Court Rules
Judge

Judge Fernando M. Olguin

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Central District of California

Limits & Logistics

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • No Later Than Noon Following Business Day

Moving Papers, Opposition Papers, Notice Of Non Opposition

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • Same Day As E Filing

Proposed Order

  • 1 copy • Email • On Day Of Efiling

Adjournments

5Court Daysnotice
  • Requests for continuance or extension must be submitted 5 court days before the scheduled date expires; stipulations must show good cause, list previous requests, and include a proposed order.
Reason For RequestNumber Of Previous RequestsPrevious Requests Granted Or DeniedProposed Rescheduled Date
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryFormattingExhibitsMemorandaProposed OrdersTRO/InjunctionBinders/TabsDiscoveryJuryConferences

Page & Word Limits1 rule

Page Limits

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Unless otherwise ordered, reply briefs are not allowed and will be stricken.

Summary: Reply briefs are prohibited unless the court orders otherwise, and will be stricken if filed.

Document Format Requirements5 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel shall designate any “blow-up” enlargement of an existing exhibit with the number of the original exhibit followed by an “A.”

Summary: Blow-up enlargements of existing trial exhibits must be designated with the original exhibit number followed by an “A”.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Exhibits shall be numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., not 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc. The defense exhibit numbers shall not duplicate plaintiff’s numbers.

Summary: Trial exhibits must be numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3, etc.), not with decimal sub-numbers, and defense exhibit numbers cannot duplicate plaintiff’s exhibit numbers.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Exhibits must be placed in three-ring binders indexed by exhibit number with tabs or dividers on the right side. The spine portion of the binder shall indicate the volume number and contain an index of each exhibit included in the volume.

Summary: Trial exhibits must be bound in three-ring binders indexed by exhibit number with right-side tabs or dividers, and the binder spine must display the volume number and an index of all exhibits in the volume.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Plaintiff shall use yellow tags and defendant shall use blue tags. The tags shall be stapled to the upper right-hand corner of each exhibit with the case number, case name, and exhibit number placed on each tag.

Summary: Exhibit tags must be stapled to the upper right corner of each exhibit, include the case number, case name, and exhibit number, with plaintiff required to use yellow tags and defendant required to use blue tags.

Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If documentary evidence in support of or in opposition to a motion exceeds 50 pages, the evidence must be separately bound and tabbed and include an index. If such evidence exceeds 300 pages, the documents shall be placed in a three-ring binder, with an index and with each item of evidence separated by a tab divider on the right side. In addition, counsel shall provide a flash drive of the documents in a single, OCR-scanned,.pdf file with each item of evidence separated by labeled bookmarks. Counsel shall ensure that all documents are legible.

Summary: Documentary evidence supporting or opposing a motion over 50 pages must be bound, tabbed, and indexed; evidence over 300 pages must be in a three-ring binder with tab dividers, and counsel must provide an OCR-scanned PDF on a flash drive with labeled bookmarks.

Applies When:Page Threshold > 50

Document Filing Requirements16 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each counsel shall keep counsel’s own list of exhibits

Summary: Each counsel must maintain their own list of trial exhibits.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Exhibit List
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All discovery-related documents must include the words “DISCOVERY MATTER” in the caption to ensure proper routing.

Summary: All discovery-related documents must include the phrase 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption for proper routing to the assigned magistrate judge.

Document Type

Discovery Related Document

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The motion must be accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities and specify which portions of the ruling are clearly erroneous or contrary to law.

Summary: A motion for review of a magistrate judge's decision must be accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities and specify the portions of the ruling that are clearly erroneous or contrary to law.

Document Type

Motion For Review

Content & Formatting
Legal Argument
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If the parties are unable to reach a resolution, “counsel for the moving party must include a declaration, under penalty of perjury, the set forth at a minimum the date(s) the conference took place and the position of each party with respect to each disputed issue that will be the subject of the motion.”

