Court Rules
Judge Beth Labson Freeman
Judge

Judge Beth Labson Freeman

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Northern District of California

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion In Limine
5 pgs
Trial Brief
15 pgs
Motion
10 pgs
Motion
25 pgs
Motion
5 pgs
Document
25 pgs

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • On The Thursday Before Trial
  • Hand Delivery • Upon Filing

Courtesy copies

  • 2 copies

Binding: Three Ring Binder

Pleading, Briefing Related To Substantive Motions, Evidence Related To Substantive Motions

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • Within One Business Day

Sealing Motion

  • Chambers Drop Off • Upon Filing

Adjournments

90Calendar Daysnotice
  • Summary judgment motions must be heard at least 90 days before trial.

Communication

Email
blfcrd@cand.uscourts.gov
Scheduling
Email

Chambers

blfpo@cand.uscourts.gov
No status inquiries
Cases:
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingMemorandaConferencesPage LimitsExhibitsEvidence/WitnessesJurySummary Judgment

Page & Word Limits15 rules

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party shall submit a trial brief, not to exceed 15 pages, at least 7 days before commencement of trial.

Summary: Trial briefs are limited to 15 pages and due 7 days before trial.

Trial Brief

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a party raises a Daubert motion as a motion in limine, the party must file a separate motion for each expert to which the party raises a Daubert challenge. Each Daubert motion is included in the 5 motion maximum for motions in limine.

Summary: Each Daubert challenge requires separate motion, counted toward 5 motion limit.

Motion In Limine

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to 5 motions in limine. Each motion in limine is limited to 5 pages and may address only one issue.

Summary: Each side limited to 5 motions in limine, each 5 pages and addressing one issue.

Motion In Limine

5 pages

Page LimitsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to 5 motions in limine. Each motion in limine is limited to 5 pages and may address only one issue.

Summary: Each party limited to 5 motions in limine, each 5 pages max, one issue per motion.

Motion In Limine

5 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Daubert motions may not exceed 10 pages per expert, and each side is limited to a total of 25 pages for Daubert motions.

Summary: Daubert motions limited to 10 pages per expert, 25 pages total per side.

Motion

25 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Absent leave of Court, the page limits for the following types of motions and proceedings shall be 25 pages for the motion or opening brief, 25 pages for the opposition or response brief, and 15 pages for the reply brief: motions brought under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 12, 23, 56, 59, or 65; motions for judgment on the pleadings; motions for certification of a collective action under the Fair Labor Standards Act; motions brought under California’s anti-SLAPP statute; social security appeals; and claim construction briefing.

Summary: Standard page limits: 25/25/15 pages for motions under FRCP 12, 23, 56, 59, 65, etc.

Motion

25 pages

25 pages

15 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to a total of 25 pages for all post-trial motions, which must be presented in a single brief.

Summary: Post-trial motions limited to 25 pages total per side in a single brief.

Motion

25 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to 5 motions in limine of 5 pages each.

Summary: Each side limited to 5 motions in limine, 5 pages each.

Motion

5 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Absent leave of Court, the page limits for all other types of motions and proceedings, except for those addressed above or those as to which specific page limits are set forth in the Civil Local Rules or the Court’s Standing Orders, shall be 10 pages for the motion or opening brief, 10 pages for the opposition or response brief, and 5 pages for the reply brief.

Summary: Standard page limits: 10 pages for motion/opening brief, 10 pages for opposition/response, 5 pages for reply brief

Motion

10 pages

Applies to: Attorney

10 pages

Applies to: Attorney

5 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to a total of 25 pages for all post-answer dispositive motions, collectively, including motions for summary judgment and motions for judgment on the pleadings. For example, if both a motion for judgment on the pleadings and a motion for summary judgment are filed by defendants, the total briefing across both motions may not exceed 25 pages. Total page limits for any oppositions and replies shall be limited to 25 and 15 pages, respectively.

Summary: 25-page limit for all post-answer dispositive motions combined; 25 pages for oppositions, 15 pages for replies.

Motion For Summary Judgment

25 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Opposition

25 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Reply

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each motion in limine is limited to 5 pages

Summary: Each motion in limine is limited to 5 pages.

Motion In Limine

5 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party shall submit a trial brief, not to exceed 15 pages, at least 7 days before the commencement of trial.

