Court Rules
Judge

Judge Victor Avila

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Los Angeles Superior Court

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Trial Brief
15 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Late Filed Document, Ex Parte Opposition

  • Chambers Drop Off

Communication

Phone

Clerk

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingJuryExhibitsEvidence/WitnessesBinders/TabsMemorandaConferencesTOC/TOA

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Trial briefs are mandatory, must be filed and lodged five court days before the FSC, may not exceed 15 pages, and must include the specified case description and proposed stipulations.

1. TRIAL BRIEFS: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC and shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Trial briefs are mandatory in all cases and shall include: 1. A brief description of the claims and defenses presented and the issues to be decided. 2. Statement of ultimate facts or issues to which you will stipulate.

Trial Brief

15 pages

Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 3
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED

Document Format Requirements10 rules

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs, and specified attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.

Documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable form. Attachments to primary documents including depositions, declarations, exhibits (including exhibits to declarations), transcripts (including excerpts), points and authorities, citations and supporting brief must be bookmarked and hyper linked.

Required Format

PDF

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Documentary exhibits must be copied one-sided.

Copies of documentary exhibits shall be one-sided copies.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Exhibits longer than one page must be internally paginated.

Note: Any exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The Motions in Limine Binder must contain one-sided, conformed copies organized in numerical order in three-ring binders, with each motion’s opposition and reply directly behind it and separated by colored sheets.

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.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The Trial Binder must consist of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents; for court trials without a jury, it includes only Tabs A, B, C, H, and I.

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 B a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only the documents listed under Tabs A, B, C, H, and I):

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

The verdict form must follow CACI and use proper spacing.

The verdict form shall be adopted to CACI with proper spacing (LACCR 3.173, 3.25(i)(8.)

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Exhibits longer than one page must be internally paginated.

Note: All exhibits greater than one page must be internally paginated.

Formatting

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Proposed jury instructions must use Los Angeles Superior Court form LASC LACIV 129 or 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.

Required Format

DOCX

Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 5
|Sec8. JURY INSTRUCTIONS (JOINT AND CONTESTED)
Formatting

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

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”).

Summary: Counsel and self-represented parties must jointly prepare four sets of properly marked exhibits, tabbed, internally paginated by document, and numerically organized in three-ring binders.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

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

Each designation or counter-designation shall be highlighted, with each party using a different color highlighter.

Summary: Each designation and counter-designation must be highlighted, with each party using a different color.

Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 6
|Sec10. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY

Document Filing Requirements31 rules

Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Trial briefs are mandatory and must contain a brief description of the claims, defenses, and issues, along with ultimate facts or issues for stipulation.

1. TRIAL BRIEFS: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC and shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages. Trial briefs are mandatory in all cases and shall include: 1. A brief description of the claims and defenses presented and the issues to be decided. 2. Statement of ultimate facts or issues to which you will stipulate.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 3
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference on the specified trial-preparation matters.

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 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 the case.

Document Type

Meet And Confer

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Trial briefs must also address established facts, contested factual and legal issues, evidentiary issues, requested relief and damages, other helpful information, opening-statement time, and any intended mini opening in jury trials.

3. Those facts established by admissions in pleadings, by discovery and/or stipulation by counsel. 4. All contested issues of fact. 5. All contested issues of law, together with points and authorities supporting the party’s position. 6. A list of major evidentiary issues anticipated and points and authorities in support of the party’s position. 7. A detailed statement of the relief claimed including a breakdown of the elements of damages claimed. 8. Any other information that will assist the Court. 9. Time estimate of opening statement. 10. Confirm whether the party and/or counsel intends to make a mini opening statement (applies only to jury trials).

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — TRIAL BRIEFS
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Counsel must meet and confer to prepare a joint, short, non-argumentative statement suitable for reading to the jury and lodge it five court days before the FSC.

2. STATEMENT OF THE CASE: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC Counsel shall meet and confer to prepare a JOINT short, non-argumentative written statement of the case suitable to be read to the jury and shall lodge the Statement of the Case five (5) court days prior to the FSC.

Document Type

Statement Of The Case

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — STATEMENT OF THE CASE
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The parties must serve and file proposed voir dire questions for the Court five court days before the FSC.

