Court Rules
Judge

Judge Colin Leis

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Los Angeles Superior Court

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

Communication

Email

Chambers

smcdept735@lacourt.org
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingEvidence/WitnessesExhibitsBinders/TabsMemorandaJuryTOC/TOAConferences

Document Format Requirements10 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Transcript pages for deposition/trial designation must be submitted with numbered tabs separating each transcript and each designation highlighted using a distinct color per party.

The parties shall submit copies of the pages of the transcripts of the deposition or former testimony they are designating or counter-designating with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript. Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 9
|SecBENCH TRIAL PREPARATION ORDER
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Copies of documentary exhibits must be one-sided.

Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Parties must jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated, properly-marked exhibits organized numerically in three-ring binders.

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly-marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) ("Exhibit Binders").

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Tabbed Three Ring
Formatting

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

The Trial Binder must consist of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 74 a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Tabbed Three Ring
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

The LACIV 094 form must describe the discovery dispute in font no smaller than 12-point, double or one-and-a-half spaced, and no attachments are allowed.

On LACIV 094 briefly describe the nature of the discovery dispute in font no smaller than 12-point, double or one-and-a-half spaced in the area provided on the form. No attachments are allowed.

Typography
Size12 pt
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 4
|Sec5. Discovery Disputes and Informal Discovery Conferences
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Parties must jointly prepare four tabbed, internally paginated, numerically organized exhibit sets in three-ring binders, with one-sided copies for documentary exhibits.

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated by document, and properly-marked exhibits, organized numerically in three-ring binders (a set for the court, a set for the Judicial Assistant, and a set for the witnesses) ("Exhibit Binders"). Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

The Trial Binder must contain one-sided conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents.

consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Note

The proposed sealing order must be MS-Word editable.

a proposed sealing order that is MS-Word editable at least 15 days before the hearing on the motion to seal

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Note

Exhibit binders need not be prepared or delivered until the first day of trial.

Exhibit binders are not needed until the first day of trial.

Formatting

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

The Motions in Limine Binder shall include one-sided, conformed copies of all motions in limine, opposition papers, and reply papers, organized in one or more three-ring binders, tabbed in numerical order with the opposition papers and reply papers for each motion placed directly behind the moving papers with a colored sheet of paper separating the moving, opposition, and reply papers.

Summary: The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided conformed copies of all motion papers, arranged in tabbed three-ring binders with colored separators.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder

Document Filing Requirements30 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Proposed sealing orders must state non-conclusory, express facts supporting sealing, separately identify each proposed redaction by document name, page, and line number, and include a 'Granted'/'Denied' ruling space for the court.

The proposed sealing order must state proposed non-conclusory, express facts supporting sealing. (CRC 2.550(d), (c)(1)(A).) "Non-conclusory" means findings more specific than merely repeating the wording of CRC 2.550, subdivisions (d)(1-5). Without repeating the language of each proposed redaction, the proposed sealing order must separately identify by document name, page, and line number each and every proposed redaction. For each proposed redaction, the proposed sealing order must, akin to a ruling sheet, contain immediately to the right a space for the court to mark "Granted" or "Denied" for each proposed redaction.

Document Type

Proposed Sealing Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Each party must file a trial brief succinctly identifying the claims and defenses in dispute, the major legal issues with authorities, the relief and damages calculation, and any other helpful information.

Each party shall file a trial brief succinctly identifying: (1) the claims and defenses that remain in dispute for trial; (2) the major legal issues (with supporting points and authorities); (3) the relief and calculation of damages sought; and (4) any other information that may assist the court at trial.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 7
|Sec2. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED - A. TRIAL BRIEFS
Filing Requirements

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Witnesses not on the joint witness list are subject to exclusion from testifying except for impeachment or rebuttal, and a party seeking to call an unlisted witness must first show good cause to the court.

who is not included on the joint witness list is subject to being excluded from testifying at trial other than for purposes of giving actual impeachment or ===== PAGE 8 ===== rebuttal testimony. Any party who seeks to elicit testimony from a witness not identified on the witness list must first make a showing of good cause to the court.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 7
|Sec2. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED - B. JOINT WITNESS LIST
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Parties must jointly prepare and file a joint exhibit list with specified columns for each exhibit offered at trial, including stipulations to authentication and admissibility, objections, and marking/admission dates.

