Judge Tana Lin
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- 2 copies
Exhibits
- 2 copies • Five Days Before Trial
Filings > 50 pages
- Upon request
Adjournments
- Extension motions must be filed 3 business days before deadline.
- Counsel must remain within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations.
- Deadline extensions are automatically allowed if unopposed, not previously extended, and do not change certain dates; requests must be filed as a joint stipulated notice after meet-and-confer.
- The schedule established by the order may be modified only upon a showing of good cause.
Request must include
- Out-of-county counsel may request remote appearance for status conferences and non-dispositive motions with 5 days advance notice.
- Motions to reschedule hearings must be filed at least 5 business days before the scheduled hearing, include reason for rescheduling, alternative dates/times, and party unavailability dates.
- Reschedule motions must be filed 5 business days before hearing.
- Motions for extension of time (relief from deadline) require 14 days' notice under LCR 7(d)(2), or at least 3 business days' notice with reasons for shorter notice; emergency exceptions apply per LCR 7(j).
Communication
Chambers, Clerk
Phone
Clerk, Chambers
Page & Word Limits5 rules
Motions in limine and responses shall not exceed twelve (12) pages without prior approval of the Court.
- Motion in limine
- Up to 12 pages
Exception
More pages with leave of court
Disputed instructions limited to 2 pages per instruction for arguments and authority.
- Disputed instructions
- Up to 2 pages per side
Court's wording
For Disputed Instructions, the proposed and alternate instruction shall be listed one after the other, with each side’s argument and authority for the instruction not to exceed two (2) pages, collectively, per instruction (i.e., Co-Plaintiffs and Co- Defendants must submit only one set together).
Each side (not Party) is limited to time limits set by the Court at the final pretrial conference.
However, each side (not each Party) is limited to time limits set by the Court at the pretrial conference.
Absent a contrary court order, the parties must serve opening and answering briefs capped at 24 pages each and reply and sur-reply briefs capped at 12 pages each, then file a joint claim construction brief.
- Opening brief
- Up to 24 pages
- Answering brief
- Up to 24 pages
- Reply brief
- Up to 12 pages
- sur-reply
- Up to 12 pages
Court's wording
Absent a court order to the contrary, claim construction briefing shall proceed in the following manner and order: (1) Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, an opening brief, not to exceed twenty- four (24) pages; (2) Defendant shall serve, but not file, its answering brief, not to exceed twenty-four (24) pages; (3) Plaintiff shall serve, but not file, its reply brief, not to exceed twelve (12) pages; (4) Defendant shall serve, but not file, its sur-reply brief, not to exceed twelve (12) pages; and (5) the Parties shall file a Joint Claim Construction Brief.
Document Format Requirements29 rules
Government exhibits numbered G-1+, Defendant exhibits D-1+, Joint exhibits J-1+.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Government exhibits numbered G-1+
- •Defendant exhibits numbered D-1+
- •Joint exhibits numbered J-1+
Court's wording
The Government's exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with G-1; Defendant(s)'exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with D-1. Joint exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with J-1.
Each exhibit shall be printed double-sided unless there is a specific need to not do so.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Double-sided printing required for exhibits
Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
- Binding
- Three-ring binder
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •Numbered tabs required
Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player.
Electronic exhibits must be numbered and named with exhibit number and description.
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •File naming convention: exhibit number + description
Court's wording
Exhibits must be numbered and named. The naming convention for each exhibit file name must include the exhibit number and a brief description. For example, Government's exhibit 1 would be named: G-1contract.pdf. Defendant's exhibit 1 would be named: D-1email.pdf.
Electronic exhibits must be on CD/USB in PDF format, one PDF per exhibit.
- Preferred format
- Exhibits
Formatting
- •CD or USB delivery
- •One PDF document per exhibit
Court's wording
The electronic set of trial exhibits must be delivered to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, in the following format: • Exhibits must be on a CD or USB flash drive (preferred) in PDF format. • Each exhibit must be a single PDF document.
Joint instructions and verdict form must be submitted in Word format via email.
- File type
- Word
- Joint instructions statement
- Verdict form
Court's wording
The Joint Instructions Statement and verdict form must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Citations should be in Bluebook format and must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes or endnotes (with the exception of citations that follow explanatory footnotes).
Judge Lin expects everyone in her courtroom to treat each and every person with dignity and respect. Therefore, at a minimum, she expects the following: 1. Be punctual.
Formatting
- •All persons must be treated with dignity and respect
- •Punctuality is required
Citations must be in body of brief, not footnotes/endnotes (except explanatory footnotes).
Formatting
- •Citations must be in Bluebook format
Court's wording
Substantive information and discussion should appear in the body of the brief; footnotes are to be reserved for explanatory and supplemental information. Citations should be in Bluebook format and must be included in the body of the briefing, not in footnotes or endnotes (with the exception of citations that follow explanatory footnotes).
As a general matter, Counsel will not be restricted to speaking at the podium for opening or closing arguments unless the Court, Court Reporter, a witness, other Counsel, or a juror indicates that they are unable to hear. However, Counsel shall stay at least five (5) feet back from the railing in front of the jury box and, to aid the Court Reporter, may be required to use a handheld microphone provided by the Court if leaving the podium.
Counsel must stand when addressing court/witness/jury if jury is present.
Formatting
- •Accommodations available for disabilities/health issues
Court's wording
If a jury is present in the courtroom, Counsel are required to stand when addressing the Court, a witness, or the jury, unless a disability- or health-related accommodation has been requested and granted (see supra Section III.A), or the necessity of such accommodation is readily apparent.
Citations should be in Bluebook format and must be included in the body of the briefing, not footnotes or endnotes.
Electronic exhibits must be on USB/CD in PDF format with specific naming conventions.
- Preferred format
Formatting
- •Single PDF per exhibit
- •Text-searchable format preferred
- •Windows Media Player playable
- •Specific naming convention
Court's wording
The electronic set of the trial exhibits must be delivered to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, in the following format: Each set of exhibits must be on a USB flash drive (preferred) or CD in PDF format. Each exhibit must be a single PDF document. If possible, PDF documents should be provided in a text-searchable format. Exhibits that contain audio or video must be playable in Windows Media Player. Exhibits must be numbered and named. The naming convention for each exhibit file name must include the exhibit number and a brief description. For example, Plaintiff's Exhibit 1 would be named: P-1contract.pdf. Defendant's Exhibit 1 would be named: D-1email.pdf.