Summary: Trial briefs are limited to 15 pages and must be submitted at least 7 days before trial.

Trial Brief

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

If a party files its own motion and joins in another party’s motion, both the party’s own motion and the joined motion will count toward the party’s page limits. Excess pages will not be considered by the Court.

Summary: Joinder of motions counts toward page limits; excess pages will be disregarded

Motion

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

The page limits stated above are per side, not per party. For example, if multiple plaintiffs or multiple defendants seek summary judgment, the moving parties may jointly file a single motion for summary judgment that does not exceed 25 pages, or the moving parties may file separate motions for summary judgment that do not exceed 25 pages collectively. Opposition and reply briefs are subject to the corresponding collective page limits.

Summary: Page limits are per side, not per party; multiple parties on same side share collective page limits

Motion

25 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

These page limits are maximums, not minimums – counsel and parties are encouraged to be concise. Title pages, tables of contents, indexes of cases, and exhibits are not included in these page limits. However, the notice of motion is included in the page limits, as set forth in Civil Local Rule 7-2.

Summary: Page limits are maximums; title pages, TOC, indexes, and exhibits excluded; notice of motion included

Motion

Document Format Requirements16 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Footnotes shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: Footnotes must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Footnotes shall not be used to cite to legal authorities or evidence. All citations to legal authorities or evidence shall be in the body of the brief.

Summary: Citations to legal authorities or evidence must be in the body of the brief, not in footnotes.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All written text, including footnotes and quotations, shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All exhibits shall be pre-marked for identification with numbers (not letters) by means of exhibit tags affixed to the back of the last page of each exhibit. Sample tags are attached hereto.

Summary: Exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers on tags affixed to back of last page.

Typography
Font FamilyOther
Size12 pt
FormattingCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All written text, including footnotes and quotations, shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Footnotes shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: Footnotes must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The cited portions of depositions and other lengthy documents shall be highlighted in yellow for ease of reference. Highlighting in colors other than yellow will result in the document being stricken.

Summary: Cited portions of depositions and lengthy documents must be highlighted in yellow; other colors will result in document being stricken

BLF-Standing-Order-Re-Civil-Cases-Rev-Oct-7-2024-1 · Sep 2024 · p. 4
|SecIV.H. Highlighting Cited Portions of Depositions and Other Lengthy Documents
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All written text, including footnotes and quotations, shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: All written text must be at least 12-point type and double-spaced

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each administrative motion filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c) and declaration filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) shall be submitted in Word format by email to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day of filing.

Summary: Sealing motions and declarations must be submitted in Word format by email on the same day of filing.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Deposition transcripts submitted to the Court must be in single-page format. Transcripts in 4-in-1 format, in which 4 pages of the deposition transcript are reduced to fit on a single document page, will be disregarded.

Summary: Deposition transcripts must be in single-page format; 4-in-1 format will be disregarded.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All written text, including footnotes and quotations, shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: All written text must be at least 12-point type and double-spaced.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Footnotes shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced.

Summary: Footnotes must be at least 12-point type and double-spaced.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Footnotes shall be no less than 12-point type and shall be double-spaced. Footnotes shall not be used to cite to legal authorities or evidence. All citations to legal authorities or evidence shall be in the body of the brief. Excessive footnotes will be disregarded. In general, no more than 5 footnotes per brief should be necessary.

Summary: Footnotes must be 12-point, double-spaced, not used for citations, and limited to 5 per brief

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Date and signature lines for the Court shall appear immediately following the signature lines of the parties.

Summary: The Court's date and signature lines must appear immediately after the parties' signature lines in the Joint Pretrial Statement and Order.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

All exhibits shall be pre-marked for identification with numbers (not letters) by means of exhibit tags affixed to the back of the last page of each exhibit.

Summary: All trial exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers using exhibit tags affixed to the back of the last page.

Document Filing Requirements25 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference, unless otherwise ordered, the parties shall file a Joint Pretrial Statement and Order containing the following information:

Summary: Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must be filed at least 14 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Statement

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 21 days before the final Pretrial Conference, lead counsel who will try the case shall meet and confer with respect to: (1) Settlement of the Case; (2) Preparation of the Joint Pretrial Statement and Order; (3) Preparation and exchange of pretrial materials to be filed pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3); and (4) Clarification and narrowing of the contested issues for trial.

