Court Rules
Judge

Judge Leonard Marquez

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Contra Costa Superior Court

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Memorandum Points And AuthoritiesCourt-wide
15 pgs
Mediation StatementCourt-wide
5 pgs
Review Hearing UpdateCourt-wide
5 pgs
Optional Memorandum Of Points And AuthoritiesCourt-wide
15 pgs
BriefCourt-wide
4,200 wds
Evidentiary AttachmentsCourt-wide
10 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • Chambers Drop Off

Motion In Limine, Opposition

  • One Court Day Before Trial

Binding: Tabbed Three Ring

Motion In Limine, Opposition, Related Filed Papers

  • By 4pm One Court Day Before Trial

Other Persons List

Adjournments

5Court Daysnotice
  • Notice to the Department 34 clerk about an unprocessed stipulated order or communication-based continuance request should generally be given at least five court days before the hearing.
  • Notice to the Department 34 clerk about an unprocessed submitted order or a joint action request should generally be provided at least five court days before the hearing.

Communication

Email
Court-wide
mediainfo@contracosta.courts.ca.gov
Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

(925) 608-1000
Technical Issues
Hours: business hours
No status inquiries
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

(925) 608-2613
Status InquiriesTechnical Issues
Hours: 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Phone
Court-wide

Clerk

Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide
Scheduling
Hours: from 30 minutes prior to the start of the court session through the court session
Phone
Court-wide

Chambers

Scheduling
Phone
Court-wide

Duty Judge

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsBinders/TabsJuryCourtesy CopiesDiscoveryConferences

Document Format Requirements10 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

Each exhibit on the Master Exhibit List must be pre-marked with its own numerical identifier.

Each exhibit on the Master Exhibit List shall be designated by and pre-marked with a separate numerical identifier.

d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecIII. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

At first appearance for trial, each party must provide at least four conforming exhibit binders for the Court, witness stand, and each side.

Each Party is responsible for providing, at first appearance for trial, at least four binders, with copies of their trial exhibits (one for the Court, one for the witness stand, and one for each side) conforming to the Master Exhibit List.

d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecIII. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

The Court expects every exhibit used at trial to be marked, identified on the Master Exhibit List, and available to all parties in pre-marked form.

At trial, the Court expects that when an exhibit is used it will already be marked and identified on the Master Exhibit List and that all Parties will have a pre- marked copy.

d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecIII. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

The court sets of proposed jury instructions and verdict forms must be divided into agreed and disputed sets.

The proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms shall be divided into two sets for the Court. The first set being agreed jury instructions and verdict forms and the other set being disputed jury ===== PAGE 6 ===== instructions and verdict forms.

d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecIV. PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND JURY VERDICT FORMS
FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

The parties should provide no duplicate, blank, or incomplete proposed jury instructions or verdict forms.

No duplicates should be provided. No “blank” or incomplete jury instructions or jury verdict forms should be provided.

d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 6
|SecIV. PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND JURY VERDICT FORMS
FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

Each exhibit must have a separate numerical identifier and pre-marking on the Master Exhibit List; used exhibits are expected to be pre-marked, identified, and available in pre-marked copies.

Each exhibit on the ===== PAGE 4 ===== Master Exhibit List shall be designated by and pre-marked with a separate numerical identifier. At trial, the Court expects that when an exhibit is used it will already be marked and identified on the Master Exhibit List and that all Parties will have a pre- marked copy.

FormattingCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

Designations and declarations must be provided in a binder and lodged at the first appearance for trial.

designations and declarations which shall be provided in a binder and lodged at first appearance for trial.

FormattingCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Each binder shall have an index of the papers.

Summary: Each motion-in-limine courtesy-copy binder must contain an index of its papers.

FormattingCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Any courtesy copies provided should be file endorsed copies. Non-file endorsed copies will be discarded.

Summary: Courtesy copies must be file-endorsed because Department 34 will discard non-file-endorsed copies.

FormattingCivil cases

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Note?

Uncontested motions may be indicated by a notation on the binder index.

Machine summary and details

Summary: Parties may identify uncontested motions through a notation on the binder index.