Exhibit numbering system: P-1, D-1, J-1; double-sided printing; three-ring binder with tabs.
- Binding
- Three-ring binder
Formatting
- •Consecutive numbering system
- •Double-sided printing
- •Appropriately numbered tabs
Court's wording
Plaintiff(s)' exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with P-1; Defendant(s)' exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with D-1. Joint exhibits shall be numbered consecutively beginning with J-1. Duplicate documents shall not be listed twice. Each exhibit shall be printed double-sided unless there is a specific need to not do so. Once a Party has identified an exhibit in the pretrial order, it may be used by any Party. Each set of exhibits shall be submitted in a three-ring binder with appropriately numbered tabs.
Voir dire documents must be submitted in Word format via email to specific addresses.
- File type
- Word
- Voir dire documents
Formatting
- •Email submission
- •Specific recipients
Court's wording
In addition to being filed on the docket, all of these documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Each instruction shall begin on a new page.
- Jury instructions
Formatting
- •New page per instruction
Joint Instructions Statement, jury instruction chart, and verdict form must be submitted in Word format via email to specific addresses.
- File type
- Word
- Joint instructions statement
- Jury instruction chart
- Verdict form
Formatting
- •Email submission
- •Specific recipients
Court's wording
The Joint Instructions Statement, jury instruction chart, and verdict form must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
The Joint Claim Chart must be in the format provided in the Sample Joint Claim Chart found in the next Section.
Further, substantive information and discussion should appear in the body of the brief; footnotes are to be reserved for explanatory and supplemental information.
In addition, parties submitting proposed orders are requested to format them such that the Court’s signature block does not appear alone without any identifying content—such as the signature(s) of the presenting attorney(s) and/or at least one or two lines of specific text from the body of the order—above it on the page. This supports the Court’s efforts to deter unauthorized or fraudulent use of its signature. A proposed order drafted such that the Court’s signature appears alone on a page, or accompanied only by generic language such as “It is so ordered,” will require reformatting, which may delay entry of the order.
All videoconference participants must test the link that will be provided in advance of the hearing or trial date to make sure it works for them.
All Parties appearing via video should sign in using their first and last names as they appear in filings to the Court.
Electronic devices allowed in courtroom but must be silenced; voice assistants must be disabled. Violators may be sanctioned.
Formatting
- •Digital assistants must have voice-prompt disabled
Court's wording
Cellphones, laptops, and electronic devices are allowed inside the courtroom, but telephone ringtones and other functional sounds must be disabled. If your phone, laptop or tablet features a digital assistant (e.g., Siri), be sure to disable the voice-prompt or always-listening feature to avoid accidental courtroom interruptions. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.
Electronic devices allowed but must be silenced; digital assistants must be disabled.
Formatting
- •Sanctions may apply for interruptions
Court's wording
Cellphones, laptops, and electronic devices are allowed inside the courtroom, but telephone ringtones and other functional sounds produced by devices must be disabled while in the courtroom. If your phone, laptop or tablet features a digital assistant (e.g., Siri), be sure to disable the voice-prompt or always-listening feature to avoid accidental courtroom interruptions. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.
Unless the Parties obtain leave of the Court in advance, the Court will construe a maximum of ten (10) claim terms at the claim construction hearing.
Claim construction briefs should therefore be limited to ten (10) terms that the Parties choose jointly, absent prior leave of Court.
If possible, PDF documents should be provided in a text-searchable format.
Formatting
- •Text-searchable PDF preferred
Where feasible, the Court prefers PDFs to be filed on the docket, in a searchable-text format.
Document Filing Requirements161 rules
The terms of this Order shall have the force and effect of orders of the Court from the date of the Order.
Motion to continue must include 30-day speedy trial waiver.
- Document
- Motion to continue
Must include
- •Speedy trial waiver
Court's wording
All motions to continue the trial date shall be accompanied by a waiver of speedy trial at least thirty (30) days beyond the proposed new trial date except that any defendant contesting such a motion need not file a waiver.
file speedy trial waivers signed by the Defendant(s) with the stipulation to continue the trial.
- Document
- Stipulated motion to continue
Include
- •Signed speedy trial waivers
With respect to stipulated or unopposed motions to continue the trial date, Counsel must: a. state facts establishing good cause for the continuance.
A contested motion to continue the trial date filed by the Government shall be accompanied by a calculation of time under the Speedy Trial Act.
have Defendant(s) waive speedy trial to at least thirty (30) days beyond the requested trial date.
Each Party will be responsible for having its original documents available at trial.
Include
- •Original documents available at trial
A joint, final exhibit list in Microsoft Word format must be emailed to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov five (5) days prior to the trial date.
- Document
- Exhibit list
Must include
- •Joint final exhibit list
At the pretrial conference, the Parties must arrange with Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, to schedule a time to test any equipment that the parties wish to use at trial.
Revised documents must include redlined version and clean copies
- Document
- Revised document
Must include
- •Clean copies
- •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 shall promptly file the revised document with the Court and provide the Courtroom Deputy with a redlined version indicating the changes as well as replacement, clean copies of any revised or added exhibits in both electronic and physical format.
To the extent any objections remain after this conferral, the exhibit list with all updated stipulations and objections shall be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy by 8 p.m. each day.
Thereafter, the Parties are directed to meet at a mutually agreed upon time during each trial day to exchange a set of proposed exhibits and demonstratives to be used the following day.
Exhibit lists for opening statements/first trial day due by 5 PM Friday before trial
Court's wording
For exhibits to be used during opening statements and the first day of trial, a list of the exhibits and demonstratives shall be emailed to the Courtroom Deputy by 5 p.m. the Friday before the first trial date.