Summary: Motions filed after an unsuccessful pre-filing meet and confer must include a declaration under penalty of perjury stating the conference date(s) and each party's position on the disputed issues.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

shall serve and lodge – at the time the moving or opposition papers are filed – a proposed order setting forth the relief or action sought and a brief statement of the rationale for the decision with appropriate citations.

Summary: A proposed order detailing the requested relief and rationale with citations must be served and lodged with moving or opposition papers at the time of filing.

Document Type

Motion Or Opposition Papers

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If any party or attorney uses an artificial intelligence tool in the preparation of any filing, the submission of that document signifies that the individual responsible for the filing has certified that she/he reviewed all source material and verified the accuracy of any AI content. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.

Summary: Filings prepared using artificial intelligence require the filing party or attorney to certify they reviewed all source material and verified the accuracy of any AI-generated content.

Document Type

Filing

Content & Formatting
Ai Disclosure
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In addition to complying with Local Rule 15-1, all motions to amend pleadings shall: (1) state the effect of the amendment; and (2) identify the page and line number(s) and wording of any proposed change or addition of material. The proposed amended pleading shall be sequentially named to differentiate it from previously amended pleadings (e.g., First Amended Complaint, Second Amended Complaint, etc.).

Summary: Motions to amend pleadings must comply with Local Rule 15-1, state the amendment's effect, identify proposed changes, and the proposed amended pleading must be sequentially named.

Document Type

Motion To Amend Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In addition to Local Rule 15-1’s requirement of electronic lodging of the proposed amended pleading as a document separate from the motion, counsel shall attach as an appendix to the moving papers a “redlined” version of the proposed amended pleading, indicating all additions and deletions of material.

Summary: Counsel filing motions to amend pleadings must attach a redlined version of the proposed amended pleading as an appendix, and electronically lodge the proposed pleading separate from the motion per Local Rule 15-1.

Document Type

Motion To Amend Pleading

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All potentially dispositive motions shall comply with the requirements set forth in the Court’s Order Re: Summary Judgment Motions, which will be issued at the time the court issues its Case Management and Scheduling Order.

Summary: All potentially dispositive motions must comply with the requirements specified in the Court’s Order Re: Summary Judgment Motions issued with the Case Management and Scheduling Order.

Document Type

Dispositive Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Ex parte applications that fail to conform to Local Rules 7-19 and 7-19.1, including a statement of opposing counsel’s position, will not be considered except on a specific showing of good cause under Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(b).

Summary: Ex parte applications must conform to Local Rules 7-19 and 7-19.1, including a statement of opposing counsel’s position, to be considered by the court.

Document Type

Ex Parte Application

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel requesting a continuance must file a stipulation containing a detailed explanation of the grounds for the requested continuance as well as lodge a proposed order.

Summary: Stipulations for continuance or extension must be lodged with a proposed order.

Document Type

Stipulation

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All documents filed in state court, including documents appended to the complaint, answers and motions, must be re-filed in this court as a supplement to the notice of removal. See 28 U.S.C. § 1447(a)-(b).

Summary: All state court documents must be re-filed as a supplement to the notice of removal in cases removed from state court.

Document Type

Notice Of Removal

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If defendant has not yet answered or filed a motion in response to the complaint, the answer or responsive pleading filed in this court must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules. Irrespective of whether defendant filed a motion or demurrer in response to the complaint in state court, defendant must file an answer or responsive pleading in this court that complies with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules.

Summary: Defendants in removed cases must file answers or responsive pleadings complying with the FRCP and Local Rules, regardless of state court filings.

Document Type

Answer

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel shall file with their first appearance a Notice of Interested Parties in accordance with Local Rule 7.1-1.

Summary: Counsel must file a Notice of Interested Parties with their first appearance per Local Rule 7.1-1.

Document Type

Notice Of Interested Parties

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Electronically file the application to seal, the declaration giving notice and the proof of service.

Summary: Applications to seal must be filed with a proof of service (certificate of service).

Document Type

Application To Seal

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Apps Cacd Uscourts Gov 960cea4e 4074 4e26 A4c8 C303849e0ab6 · p. 1
|SecII. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Attach as a separate document a proposed order to the electronically filed application (use the standard procedure for filing an application with a proposed order).