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint exhibit list organized with columns (in the format set forth below) which state for each exhibit any party intends to offer at trial: (1) the exhibit number; (2) a brief description of the exhibit; (3) which party is offering the exhibit; (4) whether the parties have stipulated to authentication of the exhibit; (5) whether the parties have stipulated to admissibility of the exhibit; (6) any evidentiary objections to admission of the exhibit; (7) the date the exhibit was marked for identification; and, (8) the date the exhibit was admitted into evidence.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 8
|Sec2. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED - C. JOINT EXHIBIT LIST
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Designation columns in the joint chart must include witness number/name, date and type of testimony, page/line designations, objections, counter-designation status, and the court's ruling.

In the joint chart, each designating party's designations of deposition or former testimony shall include columns which state: (1) the designation number and name of the witness; (2) the date and type of testimony (e.g., deposition or trial testimony); (3) the page and line designations of the deposition or former testimony requested to be used; (4) any objections; (5) whether the other party has counter-designated any additional deposition or former testimony of the witness that relates to the designation, and, if so, the designation number of the counter-designation; and, (6) the court's ruling.

Document Type

Joint Chart Deposition Testimony

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 9
|SecBENCH TRIAL PREPARATION ORDER
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Counter-designation columns in the joint chart must include witness number/name, date and type of testimony, page/line counter-designations, objections, the related designation number, and the court's ruling.

In the joint chart, each counter-designating party's counter-designations of additional deposition or former testimony of the witness that relates to the designations shall include columns which state: (1) the designation number and name of the witness; (2) the date and type of testimony (e.g., deposition or trial testimony); (3) the page and line counter-designations of the deposition or former testimony requested to be used; (4) any objections; (5) the designation number of the other party's designation to which the counter-designation relates; and, (6) the court's ruling.

Document Type

Joint Chart Deposition Testimony

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 9
|SecBENCH TRIAL PREPARATION ORDER
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Each motion in limine caption must concisely identify the evidence sought to be excluded.

The caption of each motion in limine shall concisely identify the evidence that the moving party seeks to exclude.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Content & Formatting
Caption
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Multiple motions in limine from a party must be numbered consecutively.

Parties filing more than one motion in limine shall number them consecutively.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

The Trial Binder must include a table of contents with specified tabs: Trial Briefs, Joint Witness List, Joint Exhibit List, Deposition Designations chart, and Operative Pleadings.

a table of contents that includes the following: Tab A: Trial Briefs Tab B: Joint Witness List Tab C: Joint Exhibit List Tab D: Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony Tab E: Copies of the Current Operative Pleadings (including the operative complaint, answer, cross-complaint, if any, and answer to any cross-complaint).

Document Type

Trial Binder

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Each party must file a trial brief identifying remaining claims and defenses, major legal issues with authorities, relief and damages sought, and other information useful at trial.

Each party shall file a trial brief succinctly identifying: (1) the claims and defenses that remain in dispute for trial; (2) the major legal issues (with supporting points and authorities); (3) the relief and calculation of damages sought; and, (4) any other information that may assist the court at trial.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Any party eliciting testimony from a witness not on the witness list must first show good cause to the court.

Any party who seeks to elicit testimony from a witness not identified on the witness list must first make a showing of good cause to the court.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Parties and self-represented litigants must prepare and file a joint exhibit list containing specified columns for each trial exhibit and must meet and confer to resolve authenticity and admissibility objections.