Voir dire submissions must be emailed in Word format to specific addresses
- Document
- Voir dire submission
Must include
- •Word format
Court's wording
In addition to being filed on the docket, all of these documents must be submitted in Microsoft Word format via e-mail to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov and to Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Joint voir dire submission required with chart of disputed questions
- Document
- Voir dire submission
Must include
- •Joint submission
Court's wording
The Parties shall file a joint submission (1) informing the Court of which voir dire questions from the Court’s general voir dire the parties wish to use; (2) providing the Court with any additional agreed-upon proposed voir dire questions; and (3) providing a chart of any disputed proposed voir dire questions that includes (a) the proposed question, (b) the objection to the proposed question, and (c) the response to the objection.
Joint instructions and verdict form must be submitted 21 days before trial.
- Document
- Joint instructions statement
Must include
- •Proposed verdict form
- •Proposed jury instructions
Court's wording
The Parties shall submit a Joint Instructions and Joint Statement of Disputed Instructions (“Joint Instructions Statement”), a proposed Jury Instructions (see https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/judges/lin-procedures), and a proposed verdict form at least twenty-one (21) days before trial.
The Court expects the Parties to provide notice to Opposing Counsel of their next-day’s witnesses by 8 p.m. the day before a witness is to be called.
Counsel shall instruct witnesses not to discuss their testimony with other witnesses, either during or after they complete their testimony.
Copies of impeachment documents must be provided to witness, court, and opposing counsel.
Court's wording
Where Counsel seek to impeach a witness by use of that witness’s prior deposition or other discovery materials, copies of the relevant document must be provided to the witness, the Court, and opposing Counsel.
A motion and the legal argument supporting the motion shall be filed as a single document.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Legal argument
Parties who file a brief that is ten (10) pages or longer shall include a table of contents and a table of authorities (neither of which counts toward the word limit, see LCR 7(e)(6)).
- Document
- Brief
Must include
- •Table of contents
- •Table of authorities
Motions or briefs citing out-of-jurisdiction rulings not available on Lexis or Westlaw must attach a copy of the ruling to the filing.
Court's wording
When filing a motion or brief that cites to a ruling from a court outside this jurisdiction that is not readily available on Lexis or Westlaw (e.g., a transcript containing a bench ruling), Parties must provide a copy of the ruling to the Court as an attachment to the motion.
Briefs referring to docket or exhibit material must include pincites with corresponding docket and page numbers.
Court's wording
When a Party’s briefing refers to or relies on material on the docket or attached as an exhibit, it must include pincites to such material. References or citations to such material or exhibits must include the docket and page numbers.
Motions requiring pre-filing meet-and-confer must demonstrate meaningful efforts to confer, with non-compliant motions subject to summary denial.
Court's wording
For a motion that requires a meet-and-confer prior to filing, Parties must make a meaningful effort to meet and confer as defined by LCR 1(c)(6). For example, waiting until the expiration of a deadline, contacting the opposing Party, receiving no immediate response, and then filing the motion, does not satisfy that duty. If contact was not successfully made, Parties shall explain their specific efforts to comply with this requirement. Motions that do not comply may be summarily denied.
Motions requiring the Court’s signature must include a proposed order, except for dispositive motions.
- Document
- Motion
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
As a general rule, any motion requiring the signature of the Court must be presented along with a proposed order. See LCR 7(b)(1). However, Parties are not required to submit proposed orders for dispositive motions.
Stipulated protective orders must be filed with a redlined version showing deviations from the district's model protective order, or a certification stating there are no deviations if none exist.
Court's wording
A redlined version showing deviations from the model should be attached to and filed along with any proposed stipulated protective order. See LCR 26(c)(2). If there are no differences from the model, the Parties shall include with the stipulation a certification stating as much. (Merely tailoring any of the bracketed information requested in the model order and/or providing a list of specific documents to be designated as confidential in Section 2 is not considered a change or difference from the model.)
Joint briefs for motions in limine must include an introductory statement, section for agreed motions, and section for disputed motions with separate headings and supporting authority for each party's position.
Court's wording
The brief must contain: (1) an introductory statement summarizing the case and the context relevant to any dispute, with each side drafting its own statement if they cannot agree; (2) a section for agreed motions in limine in which the Parties shall list each issue and the agreement of the Parties as to that issue; (3) a section for any disputed motions in limine with a subsection for the Plaintiff’s disputed motions in limine and a subsection for Defendant’s disputed motions in limine, in which the Parties present each motion under a separate heading, below which the moving Party provides its position with supporting authority, followed by the position and supporting authority of the opposing Party.
A motion to compel must strictly comply with LCR 37(a)(1) and shall include a certification that lists the date, manner, and participants of the conference.
- Document
- Motion to compel
Must include
- •Certificate of conference
Any opposed discovery motion shall contain a verbatim recitation of the discovery request and objection (if any) at issue, or shall attach a copy of same.
Motions in limine must include certification of conferral and comply with word limits, or risk being stricken.
- Document
- Motion in limine
Include
- •Certificate of conference
Court's wording
Motions in limine that do not comply with the applicable requirements, including the certification of conferral (LCR 1(c)(6) and LCR 7(d)(5)) or the word limit (LCR 7(e)(5)), without prior permission of the Court, may be summarily stricken.
Any motion seeking attorney fees must be accompanied by an appropriate declaration that attaches all relevant timesheets and costs.
- Document
- Motion for attorney fees
Must include
- •Declaration
Parties shall submit notice under this provision by issue and speaker two (2) business days prior to the hearing to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Parties must file witness lists identifying witnesses and testimony scope 2 business days before hearing.
Court's wording
Any Party intending to call witnesses at a hearing must submit a filing declaring their intention to do so at least two (2) business days prior to the hearing. The filing must contain the identity of each witness and the scope of the testimony.
When cases scheduled for jury trial are settled (or agreed to be tried without a jury), Parties shall refer to LCR 39(d) for the requirements of providing timely notice.
Exhibit lists required; unfiled exhibits must be emailed in PDF format by 24 hours before hearing.