Summary: Applications to seal (for sealing only certain documents) must have a proposed order attached as a separate document.

Document Type

Application To Seal

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Apps Cacd Uscourts Gov 960cea4e 4074 4e26 A4c8 C303849e0ab6 · p. 1
|SecII. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Applications to seal (for sealing only certain documents), along with the declaration giving notice and proof of service, must be electronically filed.

Electronically file the application to seal, the declaration giving notice and the proof of service.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | II. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

For applications to seal where the application and order are also to be sealed, counsel must electronically file a notice of manual filing indicating that the application, declaration, proof of service, proposed order, and documents sought to be sealed have been submitted to the court.

Electronically file a NOTICE OF MANUAL FILING indicating that the following have been submitted to the court: (A) an application to seal; (B) a declaration giving notice; (C) a proof of service; (D) a proposed order; and (E) the documents sought to be placed under seal.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | III. Applications to Seal Where the Application and Order Should Also Be Sealed

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Plaintiff must submit four three-ring binders of trial exhibits (one original, three copies) to the CRD on the first day of trial.

On the first day of trial, plaintiff shall submit to the CRD four (4) three-ring binders, one of which contains the original exhibits to be used at trial (except those to be used for impeachment only) with official exhibit tags attached and bearing the same number shown on the exhibit list. The other three-ring binders shall contain copies of each exhibit, tabbed with exhibit numbers, for use by the court and the witness.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | G. Trial Exhibits

A motion for review of a magistrate judge's decision must be filed and served within 14 calendar days of service of the written or oral (not to be followed by written) ruling.

Any party may file and serve a motion for review of the magistrate judge’s decision within fourteen (14) days of service of a written ruling or an oral ruling that the magistrate judge states will not be followed by a written ruling.

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Page 3

Opposition papers to ex parte applications must be filed within 48 hours of service if the opposing party has not previously appeared.

Where the opposing party has not previously appeared, the moving party shall, following service of the ex parte papers, notify the opposing party that its opposition papers must be filed no later than forty-eight (48) hours following service.

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Page 9

Opposition papers to ex parte applications must be filed within 24 hours (or 1 court day) of service if the opposing party previously appeared.

that its opposition papers must be filed no later than twenty-four (24) hours (or one court day) following service, except in cases where the opposing party has not previously appeared.

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Page 9

Form pleadings in removed cases must be replaced with appropriate FRCP-compliant pleadings within 21 days of receipt of the notice of removal.

If the removed action contains a form pleading (i.e., a pleading in which boxes are checked), the party or parties using the form pleading must file an appropriate pleading with this court within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of the notice of removal. The appropriate pleading must comply with the requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 7, 7.1, 8, 9, 10 and 11.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 10 | VIII. CASES REMOVED FROM STATE COURT

Motions noticed more than 35 days after the filing date may be stricken or advanced to an earlier date unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Unless otherwise ordered, any motion that is noticed more than 35 days beyond the date the motion is filed may be stricken or advanced to an earlier motion date.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 3 | IV. MOTIONS

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Plaintiff must promptly serve the complaint per Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 and 5 and file required proofs of service per Local Rule 5-3.1.2.

Plaintiff shall promptly serve the complaint in accordance with Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 and 5 and file the proofs of service pursuant to Local Rule 5-3.1.2.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 1 | I. SERVICE.

Plaintiff's counsel must immediately serve this Standing Order on all parties and their counsel; defendants that removed the case from state court must serve the Order on all other parties.

Counsel for plaintiff(s) shall serve this Order immediately on all parties and/or their counsel, including any new parties to the action. If this case was removed from state court, defendant(s) who removed the case shall serve this Order on all other parties.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 1 | I. SERVICE.

Ex parte applications must be electronically served if possible; parties on e-service are deemed served upon e-filing, and parties set up for fax or mail service must be served by fax or personal service.

The moving party shall electronically serve the opposing party, if possible. A party is considered served once the ex parte application has been e-filed (all parties set up for electronic service are sent a notification of ECF filing each time a document is e-filed with a link to the document for one free view). For those parties set up for service by fax or mail, the ex parte application must be served by fax or personal service.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 8 | V. EX PARTE APPLICATIONS.

