Court Rules
Judge

Judge Theresa M. Traber

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Los Angeles Superior Court

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Joint Idc Report
5 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • Not required

Exhibits

  • 2 copies • For Trial

Trial Binder

  • 1 copy • For Trial

Adjournments

  • Agreed continuances should be requested via bulletin board post or stipulation and proposed order, unresolved continuances may be sought by ex parte or noticed motion, and requests should be made as soon as practicable.
  • Parties are expected to stipulate to extend motion filing deadlines while the IDC is pending.
  • Ex parte applications can often be avoided by meeting and conferring or posting on the bulletin board; an unopposed extension request supported by a bulletin board post showing good cause will likely be approved.

Request must include

Adversary PositionReason For Request

Communication

Phone

Chambers

Scheduling
Phone

Clerk

Scheduling
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJuryEvidence/WitnessesConferencesExhibitsBinders/TabsTRO/InjunctionSettlement

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

A joint IDC report of up to five pages shall be filed at least five court days before the conference.

Summary: A joint IDC report is limited to five pages.

Joint Idc Report

5 pages

Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 10
|SecDISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Document Format Requirements2 rules

Formatting

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties will prepare a binder, or set of binders, for the Clerk containing pre-numbered exhibits. LASC Rule 3.52. Each exhibit will be inserted behind a numbered tab, with the numbers corresponding to the number of the exhibit on the joint exhibit list.

Summary: Parties must prepare binder(s) for the Clerk containing pre-numbered exhibits, with each exhibit inserted behind a numbered tab matching the exhibit number on the joint exhibit list per LASC Rule 3.52.

Formatting

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Leave at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page of any proposed special jury instructions, or any addenda to form instructions.

Summary: Proposed special jury instructions and addenda to form instructions must leave at least four inches of blank space at the top of every page.

Layout & Binding
Margins
Top:4"

Document Filing Requirements20 rules

Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Although the Court strongly recommends using form agreements, they are not mandatory. However, parties seeking preliminary approval of a class action settlement must consult and follow the preliminary approval checklist.

Summary: Parties seeking preliminary approval of a class action settlement must consult and follow the preliminary approval checklist, though form agreements themselves are recommended but not mandatory.

Document Type

Motion For Preliminary Approval Of Class Action Settlement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 6
|SecCLASS ACTION AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACT (PAGA) SETTLEMENTS
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Parties must file a timely Notice of Related Cases pursuant to Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.300.

Summary: In freestanding PAGA actions, parties must file a timely Notice of Related Cases under Rule 3.300.

Document Type

Notice Of Related Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 7
|SecRelated Cases and Freestanding PAGA Actions
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Rules of Court, Rule 3.300(b) requires that when a party "knows or learns that the action or proceeding is related to another action or proceeding pending, dismissed, or disposed of by judgment in any state or federal court in California, the party must serve and file a Notice of Related Case." The Notice must be filed in each allegedly related case. This must be done as soon as possible, and parties have a continuing duty to file such a notice when additional knowledge becomes available. (Rules of Court, Rule 3.300(e) and (g).)

Summary: Parties must serve and file a Notice of Related Case in each allegedly related case as soon as possible and have a continuing duty to file such notices upon learning of related cases.

Document Type

Notice Of Related Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 7
|SecRelated Cases and Freestanding PAGA Actions
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

In addition, if applicable, the declaration "must clearly state whether consideration, direct or indirect, is being given for the dismissal and must describe the consideration in detail." (CRC 3.770(a).)

Summary: The declaration supporting a class-claim dismissal must clearly state whether consideration is being given and describe the consideration in detail, if applicable.

Document Type

Sworn Declaration

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 8
|SecRequests for Dismissal of Class Claims and PAGA Actions
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The dismissal of class claims without prejudice must be approved by the Court under California Rules of Court, Rule 3.770. Under CRC 3.770, a request to dismiss class claims must be accompanied by a sworn declaration "setting forth the facts on which the party relies" for the requested dismissal.

Summary: Dismissal of class claims requires court approval under CRC 3.770 and must be accompanied by a sworn declaration setting forth the facts relied upon.