Court's wording
Any Party intending to introduce documentary evidence at a hearing must supply a list of exhibits. For exhibits that have already been filed with the Court, the Party should clearly indicate the applicable docket number. If an exhibit has not been filed, the Party must supply the exhibit via email, in PDF format, to all relevant Parties and to the Court as soon as possible, but no later than twenty-four (24) hours before the hearing.
For videoconference hearings, email must identify counsel who will introduce exhibits for screen-sharing authorization.
Court's wording
If the hearing will proceed by videoconference, the email to the Court must identify the full name of the counsel who will be introducing the exhibit, so the Court may authorize the appropriate attorney to share their screen.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
A Word version of all proposed orders must be emailed to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov at filing, with a subject line including case number, name, and motion title.
Pursuant to this District’s Electronic Filing Procedures, the moving Party must also email a Microsoft Word version of any proposed order to linorders@wawd.uscourts.gov at the time of filing. The subject heading of the email should include the case number, the case name, and the title of the motion, and not simply “Proposed Order.”
Page 4 | II. Guidelines for All Motions and Filings
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Oppositions to motions for extension of time must be filed within 2 business days of the motion's filing.
Any opposition must be filed within two (2) business days of the motion.
Page 5 | Deadlines (extension of time)
Motions in limine must be filed as a joint brief at least 5 business days before the pretrial conference.
Any motions in limine must be presented in a joint brief filed at least five (5) business days before the pretrial conference.
Page 6 | G. Motions in Limine
Daubert motions (motions challenging expert testimony) must be filed by the dispositive motion deadline set in the Court's trial scheduling order.
Motions challenging expert testimony, though not dispositive motions, must be filed by the date dispositive motions are due in accordance with the Court’s trial scheduling order.
Page 6 | E. Daubert Motions
Discovery disputes must be raised timely to avoid waiver of the right to seek court resolution.
Discovery disputes shall be raised in a timely manner to allow discovery to be completed before the discovery deadline. Failure to do so may waive a Party’s right to bring the dispute before the Court.
Page 7 | IV. Discovery
When a tutorial is requested, the Court will schedule it two to four weeks before the Markman hearing.
In those instances, the Court will schedule a tutorial to occur two (2) to four (4) weeks prior to the Markman hearing.
Page 6 | VII. TUTORIAL AND/OR COURT-APPOINTED NEUTRAL EXPERT
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Parties must notify third parties of discovery procedures, and third parties must comply.
Parties must provide notice of these discovery procedures to third parties who receive discovery requests from the Parties, and such third parties shall comply with these procedures.
Page 7 | IV. Discovery
A party claiming patent infringement must serve all parties with its Asserted Claims and Preliminary Infringement Contentions under LPR 120.
A Party claiming patent infringement will serve on all Parties a statement of the Asserted Claims and Preliminary Infringement Contentions pursuant to LPR 120.
Page 2 | I. Asserted Claims and Preliminary Infringement Contentions
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Trial exhibits must be delivered to chambers 5 days before trial.
One physical set and one electronic set of the trial exhibits are to be delivered to Judge Lin's chambers five (5) days before the trial date.
Page 5 | C. Evidence
Additional trial exhibits require copies for opposing counsel and 2 for court
If additional exhibits are marked during trial (for example, for impeachment purposes), Counsel must provide copies of the exhibits for opposing Counsel and at least two (2) copies for the Court.
Page 7 | Admissibility and Admission of Evidence
The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by CM/ECF, as this header includes important information (case number, document number, page number, date filed, etc.). Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided. Courtesy copies should be tabbed and placed in a three-ring binder or otherwise bound.
The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by CM/ECF, as this header includes important information (case number, document number, page number, date filed, etc.). Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided. Courtesy copies should be tabbed and placed in a three-ring binder or otherwise bound.
Page 3 | II. Guidelines for All Motions and Filings
Courtesy copies are required for pleadings with aggregate length over 50 pages, trial exhibits, or when requested by the Court.
Courtesy copies are required only for pleadings that in the aggregate (i.e., the brief plus any declarations or exhibits) are longer than fifty (50) pages, for trial exhibits (see Judge Lin’s Civil Trial Procedures), or when requested by the Court.
Page 3 | II. Guidelines for All Motions and Filings
The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by CM/ECF, as this header includes important information (i.e., case number, document number, page number, date filed, etc.). Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided. Courtesy copies should be three-hole punched, tabbed, and placed in a binder or otherwise bound.
The courtesy copy must be the version of the document with the header generated by CM/ECF, as this header includes important information (i.e., case number, document number, page number, date filed, etc.). Courtesy copies shall be printed double-sided. Courtesy copies should be three-hole punched, tabbed, and placed in a binder or otherwise bound.
Courtesy copies required for pleadings over 50 pages or trial exhibits.
Courtesy copies are only required for pleadings that in the aggregate (i.e., the brief plus any declarations or exhibits) are longer than fifty (50) pages, trial exhibits (see Judge Lin's Civil Trial Procedures), or upon Court request.
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
The rule on exclusion (sequestration) of witnesses will be in effect throughout the trial until the time of closing arguments and instructions.
The rule on exclusion (sequestration) of witnesses will be in effect throughout the trial until the time of closing arguments and instructions.
Page 10 | G. Witnesses
Filings under seal are only permitted if the moving party demonstrates good cause (non-dispositive motions) or compelling reasons (dispositive/merits-related/operative complaint information); party designation as confidential or stipulation is insufficient, and the Court determines sealing.
It is the Court, not the Parties, that determines whether a document can be filed under seal. The Court will only permit filings under seal if the Party seeking to seal the information demonstrates why the public’s traditional right of access to court documents and the public policies favoring disclosure are outweighed by good cause (if the motion is not case-dispositive) or compelling reasons (if the motion is case-dispositive or otherwise more than tangentially related to the merits of the case, or the information is included in the operative complaint) that support keeping the information under seal. The fact that a Party has designated a particular document “Confidential,” or that the Parties have stipulated it as such (or the opposing Party has not opposed the designation), is not sufficient to establish good cause or to demonstrate that compelling reasons exist to seal that document.
Page 6 | D. Motions to Seal
Strict compliance with Local Rule 5(g) required for motions to seal.
The Court expects strict compliance with LCR 5(g).