Five (5) court days prior to the FSC the partes shall serve and file proposed Voir Dire questions for the Court.

Document Type

Proposed Voir Dire Questions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — VOIR DIRE
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The joint witness list must use the specified columns for witness identity and accommodations, calling party, expected testimony, testimony description, and estimated examination times.

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 description of the witness’s expected testimony, (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).

Document Type

Joint Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — JOINT WITNESS LIST
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The joint witness list must include the grand total of estimated witness testimony time in its last column.

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.

Document Type

Joint Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — JOINT WITNESS LIST
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Counsel must meet and confer to prepare a joint general or special verdict form for the jury.

Counsel shall meet and confer to prepare a JOINT General Verdict Form or Special Verdict Form to be presented to the jury.

Document Type

Verdict Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The designating party’s portion of the joint chart must include columns for each specified designation, witness, testimony, objection, counter-designation, and ruling detail.

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 Of Page And Line Designations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 6
|Sec10. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The counter-designating party’s portion of the joint chart must include columns for each specified counter-designation, witness, testimony, objection, related designation, and ruling detail.

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 Of Page And Line Designations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 6
|Sec10. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The parties must attach the designated transcript pages to the joint chart, using numbered tabs to separate each deposition or trial transcript.

The parties shall attach copies of the pages of the transcripts of the deposition or former testimony they are designating or counter-designating to the Joint Chart of Page and Line Designations for Deposition and Former Testimony, with numbered tabs separating each deposition or trial transcript.

Document Type

Joint Chart Of Page And Line Designations

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 6
|Sec10. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Parties filing multiple motions in limine must number them 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 Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

One set of Exhibit Binders must be brought to the Final Status Conference for the court’s review.

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall bring one set of the Exhibit Binders to the Final Status Conference for the court to review.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Each motion in limine caption must concisely identify the evidence the moving party seeks to exclude.

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

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

The Judicial Assistant’s Exhibit Binder copy must have a yellow evidence tag on each exhibit, filled in only with the case number and exhibit number.

The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall also place the court’s yellow evidence tags (with only the case number and exhibit number filled in) on each exhibit in the Judicial Assistant’s copy of the Exhibit Binder.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Proposed jury instructions behind Tab F must be grouped in the specified order and labeled with cover sheets.

The parties shall organize proposed jury instructions into groups behind Tab F in the following order (labeled by cover sheets): (1) 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 Oct 3, 2026Mandatory

Tab J of the Trial Binder must contain motions in limine unless they are too voluminous and require a separate binder.

Tab J: Motions in Limine, unless they are too voluminous and require their own binder.

Document Type

Trial Binder

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

The Court will inquire about the required meet and confer, and failure to conduct it will likely result in sanctions.

The Court will specifically inquire into this meet and confer at the Final Status Conference and failure to have conducted it will likely result in sanctions.

Document Type

Meet And Confer

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

A witness omitted from the joint witness list may be excluded from testifying, except to give actual impeachment or rebuttal testimony.

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 rebuttal testimony.

Document Type

Joint Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — JOINT WITNESS LIST
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Important

Counsel may conduct reasonable voir dire, but may not precondition or indoctrinate jurors or question them about the pleadings or applicable law.

The Court will also permit counsel to conduct reasonable Voir Dire not designed to precondition or indoctrinate the jury, nor may the jurors be questioned about the pleadings or the applicable law.

Document Type

Voir Dire

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — VOIR DIRE
Filing Requirements

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026Note

When an appropriate CACI instruction exists, the court expects the parties to request it instead of 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

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 5
|Sec8. JURY INSTRUCTIONS (JOINT AND CONTESTED)
Filing Requirements

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

4. JOINT WITNESS LIST: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to prepare and file a joint list of all witnesses whom any party intends to call at trial, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses.

Summary: Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer to prepare and file a joint list of intended trial witnesses, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses.

Document Type

Joint Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — JOINT WITNESS LIST
Filing Requirements

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

5. JOINT EXHIBIT LIST: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC The parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to prepare and file a joint exhibit list organized with columns (in the format set forth below) which state, as to each exhibit any party intends to offer

Summary: Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer to prepare and file a joint exhibit list in the specified column format.