Document Type

Request To Dismiss Class Claims

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 8
|SecRequests for Dismissal of Class Claims and PAGA Actions
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The proposed order accompanying the motion to seal must be narrowly tailored to seal only the specific information that is protected by the right to privacy, trade secrets law, or other applicable principles.

Summary: A proposed order accompanying a motion to seal must be narrowly tailored to seal only information protected by privacy, trade secrets law, or other applicable principles.

Document Type

Motion To Seal

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 9
|SecFilings and Lodgments Under Seal
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Parties must comply with LASC 3.57, including the declaration and meet and confer requirements.

Summary: Parties filing bifurcation and in limine motions must comply with LASC Rule 3.57, including its declaration and meet-and-confer requirements.

Document Type

Bifurcation Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 10
|SecTRIAL PROCEDURES - Required Pretrial Filings
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

JOINT STATEMENT OF THE CASE in the case of a jury trial, which will be read to the prospective jurors during jury selection. It should be short, factual and as neutral as possible.

Summary: In jury trials, the parties must prepare a joint statement of the case, kept short, factual, and neutral, to be read to prospective jurors during jury selection.

Document Type

Joint Statement Of The Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Deposition testimony to be presented at trial, in lieu of live testimony, must be designated by the proponent of such testimony in advance of trial.

Summary: Deposition testimony offered in lieu of live testimony must be designated by the proponent in advance of trial.

Document Type

Deposition Designations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties are to meet and confer to determine which documents will be admitted by stipulation or, at least, without objection and whether there will be a stipulation to authenticate each exhibit.

Summary: Parties must meet and confer to determine which documents will be admitted by stipulation or without objection and whether to stipulate to authentication of each exhibit.

Document Type

Joint Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

TRIAL BRIEFS for each party, in both bench and jury trials. These briefs should include a description of the claims, defenses, relief sought, evidentiary disputes, and all issues to be decided at trial along with a discussion of any novel or unusual issues of law, with citations to supporting authorities. The briefs must be signed, filed with the Court and served on all parties.

Summary: Each party must file a signed trial brief (in both bench and jury trials) describing the claims, defenses, relief sought, evidentiary disputes, and all issues to be decided at trial, with citations to supporting authorities.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties are to file a joint list of all witnesses each party intends to call, which must include a time allocation for each witness for direct, cross examination, and redirect. The parties are to provide a proposed daily trial schedule with appropriate time allocations.

Summary: Parties must file a joint witness list with time allocations for each witness's direct, cross, and redirect examination, along with a proposed daily trial schedule with time allocations.

Document Type

Joint Witness List And Trial Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties must submit a list of proposed jury instructions indicating which instructions are requested by each side or jointly and noting any objections raised on an opposing party. In addition, a joint set of agreed-upon instructions, and a set of instructions from each side to which there are objections, shall be printed and filed.

Summary: Parties must submit a list of proposed jury instructions showing which side requested each instruction and any objections, and must print and file a joint set of agreed instructions plus each side's objected-to instructions.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties shall cooperate in preparing a chart for each witness that includes a column for each of the following: (1) the proponent's designations by page and line; (2) counter-designations by other parties; (3) objections to specific language included in the designations; and (4) a blank column for the Court's rulings.

Summary: Parties must jointly prepare a per-witness deposition chart with columns for designations by page and line, counter-designations, objections, and a blank column for the Court's rulings.

Document Type

Deposition Designation Chart

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties are to meet and confer to prepare and file the proposed special verdict form. If the parties cannot agree, each party should file and serve its proposed version of the verdict form. The parties should make a copy of the final verdict form for each juror to utilize during deliberations.

Summary: Parties must meet and confer to prepare and file a proposed special verdict form; if they cannot agree, each party files and serves its own version, and copies of the final verdict form must be made for each juror.

Document Type

Proposed Verdict Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Before submitting the instructions, counsel must fill in the blanks, make any appropriate modifications, remove any irrelevant or extraneous material, and comply with LASC Rules 3.170 – 3.171. The parties must utilize CACI for form instructions.

Summary: Before submitting jury instructions, counsel must fill in blanks, make appropriate modifications, remove extraneous material, comply with LASC Rules 3.170-3.171, and use CACI for form instructions.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties shall lodge a copy of the deposition transcript to allow the Court to rule on the designations, counter-designations, and objections.