Page 5 | D. Motions to Seal
Guide available for redacting sensitive information from documents.
For a helpful guide on properly redacting sensitive information from documents (including redactions required under FRCP and LCR 5.2(a)), see https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/cases-e-filing/cm-ecf/preparing-my-filing/redaction-of-information/.
Page 5 | D. Motions to Seal
Filing Bundling Requirements
Defense trial briefs due 17 days before trial.
Defense trial briefs must be submitted seventeen (17) days before trial.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Untimely motions in limine will be stricken.
Any other untimely motions in limine will be stricken.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Defense expert disclosures due 30 days before pretrial motions deadline.
Defense expert disclosures are due thirty (30) days before the pretrial motions deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Government rebuttal disclosures due 14 days before pretrial motions deadline.
The Government’s rebuttal disclosures are due fourteen (14) days before the pretrial motions deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Motions in limine must be filed 28 days before trial.
All motions in limine must be filed at least twenty-eight (28) days before trial.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Each party may file one omnibus motion in limine.
Each Party may file a single, omnibus motion in limine.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Motions challenging expert witnesses must be filed by pretrial deadline.
Any motion challenging an expert witness must be filed by the pretrial motions deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Motions in limine may only be included in trial briefs if they missed pretrial deadline.
Parties may only include motions in limine in their trial briefs if the motions could not have been brought by the pretrial motions in limine deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Expert discovery must be completed 2 weeks before pretrial motions deadline.
If the Parties do not propose a case scheduling order setting expert discovery, then expert discovery shall be completed at least two (2) weeks in advance of the pretrial motions deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Responses to motions in limine due 23 days before trial.
Responses to motions in limine shall be filed at least twenty-three (23) days before trial.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
All motions, including motions to continue the trial date, shall be made prior to the pretrial motions deadline.
All motions, including motions to continue the trial date, shall be made prior to the pretrial motions deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Proposed jury questionnaires, proposed voir dire, proposed jury instructions, and proposed verdict forms must be submitted at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of the trial date.
Proposed jury questionnaires, proposed voir dire, proposed jury instructions, and proposed verdict forms must be submitted at least twenty-one (21) days in advance of the trial date.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Government trial brief due 21 days before trial.
The Government’s trial brief must be submitted twenty-one (21) days before trial,
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Government expert disclosures due 45 days before pretrial motions deadline.
The Government’s expert disclosures are due forty-five (45) days before the pretrial motions deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Pretrial conference held at least 2 Fridays before trial.
The pretrial conference will generally be held at least two Fridays in advance of the trial date.
Page 4 | II. PROCEDURES FOR ALL CRIMINAL TRIALS
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Opposition to extension motions due within 2 business days.
Any opposition must be filed within two (2) business days of the motion.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Replies to extension motions are not permitted.
No replies are allowed.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
All pretrial motions, except stipulated or unopposed motions to continue the trial date, must be noted on the motion calendar for twelve (12) days after the motion is filed per CrR 12(b)(6).
All pretrial motions, except stipulated or unopposed motions to continue the trial date, must be noted on the motion calendar for twelve (12) days after the motion is filed per CrR 12(b)(6).
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Replies to motions in limine only if requested by Court.
No reply shall be filed unless requested by the Court.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Additional motions in limine require advance Court approval.
Successive motions in limine shall require advance Court approval.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Before filing motions in limine, parties must make a good-faith meet and confer with the opposing party and comply with LCR 7(d)(5).
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).
Page 6 | G. Motions in Limine
Parties must meet and confer in good faith before filing a motion to compel.
Before filing a motion to compel, the moving Party must make a good faith effort to meet and confer with the opposing Party.
Page 7 | IV. Discovery
Should the case be referred to a Magistrate Judge for discovery-related issues, no opposed discovery motions shall be filed until the Party has contacted the Magistrate Judge and has been informed of that judge’s procedures for resolving discovery disputes.
Should the case be referred to a Magistrate Judge for discovery-related issues, no opposed discovery motions shall be filed until the Party has contacted the Magistrate Judge and has been informed of that judge’s procedures for resolving discovery disputes.
Page 8 | IV. Discovery
Meaningful conferral required before filing dispositive motions with 3 business day buffer.
Parties must make a meaningful effort to confer prior to filing a dispositive motion. Such motions must contain a certification of conferral. See Section II.D. Parties should provide for at least three (3) business days between the final attempt to confer and a motion’s filing and must explain their specific efforts to comply in the certification if contact was not successfully made.
Page 6 | G. Dispositive Motions
Proposed briefing schedule required for cross-motions for summary judgment.
Parties must submit for approval a proposed briefing schedule if they plan on filing cross- motions for summary judgment. As noted in LCR 7(k), the Court may order Parties filing cross- motions for summary judgment to combine their memoranda and forgo reply briefs in exchange for an enlarged response brief.
Page 6 | G. Dispositive Motions
Should the case be referred to a Magistrate Judge for discovery-related issues, no opposed discovery motions shall be filed until the Party has contacted the Magistrate Judge to be informed of that judge’s procedures for resolving discovery disputes.
Should the case be referred to a Magistrate Judge for discovery-related issues, no opposed discovery motions shall be filed until the Party has contacted the Magistrate Judge to be informed of that judge’s procedures for resolving discovery disputes.
Page 7 | IV. Discovery
A motion to dismiss pursuant to FRCP 12(b) is discouraged if the defect can be cured by filing an amended pleading. Parties must endeavor not to oppose timely motions to amend.
A motion to dismiss pursuant to FRCP 12(b) is discouraged if the defect can be cured by filing an amended pleading. Parties must endeavor not to oppose timely motions to amend.
Page 6 | F. Motions to Dismiss
Parties are discouraged from filing motions in limine that request exclusion without identifying specific evidence or exhibits to be excluded, request relief at a high level of generality, or merely ask the Court to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence in the absence of an unusual issue. Daubert issues may not be presented in motions in limine.
Parties are discouraged from filing motions in limine that request exclusion without identifying specific evidence or exhibits to be excluded, request relief at a high level of generality, or merely ask the Court to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence in the absence of an unusual issue. Daubert issues may not be presented in motions in limine.
