Court Rules
Senior Judge

Judge Edward M. Chen

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Northern District of California

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Case Management Statement
7 pgs
Trial Brief
15 pgs
Discovery Letter Brief
3 pgs

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • 2 copies • Chambers Drop Off • Before Trial

Binding: Three Ring Binder

Courtesy copies

  • 1 copy

Deposition

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • On First Day Of Trial

Exhibits

  • 2 copies

Adjournments

  • Procedural changes require a signed stipulation and proposed order or a motion for administrative relief.
  • Continuances require a showing of good cause, focusing on diligence and prejudice.
  • Motions to enlarge filing deadlines must be filed in advance, not on the due date.
  • +1 more

Request must include

Proposed New DatesProposed Rescheduled DateReason For RequestOriginal Date
10Calendar Daysnotice
  • Depositions must be noticed at least 10 days in advance.
30Calendar Daysnotice
  • Document requests to witnesses must be served at least 30 days before deposition.

Communication

Phone

Clerk, Chambers

(415) 522-2034
SchedulingEmergencies
Hours: weekend
No status inquiries
In Person

Opposing Counsel

SchedulingSettlement
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingConferencesDiscoveryExhibitsMemorandaLettersEvidence/WitnessesJury

Page & Word Limits5 rules

Page Limits

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Each party or side is limited to filing one summary judgment motion.

Summary: Each party or side is limited to one summary judgment motion.

Motion

Page Limits

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In cases involving pro se litigants, parties shall attempt to file a joint statement; if after due diligence, an agreement cannot be reached, the parties may file separate case management statements, with each statement not to exceed seven (7) pages.

Summary: In pro se cases, parties should attempt a joint statement; if not possible, separate statements are allowed, each limited to 7 pages.

Case Management Statement

7 pages

Applies to: Pro Se

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party shall submit a trial brief not to exceed 15 pages absent court order.

Summary: Trial briefs limited to 15 pages unless court orders otherwise.

Trial Brief

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All other requests for discovery relief (including requests for discovery-related sanctions) must be made by the parties in a joint letter brief no longer than three pages.

Summary: Discovery disputes must be filed as joint letter briefs (max 3 pages).

Discovery Letter Brief

3 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

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In a jury trial, the parties shall provide a simplified statement of the case to be read to the jury during voir dire and as a part of the proposed jury instructions. Unless the case is extremely complex, this statement should not exceed one paragraph.

Summary: Simplified jury statement limited to one paragraph unless case is extremely complex.

Structured details unavailable. See the source text.

EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 5
|SecPreliminary Statement to the Jury

Document Format Requirements5 rules

FormattingCivil cases

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Exhibits are not to be filed but rather shall be submitted to chambers. Exhibits must be premarked. In addition, one set of exhibits must be tagged. Exhibits shall be three-hole punched and shall be submitted in binders.

Summary: Exhibits must be premarked, tagged, three-hole punched, and submitted in binders to chambers (not filed).

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

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For hard copies, (1) all documents must be three-hole punched on the left-hand side; and (2) exhibits to declarations must be tabbed.

Summary: Hard copies must be three-hole punched on the left and exhibits tabbed.

Layout & Binding
Binding Style
Three Ring Binder
Formatting

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If electronically filed, declarations containing exhibits must be bookmarked (i.e., if the declaration makes reference to an exhibit, the declaration must contain a hyperlink to the corresponding exhibit; declarations and exhibits to be filed as a single PDF.).

Summary: Electronically filed declarations with exhibits must be bookmarked with hyperlinks and filed as a single PDF.

Required Format

PDF

Formatting

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Tabs must be used for exhibits attached to declarations, including chambers copies.

Summary: Exhibits attached to declarations must be tabbed, including chambers copies.