Summary: Parties must lodge a copy of the deposition transcript so the Court can rule on designations, counter-designations, and objections.

Document Type

Deposition Transcript

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Mandatory?

Citation of authority and identity of the party requesting the instruction must be removed before submission to the jury for deliberation. When the instructions are finalized, the parties are to submit a full set of all instructions given at trial without any titles or number so these instructions can be presented to the jury to be used during deliberations.

Summary: Citations of authority and requesting-party identities must be removed from instructions before jury deliberations, and parties must submit a full set of final instructions without titles or numbers for jury use.

Document Type

Final Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

An Initial Status Conference Order is issued soon after the filing of the case which provides among other things that all defendants should timely file a Notice of Appearance and pay all fees connected with a first paper filing.

Summary: Defendants are to timely file a Notice of Appearance as provided in the Initial Status Conference Order.

Document Type

Notice Of Appearance

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom SS 1 · p. 7
|SecCOMPLEX CASE MANAGEMENT
Filing Requirements

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.Important?

JOINT STATEMENT OF STIPULATED FACTS where appropriate.

Summary: A joint statement of stipulated facts must be submitted where appropriate.

Document Type

Joint Statement Of Stipulated Facts

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

All documents in cases pending in this courtroom must be electronically filed, with certain exceptions for self-represented litigants.

Documents for cases pending in this courtroom are subject to mandatory electronic filing, pursuant to the September 15, 2021 General Order re: Electronic Filing in Complex Civil Litigation and the May 3, 2019 First Amended General Order re: Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil Litigation. Certain exceptions apply for self-represented litigants.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 4 | GENERAL INFORMATION

Ex parte applications must be electronically filed under the Superior Court's electronic filing rules and procedures.

Ex parte applications must be electronically filed according to the Superior Court's electronic filing rules and procedures.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Late filings will not be considered without leave of court obtained in advance.

Late filings will not be considered without leave of court obtained in advance.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 8 | Tentative Rulings

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

Any written opposition to an ex parte application must be filed and served before 8:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing. (Ibid.)

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

A joint IDC report must be filed at least five court days before the IDC.

A joint IDC report of up to five pages shall be filed at least five court days before the conference.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Motions in limine and bifurcation motions must be filed with proper statutory notice and set for hearing on the FSC date, though the Court may defer the hearing to the first day of trial.

MOTIONS IN LIMINE AND BIFURCATION MOTIONS must be filed and served with proper statutory notice and set for hearing on the FSC date. LASC Rule 3.25 (f)(2). The Court may defer hearing on said motions until the first day of trial.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | TRIAL PROCEDURES - Required Pretrial Filings

All final status conference documents other than motions must be filed with the Court at least five court days in advance.

Required Pretrial Filings: All FSC documents other than motions shall be filed with the Court at least five court days in advance

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | TRIAL PROCEDURES - Required Pretrial Filings

Ex parte applications and all supporting documents must be filed before 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing.

Ex parte applications and all documents in support thereof must be served and filed before 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing. (See First Amended General Order dated May 3, 2019, subd. (8); Local Rule 3.4(f).)

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Motion in limine binders must be delivered to the Court at least five court days before the Final Status Conference.

The motion in limine binders shall be delivered to the Court at least five (5) court days before the FSC.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 11 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

Only the Joint Exhibit List (with foundation and admissibility stipulations), not the exhibit binders, must be filed five court days before the FSC.

Only the Joint Exhibit List with appropriate stipulations as to foundation and admissibility (not binders of exhibits) need be filed five court days in advance of the FSC.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 11 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

A Notice of Settlement in class action/PAGA cases must be filed as soon as practicable.

A Notice of Settlement should be filed as soon as practicable.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 6 | CLASS ACTION AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACT (PAGA) SETTLEMENTS

Parties may not file additional documents to cure a deficiency identified in a tentative ruling; a request to do so may be raised in oral argument.

A tentative ruling is not an opportunity to file additional documents to "cure" a perceived deficiency but a request to do so may be raised in oral argument.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 8 | Tentative Rulings

Supplemental filings on approval motions should, whenever possible, be filed before the scheduled hearing date or non-appearance case review.