Document Filing Requirements26 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

At least seven court days before trial, the parties must exchange copies of all potential trial exhibits, including discovery responses, together with an exhibit list.

Not less than seven (7) court days in advance of the trial date, the Parties shall exchange copies of all potential trial exhibits, including discovery responses, to be used at trial, along with an exhibit list.

Document Type

Trial Exhibit Exchange

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 2
|SecI. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

A draft joint statement of the case, with disagreements highlighted, must be lodged at first appearance for trial.

The Parties shall meet and confer regarding a joint statement of the case to be read to the jury. A draft of any such statement, with any disagreements highlighted, shall be lodged at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Joint Statement Of Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecIII. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

All stipulations must be written and lodged at first appearance for trial.

All stipulations shall be reduced to writing and lodged at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Stipulations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecIII. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

After the advance trial conference and meet-and-confer process, the parties must lodge a list and copies of proposed jury instructions and verdict forms at the first appearance for trial.

Following the Advance Trial Conference and the meet and confer regarding the proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms, the Parties shall lodge a list and copies of proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions And Verdict Forms

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecIV. PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND JURY VERDICT FORMS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

The parties must confer and lodge a joint hour-by-hour proposed trial schedule at the first appearance for trial.

The Parties shall meet and confer regarding preparation of a joint hour-by-hour proposed schedule for the trial (the “Proposed Trial Schedule”). The Proposed Trial Schedule shall be lodged at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Proposed Trial Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecI. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

The parties must confer about expert stipulations and prepare a binder containing all expert designations and declarations for lodging at the first appearance for trial.

The Parties shall meet and confer regarding any stipulations regarding the qualification of any expert(s) and the preparation of a binder with all expert designations and declarations which shall be provided in a binder and lodged at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Expert Designations And Declarations Binder

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 5
|SecI. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

A request under California Rules of Court Rule 3.1540 for additional questions to be put to jurors must be in writing and lodged at the first appearance for trial.

Any request pursuant to CRC Rule 3.1540 regarding additional questions that the Court will put to the jurors shall be in writing, lodged at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Request For Additional Juror Questions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

A party may not file or lodge jury instructions or verdict forms separately through any other manner.

No party shall file or lodge jury instructions and/or jury verdict separately in any other manner.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions And Verdict Forms

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 6
|SecIV. PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND JURY VERDICT FORMS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Mandatory

Failure to lodge a conforming Master Exhibit List and exhibit binders may cause the court to reschedule trial.

All parties are admonished that a failure to lodge a Master Exhibit List and exhibit binders in conformance with the foregoing may result in a rescheduling of the trial to a later date in the Court’s discretion.

Document Type

Trial Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

The parties are admonished to limit motions in limine to matters for which an advance ruling is believed necessary and appropriate.

The Parties are admonished to limit motions in limine to matters as to which Parties believe a ruling in advance is both necessary and appropriate.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

Each party must note its authorities supporting contested jury instructions on the instructions or verdict forms.

Each Party’s authorities on contested jury instructions are to be noted on the instructions or verdict forms.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 6
|SecIV. PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND JURY VERDICT FORMS
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

The parties must meet and confer on each motion in limine and notify the court which motions are uncontested.

Parties to meet and confer on each motion in limine and advise the Court which, if any, motions are uncontested

Document Type

Motion In Limine Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026Important

All trial stipulations must be reduced to writing and lodged at the first appearance for trial.

All stipulations shall be reduced to writing and lodged at first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Trial Stipulations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Lodge proposed trial schedule

Summary: The parties must lodge the proposed trial schedule at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Proposed Trial Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Lodge other persons list

Summary: The parties must lodge the list of other persons at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Other Persons List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Lodge any stipulations reached regarding admissibility of trial exhibits or any other factual, evidentiary or procedural stipulations

Summary: The parties must lodge any stipulations reached concerning trial-exhibit admissibility or other factual, evidentiary, or procedural matters at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Stipulations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Lodge list and copies of proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms

Summary: The parties must lodge the proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms, with copies, at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions And Verdict Forms

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?