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint exhibit list organized with columns (in the format set forth below) which state for each exhibit any party intends to offer at trial: (1) the exhibit number; (2) a brief description of the exhibit; (3) which party is offering the exhibit; (4) whether the parties have stipulated to authentication of the exhibit; (5) whether the parties have stipulated to admissibility of the exhibit; (6) any evidentiary objections to admission of the exhibit; (7) the date the exhibit was marked for identification; and, (8) the date the exhibit was admitted into evidence. (Local Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(6).) As set forth above, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to try to resolve objections to the authenticity and admissibility of each exhibit.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

For jury trials, parties must prepare a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions, editing CACI instructions, inserting party names, and eliminating blanks and inapplicable material.

For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare a complete set of full-text proposed jury instructions, editing all proposed Judicial Council of California Civil Jury Instructions ("CACI") instructions, inserting party names, and eliminating blanks and other irrelevant or inapplicable material.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

For jury trials, parties must prepare and file a joint list of proposed jury instructions stating number, title, requesting party, agreed/contested status, objections, and whether given by the court.

For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint list of proposed jury instructions (in the format set forth below) which states for each proposed jury instruction: (1) the jury instruction number (listed in numerical order); (2) the title of the jury instruction; (3) the party requesting the jury instruction; (4) whether the jury instruction is agreed upon or contested; (5) a concise statement of any objection; and, (6) whether the jury instruction was given by the court ("Joint List of Proposed Jury Instructions").

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 16
|SecE. JOINT LIST OF PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

For jury trials, parties must jointly file a proposed verdict form, or each party must separately file one if no agreement is reached, and the court expects use of the applicable CACI special verdict form.

For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint proposed general verdict form or a joint proposed special verdict form acceptable to all parties. (Local Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(8).) If the parties cannot agree on a joint verdict form, each party must separately file a proposed verdict form. When a special verdict form is requested, if there is an appropriate CACI special verdict form for a cause of action, affirmative defense, or other finding, the court expects the parties to use the CACI special verdict form.

Document Type

Verdict Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Motions in limine must be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.

Motions in limine shall be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

The Trial Binder must include a table of contents with Tabs A through I; for bench trials without a jury, only Tabs A, B, C, H, and I are required.

a table of contents that includes the following (for bench trials without a jury, the Trial Binder shall only include the documents listed under Tabs A, B, C, H, and I): Tab A: Trial Briefs Tab B: Joint Witness List Tab C: Joint Exhibit List Tab D: Joint Statement to Be Read to the Jury Tab E: Joint List of Jury Instructions Tab F: Joint and Contested Jury Instructions Tab G: Joint or Contested Verdict Form(s) Tab H: Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony Tab I: Copies of the Current Operative Pleadings (including the operative complaint, answer, cross-complaint, if any, and answer to any cross-complaint).

Document Type

Trial Binder

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Mandatory

Proposed jury instructions behind Tab F must be organized into three labeled groups in a specified order.

The parties shall organize proposed jury instructions into groups behind Tab F in the following order (labeled by cover sheets): (1) the agreed-upon instructions; (2) plaintiff's requested instructions to which defendant objects; and, (3) defendant's requested instructions to which plaintiff objects.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Informal discovery conference requests must be made using form LACIV 094 with a hearing date reserved on the Court Reservation System.

To request an informal discovery conference, you must use Los Angeles Superior Court form LACIV 094, and reserve a hearing date on the Court Reservation System.

Document Type

Informal Discovery Conference Request

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 4
|Sec5. Discovery Disputes and Informal Discovery Conferences
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Proposed jury instructions must be prepared on LASC LACIV 129 form or in a Word document in the same format.

The proposed jury instructions shall be prepared on Los Angeles Superior Court form LASC LACIV 129 or in a Word document that is in the same format.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Important

Parties must submit the designated or counter-designated transcript pages with numbered tabs separating each transcript, with each party's designations highlighted in a different color.

The parties shall submit copies of the pages of the transcripts of the deposition or former testimony they are designating or counter-designating with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript. Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

Document Type

Deposition Transcript

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 17
|SecH. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026Note

The court expects parties to request an appropriate CACI jury instruction rather than a specially prepared instruction.