Whenever possible, supplemental filings should be filed in advance of the scheduled hearing date or non-appearance case review.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 6 | CLASS ACTION AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACT (PAGA) SETTLEMENTS

The Court encourages bifurcation motions to be filed well in advance of trial.

The Court encourages bifurcation motions to be filed well in advance of trial so the Court and parties can properly prepare for each phase of trial.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | TRIAL PROCEDURES - Required Pretrial Filings

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Parties must engage an e-service provider (preferably Case Anywhere) to serve all documents and use the bulletin board to communicate with the Court; self-represented litigants are exempt but encouraged to comply.

At the Initial Status Conference, the Court will order the parties to engage an e-service provider to serve all documents (preferably Case Anywhere) and utilize the bulletin board function to communicate with the Court. Self-represented litigants are not required to engage an e-service provider but are still encouraged to do so.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 4 | GENERAL INFORMATION

Posting documents on the e-service provider does not replace filing; documents that require filing, such as motion papers, must be filed with the Court and separately served via the selected e-service provider.

Posting on an e-service provider is not a substitute for filing documents with the Court. All documents that require filing with the Court, such as motion papers, must be filed with the Court and separately served via the selected e-service provider.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 4 | GENERAL INFORMATION

The plaintiff is responsible for serving the ISC and Minute Orders scheduling the Initial Status Conference as set forth in the ISC Order.

It is the plaintiff's responsibility to serve the ISC and Minute Orders scheduling the ISC as set forth in the ISC Order itself.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 7 | COMPLEX CASE MANAGEMENT

A plaintiff dismissing a pending PAGA action must serve the dismissal request, supporting declarations, complaint, predicate LWDA letter, and settlement release portions on the LWDA at or around the time of filing, with proof of service filed with the Court.

Consistent with this goal, the Court concludes that a plaintiff seeking to dismiss a pending PAGA action must, at a minimum, serve on the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) the request for dismissal of the PAGA action and supporting declarations, a copy of the complaint that alleges the PAGA claims to be dismissed, a copy of the predicate letter that was sent to the LWDA seeking an investigation of the claims before the lawsuit was filed, and a copy of the portion of any settlement agreement that includes releases applicable to Plaintiff and/or to the PAGA claims. These documents must be served on the LWDA at or around the time the request for dismissal of PAGA claims is filed with the Court, with proof of service filed with the Court.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 8 | Requests for Dismissal of Class Claims and PAGA Actions

Motions in limine and bifurcation motions must be served with proper statutory notice.

MOTIONS IN LIMINE AND BIFURCATION MOTIONS must be filed and served with proper statutory notice and set for hearing on the FSC date. LASC Rule 3.25 (f)(2).

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | TRIAL PROCEDURES - Required Pretrial Filings

Ex parte applications and all supporting documents must be served before 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing.

Ex parte applications and all documents in support thereof must be served and filed before 10:00 a.m. on the court day before the hearing. (See First Amended General Order dated May 3, 2019, subd. (8); Local Rule 3.4(f).)

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Written opposition to an ex parte application must be served before 8:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing.

Any written opposition to an ex parte application must be filed and served before 8:30 a.m. on the day of the hearing. (Ibid.)

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Trial briefs must be served on all parties.

The briefs must be signed, filed with the Court and served on all parties.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 11 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

Proposed jury questionnaires must be filed with the Court and served on all parties.

Proposed jury questionnaires shall be filed with the Court and served on all parties.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 13 | Trial Rules

Filing Fees and Waivers

Defendants must pay all fees connected with a first paper filing.

An Initial Status Conference Order is issued soon after the filing of the case which provides among other things that all defendants should timely file a Notice of Appearance and pay all fees connected with a first paper filing.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 7 | COMPLEX CASE MANAGEMENT

Courtesy Copy Requirements

For trial, parties should prepare one additional copy of the exhibit binder(s) for the Court and one for the witness stand, plus copies for themselves.

For the trial itself, one additional copy of the binder or binders should be prepared for the Court and another for the witness stand. Counsel should make copies for themselves as well.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 11 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

A tabbed trial binder for the Court should be prepared containing all items in this section (except deposition designations and transcripts), the operative pleadings, and important court orders.