Lodge binder with copy of all expert designations and declarations

Machine summary and details

Summary: The parties must lodge a binder containing copies of all expert designations and declarations at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Expert Designations And Declarations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Lodge joint statement of the case

Summary: The parties must lodge the joint statement of the case at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Joint Statement Of The Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Mandatory?

Lodge exhibit binders with master exhibit list

Summary: The parties must lodge the exhibit binders and master exhibit list at their first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Exhibit Binders And Master Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Mandatory?

The Parties shall meet and confer regarding their respective trial exhibits. This includes removing all duplicative exhibits, pre-marking all exhibits, and updating and consolidating the exhibit lists into a single master exhibit list (the “Master Exhibit List”).

Machine summary and details

Summary: The parties must confer about trial exhibits, remove duplicates, pre-mark exhibits, and consolidate the exhibit lists into one Master Exhibit List.

Document Type

Master Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
d34 standing-order-civil-jury-trials · Jun 2026 · p. 4
|SecIII. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Lodge any stipulations reached regarding admissibility of trial exhibits or any other factual, evidentiary or procedural stipulations

Summary: The parties must lodge any stipulations concerning trial-exhibit admissibility or other factual, evidentiary, or procedural matters at the first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Stipulations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Lodge exhibit binders with master exhibit list

Summary: The parties must lodge exhibit binders with a master exhibit list at the first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Exhibit Binder

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it.Important?

Lodge binder with copy of all expert designations and declarations

Machine summary and details

Summary: The parties must lodge a binder containing copies of all expert designations and declarations at the first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Expert Designations Binder

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Lodge proposed trial schedule

Summary: The parties must lodge a proposed trial schedule at the first appearance for trial.

Document Type

Trial Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.Important?

Each binder shall have an index of the papers.

Summary: Each motions-in-limine binder must include an index of the papers.

Document Type

Motion In Limine Binder

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Required Papers should not be submitted to Department 34 by email unless the Court expressly directs that method.

Parties should avoid submitting any Required Papers by email to Department 34 in the absence of express direction to do so by the Court.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Timely Submission of Papers

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Motions in limine must be filed at least ten calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Any motions in limine shall be filed and served not less than ten (10) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Local Rule 3.11.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The parties must file and serve the Witness List at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Not less than five (5) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date, the Parties shall file and serve a witness list of the witnesses that they actually expect to call as witnesses at trial (the “Witness List”) in accordance with Local Rule 3.11(c)(2).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

Oppositions and other responses to motions in limine must be filed at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Any opposition or other response to a motion in limine shall be filed and served not less than five (5) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Local Rule 3.11.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The parties must confer on each motion in limine and notify the Court by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline of any uncontested motions.

The Parties shall meet and confer on each motion in limine and advise the Court by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline which, if any, motions are uncontested.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

All objections must be submitted to the court in writing by the court day before the trial deadline.

All objections are to be submitted to the Court in writing by Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

The parties must file and serve a witness list at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Not less than five (5) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date, the Parties shall file and serve a witness list of the witnesses that they actually expect to call as witnesses at trial (the “Witness List”) in accordance with Local Rule 3.11(c)(2).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

The trial department clerk must receive notice of interpreter needs at least three court days before trial.

The trial department’s clerk must be notified of any party or witness needing an interpreter at least three (3) court days in advance of the trial date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

The parties must exchange all potential trial exhibits and an exhibit list at least seven court days before trial.

Not less than seven (7) court days in advance of the trial date, the Parties shall exchange copies of all potential trial exhibits, including discovery responses, to be used at trial, along with an exhibit list.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

Motions in limine must be filed and served at least ten calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Any motions in limine shall be filed and served not less than ten (10) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Local Rule 3.11.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Oppositions and other responses to motions in limine must be filed and served at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Any opposition or other response to a motion in limine shall be filed and served not less than five (5) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Local Rule 3.11.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The parties must confer on each motion in limine and notify the court by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline of any motions that are uncontested.

The Parties shall meet and confer on each motion in limine and advise the Court by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline which, if any, motions are uncontested.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | Motions in Limine

Required papers must be submitted by the Applicable Rules deadline, and the court may continue or drop a matter when they are untimely.