Page 6 | G. Motions in Limine
Motions to dismiss under Rule 12(b) discouraged if defect can be cured by amendment.
A motion to dismiss pursuant to FRCP 12(b) is discouraged if the defect can be cured by filing an amended pleading. Parties must endeavor not to oppose timely motions to amend.
Page 6 | G. Dispositive Motions
Oral argument is decided after briefing is completed on a motion.
After briefing has been completed on a motion, the Court will decide whether to grant a request for oral argument.
Page 9 | VI. HEARINGS - A. Scheduling Oral Argument
Motions in limine that do not comply with the applicable requirements, including the certification of conferral (LCR 7(d)(4)) or the word limit (LCR 7(e)(5)), without prior permission of the Court may be summarily stricken.
Motions in limine that do not comply with the applicable requirements, including the certification of conferral (LCR 7(d)(4)) or the word limit (LCR 7(e)(5)), without prior permission of the Court may be summarily stricken.
Page 6 | H. Motions in Limine
Good faith conferral required before filing motions in limine; single omnibus motion allowed.
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)(4). Parties are discouraged from filing motions in limine that do not identify specific evidence or exhibits to be excluded, that request relief at a high level of generality, or that merely ask the Court to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence in the absence of an unusual issue. Each Party may file a single, omnibus motion in limine. Successive motions in limine shall require advance Court approval.
Page 6 | H. Motions in Limine
Motion to compel only as last resort; good faith conferral required with certification.
The Court expects Parties to file a motion to compel only as a last resort. The Court strongly encourages Parties to make every effort to resolve discovery disputes without the Court’s intervention. Before filing a motion to compel, the moving Party must make a good faith effort to meet and confer with the opposing Party. See Section II.D. A motion to compel must strictly comply with LCR 37(a)(1) and shall include a certification that lists the date, manner, and
Page 6 | IV. Discovery - A. Discovery Disputes
Daubert motions must be filed by dispositive motion deadline and cannot be in limine motions.
Motions challenging expert testimony, though not dispositive motions, must be filed by the date dispositive motions are due in accordance with the Court’s trial scheduling order. Daubert issues may not be presented in motions in limine.
Page 6 | F. Daubert Motions
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Extension motions must be filed 3 business days before deadline.
Motions for extensions of time shall be filed at least three (3) business days in advance of the expiration of the relevant deadline.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Counsel must remain within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations.
Throughout jury deliberations, Counsel must remain within 20 (twenty) minutes of the courthouse in order for the Court to expeditiously respond to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel who choose not to remain in the immediate vicinity of the courtroom must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a telephone number where they can be contacted.
Page 11 | H. Deliberations
Deadline extensions are automatically allowed if unopposed, not previously extended, and do not change certain dates; requests must be filed as a joint stipulated notice after meet-and-confer.
The Court permits Parties to automatically extend a deadline (or amend a scheduling order) to a specific new date, provided that: (1) the date has not been previously extended; (2) such request is unopposed or agreed upon between the Parties; and (3) such request does not change the date for (a) any hearing, (b) any final submission to the Court related to a hearing, (c) any dispositive motion or expert motion deadline, or (d) any deadline after the filing of dispositive and expert motions in the trial scheduling order. Parties shall meet and confer and jointly file any requests under the paragraph above as a stipulated notice to the Court, instead of as a motion, using the language set forth below:
Page 4 | III. Motions by Type
Motions to reschedule hearings must be filed at least 5 business days before the scheduled hearing, include reason for rescheduling, alternative dates/times, and party unavailability dates.
If rescheduling is necessary, the motion shall be filed no later than five (5) business days before the scheduled hearing. The motion shall contain an explanation of why rescheduling is necessary, as well as alternative dates and times that are available for all Parties. If the suggested dates and times are not available on the Court’s calendar, the Court will select a date and time sua sponte. Parties shall include known dates of unavailability for the Court to consider when selecting a new date and time, but the Court will select the most expedient date available that minimizes the impact to the Court’s calendar.
Page 5 | B. Requests to Reschedule Hearings
Motions for extension of time (relief from deadline) require 14 days' notice under LCR 7(d)(2), or at least 3 business days' notice with reasons for shorter notice; emergency exceptions apply per LCR 7(j).
Under LCR 7(d)(2), motions for relief from a deadline shall be noted for consideration no earlier than fourteen (14) days after filing. Where a party must seek relief from a deadline on shorter notice, the Court may consider motions for extensions of time that are filed at least three (3) business days in advance of the expiration of the relevant deadline. Any Party utilizing the three-day rule in this paragraph, rather than the 14-day Rule of LCR 7(d)(2), shall include in its motion the reason(s) it could not have filed its motion earlier. In a true, unforeseen emergency, Parties should follow the provisions of LCR 7(j).
Page 5 | Deadlines (extension of time)
Out-of-county counsel may request remote appearance for status conferences and non-dispositive motions with 5 days advance notice.
Counsel from outside of King County may request to appear by telephone or video for status conferences and hearings on non-dispositive motions. Requests must be made to the Courtroom Deputy at least five days in advance of a hearing, if possible.
Page 10 | VI. HEARINGS - E. Teleconference or Videoconference
Motions to continue trial date must be filed before pretrial motions deadline
Motions to Continue Trial Date Prior to the pretrial motions deadline
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Motions to Continue Trial Date
Motions for extension of time must be filed 3 business days before deadline, response due within 2 days, no replies
Motions for Extension of Time 3 business days before any deadline; response due within 2 days of the motion; no replies
Criminal cases
Page 2 | Motions for Extension of Time
Reschedule motions must be filed 5 business days before hearing.
Motions to reschedule are discouraged because of their impact on the Court's calendar. If rescheduling is necessary, the motion shall be filed no later than five (5) business days before the scheduled hearing.
Extension motions must be filed 3 business days before deadline.
Motions for extensions of time shall be filed at least three (3) business days in advance of the expiration of the relevant deadline.
The schedule established by the order may be modified only upon a showing of good cause.
Pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 16, a schedule set forth in accordance with this order may only be modified upon a showing of good cause.