FormattingCivil cases

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Use numbers only, not letters, for exhibits, preferably the same numbers as were used in depositions. Blocks of numbers should be assigned to fit the need of the case (e.g., Plaintiff has 1 to 100, Defendant A has 101 to 200, Defendant B has 201 to 300, etc.). A single exhibit should be marked only once. If the plaintiff has marked an exhibit, then the defendant should not re-mark it. Different versions of the same document, e.g., a copy with additional handwriting, must be treated as different exhibits. To avoid any party claiming 'ownership' of an exhibit, all exhibits shall be marked and referred to as 'Trial Exhibit No. ____,' not as 'Plaintiff's Exhibit' or 'Defendant's Exhibit.' If an exhibit number differs from that used in a deposition transcript, however, then the latter must be conformed to the new trial number if and when the deposition testimony is read (so as to avoid confusion over exhibit numbers).

Summary: Exhibits must be numbered (not lettered), assigned in blocks per party, marked only once, and referred to as 'Trial Exhibit No. ____'. Deposition exhibit numbers must be conformed to trial numbers.

Document Filing Requirements41 rules

Filing Requirements

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With the exception of discovery disputes (see the Civil Standing Orders on Discovery), or unless expressly permitted by the Court, parties shall not submit letters to the Court, and any communication with the Court must be in pleading form, including but not limited to status reports, requests for continuances, and requests for telephonic appearances.

Summary: Letters to the court are prohibited except for discovery disputes or with court permission; all communications must be in pleading form.

Document Type

Communication

Content & Formatting
Caption
Filing Requirements

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Separate statements of undisputed facts will not be considered by the Court.

Summary: Separate statements of undisputed facts will not be considered.

Document Type

Summary Judgment Motion

Content & Formatting
Caption
Filing Requirements

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All declarations shall be filed as separate documents. This includes motions and declarations e-filed with the Court. Supporting declarations must be filed as separate documents.

Summary: Declarations must be filed as separate documents from motions.

Document Type

Declaration

Content & Formatting
Caption
Filing Requirements

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In any motion for class certification, plaintiffs' counsel must include a section called 'Manageability of the Class Action Trial' in which they explain precisely how the Court should handle any potentially individualized issues to ensure that they do not render the trial unmanageable.

Summary: Plaintiffs' counsel must include a 'Manageability of the Class Action Trial' section in class certification motions.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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plaintiffs' counsel must file a proposed verdict form in connection with the motion for class certification.

Summary: Plaintiffs' counsel must file a proposed verdict form with class certification motions.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Where a plaintiff files a federal securities fraud case, the plaintiff shall attach to its complaint a chart regarding any allegedly fraudulent/misleading statement(s) or omission(s).

Summary: Plaintiffs in federal securities fraud cases must attach a chart of allegedly fraudulent statements or omissions to the complaint.

Document Type

Complaint

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Standing-Order-Civil-General-REVISED-12-1-2022 · Feb 2025 · p. 3
|SecComplaints in Federal Securities Fraud Cases
Filing Requirements

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Each party filing or opposing a motion shall also serve a proposed order that sets forth the relief or action sought and a short statement of the rationale of decision. The proposed order should be filed at the same time as the motion or opposition.

Summary: Each party filing or opposing a motion must serve a proposed order with the motion or opposition.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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b. Relief Prayed. A statement of all relief sought, particularly itemizing all elements of damages claimed.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must itemize all relief and damages sought

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 1
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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b. Disputed Factual Issues. A list of all factual issues that remain to be tried, stating the issues with the same generality/specificity as any contested elements in the relevant jury instructions and organized by counts.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must list disputed factual issues organized by counts

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 1
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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The Action. a. Substance of the Action. A brief description of the substance of claims and defenses which need to be decided.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must include brief description of claims and defenses

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 1
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Factual Basis of the Action. a. Undisputed Facts. A list of all stipulated facts, i.e., all facts parties to which the parties will stipulate to for incorporation into the trial record without the necessity of supporting testimony or exhibits.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must list all stipulated undisputed facts

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 1
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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At least twenty-one (21) days prior to the final pretrial conference, the parties shall file a joint pretrial conference statement.