All parties shall submit any required pleadings, including briefs or other papers (“Required Papers”) within the time set by the Applicable Rules. The Court may, in its discretion, continue the matter or drop it from calendar if the Required Papers have not been timely filed.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Timely Submission of Papers

Required pleadings, briefs, and other papers must be submitted within the time set by the applicable rules; untimely papers may result in the matter being continued or dropped from the calendar.

All parties shall submit any required pleadings, including briefs or other papers (“Required Papers”) within the time set by the Applicable Rules. The Court may, in its discretion, continue the matter or drop it from calendar if the Required Papers have not been timely filed.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026

Page 1 | Timely Submission of Papers

A resolved matter or agreed continuance should be documented by an appropriate stipulation and order filed well before the hearing.

Where the parties or attorneys have fully resolved a matter set for hearing or jointly seek to continue a hearing by agreement, the parties or attorneys should file the appropriate stipulation and order well in advance of the hearing date.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Objections to discovery or deposition material offered at trial must be filed and served in writing by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

All objections are to be filed and served in writing by Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | III. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES

The parties must conduct the Advance Trial Conference three court days before trial.

Conduct Advance Trial Conference per Section III of these Pre-Trial Orders

We could not find this wording in the court's document. Open the source before relying on it. · Civil cases

Page 1 | SUMMARY OF DEADLINES

The Parties must meet face-to-face for an Advance Trial Conference at least three (3) court days before the trial date.

Not less than three (3) court days in advance of the trial date, the Parties shall meet and confer in a face-to-face conference (the “Advance Trial Conference”) as to the following:

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Advance Trial Conference Between the Parties

Objections to discovery or depositions offered at trial must be filed and served in writing by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

All objections are to be filed and served in writing by Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Advance Trial Conference Between the Parties

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The parties must serve the Witness List at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Not less than five (5) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date, the Parties shall file and serve a witness list of the witnesses that they actually expect to call as witnesses at trial (the “Witness List”) in accordance with Local Rule 3.11(c)(2).

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

Oppositions and other responses to motions in limine must be served at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Any opposition or other response to a motion in limine shall be filed and served not less than five (5) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Local Rule 3.11.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Motions in limine must be served at least ten calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Any motions in limine shall be filed and served not less than ten (10) calendar days in advance of the Issue Conference date and otherwise in accordance with the provisions of Local Rule 3.11.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Objections to discovery or deposition material offered at trial must be served in writing by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

All objections are to be filed and served in writing by Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | III. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES

Objections to discovery or depositions offered at trial must be served in writing by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

All objections are to be filed and served in writing by Court Day Before Trial Deadline.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Advance Trial Conference Between the Parties

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies of all filed motions in limine and related filed papers must be provided to the court in a tabbed binder by 4:00 p.m. one court day before trial.

No later than 4:00 pm one (1) court day in advance of the trial date (typically the Friday before a Monday trial date) (the “Court Day Before Trial Deadline”), courtesy copies of all filed motions in limine shall be provided to the Court in a tabbed binder together with any opposition and/or related filed papers.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

One courtesy copy of the Other Persons List must be lodged at the first appearance for trial.

A courtesy copy of the Other Persons List shall be lodged at first appearance for trial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 5 | I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

A courtesy copy of the Witness List must be lodged at the parties' first appearance for trial.

A courtesy copy of the Witness List shall be lodged at first appearance for trial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

A courtesy copy of the Witness List must be lodged at the first appearance for trial.

A courtesy copy of the Witness List shall be lodged at first appearance for trial.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 2 | WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

Hard-copy courtesy copies may be encouraged by drop box to Department 34, but copies must be file-endorsed and unfiled pleadings may not be submitted.

Courtesy Copies. Submission of hard copy courtesy copies by drop box to Department 34 is encouraged. Please do not submit unfiled pleadings. Any courtesy copies provided should be file endorsed copies. Non-file endorsed copies will be discarded.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies

Parties are encouraged to submit hard-copy courtesy copies to Department 34 through its drop box.

Submission of hard copy courtesy copies by drop box to Department 34 is encouraged.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies of all filed motions in limine, together with oppositions and related papers, must be provided to the court in a tabbed binder by 4:00 p.m. one court day before trial.