Summary: Lead counsel must meet and confer at least 21 days before final Pretrial Conference on settlement, Joint Pretrial Statement, Rule 26(a)(3) materials, and contested issues.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Statement

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Statement Of Facts
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The Joint Pretrial Statement and Order shall recite, directly above the signature lines of the parties, the following: The foregoing admissions having been made by the parties, and the parties having specified the foregoing issues of fact and law remaining to be litigated, this order shall supplement the pleadings and govern the course of trial of this action, unless modified to prevent manifest injustice.

Summary: Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must include specific binding language above signature lines.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference, unless otherwise ordered, the parties shall file a Joint Pretrial Statement addressing all items listed in Criminal Local Rule 17.1-1(b).

Summary: Joint Pretrial Statement required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Statement

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Statement Of Facts
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference, the parties shall file and serve the following materials. All jury materials must be submitted in hard copy and in word processing format via e-mail to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov.

Summary: Jury materials must be filed 7 days before final Pretrial Conference in hard copy and word processing format via email.

Document Type

Jury Materials

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference, the parties shall file a witness list that includes a brief summary of the testimony of each witness.

Summary: Witness list with testimony summaries required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Document Type

Witness List

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference, each party shall file an exhibit list and serve upon all other parties copies of all pre-marked exhibits.

Summary: Exhibit list and pre-marked exhibits required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Exhibit List
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Objections to evidence shall comply with the Civil Local Rules, which require that objections be contained within the objecting party’s brief. See Civ. L.R. 7-3(a), (c).

Summary: Objections to evidence must be contained within the objecting party's brief.

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

In addition to the motion, memorandum, and evidence, a party moving for attorneys’ fees must provide the Court with a chart, in the format set forth below, summarizing the hours expended on the major tasks in the case.

Summary: Attorney fee motions must include a chart summarizing hours expended on major tasks.

Document Type

Motion For Attorneys Fees

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All proposed orders in e-filing cases shall be submitted in Word format by email to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day the proposed order is e-filed.

Summary: Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format on the same day of e-filing.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

At least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference, unless otherwise ordered, the parties shall file a Joint Pretrial Statement and Order containing the following information:

Summary: Parties must file a Joint Pretrial Statement and Order at least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference, containing specified information including parties, claims, relief, jurisdiction, facts, legal issues, trial estimate, settlement status, and binding effect language.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Statement And Order

Content & Formatting
Statement Of Facts
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The following information shall be provided as an appendix to the Joint Pretrial Statement and Order. For each party, a list of all witnesses likely to be called at trial, including those appearing by deposition. For each witness, there should be a short statement of the substance of his or her testimony and an estimate regarding the length of testimony (including direct and cross-examination). If the witness is an expert witness, please state the expert's theories and conclusions and the bases therefor. Attach the expert's curriculum vitae and report (if any).

Summary: The Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must include a witness appendix listing all witnesses, substance of testimony, length estimate, and for experts, theories, conclusions, CV, and report.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The following information shall be provided as an appendix to the Joint Pretrial Statement and Order. A joint list of exhibits, discovery responses, and deposition excerpts to be offered at trial, in tabular form with (a) a column identifying the exhibit number consistent with the pre-marking requirement below; (b) a column briefly describing the exhibit; (c) a column describing the purpose for which the exhibit is offered and identifying its sponsoring witness; (d) a column stating any objections to the exhibit; and (e) a column responding to the objections. The Court will not rule on these objections before trial and any remaining objections must be asserted at trial. Before this list is filed with the Court, counsel shall meet and confer, in person, to consider exhibit numbers, eliminate duplicate exhibits and confusion over exhibits, and make a good faith effort to stipulate to admissibility. If stipulation is not possible, the parties shall make every effort to stipulate to authenticity and foundation absent a legitimate (not tactical) objection.

Summary: The Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must include a joint exhibit list in tabular form with specific columns; parties must meet and confer in person before filing.

Document Type

Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to 5 motions in limine.

Summary: Each side is limited to 5 motions in limine total.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Footnotes shall not be used to cite to legal authorities or evidence. All citations to legal authorities or evidence shall be in the body of the brief. Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.