If there is an appropriate CACI jury instruction on a point of law, the court expects the parties to request the CACI instruction instead of a specially prepared jury instruction.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a joint list of all witnesses whom any party intends to call at trial, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses.

Summary: Parties must jointly prepare and file a joint witness list of all witnesses intended to be called at trial, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses; witnesses not on the list are subject to exclusion except for impeachment or rebuttal, and a party must show good cause to call an unlisted witness.

Document Type

Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 7
|Sec2. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED - B. JOINT WITNESS LIST
Filing Requirements

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

If any parties intend to use deposition testimony or former trial testimony in lieu of or in addition to a witness's live testimony, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to discuss, and work together to prepare and file, a joint chart in the format set forth below

Summary: When deposition or former trial testimony will be used, counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer and jointly file a deposition designation chart.

Document Type

Joint Chart Deposition Testimony

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 9
|SecBENCH TRIAL PREPARATION ORDER
Filing Requirements

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

Parties filing opposition and reply papers shall identify the corresponding motion number in the caption of their papers.

Summary: Opposition and reply papers to motions in limine must identify the corresponding motion number in their captions.

Document Type

Opposition Reply

Content & Formatting
Caption
Filing Requirements

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

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall comply with the statutory notice provisions of Code of Civil Procedure section 1005 and file declarations that comply with the requirements of Los Angeles County Court Rule 3.57, subdivision (a).

Summary: Motions in limine must comply with CCP §1005 notice provisions and include declarations meeting LR 3.57(a) requirements.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

The parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall mark all non-documentary exhibits and insert a simple written description of the exhibit behind the corresponding numerical tab in the Exhibit Binders.

Summary: Non-documentary exhibits must be marked and a written description inserted behind the corresponding numerical tab in the Exhibit Binders.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

The joint witness list shall be organized with columns (in the format set forth below) which state: (1) the name of each witness (in alphabetical order), if the witness is being called to testify as an expert, and any special requirements or accommodations needed for the witness (e.g., interpreter); (2) the party calling the witness; (3) whether the witness is actually expected to testify; (4) a brief (e.g. approximately 8-12 words), non-conclusory description of the witness's expected testimony (e.g. "percipient" is too conclusory; instead, describe what the witness perceived); (5) an estimate of the length of direct examination (in hours); (6) an estimate of the length of cross-examination (in hours); and, (7) the total estimated length of examination (in hours). At the end of the joint witness list, the parties and any self-represented parties shall add up the estimated times for all witnesses' testimony and state the grand total in the last column. Any witness who is not included on the joint witness list is subject to being excluded from testifying at trial other than for purposes of giving actual impeachment or

Summary: Joint witness list must be organized by specified columns (name, party calling, expected testimony, examination estimates) with a grand total, and any witness omitted from the list is subject to exclusion from trial testimony.

Document Type

Joint Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

For jury trials, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall work together to prepare and file a brief, joint written statement of the case for the court to read to the jury. (Local Rule 3.25, subd. (g)(4).)

Summary: For jury trials, parties must prepare and file a brief joint written statement of the case for the court to read to the jury.

Document Type

Statement Of Case

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 16
|SecD. JOINT STATEMENT TO BE READ TO THE JURY
Filing Requirements

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

If any parties intend to use deposition testimony or former trial testimony in lieu of or in addition to a witness's live testimony, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to discuss, and work together to prepare and file, a joint chart in the format set forth below ("Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony").

Summary: Parties intending to use deposition or former trial testimony must meet and confer and jointly prepare and file a chart of page and line designations in the specified format.

Document Type

Deposition Designation Chart

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom LAM 735 · Sep 2026 · p. 17
|SecH. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All filings must be electronically filed unless the filer is a self-represented litigant or otherwise exempted from mandatory electronic filing.