Summary: Joint pretrial conference statement due 21 days before final pretrial conference

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 1
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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The statement shall contain the following information:

Summary: Joint pretrial conference statement must contain specific information

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 1
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Estimate of Trial Time. An estimate of the number of hours needed for the presentation of each party's case.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must include trial time estimates for each party

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 2
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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b. Consent to Trial Before a Magistrate Judge. A statement whether reference of all or part of the action to a master or magistrate judge is feasible, including whether the parties consent to a court or jury trial before a magistrate judge, with appeal directly to the Ninth Circuit.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must address magistrate judge consent and feasibility

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 2
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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c. Amendments or Dismissals. A statement of requested or proposed amendments to pleadings or dismissals of parties, claims, or defenses.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must address proposed amendments or dismissals

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 2
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Trial Alternatives and Options. a. Settlement Discussion. A statement summarizing the status of settlement negotiations and indicating whether further negotiations are likely to be productive.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must summarize settlement negotiation status

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 2
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Witnesses. The following information should be provided as an appendix to the joint pretrial conference statement. 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, the short statement should

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must include witness list with testimony substance and length estimates

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 2
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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d. Bifurcation or Separate Trial of Issues. A statement of whether bifurcation or a separate trial of specific issues is feasible and desired.

Summary: Joint pretrial statement must address bifurcation or separate trial of issues

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Content & Formatting
Caption
Case Number
Judge Name
EMC-Pretrial-Instructions · p. 2
|SecB. JOINT PRETRIAL CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Discovery letter briefs must be e-filed under the Civil Events category of Motions and Related Filings > Motions – General > “Discovery Letter Brief.”

Summary: Discovery letter briefs must be e-filed in specific ECF category.

Document Type

Discovery Letter Brief

Content & Formatting
Notice Of Electronic Filing
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The joint letter brief: a. Must attest that, prior to filing the request for relief, counsel with full and complete authority on discovery matters met and conferred in person. A telephone meet and confer is permitted only where there is good cause (e.g., plaintiff’s counsel is located on the West coast while defense counsel is located

Summary: Joint letter brief must attest to in-person meet and confer (phone only with good cause).

Document Type

Discovery Letter Brief

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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In responding to requests for production of documents, see Fed. R. Civ. P. 34, a party shall affirmatively state in a written response the full extent to which the party will produce materials. In addition, the party shall, promptly after the production, confirm in writing that the party has produced all such materials so described that have been located after a diligent search of all locations where such materials might plausibly be found.

Summary: Document production responses must affirmatively state extent of production and confirm completion after diligent search.

Document Type

Document Production Response

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Service of Standing Orders. Plaintiff (or in the case of removed cases, any removing defendant) is directed (a) to serve copies of this standing order at once upon all parties to the action, and upon those subsequently joined, in accordance with the provisions of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 4 and 5 and (b) to file with the Clerk of the Court a certificate reflecting such service, in accordance with Civil Local Rule 5-5.

Summary: Plaintiff/removing defendant must serve standing orders to all parties and file certificate of service.

Document Type

Standing Order

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Service
Filing Requirements

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Parties are directed to inform the Court of any and all reasonable bases for recusal at the earliest possible date.

Summary: Parties must inform the Court of any reasonable bases for recusal as early as possible.

Document Type

Notice

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Joint Pretrial Conference Statement / Trial Briefs - 21 days before Pretrial Conference

Summary: Joint Pretrial Conference Statement/Trial Briefs due 21 days before Pretrial Conference

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Conference Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Non-Expert Discovery Closed - Thursday after 10 Thursdays before last day to hear dispositive motions

Summary: Non-expert discovery closes Thursday after 10 Thursdays before last day to hear dispositive motions

Document Type

Non Expert Discovery

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Las Day to File Dispositive Motions - 35 days before the hearing on dispositive motions

Summary: Last day to file dispositive motions is 35 days before hearing

Document Type

Dispositive Motions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Last Day to Hear Dispositive Motions - 10 Thursday before Pretrial Conference

Summary: Last day to hear dispositive motions is 10 Thursdays before Pretrial Conference

Document Type

Dispositive Motions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Rebuttal Expert Disclosure - 21 days after expert disclosure

Summary: Rebuttal expert disclosure due 21 days after expert disclosure

Document Type

Rebuttal Expert Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Objections - 10 days before Pretrial Conference

Summary: Objections due 10 days before Pretrial Conference

Document Type

Objections

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Expert Discovery Closed - 21 days after rebuttal expert disclosure

Summary: Expert discovery closes 21 days after rebuttal expert disclosure

Document Type

Expert Discovery

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Private conferences between deponents and their attorneys in the course of deposition are improper and prohibited except for the sole purpose of determining whether a privilege should be asserted.

