Division: Seattle Courthouse: United States Courthouse, 700 Stewart Street, Suite 15134, Seattle, WA 98101-9906 Courtroom: Suite 15106 Phone: (206) 370-8790

Chambers Staff

  • Courtroom Deputy: (206) 370-8524
  • Case Administrator: (206) 370-8453
Common questions about Judge Lauren King's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Lauren King?

Details: 2 copies. Additional exhibits marked during trial must be copied for opposing counsel and the Court.

View ruleSource: page 10, section E. Procedures for Handling Exhibits

Does Judge Lauren King require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Yes. A pre-motion letter is required for dispositive. Meet and confer required before filing dispositive motions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section V. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING

What page or word limits apply to motion before Judge Lauren King?

Judge Lauren King's rule states these limits: 8400 words. Motions for default judgment may include up to 8,400 words. This is longer than the length permitted under the Local Civil Rules. Parties still must certify their compliance with the 8,400 word limit under LCR 7(e)(6).

View ruleSource: page 7, section B. Motion Length

What page or word limits apply to brief before Judge Lauren King?

Judge Lauren King's rule states these limits: attorney: 8400 words; attorney: 14000 words; attorney: 8750 words; attorney: 4200 words. Cross-motions for summary judgment follow a specific briefing schedule with word limits: plaintiff's motion (8,400 words), defendant's combined response/cross-motion (14,000 words), plaintiff's combined reply/response (8,750 words), defendant's reply (4,200 words).

View ruleSource: page 5, section G

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Lauren King?

C. Citations Should be in the Body of the Brief, Not in Footnotes

View ruleSource: page 2, section V. MOTIONS AND OTHER BRIEFING

What must be included with jury instructions filings before Judge Lauren King?

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted on ECF and via email in Word format.

View ruleSource: page 8, section A. Jury Instructions

What must be included with deposition designations filings before Judge Lauren King?

D. Objections to Deposition Designations

View ruleSource: page 6, section IX. TRIALS

How may parties contact Judge Lauren King's chambers?

The rule lists email natalie_wood@wawd.uscourts.gov. Contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue trial date.

View ruleSource: page 2, section C. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Lauren King?

Motions to continue must be filed timely; failure to do so constitutes waiver.

View ruleSource: page 2, section C. Motions to Continue Trial Date and/or Pretrial Motions Deadline

Does Judge Lauren King require motion papers to be bundled?

Motions in limine must be filed 35 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 3, section I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 120-DAY RULE

What filing deadlines does Judge Lauren King set?

Dispositive motions must be noted at least 90 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 3, section I. CASE SCHEDULING TEMPLATE AND THE 90-DAY RULE
Complete rules summary for Judge Lauren King

Motions in limine must be filed 35 days before trial.

Proposed jury instructions must be submitted on ECF and via email in Word format.

A. Table of Authorities is Not Required

Discovery-related motions must be filed 6 months before trial.

D. Objections to Deposition Designations

Proposed findings and conclusions required after bench trial.

A. Scheduling

Judge King does not require courtesy copies.

B. Courtesy Copies are Not Required

C. Citations Should be in the Body of the Brief, Not in Footnotes

D. Briefs and Exhibits Should be Searchable

B. Civil Jury Impanelment Procedures

C. The Court's General Voir Dire Questions

Meet and confer required before filing dispositive motions.

E. Unpublished Cases

Dispositive motions must be filed 120 days before trial.

Dispositive motions and expert witness challenges must be filed 120 days before trial.

Patent cases may require tutorial, neutral expert, or claim construction hearing.

Table of authorities is not required for motions.

Discovery motions must be filed before discovery closes to allow resolution.

Provide notice of discovery procedures to third parties.

Follow Bluebook and local rules for citing unpublished decisions.

Pro se parties exempt from meet and confer requirement.

Meet and confer required before filing dispositive motions with certification.

PDF documents should be OCR-scanned and searchable.

Email proposed orders in Word format to specified address.

Meet and confer required before filing discovery motions.

Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine.

Motions for default judgment must include specific content requirements.

Court will not award fees for correcting mistakes in default judgment motions.

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