Under the rules of court and the court's general orders, all filings must be electronically filed unless the filer is a self-represented litigant or otherwise exempted from mandatory electronic filing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 1 | 1. Motions

Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed, with exceptions for self-represented litigants and other persons excused from electronic filing.

Please note that section 8 of the First Amended General Order governing Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil, filed May 3, 2019, provides that, with the exception of self-represented litigants and other persons excused from filing documents electronically: a) Ex parte applications and all documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | 3. Ex Parte Applications

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Written opposition to an ex parte application must be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the ex parte hearing.

b) Any written opposition to an ex parte application must be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the ex parte hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 3 | 3. Ex Parte Applications

Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

a) Ex parte applications and all documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 3 | 3. Ex Parte Applications

Parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference to prepare required trial documents and binders.

No later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to do the following: (1) discuss and prepare the documents required in Sections 2.B-D, below, and the Motions in Limine Binder, Exhibit Binders,

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 6 | 1. MEET AND CONFER

Parties must exchange all trial exhibits no later than 18 calendar days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than 18 calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall exchange all exhibits they intend to introduce at trial.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 6 | 1. MEET AND CONFER

Motions in limine must be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.

Motions in limine shall be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 11 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The Motions in Limine Binder must be prepared and lodged in Department 735 at least five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 735 a Motions in Limine Binder.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 11 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The Trial Binder must be prepared and lodged in Department 735 at least five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 735 a Trial Binder,

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 12 | TRIAL BINDER

Parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference to prepare trial documents, attempt stipulations on exhibits and motions in limine, and discuss settlement.

No later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to do the following: (1) discuss and prepare the documents required in Sections 2.B-H, below, and the Motions in Limine Binder, Exhibit Binders, and Trial Binder required in Sections 3-5, below; (2) discuss and make a good faith effort to stipulate ===== PAGE 14 ===== to the authenticity and admissibility of each trial exhibit; (3) discuss and make a good faith effort to stipulate to resolve each motion in limine; (4) discuss and make a good faith effort to stipulate to ultimate facts and legal issues; and, (5) discuss and make a good faith effort to settle

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 13 | 1. MEET AND CONFER

The Motions in Limine Binder must be lodged no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 74 a Motions in Limine Binder.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 19 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The Trial Binder must be lodged no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 74 a Trial Binder,

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 20 | TRIAL BINDER

The moving party must lodge the red-lined documents subject to the proposed sealing order with Department 735 no later than three days after filing the motion to seal.

The moving party must also lodge with Department 735 no later than three days after filing the motion to seal the documents subject to the proposed sealing order in which the proposed redactions are red-lined.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 2 | 2. Motions to Seal

Trial briefs, the joint witness list, and the joint exhibit list must be filed and served no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall file and serve the following documents:

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | 2. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Department 735 does not require courtesy copies for most filings, except for trial documents, motions in limine, and trial exhibits, unless the court orders otherwise.

Except for trial documents, motions in limine, and trial exhibits, Department 735 aims to be a paperless department. Thus, unless the court orders otherwise, the court does not need courtesy copies.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 1 | 1. Motions

Filing Bundling Requirements

Parties must deliver joint motion-in-limine binders and joint trial binders to Department 735 at least five court days before the final status conference.

Please pay particular attention to your mutual obligation to deliver to Department 735 your joint motion-in-limine binders and joint trial binders at least five court days before the final status conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 4 | 6. Trial Preparation Order

All motions in limine, opposition, and reply papers must be bundled together in a Motions in Limine Binder.

The Motions in Limine Binder shall include one-sided, conformed copies of all motions in limine, opposition papers, and reply papers, organized in one or more three-ring binders,

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 11 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Parties must jointly prepare and lodge a Motions in Limine Binder in Department 74 no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 74 a Motions in Limine Binder.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 19 | MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Parties must jointly prepare and lodge a Trial Binder in Department 74 no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

No later than five court days before the Final Status Conference, the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties shall jointly prepare and lodge in Department 74 a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 20 | TRIAL BINDER

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Parties must meet and confer in good faith before filing a discovery motion, and either party may request an informal discovery conference before filing if both agree.