No later than 4:00 pm one (1) court day in advance of the trial date (typically the Friday before a Monday trial date) (the “Court Day Before Trial Deadline”), courtesy copies of all filed motions in limine shall be provided to the Court in a tabbed binder together with any opposition and/or related filed papers.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Unfiled pleadings must not be submitted as courtesy copies to Department 34.

Please do not submit unfiled pleadings.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Courtesy Copies

Filing Bundling Requirements

The Court encourages but does not require a single binder compiling all motion in limine papers.

However, the Court encourages, but does not require, the parties to prepare a single binder compiling all of the motion in limine papers.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 3 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Parties must provide their own filed motions in limine and related papers to the Court in a binder, and failure may result in denial of the motion.

providing such binder to the Court as to their own filed motions in limine (with any related papers as set forth above). Failure to do so may result in denial of the motion. This provision supersedes the provisions regarding lodging courtesy copies as set forth in Local Rule 3.11(b).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Each party must provide the Court with a binder containing its filed motions in limine and related papers, and failure to do so may result in denial of the motion.

providing such binder to the Court as to their own filed motions in limine (with any related papers as set forth above). Failure to do so may result in denial of the motion. This provision supersedes the provisions regarding lodging courtesy copies as set forth in Local Rule 3.11(b).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Motions in Limine

At the first appearance for trial, each party must provide at least four conforming binders of trial exhibits for the court, witness stand, and each side.

Each Party is responsible for providing, at first appearance for trial, at least four binders, with copies of their trial exhibits (one for the Court, one for the witness stand, and one for each side) conforming to the Master Exhibit List.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Advance Trial Conference Between the Parties

Papers for uncontested motions in limine may be omitted from the binders, and such motions may be noted on the binder index.

The papers regarding any uncontested motions may be omitted from the binder(s). Uncontested motions may be indicated by a notation on the binder index.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The Court encourages but does not require the parties to prepare a single set of master exhibit binders.

The Court encourages, but does not require, the Parties to prepare a single set of master exhibit binders.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | III. ADVANCE TRIAL CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE PARTIES

Papers concerning motions identified as uncontested may be omitted from the parties' binders.

The papers regarding any uncontested motions may be omitted from the binder(s).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 3 | Motions in Limine

The court encourages, but does not require, the parties to prepare a single set of master exhibit binders.

The Court encourages, but does not require, the Parties to prepare a single set of master exhibit binders.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Advance Trial Conference Between the Parties

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

The parties must meet and confer about the trial exhibits at the Advance Trial Conference.

The Parties shall, thereafter, meet and confer regarding such trial exhibits at the Advance Trial Conference, as set forth further below.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

When parties agree to continue a hearing, they should file the appropriate stipulation and order well before the hearing date.

Where the parties or attorneys have fully resolved a matter set for hearing or jointly seek to continue a hearing by agreement, the parties or attorneys should file the appropriate stipulation and order well in advance of the hearing date.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Notice to the Department 34 clerk about an unprocessed stipulated order or communication-based continuance request should generally be given at least five court days before the hearing.

Generally, this should be done no less than five (5) court days before the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Communications about continuance requests must be copied to the opposing party and include an express statement of consent, unless submitted as a signed joint request.

All such communications should be copied to the opposing party and contain an express representation as to the opposing side’s consent or be made by way of a joint letter/email request containing signatures by all parties or their counsel.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Notice to the Department 34 clerk about an unprocessed submitted order or a joint action request should generally be provided at least five court days before the hearing.

Generally, this should be done no less than five (5) court days before the hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Chambers Communication Rules

If an order remains unprocessed two weeks before the hearing or action is sought based on communication, parties should promptly email the Department 34 clerk, generally at least five court days before the hearing, copy the opponent, and document consent through an express representation or a jointly signed request.

If a submitted order is not processed at least two weeks before the scheduled hearing date or the parties are seeking action based only on a communication to the Court, the parties should notify the clerk in Department 34 by email as soon as possible. Generally, this should be done no less than five (5) court days before the hearing. All such communications should be copied to the opposing party and contain an express representation as to the opposing side’s consent or be made by way of a joint letter/email request containing signatures by all parties or their counsel.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

The Department 34 clerk should be notified by email as soon as possible if an order was not processed at least two weeks before the hearing or if action is sought based only on a communication to the Court.