TRIAL BINDER FOR COURT. A tabbed binder should be prepared for the Court containing all the items referred to in this section (except the deposition designations and transcripts), as well as the operative pleadings and any important Court orders issued during the course of the litigation.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 12 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

Paper courtesy copies of electronically filed documents are not required unless extraordinary circumstances (e.g., time constraints or in camera review) or legal requirements (e.g., provisional sealing) apply.

Parties need not deliver paper courtesy copies of electronically filed documents, unless extraordinary circumstances such as time constraints or a need for in camera review are present, or where the law requires it (e.g. filing documents provisionally under seal).

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 4 | GENERAL INFORMATION

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

The Court generally will not rule on a CRC 3.770 dismissal request until presented with a fully executed unredacted settlement agreement, which may be filed conditionally under seal with an application for a sealing order under CRC 2.500.

For this reason, in many cases, the Court will not rule on a request for dismissal under CRC 3.770 until it is presented with a fully executed unredacted version of the parties' settlement agreement, which may be filed conditionally under seal along with an application for a sealing order under CRC 2.500.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 8 | Requests for Dismissal of Class Claims and PAGA Actions

Parties must strictly comply with California Rules of Court 2.550 and 2.551 when filing under seal and should seal only when absolutely necessary because the Court must make specific findings for each part of every sealed document.

All parties must strictly comply with Rules of Court, Rules 2.550 and 2.551 when submitting documents to be filed under seal. Because there is a public right of access to court records, the Court must make specific findings as to each part of every document that a party wishes to file under seal. Parties should therefore use the sealing process only when absolutely necessary.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 9 | Filings and Lodgments Under Seal

A private interest in sealing must generally involve more than a confidentiality agreement between the parties to outweigh the public interest in open court files.

In the Court's view, the private interest for sealing a document must generally involve something more than a confidentiality agreement between the parties to outweigh the public interest in open court files.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 8 | Requests for Dismissal of Class Claims and PAGA Actions

Filing Bundling Requirements

All motions in limine and oppositions must be combined into a single joint binder, tabbed with each motion, supporting declarations/exhibits, and proposed order, followed by the respective opposition with supporting evidence.

JOINT MOTION IN LIMINE BINDER containing all motions in limine and oppositions thereto, tabbed with each motion, supporting declarations/exhibits, and a proposed order, followed by the respective opposition with supporting evidence.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 11 | TRIAL PROCEDURES

Proposed jury questionnaires and all competing versions must be included in the Trial Binder.

If any party seeks to use a jury questionnaire, its proposed questionnaire and all competing versions advanced by other parties must be included in the Trial Binder.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 13 | Trial Rules

Stipulations as to undisputed facts should be reduced to writing, filed with the Court, and included in the Trial Binder if reached before trial.

Such stipulations should be reduced to writing and filed with the Court. They should also be included in the Trial Binder, if reached before trial.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 13 | Trial Rules

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Before scheduling an IDC, parties to a discovery dispute must confer person-to-person in real time by phone, videoconference, or in person.

Parties to a discovery dispute are therefore required to confer person-to-person in real time, either by phone, videoconference, or in person before scheduling an informal discovery conference.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Trial counsel must hold a real-time meeting well before the final status conference regarding submission of joint trial readiness documents.

The Court requires a real-time meeting of trial counsel well before the final status conference concerning the submission of joint trial readiness documents. See LASC Rule 3.25 (g).

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | TRIAL PROCEDURES - Final Status Conference

Attorneys conducting the discovery conference must be familiar with the discovery at issue and have authority to make and accept proposals and stipulations.

The attorneys conducting the conference must be familiar with the discovery at issue and have the authority to make and accept proposals and appropriate stipulations to resolve the dispute.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 10 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

The Court may hold an informal conference to resolve pleadings disputes without motion practice; when held, attending attorneys must be familiar with the pleadings and have authority to make and accept proposals and stipulations, though conferences are not required in every instance.