Courtesy Copy Requirements

A copy of the proposed order in WordPerfect or Word format must be emailed to chambers on the day of e-filing.

In addition, a copy of the proposed order in WordPerfect or Word format shall be e-mailed to chambers at fmo_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the day the document is e-filed.

Machine summary. Not checked yet.

Page 6 | 7. Proposed Orders

All filed papers must be delivered to the Clerk’s Office 4th Floor by noon the following business day; copies must comply with Local Rules 11-3 and 11-4.1.1, with sanctions for non-compliance.

A copy of all papers filed with the court shall be delivered to the Clerk’s Office on the 4th Floor of the First Street Courthouse, no later than 12:00 noon the following business day. All chambers copies shall comply fully with the document formatting requirements of Local Rule 11-3 and the “backing” requirements of Local Rule 11-4.1.1. Counsel may be subject to sanctions for failure to deliver a mandatory chambers copy in full compliance with this Order and Local Rules 11-3 and 11-4.1.1.

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Page 9 | VI. MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPIES

Conformed copies of moving, opposition, or notice of non-opposition papers must be hand-delivered to the Clerk’s Office 4th Floor on the day of e-filing.

On the day the documents are e-filed, a conformed copy of the moving, opposition or notice of non-opposition papers must be hand-delivered to the Clerk’s Office on the 4th Floor of the First Street Courthouse, 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

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Page 9

Mandatory chambers copies of e-filed application to seal documents (for sealing only certain documents) must be delivered to the chambers drop box by noon the following business day, comply with Local Rule 11 formatting (including backing requirements), be labeled “Mandatory Chambers Copy” on the front page, and have the notice of electronic filing attached to the back.

A mandatory chambers copy of the e-filed documents listed above shall be delivered to the drop box outside chambers no later than noon the following business day. All mandatory chambers copies shall fully comply with the document formatting requirements of Local Rule 11, including the “backing” requirements of Local Rule 11-4. Each document must be labeled prominently, “Mandatory Chambers Copy,” on the front page and the notice of electronic filing shall be attached to the back of the document.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | II. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Documents not entirely confidential or privileged must not be filed under seal if confidential portions can be reasonably redacted; parties must file both a sealed complete version and a redacted public version, omitting only court-ordered sealable portions.

Documents that are not confidential or privileged in their entirety should not be filed under seal if the confidential portions can be redacted and filed separately with a reasonable amount of effort. The parties should file both documents – a complete version of the pleadings and document(s) under seal, and a redacted version for public viewing – omitting only such portions as the court has ordered may be filed under seal.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | I. General Information Regarding Applications to File Documents Under Seal

Each item sought to be sealed or redacted must be individually justified; blanket confidentiality claims are prohibited and will result in denial of the sealing application.

Sealing must be justified for each individual item to be sealed or redacted. Blanket claims of confidentiality are not allowed and will result in a denial of the application to seal.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | I. General Information Regarding Applications to File Documents Under Seal

Applications to seal (for sealing only certain documents) must indicate which action will be taken if the application is denied: return documents to counsel, clerk destroys chambers copy, or counsel publicly files documents.

Indicate which of the three following actions will be taken if the application is denied: A. The documents should be returned to counsel; B. The clerk will destroy the chambers copy of the document(s); or C. Counsel will publicly file the document(s) for consideration by the Court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | II. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

Including meritless requests to seal or redact documents in an application to seal may result in complete rejection of the application.

The inclusion of meritless requests to seal or redact documents may result in the complete rejection of an application to seal.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | I. General Information Regarding Applications to File Documents Under Seal

The title of a pleading filed under seal will be placed on the public docket entry; the sealed document is not public, but the captioned title is viewable.