If a submitted order is not processed at least two weeks before the scheduled hearing date or the parties are seeking action based only on a communication to the Court, the parties should notify the clerk in Department 34 by email as soon as possible.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026

Page 1 | Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Questions about the location of a scheduled Settlement Conference should be directed to the Department 34 clerk in advance.

If you have any question about the location of a scheduled Settlement Conference, please contact Department 34’s clerk in advance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 2, 2026

Page 1 | Settlement Conferences

The parties are encouraged to contact the departmental clerk to schedule pretrial courtroom access for testing audio-visual presentations when all sides have a representative present.

The Parties are encouraged to contact the departmental clerk to schedule access to the courtroom to test any audio-visual presentations prior to trial. Any such access should be scheduled when all sides have a representative present.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 4 | Advance Trial Conference Between the Parties

Court-wide rules

Applies court-wide

These 5570 rules apply across Contra Costa Superior Court. Where this judge's own standing orders above address the same topic, the judge's requirement controls.

Filing Requirements

All 2246
  • Applies to
    Neutral case evaluator statement

    The neutral case evaluator statement must identify each attendee’s name and title or relationship to the case.

  • Applies to
    Accounting report

    When bond is required, the report must state the controlled personal property’s current value, estimated annual income, net saleable real-property value, and applicable guardianship or conservatorship public benefits and recipient identity.

  • Applies to
    Joint statement of contested issues

    The parties must file a Joint Statement of Contested Issues with required information and, if applicable, a payment-calculation spreadsheet; if they cannot agree, each must instead file and serve a separate statement containing the same information.

Service

All 1078
  • When an heir’s or beneficiary’s address is unknown, a declaration detailing the search efforts is required before notice may be excused or an alternative notice prescribed.

  • Deadline
    5 calendar days
    Applies to
    Objection

    Objections to motions in limine must be filed and served 5 calendar days before the issue conference, with a copy lodged with the assigned department's chambers.

  • Deadline
    5 calendar days
    Applies to
    Opposition statement

    The opposition statement must be served within 5 calendar days after the party receives the early conference request.

Filing Timing

All 817
  • Deadline
    5 calendar days

    Unless the court orders otherwise upon a showing of good cause, moving papers on shortened time must be filed and personally served at least five calendar days before the hearing, and opposing papers must be filed and served at least two calendar days before it.

  • The first guardian or conservator account is due by the first anniversary of appointment, and subsequent accounts are due at least biennially.

  • Deadline
    45 calendar days

    The request for dismissal, stipulated judgment, or conditional settlement must be filed within 45 calendar days after written notice of settlement.

Adjournments

All 380
  • Attorneys should grant reasonable opposing counsel extension requests when the extension will not prejudice their client or unduly delay the proceeding, consistently with governing law and court orders.

  • An untimely motion to continue may result in sanctions unless the moving party shows good cause for the untimeliness.

  • Every continuance request, written agreement, or stipulation must include facts showing good cause for the continuance.

About Judge Leonard Marquez

Judge Leonard Marquez sits in Department 34 at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse. Department telephone: (925) 608-1134. Department mailbox: dept34@contracosta.courts.ca.gov

Common questions about Judge Leonard Marquez's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Leonard Marquez?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for motion in limines, oppositions, and related filed papers. Details: delivery by 4pm one court day before trial. Courtesy copies of all filed motions in limine and related filed papers must be provided to the court in a tabbed binder by 4:00 p.m. one court day before trial.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Does Judge Leonard Marquez require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Leonard Marquez's rules set a pre-motion procedure for trial exhibits. The parties must meet and confer about the trial exhibits at the Advance Trial Conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Leonard Marquez?

Judge Leonard Marquez's formatting rule includes each binder shall have an index of the papers.. Each motion-in-limine courtesy-copy binder must contain an index of its papers.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

What must be included with trial exhibit exchange filings before Judge Leonard Marquez?