Summary: Private conferences between deponents and attorneys during depositions are prohibited except for privilege determination.

Document Type

Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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A person may not instruct a deponent not to answer a question except when necessary to preserve a privilege, to enforce a limitation directed by the Court, or to present a motion under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(d)(3).

Summary: Deponents may only be instructed not to answer to preserve privilege, enforce court order, or under FRCP 30(d)(3).

Document Type

Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

When a privilege is claimed, the witness should nevertheless answer questions relevant to the existence, extent, or waiver of the privilege, such as the date of the communication, who made the statement, to whom and in whose presence the statement was made, other persons to whom the contents of the statement have been disclosed, and the general subject matter of the statement, unless such information itself is privileged.

Summary: When privilege is claimed, witness must answer questions about privilege existence, extent, or waiver unless privileged.

Document Type

Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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A party may be subject to sanctions if the party consistently impedes, or otherwise unreasonably delays, the fair examination of the deponent.

Summary: Parties may face sanctions for consistently impeding or unreasonably delaying fair examination of deponent.

Document Type

Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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To prepare designated deposition testimony, counsel shall photocopy the cover page, the page where the witness is sworn, and each page from which any testimony is proffered, including pages containing a counter-designation made by opposing counsel. Counsel should redact objections or colloquy unless needed to understand the question. In addition, counsel should redact any testimony that has not been designated or any testimony to which an objection has been made and sustained by the Court. Any corrections must be interlineated and references to exhibit numbers must conform to the trial numbers. The finished packet should then be the actual script and should smoothly present the identification and swearing of the witness and testimony desired.

Summary: Deposition designation packets must include cover page, swearing page, all designated testimony pages, redacted objections and undesignated testimony, interlineated corrections, and conformed exhibit numbers.

Document Type

Deposition Designation Packet

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Trial - Monday at 8:30 a.m. (approximately one year from first CMC)

Summary: Trial scheduled for Monday at 8:30 a.m., approximately one year from first CMC

Document Type

Trial Schedule

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Pretrial Conference - 4 Tuesdays prior to trial at 2:30 pm

Summary: Pretrial Conference scheduled for 4 Tuesdays prior to trial at 2:30 pm

Document Type

Pretrial Conference

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Expert Disclosure - same as close of non-expert discovery

Summary: Expert disclosure due same as close of non-expert discovery

Document Type

Expert Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

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Meet and Confer - 21 days before Pretrial Conference Statement

Summary: Meet and Confer required 21 days before Pretrial Conference Statement

Document Type

Meet And Confer

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

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Extra copies of documents used during the deposition should ordinarily be provided to opposing counsel and the deponent.

Summary: Extra copies of documents used during deposition should be provided to opposing counsel and deponent.

Document Type

Deposition

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Joint case management statement must be filed one week before the conference.

The joint case management statement must be filed one week in advance of the case management conference date.

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Page 2 | 6. Case Management Conference Statement

First notice of objection must be provided one court day before trial.

The first notice of objection shall be provided one court day prior to the first day of trial.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 3 | WITNESSES

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Plaintiff must serve specified standing orders on all parties and file a certificate of service.

Plaintiff (or in the case of removed cases, any removing defendant) is directed to serve copies of: (1) this standing order, (2) this Court's 'Civil Standing Order on Discovery,' and (3) the 'Standing Order for All Judges of the Northern District of California — Contents of Joint Case Management Statement' at once upon all parties to the action, and upon those subsequently joined, in accordance with the provisions of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 4 and 5. The plaintiff (or in the case of removed cases, any removing defendant) shall also file with the Clerk of the Court a certificate reflecting such service, in accordance with Civil Local Rule 5-5.