Page 6 | VIII. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION HEARING
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must review Judge Lin's procedures online before hearings/trials.
Parties shall review Judge Lin’s procedures at https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/judges/lin- procedures prior to any hearing or trial for potential updates or modifications to this Order as well as additional information relating to her general practices.
Page 1 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
Contact courtroom deputy before filing motion to continue trial.
Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, Counsel is directed to contact the Court’s Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the Court will be available on the proposed new trial date.
Page 3 | I. MOTIONS AND PRETRIAL FILINGS
All cellular telephones and wireless devices must be turned off or turned to airplane mode during all proceedings. Simply silencing these devices is insufficient, as they may interfere with the courtroom audio system. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.
All cellular telephones and wireless devices must be turned off or turned to airplane mode during all proceedings. Simply silencing these devices is insufficient, as they may interfere with the courtroom audio system. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.
Page 12 | C. Cellular Phones and Wireless Devices
Should a Party not oppose a motion that has been filed against it, once the response indicating non-opposition has been filed, the moving Party shall notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter, either by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525, that the opposing Party has filed a response noting the non-opposition. If a Party does not file any response to a motion, the moving Party shall notify the Courtroom Deputy, which may expedite consideration of the motion.
Should a Party not oppose a motion that has been filed against it, once the response indicating non-opposition has been filed, the moving Party shall notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter, either by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525, that the opposing Party has filed a response noting the non-opposition. If a Party does not file any response to a motion, the moving Party shall notify the Courtroom Deputy, which may expedite consideration of the motion.
Page 4 | II. Guidelines for All Motions and Filings
The Court may email Counsel with questions that they should be prepared to address before 5 p.m. the day before the hearing.
The Court may email Counsel with questions that they should be prepared to address before 5 p.m. the day before the hearing.
Page 9 | VI. HEARINGS - A. Scheduling Oral Argument
After-hours issues require meet-and-confer before emailing Courtroom Deputy.
Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue can be resolved without Court intervention. If such meet-and-confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
The Court expects the Parties to provide notice to opposing counsel of their next-day’s witnesses by 8 p.m. the day before a witness is to be called.
The Court expects the Parties to provide notice to opposing counsel of their next-day’s witnesses by 8 p.m. the day before a witness is to be called.
Civil cases
Contact Courtroom Deputy before filing motion to continue trial date.
Prior to filing a motion to continue a trial date, Counsel are directed to contact the Court’s Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov to verify that the Court will be available on the proposed new trial date.
Criminal cases
Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue can be resolved without Court intervention. If such meet-and-confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue can be resolved without Court intervention. If such meet-and-confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Criminal cases
Counsel must remain within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations.
Throughout jury deliberations, Counsel must remain within twenty (20) minutes of the courthouse so that the Court can expeditiously respond to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel who choose not to remain in the immediate vicinity of the courtroom must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a telephone number where they can be contacted.
Criminal cases
For any other types of inquiries, all Parties must be on the line or copied on the email when communicating with the Courtroom Deputy.
For any other types of inquiries, all Parties must be on the line or copied on the email when communicating with the Courtroom Deputy.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
Videoconference registration required; video appearance mandatory unless motion granted.
All videoconference participants must register prior to the hearing or trial date using the link that will be provided in advance of the hearing or trial date. Where a videoconference has been set, Counsel is required to appear via video unless they file, and the Court grants, a motion to appear telephonically.
Page 10 | E. Teleconference or Videoconference
Phones/devices must be off/airplane mode during proceedings; violations may be sanctioned.
Except with prior Court approval, all cellular telephones and wireless devices must be turned off or turned to airplane mode during all proceedings. Simply silencing these devices is insufficient, as they may interfere with the courtroom audio system. Individuals whose devices interrupt proceedings may be sanctioned.
Page 10 | F. Cellular Phones and Wireless Devices
After-hours issues require meet-and-confer before emailing courtroom deputy.
Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue may be resolved without court intervention. If such meet and confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Kadya Peter, the Courtroom Deputy, of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Civil cases
Page 7 | G. Issues Arising During Trial or After Court Hours
Counsel must remain within 20 minutes of courthouse during jury deliberations and provide contact information.
Throughout jury deliberations Counsel must remain within twenty (20) minutes of the courthouse to allow the Court to expeditiously respond to any jury notes or a verdict. Counsel must provide the Courtroom Deputy with a telephone number where they can be contacted if leaving the immediate vicinity of the courtroom during jury deliberations.
Civil cases
Page 11 | F. Deliberations
Witness sequestration waiver requests must be discussed with opposing counsel first.
If Counsel desire a waiver of the rule with respect to a specific witness (for example, an expert), Counsel shall first discuss the matter with opposing Counsel and then present the request to the Court during the preliminary morning session prior to the start of trial on the particular day at issue.
Page 10 | G. Witnesses
Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue may be resolved without court intervention. If such meet and confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Kadya Peter, the Courtroom Deputy, of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Should an issue arise during trial after court hours, Counsel are instructed to meet and confer to see if the issue may be resolved without court intervention. If such meet and confer efforts are unsuccessful, Counsel must notify Kadya Peter, the Courtroom Deputy, of the issue by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Page 11 | I. Issues Arising During Trial or After Court Hours
For inquiries other than unopposed motions, all parties must be included on the communication with the Courtroom Deputy.
For any other inquiry, all Parties must be on the line or cc'd on the email when communicating with the Courtroom Deputy.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
Ex parte communications with chambers are strongly discouraged except for settlement discussions or checking the status of a decision on a motion pursuant to LCR 7(b)(5).
Ex parte communications with chambers involving any matter other than settlement or checking on a status of a decision on a motion pursuant to LCR 7(b)(5) are strongly discouraged.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
Ex parte communications with chambers are strongly discouraged except for specific purposes.
Ex parte communications with chambers involving any matter other than checking on a decision on a motion pursuant to LCR 7(b)(5) or settlement are strongly discouraged.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
In-person hearings default; remote appearance allowed for non-local counsel with advance arrangement.