Document Type

Joint Exhibit List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — JOINT EXHIBIT LIST
Filing Requirements

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

For jury trials, the parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer 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.

Summary: For jury trials, the parties must prepare complete full-text proposed instructions, editing CACI instructions to insert party names and remove blanks and inapplicable material.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Content & Formatting
Caption
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 5
|Sec8. JURY INSTRUCTIONS (JOINT AND CONTESTED)
Filing Requirements

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

For jury trials, the parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to prepare and file a joint list of proposed jury instructions (in the format set forth below) which states, as to 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.

Summary: For jury trials, the parties must prepare and file a joint list of proposed instructions in numerical order with the specified information for each instruction.

Document Type

Joint List Of Proposed Jury Instructions

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 5
|Sec7. JOINT LIST OF PROPOSED JURY INSTRUCTIONS (JOINT AND CONTESTED)
Filing Requirements

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

For jury trials, the parties’ counsel and any self-represented parties shall meet and confer to prepare and file a brief, joint written statement of the case for the court to read to the jury.

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

Document Type

Joint Statement Of The Case

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 5
|Sec6. JOINT STATEMENT TO BE READ TO THE JURY
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, with a simple written description placed behind the corresponding numerical tab.

Document Type

Exhibits

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
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 must identify the corresponding motion number in their captions.

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

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 B a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only 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).

Summary: The Trial Binder table of contents must list the specified trial briefs, joint lists and statements, jury materials, deposition designations, and current operative pleadings under Tabs A through I.

Document Type

Trial Binder

Content & Formatting
Table Of Contents
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: Counsel and self-represented parties must comply with the specified statutory notice provisions and file declarations meeting the cited local rule.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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

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.

Summary: A party seeking testimony from an unlisted witness must first show good cause to the Court.

Document Type

Joint Witness List

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ca Lasc Courtroom BUR B · Jul 2026 · p. 4
|SecD. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — JOINT WITNESS LIST

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing, and written oppositions by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day; self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory e-filing requirements.

All ex parte applications and documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing. Any written opposition shall be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory Electronic Filing requirements.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Represented parties must comply with the court's mandatory civil e-filing requirements and electronically file documents as searchable PDFs.

FILINGS: All represented parties are to comply with LASC Rule 3.4 and the operative General Order for a Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil. Documents must be electronically filed in PDF, text searchable form.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | FILINGS

Trial documents must be filed under the cited mandatory civil e-filing order, but self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing.

All trial documents are to be filed pursuant to the General Order re Mandatory Electronic Filing for Civil dated November 5, 2018. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, Rule 2.253 (b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from the mandatory electronic filing requirement.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 3 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED

Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing but are encouraged to use electronic filing and service.

Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory electronic filing, although they are encouraged to participate in electronic filing and service.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | FILINGS

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Ex parte applications and supporting documents are due by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing; written oppositions are due by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day.

All ex parte applications and documents in support thereof must be electronically filed no later than 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing. Any written opposition shall be electronically filed by 8:30 a.m. the day of the hearing. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 2.253(b)(2), self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory Electronic Filing requirements.

Checked and corrected to match the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 2 | EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

Counsel and self-represented parties must file and serve the listed trial documents 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:

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 3 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED

Proposed voir dire questions must be served and filed five court days before the FSC.

3. VOIR DIRE: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC The Court conducts the initial Voir Dire of prospective jurors. Five (5) court days prior to the FSC the partes shall serve and file proposed Voir Dire questions for the Court.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 4 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — VOIR DIRE

The joint Statement of the Case must be lodged five court days before the FSC.

2. STATEMENT OF THE CASE: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC Counsel shall meet and confer to prepare a JOINT short, non-argumentative written statement of the case suitable to be read to the jury and shall lodge the Statement of the Case five (5) court days prior to the FSC.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 4 | D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED — STATEMENT OF THE CASE

The verdict form must be filed and lodged five court days before the final status conference.

VERDICT FORM: File and lodge five (5) court days before the FSC

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 5 | 9. VERDICT FORM

If motions in limine do not fit behind Trial Binder Tab J, the parties must submit a separate motion in limine at least three court days before the Final Status Conference.