Summary: Footnotes cannot cite legal authorities or evidence; citations must be in brief body.

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Each motion shall be presented in a separate document and shall be numbered as, for example, 'Plaintiff's Motion in Limine No. 1 to Exclude. . . .'

Summary: Each motion in limine must be filed as a separate document and numbered sequentially.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Each motion in limine is limited to 5 pages and may address only one issue.

Summary: Each motion in limine may address only one issue.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

If a party raises a Daubert motion as a motion in limine, the party must file a separate motion for each expert to which the party raises a Daubert challenge. Each Daubert motion is included in the 5 motion maximum for motions in limine.

Summary: Daubert motions raised as motions in limine must be filed separately for each expert and count toward the 5-motion limit.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Counsel shall inform the Court if they wish to use a jury questionnaire and, if so, shall submit a proposed questionnaire for the Court’s review.

Summary: Counsel must inform the Court if they want a jury questionnaire and submit a proposed questionnaire for review.

Document Type

Jury Questionnaire

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

The parties shall submit a complete joint set of proposed jury instructions, arranged in a logical sequence, which incorporates the Model Jury Instructions of the Ninth Circuit to the extent feasible and appropriate. If an instruction is undisputed, it shall be identified as “Stipulated Instruction No. ___ re ____________,” with the blanks filled in as appropriate. Even if stipulated, the instruction shall be supported by citation to the Model Jury Instructions of the Ninth Circuit or other authority. If an instruction is disputed, all versions of the instruction shall be inserted together in the logical place for the instruction in the overall sequence. A disputed instruction shall be identified as “Disputed Instruction No. ___ re ____________ offered by ____________,” with the blanks filled in as appropriate. All disputed versions of the same instruction shall bear the same number. If a party does not have an alternate version but contends that no such instruction should be given, that party should so state on a separate page inserted in lieu of an alternate version. Each party should support its position regarding a disputed instruction with a brief argument and citation to relevant authority, set forth immediately following the disputed instruction.

Summary: Jury instructions must be submitted as a joint set with specific formatting for stipulated and disputed instructions, including citations and arguments.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Any stipulations submitted before or during trial shall be in writing and signed by all parties.

Summary: Stipulations must be in writing and signed by all parties.

Document Type

Stipulation

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

The parties shall submit a joint proposed verdict form. If the parties are unable to stipulate to a verdict form, each party shall submit a proposed verdict form.

Summary: Parties must submit a joint proposed verdict form, or separate forms if unable to agree.

Document Type

Verdict Form

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

A trial brief is most helpful to the Court when it summarizes the party’s theory of the case, identifies key evidence, and provides summary briefing on any controlling issues of law.

Summary: Trial briefs should summarize the party's theory, identify key evidence, and brief controlling legal issues.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Footnotes shall not be used to cite to legal authorities or evidence. All citations to legal authorities or evidence shall be in the body of the brief. Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.

Summary: Footnotes may not contain citations to legal authorities or evidence; all citations must be in the body of the brief. Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.

Document Type

Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

Unless the case is extremely complex, this statement should not exceed one paragraph.

Summary: The preliminary statement to the jury should not exceed one paragraph unless the case is extremely complex.

Document Type

Preliminary Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Jury materials must be filed in hard copy and emailed in word processing format to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov.

All jury materials must be submitted in hard copy and in word processing format via e-mail to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | D. Jury Materials

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must be filed at least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference.

At least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference, unless otherwise ordered, the parties shall file a Joint Pretrial Statement and Order

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | II. JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT AND ORDER

Jury materials must be filed and served at least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference.

At least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference, the parties shall file and serve the following materials.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | D. Jury Materials

Trial briefs must be submitted at least 7 days before trial.

Each party shall submit a trial brief, not to exceed 15 pages, at least 7 days before the commencement of trial.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | E. Trial Briefs

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Deliver 1 original and 1 copy set of exhibits to chambers by Thursday before trial in three-ring binders with tabs.

Unless otherwise ordered, on the Thursday before commencement of trial, the parties shall deliver to Tiffany Salinas-Harwell, Courtroom Deputy to Judge Freeman, 1 original set of exhibits and 1 complete copy of the original set. The copy set of exhibits need not be tagged, but the exhibits contained therein must be labeled clearly. Both sets of exhibits – the original and the copy – shall be in three-ring binders with the exhibits separated by tabs denoting the exhibit numbers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Chambers copies of sealing motions are not required; unredacted briefs/exhibits with yellow highlights must be delivered.