The court expects the parties' counsel and any self-represented parties first to meet and confer to make a reasonable and good faith attempt to informally resolve each discovery issue in dispute. If the parties do not resolve their dispute by meeting and conferring but the parties mutually agree that an informal discovery conference might help, either party may request before filing a discovery motion that the court conduct an informal discovery conference to discuss the dispute.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Discovery Disputes and Informal Discovery Conferences

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

The responding party is expected to grant the moving party a reasonable extension of time to file a discovery motion to allow scheduling of an informal discovery conference.

The court expects the responding party to grant the moving party a reasonable extension of time to file a motion concerning the discovery in dispute in order to enable the parties to schedule and conduct an informal discovery conference.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 4 | 5. Discovery Disputes and Informal Discovery Conferences

Chambers Communication Rules

Proposed sealing orders must be emailed to Department 735's email service account at least 15 days before the motion to seal hearing.

In conjunction with setting a hearing on a motion to seal, the moving party must file, serve, and email to Department 735's email service account (smcdept735@lacourt.org) a proposed sealing order that is MS-Word editable at least 15 days before the hearing on the motion to seal.

Checked against the court's document on Sep 20, 2026

Page 2 | 2. Motions to Seal

After e-lodging a document that requires court action, parties should not call court staff about its status; they should follow the document's progress on the court's Website instead.

The court requests that, after the parties' counsel or any self-represented parties electronically lodge a document which requires action by the court (e.g., stipulation and proposed order, and proposed judgment), they please refrain from calling the court's staff to ask about the status of the document, and that they instead follow the document's progress on the court's Website (which the court updates as soon and as often as possible).

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 5 | 7. Electronically Lodged Documents Which Require Action by the Court

Documents of departments with no single judge listed

About Judge Colin Leis

Judge Colin Leis is a judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, the state trial court serving Los Angeles County. The court handles a wide range of civil, criminal, family, and probate matters.

Judge Leis's procedures are published through the court's general rules.

Common questions about Judge Colin Leis's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Colin Leis?

Department 735 does not require courtesy copies for most filings, except for trial documents, motions in limine, and trial exhibits, unless the court orders otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 1. Motions

Does Judge Colin Leis require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Colin Leis's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Parties must meet and confer in good faith before filing a discovery motion, and either party may request an informal discovery conference before filing if both agree.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. Discovery Disputes and Informal Discovery Conferences

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Colin Leis?

Judge Colin Leis' formatting rule includes binding tabbed 3-ring, four sets prepared jointly (set for the court, a set for the judicial assistant, a set for the witnesses), tabbed, internally paginated by document, properly-marked exhibits, and organized numerically. Parties must jointly prepare four sets of tabbed, internally paginated, properly-marked exhibits organized numerically in three-ring binders.

View ruleSource: page 19, section EXHIBIT BINDERS

What must be included with proposed sealing order filings before Judge Colin Leis?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Proposed sealing orders must state non-conclusory, express facts supporting sealing, separately identify each proposed redaction by document name, page, and line number, and include a 'Granted'/'Denied' ruling space for the court.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 2. Motions to Seal

What must be included with opposition reply filings before Judge Colin Leis?

The rule requires caption. Opposition and reply papers to motions in limine must identify the corresponding motion number in their captions.

View ruleSource: page 11, section MOTIONS IN LIMINE

How may parties contact Judge Colin Leis' chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Colin Leis' chambers. The rule lists email smcdept735@lacourt.org. Proposed sealing orders must be emailed to Department 735's email service account at least 15 days before the motion to seal hearing.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 2. Motions to Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Colin Leis?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The responding party is expected to grant the moving party a reasonable extension of time to file a discovery motion to allow scheduling of an informal discovery conference.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 5. Discovery Disputes and Informal Discovery Conferences

Does Judge Colin Leis require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Colin Leis requires bundling for covered papers. Parties must deliver joint motion-in-limine binders and joint trial binders to Department 735 at least five court days before the final status conference.