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Page 3 | Service of Standing Orders

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Chambers copies are required only when the court requests them or for final pretrial conference, claim construction hearing, or summary judgment proceedings.

Chamber hard copies are not required except when (1) the Court expressly asks the parties to provide hard copies or (2) the parties are making filings for: (a) a Final Pretrial Conference; (b) a Claim Construction hearing; or (c) summary judgment proceedings.

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Page 1 | 5. Chambers Copy

Two sets of exhibits must be submitted.

The parties shall submit two sets of all exhibits.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Exhibits

Notices must be filed and a courtesy copy delivered to chambers immediately.

All notices should be provided in writing and filed with the Court, and a courtesy copy should be given to chambers immediately.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 3 | WITNESSES

Exhibits must be submitted to chambers (two sets), premarked, one set tagged, three-hole punched, and in binders. They are not to be filed on the docket.

Exhibits are not to be filed but rather shall be submitted to chambers (two sets). Exhibits must be premarked. In addition, one set of exhibits must be tagged. Exhibits shall be three-hole punched and shall be submitted in binders. Sample tags may be obtained from the Courtroom Deputy and are attached as Exhibit A hereto.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | EXHIBITS

On first trial day, bring original and clean copies of depositions; provide sealed original to judge.

On the first day of trial, bring the original and clean copies of any deposition(s) intended to be used. A sealed original copy shall be provided to the Judge.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | USE OF DEPOSITIONS TO IMPEACH OR SHORT READ-INS

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Motions in limine require specific timing for service and filing.

At least thirty-two (32) days before the pretrial conference, serve – but do not file – the moving papers. At least twenty-five (25) days before the conference, serve – but do not file – the oppositions. When the oppositions are received, the moving party should collate the motion and opposition together, back to back, and then file the paired sets (each set under separate cover) at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 4 | C. PRETRIAL MATERIALS

Court may order additional briefing, telephonic conference, or in-person meet-and-confer at courthouse with lead trial counsel.

The Court will advise the parties if additional briefing or a telephonic conference will be necessary. The Court may order the parties to further meet and confer at the federal courthouse with lead trial counsel in attendance.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Continuances require a showing of good cause, focusing on diligence and prejudice.

Continuances will be granted only upon a showing of good cause, with a particular focus on diligence by the party seeking the continuance and prejudice that may result if the continuance is denied.

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Page 1 | 4. Changes to the Court Calendar

Procedural changes require a signed stipulation and proposed order or a motion for administrative relief.

Parties seeking to continue hearings, request special status conferences, modify briefing schedules, or make any other procedural changes shall submit a signed stipulation and proposed order or, if stipulation is not possible, a motion for administrative relief.

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Page 1 | 4. Changes to the Court Calendar

Depositions must be noticed at least 10 days in advance.

The parties shall comply with Civ. L.R. 30-1. Generally, the party seeking the deposition may notice it at least ten (10) days in advance.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | 3. Depositions

Document requests to witnesses must be served at least 30 days before deposition.

Witnesses subpoenaed or requested to produce documents should ordinarily be served at least 30 days before the scheduled deposition unless otherwise stipulated, and arrangements should be made to permit inspection of the documents before the deposition commences.

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Page 2 | 3. Depositions

Continuances require advance express approval by the Court.

Only an advance continuance expressly approved by the Court will release parties from their obligation to proceed to trial.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 7 | SETTLEMENTS AND CONTINUANCES

Motions to enlarge filing deadlines must be filed in advance, not on the due date.

Parties seeking to enlarge a filing deadline by way of a motion for administrative relief are admonished to file such a motion in advance of the filing deadline rather than on the day a brief or other matter is due.

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Page 1 | 4. Changes to the Court Calendar

Chambers Communication Rules

Ex parte contact with judge or chambers is prohibited; contact the courtroom deputy clerk by phone or email for scheduling inquiries.