The title of the pleading will be placed on the public docket entry. For example: “Declaration of John Doe, Exhibit A.” If approved, the document itself will be sealed and not viewable by the public, but the captioned title will be viewable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | I. General Information Regarding Applications to File Documents Under Seal

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

All motions (except preliminary injunctions, which have a separate 5-day requirement) require a pre-filing meet and confer in person, by telephone, or via video conference at least 7 days prior to filing; incarcerated pro se parties are exempt unless otherwise ordered.

Local Rule 7-3 requires counsel “contemplating the filing of any motion . . . [to] first contact opposing counsel to discuss thoroughly . . . the substance of the contemplated motion and any potential resolution. The conference must take place in person, by telephone, or via video conference at least 7 days prior to the filing of the motion.” Letters and e-mail are insufficient to satisfy the prefiling conference requirements of Local Rule 7-3. Unless otherwise ordered or when a pro se party is incarcerated, the parties, including those appearing pro se, are required to meet and confer in compliance with Local Rule 7-3.

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Page 4 | IV. MOTIONS

Preliminary injunction motions require a pre-filing meet and confer in substantive compliance with Local Rule 7-3 at least 5 days prior to filing, notwithstanding Local Rule 7-3's exception for such motions.

Notwithstanding the exception for preliminary injunction motions in Local Rule 7-3, counsel contemplating a preliminary injunction motion are required to meet and confer, in substantive compliance with Local Rule 7-3, at least five (5) days prior to the filing of such a motion.

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Page 4 | IV. MOTIONS

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Requests for continuance or extension must be submitted 5 court days before the scheduled date expires; stipulations must show good cause, list previous requests, and include a proposed order.

Counsel must submit any request for a continuance or extension of time no later than five (5) court days prior to the expiration of the scheduled date. Requests for continuances will not be granted routinely. A stipulation to continue the date of any matter must be supported by a detailed declaration that demonstrates good cause justifying the requested date change. The stipulation must also indicate whether there have been any previous requests for continuances and whether those requests were granted or denied by the court. Counsel requesting a continuance must file a stipulation containing a detailed explanation of the grounds for the requested continuance as well as lodge a proposed order. application must be accompanied by a declaration setting forth the reasons for the requested extension of time. The declaration must also indicate whether there have been any previous requests for continuances and whether those requests were granted or denied by the court.

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Page 9 | VII. CONTINUANCES OR EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Chambers Communication Rules

After electronically filing an application to seal (for sealing only certain documents), counsel must email chambers with specified attachments; subject line requirement is cut off in source text.

After electronically filing the application, send an e-mail to FMO_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov with an attachment containing: (A) a searchable Adobe PDF version of the application to seal; (B) a Word or Word Perfect version of the proposed order granting/denying the application or stipulation; and (C) a searchable Adobe PDF of the document(s) to be filed under seal with a caption page clearly marked “UNDER SEAL.” The e-mail the subject line.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 1 | II. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

For applications to seal where the application and order are also to be sealed, counsel must email chambers with specified attachments and subject line including the case number and “UNDER SEAL REQUEST”.

Send an email to FMO_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov with an attachment containing (A) a searchable Adobe PDF version of the application to seal with supporting documents; (B) a Word or Word Perfect version of the proposed order to seal the application (including the proposed action to be taken if the application is denied; (C) the proposed order granting/denying application or stipulation, etc.; and (D) a searchable Adobe PDF of the document(s) sought to be filed under seal with a caption page clearly marked “UNDER SEAL.” The e-mail should have the case number, plus the words “UNDER SEAL REQUEST” in the subject line.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | III. Applications to Seal Where the Application and Order Should Also Be Sealed

Parties not opposing an ex parte application must notify the CRD via email as soon as possible.

If a party does not intend to oppose an ex parte application, the party must inform the CRD via email as soon as possible.