In cases where the parties disagree over the specificity or factual sufficiency of the pleadings, the Court often finds it helpful to conduct an informal conference to discuss these issues. The purpose of the conference is to assist the parties in reaching an agreement on whether and how the pleadings are to be revised without having to engage in motion practice. The attorneys attending the pleadings conference must be familiar with the pleadings and have the authority to make and accept proposals and appropriate stipulations to resolve the dispute. The Court recognizes that not all pleadings disputes are amenable to this procedure and does not require pleadings conferences in every instance.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 9 | Pleadings Challenges; Informal Pleading Conferences May Be Required

Counsel should meet and confer in person to resolve or at least narrow a dispute before filing a discovery motion.

Before filing a discovery motion, counsel should meet and confer in person to resolve or at least narrow the dispute.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 9 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Parties may optionally agree to schedule an IDC before any discovery motion is filed, which most often eliminates the need for full briefing and hearing.

In the alternative, the parties may agree to schedule an IDC before any discovery motion is filed to eliminate the time and expense of drafting a formal motion. That discussion most often eliminates any need for full briefing and hearing of a motion.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 9 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

The Court requires an informal discovery conference before a hearing on a pending motion to compel, and before filing a discovery motion if the parties agree.

The Court strongly encourages the resolution of discovery disputes without motion practice and requires informal discovery conferences before a hearing on a pending motion to compel or, if agreed to by the parties, before the filing of a discovery motion.

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

Page 9 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

After a motion to compel is filed on an unresolved dispute, counsel must contact court staff to arrange a video IDC with Judge Traber before the hearing.

If the dispute remains unresolved and a motion to compel has been filed, counsel must contact the court staff to arrange an informal, video discovery conference (IDC) between counsel and Judge Traber before the hearing on the motion.

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

Page 9 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Agreed continuances should be requested via bulletin board post or stipulation and proposed order, unresolved continuances may be sought by ex parte or noticed motion, and requests should be made as soon as practicable.

Requests For Continuances: Similarly, requests for continuance when agreed to by all parties should be made using the bulletin board, or by stipulation and proposed order. If the parties cannot reach agreement concerning a continuance after good faith discussion and with due regard to professional courtesy, the continuance may be sought by ex parte or noticed motion. Parties should request a continuance as soon as practicable so the Court may utilize that motion slot for another case.

The quote is in the court's document. The summary is not checked yet.

Page 9 | Requests For Continuances

Parties are expected to stipulate to extend motion filing deadlines while the IDC is pending.

Parties are expected to stipulate to extend motion filing deadlines pending completion of the IDC.

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Page 10 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Ex parte applications can often be avoided by meeting and conferring or posting on the bulletin board; an unopposed extension request supported by a bulletin board post showing good cause will likely be approved.

Ex parte applications can often be avoided by meeting and conferring or utilizing the bulletin board. For example, an unopposed request to extend the deadline for filing a motion for class certification will likely be approved upon a bulletin board post setting forth good cause.

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Page 10 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Chambers Communication Rules

Department 1 does not use the Court Reservation System; attorneys should contact court staff to reserve a motion hearing date (court open 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. daily).

The Court is open 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Department 1 does not use the Court Reservation System (CRS). To set a matter for hearing, attorneys should contact the court staff to reserve a date for their motion.

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Page 8 | Setting Matters for Hearing

When a motion will not go forward as calendared, the parties should immediately call the Court and post on the bulletin board.

Procedure For Taking Matters Off Calendar: Whenever a motion will not go forward as calendared, the parties should immediately call the Court by and post on the bulletin board.

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Page 9 | Procedure For Taking Matters Off Calendar

Class action/PAGA settlement approval motion hearing dates are obtained by calling the Judicial Assistant once the motion is ready to file.

Hearing dates for approval motions will be assigned by calling the Judicial Assistant when the motion is ready to file.

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Page 6 | CLASS ACTION AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACT (PAGA) SETTLEMENTS

Parties should call the courtroom or post on the bulletin board to obtain available IDC dates.

Parties should call the courtroom or post on the bulletin board to obtain available dates.

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Page 10 | DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Two attorneys per party may participate in court proceedings and divide tasks and arguments, with a more experienced attorney permitted to back up another attorney (Local Rule 3.93); no experience-year threshold is specified in the text.

The Court allows and encourages counsel to have two attorneys participate in court proceedings. Attorneys representing a party may divide tasks and arguments as they see fit, and a more experienced attorney may “back up” another attorney as appropriate. See Local Rule 3.93.