Parties shall not attempt to make ex parte contact with the Judge or his chambers staff by telephone, facsimile, or any other means but may contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk, Vicky Ayala, at (415) 522-2034, or email at emccrd@cand.uscourts.gov, with appropriate inquiries (e.g., scheduling inquiries).

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Page 1 | 2. Communication with the Court

Lead counsel must meet and confer 42 days before final pretrial conference

At least forty-two (42) days prior to the final pretrial conference, lead counsel who will try the case shall meet and confer regarding the following:

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | A. MEET AND CONFER

Deposition disputes may be resolved via telephonic conference with Courtroom Deputy.

If a dispute arises during a deposition and involves a persistent obstruction of the deposition or a refusal to answer a question in violation of this Standing Order, parties may arrange a telephonic conference with the Court through the Courtroom Deputy, Angella Meuleman, at (415) 522-2034.

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Page 2 | 3. Depositions

Emergency discovery disputes require telephonic conference with Courtroom Deputy and brief description.

If there is an emergency discovery dispute, parties may request a telephonic conference with the Court through the Courtroom Deputy. If possible, the parties shall provide a short (one paragraph) description of the dispute prior to any conference call.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | 4. Discovery Motions

Parties must notify the Court immediately in writing of expected settlement, or by voicemail to the Courtroom Deputy if over weekend.

If parties expect that a settlement will be final by the time of trial or the final pretrial conference, they should notify the Court immediately in writing or, if it occurs over the weekend before the trial or conference, by voicemail to the Courtroom Deputy.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 8 | SETTLEMENTS AND CONTINUANCES

Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives

Attorneys with 5 or fewer years of experience may request an in-person hearing instead of Zoom.

Although the Court generally hears civil motions by Zoom, if an attorney with five (5) or fewer years of experience requests, the Court will consider holding a live, in-person hearing.

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Page 2 | 7. Motions

Court encourages allowing less experienced lawyers to argue motions or examine witnesses.

The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups, to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial.

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Page 2 | 7. Motions

About Senior United States District Judge Edward M. Chen

## Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U. S. District Court, Northern District of CaliforniaNominated by Barack Obama on August 6, 2009 and renominated on January 20, 2010, September 13, 2010, and January 5, 2011, to a seat vacated by Martin J. Jenkins; Confirmed by the Senate on May 10, 2011, and received commission on May 12, 2011U.S. Magistrate Judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 2001-2011 ## Education: University of California, Berkeley, A.B., 1975University of California, Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, J.D., 1979 ## Professional Career: Law clerk, Hon. Charles B. Renfrew, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, 1979-1980Attorney, Asian Law Caucus, San Francisco, California, 1980-1981Law clerk, Hon. James R. Browning, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, 1981-1982Private practice, San Francisco, California, 1982-1985Staff attorney, American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California, 1985-2001

## Delivery Address United States District CourtOffice of the Clerk450 Golden Gate Ave, 16th FloorSan Francisco, CA 94102

Common questions about Judge Edward M. Chen's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Edward M. Chen?

Details: 1 copy. Chambers copies are required only when the court requests them or for final pretrial conference, claim construction hearing, or summary judgment proceedings.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 5. Chambers Copy

Does Judge Edward M. Chen require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Edward M. Chen's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. Motions in limine require specific timing for service and filing.

View ruleSource: page 4, section C. PRETRIAL MATERIALS

What page or word limits apply to case management statement before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Judge Edward M. Chen's rule states these limits: pro se: 7 pages. In pro se cases, parties should attempt a joint statement; if not possible, separate statements are allowed, each limited to 7 pages.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 6. Case Management Conference Statement

What page or word limits apply to trial brief before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Judge Edward M. Chen's rule states these limits: attorney: 15 pages. Trial briefs limited to 15 pages unless court orders otherwise.

View ruleSource: page 6, section Trial Brief

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Judge Edward M. Chen's formatting rule includes premarked, tagged, three hole punched, and submitted to chambers not filed. Exhibits must be premarked, tagged, three-hole punched, and submitted in binders to chambers (not filed).