Chambers copies of sealing motions shall not be sent to the Court. Unredacted chambers copies of the substantive briefs or exhibits that are the subject of the sealing motion shall be delivered to the Court, with redactions highlighted in yellow. No chambers copies of redacted briefs or exhibits shall be delivered to the Court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | V. MOTIONS TO SEAL

Chambers copies required within one business day for pleadings and substantive motions only.

Chambers copies shall be delivered to the Court within one business day of filing for the following documents: pleadings; briefing related to substantive motions; and evidence related to substantive motions. No chambers copies of administrative motions or other non-substantive motions (including sealing motions) shall be delivered to the Court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | IX. CHAMBERS COPIES

Chambers copies must be single-sided, 2-hole punched, stapled, with numbered tabs, and marked “Chambers Copy”.

In general, chambers copies must be single-sided (printed on only one side of the page), 2-hole punched at the top, and stapled or fastened with metal prongs. However, chambers copies of exhibits that are more than six inches thick must be placed in binders, and chambers copies submitted in connection with a final Pretrial Conference must be 3-hole punched on the left side. Whether or not in binders, chambers copies must include numbered bottom tabs between exhibits. Each chambers copy shall be marked “Chambers Copy” and shall be submitted to the Clerk’s Office in an envelope marked with the case number and with the words “Chambers Copy” and “Judge Beth Labson Freeman.”

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | IX. CHAMBERS COPIES

On the Thursday before trial, parties must deliver to the courtroom deputy one original set of exhibits and one copy in three-ring binders with tabs.

Unless otherwise ordered, on the Thursday before commencement of trial, the parties shall deliver to Tiffany Salinas-Harwell, Courtroom Deputy to Judge Freeman, 1 original set of exhibits and 1 complete copy of the original set. The copy set of exhibits need not be tagged, but the exhibits contained therein must be labeled clearly. Both sets of exhibits – the original and the copy – shall be in three-ring binders with the exhibits separated by tabs denoting the exhibit numbers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | III.B.3. Delivery to Court

Chambers copies must include ECF filing stamp with case number, document number, and filing date.

Chambers copies shall be generated from ECF after filing so that they bear the case number, document number, and filing date along the top of the page.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | IX. CHAMBERS COPIES

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Sealing motions must include a chart with ECF/exhibit number, document description, portions to seal, and reasons for sealing.

Motions to seal documents shall be filed in accordance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. In addition, each administrative motion filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c) and declaration filed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) shall include a chart, in the format set forth below, which includes the following four columns: (1) ECF number or exhibit number of the document sought to be sealed; (2) description or name of the document sought to be sealed; (3) portion(s) of the document to seal; and (4) reason(s) why the document should be sealed, including citation to the applicable declaration. Each separate document for which sealing is sought shall have its own row in the table.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | V. MOTIONS TO SEAL

Filing party must refile public versions within 7 days if Court's redactions are narrower than current public versions.

Once the Court adjudicates a sealing motion, if the redactions and sealing granted by the Court are narrower than what was redacted in the current public versions, the Filing Party shall refile public versions of the redacted or sealed document(s) within 7 days, unless the Filing Party submits a renewed sealing motion or a Designating Party submits a renewed declaration for any document in that filing.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | V. MOTIONS TO SEAL

Sealed briefs/exhibits must be delivered unredacted with yellow highlighting; no redacted copies to Court.

When all or a portion of a substantive brief and/or supporting exhibits has been sealed, the chambers copy of the brief and/or supporting exhibits shall contain a complete set of the brief and/or supporting exhibits in unredacted form with any supporting exhibits organized sequentially. Any portions of the substantive brief and/or exhibits that have been sealed shall be highlighted in yellow. No chambers copies of redacted briefs or exhibits shall be delivered to the Court.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | IX. CHAMBERS COPIES

Filing Bundling Requirements

Only one motion for summary judgment, partial summary judgment, or summary adjudication per party unless otherwise ordered.

Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, only 1 motion for summary judgment, partial summary judgment, or summary adjudication may be filed by each party.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | B. One Motion for Summary Judgment per Party

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before the final pretrial conference; oppositions at least 7 days before; reply briefs are prohibited; argument at the final pretrial conference.