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Page 5 | GENERAL INFORMATION - Promoting Attorney Development and Diversity

Documents of departments with no single judge listed

About Judge Theresa M. Traber

Judge Theresa M. Traber is a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, the state trial court serving Los Angeles County.

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

Common questions about Judge Theresa M. Traber's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Theresa M. Traber?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for exhibits. Details: 2 copies, delivery for trial. For trial, parties should prepare one additional copy of the exhibit binder(s) for the Court and one for the witness stand, plus copies for themselves.

View ruleSource: page 11, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

Does Judge Theresa M. Traber require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Theresa M. Traber's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. The Court requires an informal discovery conference before a hearing on a pending motion to compel, and before filing a discovery motion if the parties agree.

View ruleSource: page 9, section DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

What page or word limits apply to joint idc report before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

Judge Theresa M. Traber's rule states these limits: 5 pages. A joint IDC report is limited to five pages.

View ruleSource: page 10, section DISCOVERY DISPUTES AND DISCOVERY MOTIONS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

Judge Theresa M. Traber's formatting rule includes binder or set of binders for the clerk must contain pre-numbered exhibits per lasc rule 3.52 and each exhibit must be inserted behind a numbered tab corresponding to the exhibit number on the joint exhibit list. Parties must prepare binder(s) for the Clerk containing pre-numbered exhibits, with each exhibit inserted behind a numbered tab matching the exhibit number on the joint exhibit list per LASC Rule 3.52.

View ruleSource: page 11, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

What must be included with motion for preliminary approval of class action settlement filings before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties seeking preliminary approval of a class action settlement must consult and follow the preliminary approval checklist, though form agreements themselves are recommended but not mandatory.

View ruleSource: page 6, section CLASS ACTION AND PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL ACT (PAGA) SETTLEMENTS

What must be included with notice of related case filings before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Parties must serve and file a Notice of Related Case in each allegedly related case as soon as possible and have a continuing duty to file such notices upon learning of related cases.

View ruleSource: page 7, section Related Cases and Freestanding PAGA Actions

How may parties contact Judge Theresa M. Traber's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Theresa M. Traber's clerk. Department 1 does not use the Court Reservation System; attorneys should contact court staff to reserve a motion hearing date (court open 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. daily).

View ruleSource: page 8, section Setting Matters for Hearing

How does Judge Theresa M. Traber handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Theresa M. Traber. Process: file unredacted to clerk. The Court generally will not rule on a CRC 3.770 dismissal request until presented with a fully executed unredacted settlement agreement, which may be filed conditionally under seal with an application for a sealing order under CRC 2.500.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Requests for Dismissal of Class Claims and PAGA Actions

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include adversary position. Agreed continuances should be requested via bulletin board post or stipulation and proposed order, unresolved continuances may be sought by ex parte or noticed motion, and requests should be made as soon as practicable.

View ruleSource: page 9, section Requests For Continuances

Does Judge Theresa M. Traber require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Theresa M. Traber requires bundling for covered papers. All motions in limine and oppositions must be combined into a single joint binder, tabbed with each motion, supporting declarations/exhibits, and proposed order, followed by the respective opposition with supporting evidence.

View ruleSource: page 11, section TRIAL PROCEDURES

Is electronic filing required before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. All documents in cases pending in this courtroom must be electronically filed, with certain exceptions for self-represented litigants.

View ruleSource: page 4, section GENERAL INFORMATION

Are filing fees or waivers addressed before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

A fee is required for covered filings. Defendants must pay all fees connected with a first paper filing.

View ruleSource: page 7, section COMPLEX CASE MANAGEMENT

What filing deadlines does Judge Theresa M. Traber set?

Late filings will not be considered without leave of court obtained in advance.

View ruleSource: page 8, section Tentative Rulings

What rule applies to service for all documents before Judge Theresa M. Traber?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: method: e-service, recipient: all parties. Parties must engage an e-service provider (preferably Case Anywhere) to serve all documents and use the bulletin board to communicate with the Court; self-represented litigants are exempt but encouraged to comply.