If the motions in limine are too voluminous to fit behind Tab J in the Trial Binder, the parties must submit a separate motion in limine no later than three court days before the Final Status Conference.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 7 | E. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

The parties must jointly prepare and lodge a Trial Binder in Department B at least five court days before the Final Status Conference; it must contain one-sided, conformed copies in a tabbed three-ring binder with a table of contents, with a reduced tab requirement for court trials without a jury.

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 B a Trial Binder, consisting of one-sided, conformed copies, tabbed and organized in a three-ring binder with a table of contents that includes the following (for trials by the court without a jury, the Trial Binder shall include only the documents listed under Tabs A, B, C, H, and I):

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 7 | G. TRIAL BINDER

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Counsel and self-represented parties must exchange intended trial exhibits at least 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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 3 | C. MEET AND CONFER

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Courtesy copies are not requested except for late-filed documents and ex parte oppositions, which should be delivered directly to Department B.

COURTESY COPIES: Courtesy copies are not requested except for any late-filed document and any ex-parte opposition. Please deliver courtesy copies directly to Department B.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Counsel must exhaust meet-and-confer efforts before filing a discovery motion.

The Court requires all counsel to exhaust meet and confer efforts before filing a discovery motion.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 1 | DISCOVERY

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.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 7 | E. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Trial and other continuances must be heard on noticed motion or ex parte application unless all parties stipulate or the Court orders otherwise; trial dates are moved only for good cause.

CONTINUANCES: Trial or other continuances must be heard on a noticed motion or Ex Parte Application basis unless otherwise stipulated to by all parties or ordered by the Court. Trial continuances are generally disfavored - trial dates should be considered firm and will be moved only upon the court finding good cause.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION

The Court recommends submitting requests to continue a motion hearing as far in advance as possible.

The Court appreciates receiving requests to continue a motion hearing as far in advance of such hearing as possible.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 3, 2026

Page 1 | GENERAL INFORMATION

Chambers Communication Rules

Counsel may request an informal discovery conference, typically held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; counsel schedules it by calling the Courtroom Assistant, without using CRS.

Upon request of counsel, the Court will conduct an informal discovery conference (“IDC”) to assist counsel in resolving discovery disputes. IDCs are typically held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. To schedule an IDC, counsel is to call the Courtroom Assistant to set up a time for an IDC. No CRS for IDCs.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below.

Page 1 | DISCOVERY

Documents of departments with no single judge listed

About Judge Victor Avila

Judge Victor Avila is a judge on the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, the state trial court serving Los Angeles County.

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

Common questions about Judge Victor Avila's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Victor Avila?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for late filed documents and ex parte oppositions. Details: by chambers drop off. Courtesy copies are not requested except for late-filed documents and ex parte oppositions, which should be delivered directly to Department B.

View ruleSource: page 1, section GENERAL INFORMATION

Does Judge Victor Avila require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Victor Avila's rules set a pre-motion procedure for discovery. Counsel must exhaust meet-and-confer efforts before filing a discovery motion.

View ruleSource: page 1, section DISCOVERY

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Victor Avila?

Judge Victor Avila's rule states these limits: 15 pages. Trial briefs are mandatory, must be filed and lodged five court days before the FSC, may not exceed 15 pages, and must include the specified case description and proposed stipulations.

View ruleSource: page 3, section D. TRIAL DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Victor Avila?

Judge Victor Avila's formatting rule includes file format PDF, documents must be text searchable., and attachments to primary documents, including depositions, declarations, exhibits (including exhibits to declarations), transcripts (including excerpts), points and authorities, citations and supporting brief, must be bookmarked and hyper linked.. Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs, and specified attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.

View ruleSource: page 2, section FILINGS

What must be included with joint chart of page and line designations filings before Judge Victor Avila?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The parties must attach the designated transcript pages to the joint chart, using numbered tabs to separate each deposition or trial transcript.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 10. JOINT CHART OF PAGE AND LINE DESIGNATIONS FOR DEPOSITION AND FORMER TESTIMONY

What must be included with meet and confer filings before Judge Victor Avila?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference on the specified trial-preparation matters.