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Page 9

About United States District Judge Fernando M. Olguin

**Judge Fernando M. Olguin** was appointed to the Central District of California by President Barack Obama in 2013. He previously served as a U.S. magistrate judge in the same district for 11 years. Olguin was born in 1961 in Los Angeles. He graduated cum laude from Harvard University and earned his J.D. and M.A. from UC Berkeley (Boalt Hall). He clerked for Judge Carl S. Muecke in the District of Arizona, served as a DOJ trial attorney, worked as education program director at MALDEF, and was a partner at Traber, Voorhees & Olguin before being appointed as a magistrate judge in 2001. **Education** - University of California, Berkeley School of Law (Boalt Hall), J.D. and M.A., 1989 - Harvard University, B.A., 1985 (cum laude) **Career** - Law clerk, Judge Carl S. Muecke, U.S. District Court, District of Arizona - Trial attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, 1991–1994 - Education Program Director, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF), 1994–1995 - Partner, Traber, Voorhees & Olguin, 1995–2001 - U.S. Magistrate Judge, Central District of California, 2001–2012 - U.S. District Judge, Central District of California, 2013–present

**Courthouse:** First Street U.S. Courthouse, 350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 **Division:** Western Division (Los Angeles) **Chambers Staff** - Chambers Email: FMO_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov

Common questions about Judge Fernando M. Olguin's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for proposed orders. Details: 1 copy, delivery on day of efiling, by email. A copy of the proposed order in WordPerfect or Word format must be emailed to chambers on the day of e-filing.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 7. Proposed Orders

Does Judge Fernando M. Olguin require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Fernando M. Olguin's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. All motions (except preliminary injunctions, which have a separate 5-day requirement) require a pre-filing meet and confer in person, by telephone, or via video conference at least 7 days prior to filing; incarcerated pro se parties are exempt unless otherwise ordered.

View ruleSource: page 4, section IV. MOTIONS

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

Judge Fernando M. Olguin's formatting rule includes binding three ring binder, indexed by exhibit number with tabs or dividers on the right side, spine must indicate the volume number, and spine must contain an index of each exhibit included in the volume. Trial exhibits must be bound in three-ring binders indexed by exhibit number with right-side tabs or dividers, and the binder spine must display the volume number and an index of all exhibits in the volume.

View ruleSource: page 4, section G. Trial Exhibits

What must be included with exhibit list filings before Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

The rule requires exhibit list. Each counsel must maintain their own list of trial exhibits.

View ruleSource: page 4, section G. Trial Exhibits

What must be included with discovery related document filings before Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. All discovery-related documents must include the phrase 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption for proper routing to the assigned magistrate judge.

View ruleSource: page 2, section III. DISCOVERY.

How may parties contact Judge Fernando M. Olguin's chambers?

The rule addresses email communications with Judge Fernando M. Olguin's chambers. The rule lists email FMO_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. After electronically filing an application to seal (for sealing only certain documents), counsel must email chambers with specified attachments; subject line requirement is cut off in source text.

View ruleSource: page 1, section II. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

How does Judge Fernando M. Olguin handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Documents not entirely confidential or privileged must not be filed under seal if confidential portions can be reasonably redacted; parties must file both a sealed complete version and a redacted public version, omitting only court-ordered sealable portions.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. General Information Regarding Applications to File Documents Under Seal

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

Requests should be made at least 5 court days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Fernando M. Olguin. The request must include reason for request, number of previous requests, previous requests granted or denied, and proposed rescheduled date. Requests for continuance or extension must be submitted 5 court days before the scheduled date expires; stipulations must show good cause, list previous requests, and include a proposed order.

View ruleSource: page 9, section VII. CONTINUANCES OR EXTENSIONS OF TIME

Is electronic filing required before Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Applications to seal (for sealing only certain documents), along with the declaration giving notice and proof of service, must be electronically filed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section II. Applications to Seal Only Certain Documents (This Does Not Include the Sealing of the Application and Order)

What filing deadlines does Judge Fernando M. Olguin set?

A motion for review of a magistrate judge's decision must be filed and served within 14 calendar days of service of the written or oral (not to be followed by written) ruling.

View ruleSource: page 3

What rule applies to service for initial standing order before Judge Fernando M. Olguin?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: all parties. Plaintiff's counsel must immediately serve this Standing Order on all parties and their counsel; defendants that removed the case from state court must serve the Order on all other parties.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. SERVICE.
Complete rules summary for Judge Fernando M. Olguin

Trial exhibits must be bound in three-ring binders indexed by exhibit number with right-side tabs or dividers, and the binder spine must display the volume number and an index of all exhibits in the volume.