The rule requires exhibit list. At least seven court days before trial, the parties must exchange copies of all potential trial exhibits, including discovery responses, together with an exhibit list.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

What must be included with joint statement of the case filings before Judge Leonard Marquez?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The parties must lodge the joint statement of the case at their first appearance for trial.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SUMMARY OF DEADLINES

How may parties contact Judge Leonard Marquez's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Leonard Marquez's clerk. If an order remains unprocessed two weeks before the hearing or action is sought based on communication, parties should promptly email the Department 34 clerk, generally at least five court days before the hearing, copy the opponent, and document consent through an express representation or a jointly signed request.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Leonard Marquez?

Requests should be made at least 5 court days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Leonard Marquez. Notice to the Department 34 clerk about an unprocessed stipulated order or communication-based continuance request should generally be given at least five court days before the hearing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Stipulations and Agreed Upon Continuances

Does Judge Leonard Marquez require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Leonard Marquez requires bundling for covered papers. Parties must provide their own filed motions in limine and related papers to the Court in a binder, and failure may result in denial of the motion.

View ruleSource: page 3, section II. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Is electronic filing required before Judge Leonard Marquez?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Required Papers should not be submitted to Department 34 by email unless the Court expressly directs that method.

View ruleSource: page 1, section Timely Submission of Papers

What filing deadlines apply to witness list filings before Judge Leonard Marquez?

The parties must file and serve the Witness List at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS

What rule applies to service for witness list before Judge Leonard Marquez?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: timing: 5 calendar days. The parties must serve the Witness List at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section I. WITNESS LISTS AND TRIAL EXHIBITS
Complete rules summary for Judge Leonard Marquez

A courtesy copy of the Witness List must be lodged at the parties' first appearance for trial.

The parties must file and serve the Witness List at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

The parties must serve the Witness List at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

At least seven court days before trial, the parties must exchange copies of all potential trial exhibits, including discovery responses, together with an exhibit list.

Each motion-in-limine courtesy-copy binder must contain an index of its papers.

Motions in limine must be filed at least ten calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Motions in limine must be served at least ten calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Oppositions and other responses to motions in limine must be filed at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Oppositions and other responses to motions in limine must be served at least five calendar days before the Issue Conference.

Courtesy copies of all filed motions in limine and related filed papers must be provided to the court in a tabbed binder by 4:00 p.m. one court day before trial.

The parties must lodge the joint statement of the case at their first appearance for trial.

The parties must lodge any stipulations reached concerning trial-exhibit admissibility or other factual, evidentiary, or procedural matters at their first appearance for trial.

The parties must lodge a binder containing copies of all expert designations and declarations at their first appearance for trial.

The parties must lodge the proposed trial schedule at their first appearance for trial.

All objections must be submitted to the court in writing by the court day before the trial deadline.

The parties must lodge the list of other persons at their first appearance for trial.

The parties must lodge the proposed jury instructions and jury verdict forms, with copies, at their first appearance for trial.

The parties must lodge the exhibit binders and master exhibit list at their first appearance for trial.

Parties must provide their own filed motions in limine and related papers to the Court in a binder, and failure may result in denial of the motion.

The Court encourages but does not require a single binder compiling all motion in limine papers.

The parties must confer on each motion in limine and notify the Court by the Court Day Before Trial Deadline of any uncontested motions.

Papers for uncontested motions in limine may be omitted from the binders, and such motions may be noted on the binder index.

The parties are admonished to limit motions in limine to matters for which an advance ruling is believed necessary and appropriate.

The parties must confer about trial exhibits, remove duplicates, pre-mark exhibits, and consolidate the exhibit lists into one Master Exhibit List.

Each exhibit on the Master Exhibit List must be pre-marked with its own numerical identifier.

The Court expects every exhibit used at trial to be marked, identified on the Master Exhibit List, and available to all parties in pre-marked form.

At first appearance for trial, each party must provide at least four conforming exhibit binders for the Court, witness stand, and each side.

The Court encourages but does not require the parties to prepare a single set of master exhibit binders.

All stipulations must be written and lodged at first appearance for trial.

A draft joint statement of the case, with disagreements highlighted, must be lodged at first appearance for trial.

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