Unless otherwise ordered, the parties shall file and serve any motions in limine at least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference, and any opposition thereto at least 7 days before the final Pretrial Conference. Reply briefs are not permitted. The Court will hear argument on motions in limine at the final Pretrial Conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | III.C.1. Timing

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Summary judgment motions must be heard at least 90 days before trial.

Summary judgment motions shall be heard at least 90 days before trial. Generally, the Court will reserve a compliant date at the Initial Case Management Conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | C. Summary Judgment Motions Heard 90 Days Before Trial

Chambers Communication Rules

Civil motions heard Thursdays at 9 AM by reservation only; must file within 14 days of reservation.

Civil motions are heard by reservation only on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Hearing dates may be reserved by contacting Judge Freeman’s Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Tiffany Salinas-Harwell, at 408-535-5381 or BLFCRD@cand.uscourts.gov. When reserving a hearing date, the attorney or party must inform Ms. Salinas-Harwell of the number and type(s) of motions to be filed. Once a hearing date is reserved, the motion(s) shall be filed within 14 days thereafter. If no motion has been filed by the 15th day, the reservation will expire and the moving party must obtain a new reservation before filing the motion(s).

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. SCHEDULING

Final Pretrial Conferences Thursdays at 1:30 PM; joint pretrial statement due 14 days prior.

Final Pretrial Conferences are heard on Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. A joint Pretrial Statement and Order shall be filed at least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference in compliance with Judge Freeman’s Standing Order Re Civil Jury Trials or Standing Order re Civil Bench Trials, whichever is applicable.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. SCHEDULING

Case Management Conferences Thursdays at 11 AM via Zoom; joint statement due 7 days prior.

Case Management Conferences are heard on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom Webinar. A joint Case Management Statement shall be filed at least 7 days before each Case Management Conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. SCHEDULING

Trials held Mon/Wed/Fri 9 AM-5 PM, Tue 10 AM-5 PM; Thursdays typically dark.

Trial is conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursdays typically are dark.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. SCHEDULING

Jury materials must be emailed to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov in word processing format.

All jury materials must be submitted in hard copy and in word processing format via e-mail to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 5 | D. Jury Materials

About United States District Judge Beth Labson Freeman

**District Judge Beth Labson Freeman** was appointed to the Northern District of California by President Barack Obama in 2014. Judge Freeman was born in Washington, D.C. She was nominated on January 6, 2014, confirmed by the Senate on February 25, 2014, and received her commission on February 26, 2014. She served as a Judge on the San Mateo County Superior Court, including as presiding judge, and previously served as a Deputy County Counsel for San Mateo County. **Education** - Harvard Law School, J.D., 1979 - University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 1976 **Career** - Private practice, Washington, D.C. (1979–1981) - Private practice, San Francisco, California (1981–1983) - Deputy County Counsel, San Mateo County, California (1983–2001) - Judge, Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (2001–2014); Presiding Judge (2011–2012)

**Courthouse:** Robert F. Peckham Federal Building & United States Courthouse, 280 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113 **Chambers:** Courtroom 1, 5th Floor **Phone:** (408) 535-5365 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy/Calendar Clerk: blfcrd@cand.uscourts.gov

Common questions about Judge Beth Labson Freeman's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

Details: 2 copies. Deliver 1 original and 1 copy set of exhibits to chambers by Thursday before trial in three-ring binders with tabs.

Does Judge Beth Labson Freeman require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Beth Labson Freeman's rules set a pre-motion procedure for motion in limine. Motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before the final pretrial conference; oppositions at least 7 days before; reply briefs are prohibited; argument at the final pretrial conference.

View ruleSource: page 4, section III.C.1. Timing

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

Judge Beth Labson Freeman's rule states these limits: 5 pages. Each side limited to 5 motions in limine, each 5 pages and addressing one issue.

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

Judge Beth Labson Freeman's rule states these limits: attorney: 15 pages. Trial briefs are limited to 15 pages and due 7 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Trial Briefs

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

Judge Beth Labson Freeman's formatting rule includes 12 point type, double spacing. All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

View ruleSource: page 6, section 12-Point Type and Double-Spaced

What must be included with joint pretrial statement filings before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

The rule requires certificate of conference, legal argument, and statement of facts. Lead counsel must meet and confer at least 21 days before final Pretrial Conference on settlement, Joint Pretrial Statement, Rule 26(a)(3) materials, and contested issues.