View ruleSource: page 4, section 6. Trial Preparation Order

Is electronic filing required before Judge Colin Leis?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All filings must be electronically filed unless the filer is a self-represented litigant or otherwise exempted from mandatory electronic filing.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 1. Motions

When is a filing treated as filed before Judge Colin Leis?

The rule states a 10:00 AM filing cutoff. Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section 3. Ex Parte Applications
Complete rules summary for Judge Colin Leis

All filings must be electronically filed unless the filer is a self-represented litigant or otherwise exempted from mandatory electronic filing.

Department 735 does not require courtesy copies for most filings, except for trial documents, motions in limine, and trial exhibits, unless the court orders otherwise.

Proposed sealing orders must be emailed to Department 735's email service account at least 15 days before the motion to seal hearing.

The proposed sealing order must be MS-Word editable.

Proposed sealing orders must state non-conclusory, express facts supporting sealing, separately identify each proposed redaction by document name, page, and line number, and include a 'Granted'/'Denied' ruling space for the court.

The moving party must lodge the red-lined documents subject to the proposed sealing order with Department 735 no later than three days after filing the motion to seal.

Opposition and reply papers to motions in limine must identify the corresponding motion number in their captions.

Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed, with exceptions for self-represented litigants and other persons excused from electronic filing.

Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the day before the ex parte hearing.

Written opposition to an ex parte application must be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the ex parte hearing.

Parties must meet and confer in good faith before filing a discovery motion, and either party may request an informal discovery conference before filing if both agree.

The responding party is expected to grant the moving party a reasonable extension of time to file a discovery motion to allow scheduling of an informal discovery conference.

Informal discovery conference requests must be made using form LACIV 094 with a hearing date reserved on the Court Reservation System.

The LACIV 094 form must describe the discovery dispute in font no smaller than 12-point, double or one-and-a-half spaced, and no attachments are allowed.

Parties must deliver joint motion-in-limine binders and joint trial binders to Department 735 at least five court days before the final status conference.

After e-lodging a document that requires court action, parties should not call court staff about its status; they should follow the document's progress on the court's Website instead.

Exhibit binders need not be prepared or delivered until the first day of trial.

Parties must exchange all trial exhibits no later than 18 calendar days before the Final Status Conference.

Parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference to prepare required trial documents and binders.

Trial briefs, the joint witness list, and the joint exhibit list must be filed and served no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

Each party must file a trial brief succinctly identifying the claims and defenses in dispute, the major legal issues with authorities, the relief and damages calculation, and any other helpful information.

Parties must jointly prepare and file a joint witness list of all witnesses intended to be called at trial, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses; witnesses not on the list are subject to exclusion except for impeachment or rebuttal, and a party must show good cause to call an unlisted witness.

Witnesses not on the joint witness list are subject to exclusion from testifying except for impeachment or rebuttal, and a party seeking to call an unlisted witness must first show good cause to the court.

Parties must jointly prepare and file a joint exhibit list with specified columns for each exhibit offered at trial, including stipulations to authentication and admissibility, objections, and marking/admission dates.

When deposition or former trial testimony will be used, counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer and jointly file a deposition designation chart.

Designation columns in the joint chart must include witness number/name, date and type of testimony, page/line designations, objections, counter-designation status, and the court's ruling.

Counter-designation columns in the joint chart must include witness number/name, date and type of testimony, page/line counter-designations, objections, the related designation number, and the court's ruling.

Transcript pages for deposition/trial designation must be submitted with numbered tabs separating each transcript and each designation highlighted using a distinct color per party.

Motions in limine must be noticed for hearing at the Final Status Conference.

Motions in limine must comply with CCP §1005 notice provisions and include declarations meeting LR 3.57(a) requirements.

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