View ruleSource: page 3, section C. MEET AND CONFER

How may parties contact Judge Victor Avila's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Victor Avila's clerk. Counsel may request an informal discovery conference, typically held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; counsel schedules it by calling the Courtroom Assistant, without using CRS.

View ruleSource: page 1, section DISCOVERY

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Victor Avila?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. Trial and other continuances must be heard on noticed motion or ex parte application unless all parties stipulate or the Court orders otherwise; trial dates are moved only for good cause.

View ruleSource: page 1, section GENERAL INFORMATION

Is electronic filing required before Judge Victor Avila?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing, and written oppositions by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day; self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory e-filing requirements.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

What filing deadlines does Judge Victor Avila set?

Ex parte applications and supporting documents are due by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing; written oppositions are due by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EX PARTE APPLICATIONS

What rule applies to service for exhibits before Judge Victor Avila?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties, timing: 18 calendar days before hearing. Counsel and self-represented parties must exchange intended trial exhibits at least 18 calendar days before the Final Status Conference.

View ruleSource: page 3, section C. MEET AND CONFER
Complete rules summary for Judge Victor Avila

The parties must attach the designated transcript pages to the joint chart, using numbered tabs to separate each deposition or trial transcript.

Trial and other continuances must be heard on noticed motion or ex parte application unless all parties stipulate or the Court orders otherwise; trial dates are moved only for good cause.

The Court recommends submitting requests to continue a motion hearing as far in advance as possible.

Courtesy copies are not requested except for late-filed documents and ex parte oppositions, which should be delivered directly to Department B.

Counsel must exhaust meet-and-confer efforts before filing a discovery motion.

Counsel may request an informal discovery conference, typically held Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m.; counsel schedules it by calling the Courtroom Assistant, without using CRS.

Ex parte applications and supporting documents must be electronically filed by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing, and written oppositions by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day; self-represented litigants are exempt from these mandatory e-filing requirements.

Ex parte applications and supporting documents are due by 10:00 a.m. the court day before the hearing; written oppositions are due by 8:30 a.m. on the hearing day.

Represented parties must comply with the court's mandatory civil e-filing requirements and electronically file documents as searchable PDFs.

Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs, and specified attachments to primary documents must be bookmarked and hyperlinked.

Self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing but are encouraged to use electronic filing and service.

Counsel and self-represented parties must exchange intended trial exhibits at least 18 calendar days before the Final Status Conference.

Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer no later than 11 calendar days before the Final Status Conference on the specified trial-preparation matters.

The Court will inquire about the required meet and confer, and failure to conduct it will likely result in sanctions.

Trial documents must be filed under the cited mandatory civil e-filing order, but self-represented litigants are exempt from mandatory e-filing.

Counsel and self-represented parties must file and serve the listed trial documents no later than five court days before the Final Status Conference.

Trial briefs are mandatory, must be filed and lodged five court days before the FSC, may not exceed 15 pages, and must include the specified case description and proposed stipulations.

Trial briefs are mandatory and must contain a brief description of the claims, defenses, and issues, along with ultimate facts or issues for stipulation.

The joint witness list must use the specified columns for witness identity and accommodations, calling party, expected testimony, testimony description, and estimated examination times.

Trial briefs must also address established facts, contested factual and legal issues, evidentiary issues, requested relief and damages, other helpful information, opening-statement time, and any intended mini opening in jury trials.

Counsel must meet and confer to prepare a joint, short, non-argumentative statement suitable for reading to the jury and lodge it five court days before the FSC.

The joint Statement of the Case must be lodged five court days before the FSC.

Proposed voir dire questions must be served and filed five court days before the FSC.

The parties must serve and file proposed voir dire questions for the Court five court days before the FSC.

Counsel may conduct reasonable voir dire, but may not precondition or indoctrinate jurors or question them about the pleadings or applicable law.

Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer to prepare and file a joint list of intended trial witnesses, excluding impeachment and rebuttal witnesses.

The joint witness list must include the grand total of estimated witness testimony time in its last column.

A witness omitted from the joint witness list may be excluded from testifying, except to give actual impeachment or rebuttal testimony.

A party seeking testimony from an unlisted witness must first show good cause to the Court.

Counsel and self-represented parties must meet and confer to prepare and file a joint exhibit list in the specified column format.

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