Unless otherwise specified, hearings are in person. Counsel from outside of King County may appear by telephone or video at status conferences and hearings on non-dispositive motions, but they must request and make arrangements with the Courtroom Deputy ahead of time.
Page 9 | E. Teleconference or Videoconference
Courtroom decorum rules require dignity, respect, and professional conduct.
Judge Lin expects everyone in her courtroom to treat each and every person with dignity and respect. Therefore, at a minimum, she expects the following from all:
Page 10 | G. Courtroom Decorum
Parties may request accommodation for exhibit submission requirements by contacting Courtroom Deputy 2 business days before deadline.
If these requirements for the pre-trial submission of exhibits to the Court pose any undue hardship or burden on a Party, the Party may contact Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov as early as possible, but no later than two (2) business days before the trial exhibits are due, so that the Court can endeavor to address the Party's concerns.
Civil cases
Page 3 | I. PROCEDURES FOR ALL CIVIL TRIALS
The parties must inform the Courtroom Deputy by email as far in advance as possible if the claim construction hearing requires more or less time.
The Parties are instructed to inform Kadya Peter, Courtroom Deputy, at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov, with as much advance notice as possible.
Page 6 | VIII. CLAIM CONSTRUCTION HEARING
Counsel must stand when addressing court unless accommodated; stay 5 feet from jury box railing.
Counsel are required to stand when addressing the Court, a witness, or the jury unless a disability-related or health-related accommodation is readily apparent or is requested and granted (see Section III.B). As a general matter, Counsel will not be restricted to speaking at the podium unless the judge, court reporter, witness, other Counsel, or a juror indicates that they are unable to hear. However, Counsel shall stay at least five feet back from the railing in front of the jury box and, to aid the Court Reporter, shall use the handheld microphone provided by the Court when leaving the podium.
Page 12 | D. Speaking at the Podium Not Required
Pro se criminal litigants held to same standards as attorneys.
Parties who represent themselves in criminal matters (i.e., appear pro se) should be aware that the Court holds them to the same standards of conduct to which it holds attorneys.
Page 12 | IV. Guidance for Pro Se Litigants in Criminal Cases
Parties should direct initial inquiries to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email or phone.
Parties should direct initial inquiries they might have to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
Parties should contact chambers to alert the clerk when a motion becomes unopposed.
If, after filing a motion, the responding party does not oppose the motion, please contact chambers to alert the clerk that the motion has become an unopposed one.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
Parties may jointly contact the Courtroom Deputy via email or phone for time-sensitive discovery disputes.
When presented with disputes regarding discovery issues that are particularly time-sensitive, Parties may jointly contact Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter, either by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525, to arrange a telephone conference with the Court.
Page 7 | IV. Discovery
Accommodation requests should be made as far in advance as possible via email or phone to Courtroom Deputy.
Participants are encouraged to request accommodations as far in advance as possible by contacting Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.
Page 10 | VI. HEARINGS - D. Accommodations
Disability/health accommodations can be requested from Courtroom Deputy.
Counsel or other participants may request disability- or health-related accommodations to facilitate participation in any upcoming hearing, whether held virtually, in person, or in a hybrid format. Participants are encouraged to request accommodations as far in advance as possible by contacting Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter by email at Kadya_Peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.
Criminal cases
Initial inquiries should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Kadya Peter.
Parties should direct initial inquiries they have to the Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.
Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers
Accommodation requests accepted for disability/health needs via email or phone.
An attorney or other participant may request disability-related or health-related accommodations to participate in an upcoming hearing for their case, whether held virtually, in-person, or in a hybrid format. Participants are encouraged to request accommodations as far in advance as possible by contacting the Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (206) 370-8525.
Page 9 | D. Accommodations
All Parties appearing via video should sign in using their first and last names as they appear in filings to the Court.
All Parties appearing via video should sign in using their first and last names as they appear in filings to the Court.
Page 10 | E. Teleconference or Videoconference
Pretrial conference agenda available on Judge Lin's Chambers Procedures page.
An agenda of topics to be covered at the pretrial conference is posted on Judge Lin's Chambers Procedures page, https://www.wawd.uscourts.gov/judges/lin-procedures.
Civil cases
Page 3 | I. PROCEDURES FOR ALL CIVIL TRIALS
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
Notice required 2 business days before hearing for multiple attorney participation.
Parties shall submit notice under this provision by issue and speaker two (2) business days prior to the hearing to the Courtroom Deputy, Kadya Peter, by email at kadya_peter@wawd.uscourts.gov.
Page 9 | B. Presentation of Argument and Evidence
Court encourages participation of less experienced lawyers and Rule 9 Legal Interns in courtroom proceedings.
The Court encourages litigants to provide opportunities for less experienced lawyers and Rule 9 Licensed Legal Interns (accompanied and supervised by an experienced attorney) to participate in all courtroom proceedings, particularly where they contributed significantly to the preparation.
Page 9 | VI. HEARINGS - B. Presentation of Argument and Evidence
Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue or examine witnesses to facilitate less experienced lawyer participation.
While typically only one lawyer may present an argument or question a witness on behalf of a client, the Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue or examine a witness to achieve this end (for example, so that an experienced attorney can supplement a new lawyer's arguments or witness examination questions with their own, if necessary).
Page 9 | VI. HEARINGS - B. Presentation of Argument and Evidence
Experienced attorneys may supplement junior lawyers' arguments if needed.
An experienced attorney may supplement a new lawyer's arguments or witness examination questions with their own if necessary.
Page 9 | B. Presentation of Argument and Evidence
Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue or examine witnesses for junior lawyer participation.
While typically only one lawyer may argue on behalf of a Party or question a witness, the Court may allow multiple attorneys to argue or examine a witness on behalf of a client to achieve this end.
Page 9 | B. Presentation of Argument and Evidence
Court encourages junior lawyer participation in courtroom proceedings.
The Court encourages litigants to provide opportunities for less experienced lawyers and Rule 9 licensed legal interns (accompanied and supervised by a more experienced attorney) to participate in all courtroom proceedings, particularly where they contributed significantly to the preparation.
Page 9 | B. Presentation of Argument and Evidence