View ruleSource: page 1, section MEET AND CONFER

What must be included with exhibit list filings before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

The rule requires judge name, case number, and exhibit list. Exhibit list and pre-marked exhibits required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section EXHIBITS

How may parties contact Judge Beth Labson Freeman's chambers?

Final Pretrial Conferences Thursdays at 1:30 PM; joint pretrial statement due 14 days prior.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. SCHEDULING

How does Judge Beth Labson Freeman handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Beth Labson Freeman. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Sealing motions must include a chart with ECF/exhibit number, document description, portions to seal, and reasons for sealing.

View ruleSource: page 5, section V. MOTIONS TO SEAL

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

Requests should be made at least 90 calendar days in advance when this rule applies before Judge Beth Labson Freeman. Summary judgment motions must be heard at least 90 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 6, section C. Summary Judgment Motions Heard 90 Days Before Trial

Does Judge Beth Labson Freeman require motion papers to be bundled?

No. The rule prohibits holding covered papers for bundling. Only one motion for summary judgment, partial summary judgment, or summary adjudication per party unless otherwise ordered.

View ruleSource: page 6, section B. One Motion for Summary Judgment per Party

Is electronic filing required before Judge Beth Labson Freeman?

Yes. Electronic filing is required for the covered filings. Jury materials must be filed in hard copy and emailed in word processing format to BLFpo@cand.uscourts.gov.

View ruleSource: page 5, section D. Jury Materials

What filing deadlines does Judge Beth Labson Freeman set?

Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must be filed at least 14 days before the final Pretrial Conference.

View ruleSource: page 1, section II. JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT AND ORDER
Complete rules summary for Judge Beth Labson Freeman

Lead counsel must meet and confer at least 21 days before final Pretrial Conference on settlement, Joint Pretrial Statement, Rule 26(a)(3) materials, and contested issues.

Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must be filed at least 14 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Joint Pretrial Statement and Order must include specific binding language above signature lines.

Each side limited to 5 motions in limine, each 5 pages and addressing one issue.

Trial briefs are limited to 15 pages and due 7 days before trial.

All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Each Daubert challenge requires separate motion, counted toward 5 motion limit.

Footnotes must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Citations to legal authorities or evidence must be in the body of the brief, not in footnotes.

Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.

Deliver 1 original and 1 copy set of exhibits to chambers by Thursday before trial in three-ring binders with tabs.

Exhibit list and pre-marked exhibits required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Joint Pretrial Statement required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Jury materials must be filed 7 days before final Pretrial Conference in hard copy and word processing format via email.

Witness list with testimony summaries required 7 days before final Pretrial Conference.

Exhibits must be pre-marked with numbers on tags affixed to back of last page.

All written text must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Footnotes must be 12-point type and double-spaced.

Footnotes cannot cite legal authorities or evidence; citations must be in brief body.

Each party limited to 5 motions in limine, each 5 pages max, one issue per motion.

Final Pretrial Conferences Thursdays at 1:30 PM; joint pretrial statement due 14 days prior.

Case Management Conferences Thursdays at 11 AM via Zoom; joint statement due 7 days prior.

Standard page limits: 10 pages for motion/opening brief, 10 pages for opposition/response, 5 pages for reply brief

Daubert motions limited to 10 pages per expert, 25 pages total per side.

Post-trial motions limited to 25 pages total per side in a single brief.

Joinder of motions counts toward page limits; excess pages will be disregarded

Each side limited to 5 motions in limine, 5 pages each.

Page limits are per side, not per party; multiple parties on same side share collective page limits

All written text must be at least 12-point type and double-spaced

Footnotes must be 12-point, double-spaced, not used for citations, and limited to 5 per brief

More Judges in Northern District of California

Ajay S. Krishnan
Magistrate Judge
Alex G. Tse
Magistrate Judge
Araceli Martínez-Olguín
Judge
Charles R. Breyer
Senior Judge
Claudia Wilken
Senior Judge
Edward J. Davila
Senior Judge
Edward M. Chen
Senior Judge
Eumi K. Lee
Judge