View ruleSource: page 4, section GENERAL INFORMATION

Does Judge Theresa M. Traber encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Theresa M. Traber's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Two attorneys per party may participate in court proceedings and divide tasks and arguments, with a more experienced attorney permitted to back up another attorney (Local Rule 3.93); no experience-year threshold is specified in the text.

View ruleSource: page 5, section GENERAL INFORMATION - Promoting Attorney Development and Diversity
Complete rules summary for Judge Theresa M. Traber

Paper courtesy copies of electronically filed documents are not required unless extraordinary circumstances (e.g., time constraints or in camera review) or legal requirements (e.g., provisional sealing) apply.

All documents in cases pending in this courtroom must be electronically filed, with certain exceptions for self-represented litigants.

Parties must engage an e-service provider (preferably Case Anywhere) to serve all documents and use the bulletin board to communicate with the Court; self-represented litigants are exempt but encouraged to comply.

Posting documents on the e-service provider does not replace filing; documents that require filing, such as motion papers, must be filed with the Court and separately served via the selected e-service provider.

Class action/PAGA settlement approval motion hearing dates are obtained by calling the Judicial Assistant once the motion is ready to file.

A Notice of Settlement in class action/PAGA cases must be filed as soon as practicable.

Parties seeking preliminary approval of a class action settlement must consult and follow the preliminary approval checklist, though form agreements themselves are recommended but not mandatory.

Supplemental filings on approval motions should, whenever possible, be filed before the scheduled hearing date or non-appearance case review.

Defendants are to timely file a Notice of Appearance as provided in the Initial Status Conference Order.

Defendants must pay all fees connected with a first paper filing.

The plaintiff is responsible for serving the ISC and Minute Orders scheduling the Initial Status Conference as set forth in the ISC Order.

Parties must serve and file a Notice of Related Case in each allegedly related case as soon as possible and have a continuing duty to file such notices upon learning of related cases.

In freestanding PAGA actions, parties must file a timely Notice of Related Cases under Rule 3.300.

Dismissal of class claims requires court approval under CRC 3.770 and must be accompanied by a sworn declaration setting forth the facts relied upon.

The declaration supporting a class-claim dismissal must clearly state whether consideration is being given and describe the consideration in detail, if applicable.

The Court generally will not rule on a CRC 3.770 dismissal request until presented with a fully executed unredacted settlement agreement, which may be filed conditionally under seal with an application for a sealing order under CRC 2.500.

A private interest in sealing must generally involve more than a confidentiality agreement between the parties to outweigh the public interest in open court files.

A plaintiff dismissing a pending PAGA action must serve the dismissal request, supporting declarations, complaint, predicate LWDA letter, and settlement release portions on the LWDA at or around the time of filing, with proof of service filed with the Court.

Department 1 does not use the Court Reservation System; attorneys should contact court staff to reserve a motion hearing date (court open 8:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. daily).

Parties may not file additional documents to cure a deficiency identified in a tentative ruling; a request to do so may be raised in oral argument.

Late filings will not be considered without leave of court obtained in advance.

When a motion will not go forward as calendared, the parties should immediately call the Court and post on the bulletin board.

Agreed continuances should be requested via bulletin board post or stipulation and proposed order, unresolved continuances may be sought by ex parte or noticed motion, and requests should be made as soon as practicable.

The Court may hold an informal conference to resolve pleadings disputes without motion practice; when held, attending attorneys must be familiar with the pleadings and have authority to make and accept proposals and stipulations, though conferences are not required in every instance.

Parties must strictly comply with California Rules of Court 2.550 and 2.551 when filing under seal and should seal only when absolutely necessary because the Court must make specific findings for each part of every sealed document.

A proposed order accompanying a motion to seal must be narrowly tailored to seal only information protected by privacy, trade secrets law, or other applicable principles.

The Court requires an informal discovery conference before a hearing on a pending motion to compel, and before filing a discovery motion if the parties agree.

Counsel should meet and confer in person to resolve or at least narrow a dispute before filing a discovery motion.

After a motion to compel is filed on an unresolved dispute, counsel must contact court staff to arrange a video IDC with Judge Traber before the hearing.

Parties may optionally agree to schedule an IDC before any discovery motion is filed, which most often eliminates the need for full briefing and hearing.

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