View ruleSource: page 6, section Exhibits

What must be included with declaration filings before Judge Edward M. Chen?

The rule requires caption. Declarations must be filed as separate documents from motions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 7. Motions

What must be included with communication filings before Judge Edward M. Chen?

The rule requires caption. Letters to the court are prohibited except for discovery disputes or with court permission; all communications must be in pleading form.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 2. Communication with the Court

How may parties contact Judge Edward M. Chen's chambers?

The rule addresses phone communications with Judge Edward M. Chen's clerk. The rule lists phone (415) 522-2034. Ex parte contact with judge or chambers is prohibited; contact the courtroom deputy clerk by phone or email for scheduling inquiries.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 2. Communication with the Court

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include proposed new dates and proposed rescheduled date. Procedural changes require a signed stipulation and proposed order or a motion for administrative relief.

View ruleSource: page 1, section 4. Changes to the Court Calendar

What filing deadlines does Judge Edward M. Chen set?

Joint case management statement must be filed one week before the conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 6. Case Management Conference Statement

What rule applies to service for standing order before Judge Edward M. Chen?

Proof of service is required for the covered service rule. Details: recipient: all parties, timing: 0 calendar days at filing. Plaintiff must serve specified standing orders on all parties and file a certificate of service.

View ruleSource: page 3, section Service of Standing Orders

Does Judge Edward M. Chen encourage junior lawyer participation?

Yes. Judge Edward M. Chen's rules include a junior lawyer participation incentive. Attorneys with 5 or fewer years of experience may request an in-person hearing instead of Zoom.

View ruleSource: page 2, section 7. Motions
Complete rules summary for Judge Edward M. Chen

Declarations must be filed as separate documents from motions.

Exhibits attached to declarations must be tabbed, including chambers copies.

Ex parte contact with judge or chambers is prohibited; contact the courtroom deputy clerk by phone or email for scheduling inquiries.

Electronically filed declarations with exhibits must be bookmarked with hyperlinks and filed as a single PDF.

Joint case management statement must be filed one week before the conference.

Letters to the court are prohibited except for discovery disputes or with court permission; all communications must be in pleading form.

Procedural changes require a signed stipulation and proposed order or a motion for administrative relief.

Continuances require a showing of good cause, focusing on diligence and prejudice.

Motions to enlarge filing deadlines must be filed in advance, not on the due date.

Hard copies must be three-hole punched on the left and exhibits tabbed.

In pro se cases, parties should attempt a joint statement; if not possible, separate statements are allowed, each limited to 7 pages.

Attorneys with 5 or fewer years of experience may request an in-person hearing instead of Zoom.

Separate statements of undisputed facts will not be considered.

Plaintiffs in federal securities fraud cases must attach a chart of allegedly fraudulent statements or omissions to the complaint.

Court encourages allowing less experienced lawyers to argue motions or examine witnesses.

Plaintiffs' counsel must include a 'Manageability of the Class Action Trial' section in class certification motions.

Plaintiffs' counsel must file a proposed verdict form with class certification motions.

Each party filing or opposing a motion must serve a proposed order with the motion or opposition.

Parties must inform the Court of any reasonable bases for recusal as early as possible.

Plaintiff must serve specified standing orders on all parties and file a certificate of service.

Each party or side is limited to one summary judgment motion.

Chambers copies are required only when the court requests them or for final pretrial conference, claim construction hearing, or summary judgment proceedings.

Meet and Confer required 21 days before Pretrial Conference Statement

Last day to hear dispositive motions is 10 Thursdays before Pretrial Conference

Last day to file dispositive motions is 35 days before hearing

Expert discovery closes 21 days after rebuttal expert disclosure

Rebuttal expert disclosure due 21 days after expert disclosure

Expert disclosure due same as close of non-expert discovery

Trial scheduled for Monday at 8:30 a.m., approximately one year from first CMC

Pretrial Conference scheduled for 4 Tuesdays prior to trial at 2:30 pm

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