Plaintiff must submit four three-ring binders of trial exhibits (one original, three copies) to the CRD on the first day of trial.

Exhibit tags must be stapled to the upper right corner of each exhibit, include the case number, case name, and exhibit number, with plaintiff required to use yellow tags and defendant required to use blue tags.

Trial exhibits must be numbered sequentially (1, 2, 3, etc.), not with decimal sub-numbers, and defense exhibit numbers cannot duplicate plaintiff’s exhibit numbers.

Each counsel must maintain their own list of trial exhibits.

Blow-up enlargements of existing trial exhibits must be designated with the original exhibit number followed by an “A”.

Plaintiff's counsel must immediately serve this Standing Order on all parties and their counsel; defendants that removed the case from state court must serve the Order on all other parties.

Plaintiff must promptly serve the complaint per Fed. R. Civ. P. 4 and 5 and file required proofs of service per Local Rule 5-3.1.2.

All discovery-related documents must include the phrase 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption for proper routing to the assigned magistrate judge.

Stipulations for continuance or extension must be lodged with a proposed order.

All motions (except preliminary injunctions, which have a separate 5-day requirement) require a pre-filing meet and confer in person, by telephone, or via video conference at least 7 days prior to filing; incarcerated pro se parties are exempt unless otherwise ordered.

Preliminary injunction motions require a pre-filing meet and confer in substantive compliance with Local Rule 7-3 at least 5 days prior to filing, notwithstanding Local Rule 7-3's exception for such motions.

Motions filed after an unsuccessful pre-filing meet and confer must include a declaration under penalty of perjury stating the conference date(s) and each party's position on the disputed issues.

A motion for review of a magistrate judge's decision must be filed and served within 14 calendar days of service of the written or oral (not to be followed by written) ruling.

A motion for review of a magistrate judge's decision must be accompanied by a memorandum of points and authorities and specify the portions of the ruling that are clearly erroneous or contrary to law.

Motions noticed more than 35 days after the filing date may be stricken or advanced to an earlier date unless otherwise ordered by the court.

Documentary evidence supporting or opposing a motion over 50 pages must be bound, tabbed, and indexed; evidence over 300 pages must be in a three-ring binder with tab dividers, and counsel must provide an OCR-scanned PDF on a flash drive with labeled bookmarks.

Filings prepared using artificial intelligence require the filing party or attorney to certify they reviewed all source material and verified the accuracy of any AI-generated content.

A proposed order detailing the requested relief and rationale with citations must be served and lodged with moving or opposition papers at the time of filing.

A copy of the proposed order in WordPerfect or Word format must be emailed to chambers on the day of e-filing.

Motions to amend pleadings must comply with Local Rule 15-1, state the amendment's effect, identify proposed changes, and the proposed amended pleading must be sequentially named.

All state court documents must be re-filed as a supplement to the notice of removal in cases removed from state court.

Counsel filing motions to amend pleadings must attach a redlined version of the proposed amended pleading as an appendix, and electronically lodge the proposed pleading separate from the motion per Local Rule 15-1.

All potentially dispositive motions must comply with the requirements specified in the Court’s Order Re: Summary Judgment Motions issued with the Case Management and Scheduling Order.

Ex parte applications must conform to Local Rules 7-19 and 7-19.1, including a statement of opposing counsel’s position, to be considered by the court.

Ex parte applications must be electronically served if possible; parties on e-service are deemed served upon e-filing, and parties set up for fax or mail service must be served by fax or personal service.

Opposition papers to ex parte applications must be filed within 24 hours (or 1 court day) of service if the opposing party previously appeared.

Opposition papers to ex parte applications must be filed within 48 hours of service if the opposing party has not previously appeared.

Parties not opposing an ex parte application must notify the CRD via email as soon as possible.

Conformed copies of moving, opposition, or notice of non-opposition papers must be hand-delivered to the Clerk’s Office 4th Floor on the day of e-filing.

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