Judge Laurel Beeler
Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- By 11 Am Next Day
Motion In Limine
Adjournments
- Continuance requests must be emailed with proposed dates and accompanied by joint statement on docket.
Request must include
Communication
Chambers, Clerk
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Phone
Clerk
Videoconference
Chambers
Letter via ECF
Chambers
Page & Word Limits9 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The information may be provided in exchanged statements (up to ten pages with twenty pages of attachments), separate confidential statements (up to five pages with five pages of attachments), or a combination thereof, not exceeding these page limits.
Summary: Settlement statements limited to 10 pages (20 pages attachments) or 5 pages (5 pages attachments), or combination.
Exchanged Statement
10 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Confidential Statement
5 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
the opposing party must serve its separate oppositions, each in a separate memorandum entitled "[Party's Name]'s Opposition to Motion in Limine [#] to Exclude [Subject]," and limited to seven pages each (absent leave of court).
Summary: Oppositions to motions in limine are limited to seven pages each.
Opposition
7 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
the parties must serve (but not file) their motions in limine, which generally should not exceed five motions, are limited to seven pages each (absent leave of court), must be limited to circumstances requiring advance ruling, and must be titled "[Party's Name]'s Motion in Limine [#] to Exclude [Subject]."
Summary: Motions in limine are limited to five motions, seven pages each, and must be titled with a specific format.
Motion In Limine
7 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The plaintiff’s opening brief (up to twenty-five pages) is due forty-nine days before the pretrial conference.
Summary: Plaintiff's opening brief in bench trial is limited to 25 pages.
Opening Brief
25 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The plaintiff’s reply and opposition (up to twenty-five pages) is due fourteen days later.
Summary: Plaintiff's reply in bench trial is limited to 25 pages.
Reply Brief
25 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The defendant’s opposition and brief on affirmative defenses and any counterclaims (up to twenty-five pages) is due fourteen days later.
Summary: Defendant's opposition in bench trial is limited to 25 pages.
Opposition
25 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The defendant’s reply (up to fifteen pages) is due seven days later.
Summary: Defendant's reply in bench trial is limited to 15 pages.
Reply Brief
15 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If the parties have cross-motions for summary judgment, then they must file four briefs sequentially: motion (twenty-five pages), opposition/cross-motion (twenty-five pages), opposition/reply (twenty pages), and reply (fifteen pages).
Summary: Cross-motions for summary judgment require four sequential briefs with specific page limits: 25, 25, 20, and 15 pages.
Motion
25 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Opposition Cross Motion
25 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Opposition Reply
20 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Reply
15 pages
Applies to: Attorney
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
There will be no reply briefs.
Summary: No reply briefs are permitted for motions in limine.
Structured details unavailable. See the source text.
Document Format Requirements7 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Settlement statements must be lodged no later than seven days before the settlement conference (fourteen days for cases with four or more separately represented parties) in hard copy, three-hole punched and double-sided, at 450 Golden Gate Avenue, 16th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102, in a sealed envelope addressed to Judge Beeler and marked “Settlement Documents (Not For Filing).” Submissions under twenty pages may be emailed to lbsettlement@cand.uscourts.gov.
Summary: Settlement statements must be lodged 7 days before conference (14 days for 4+ parties) in hard copy or emailed if under 20 pages.
Paper
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
In addition to paper copies, hyperlinked electronic copies should be submitted if feasible when the supporting documents are lengthy. Any pinpoint citations in the briefs must link to the specific page in the supporting exhibit. PDF briefs and bookmarked exhibits must be emailed to lbpo@cand.uscourts.gov. If the file is too large to email, please lodge a thumb drive or share access to a cloud-based hosting platform that allows court employees to download files.
Summary: Electronic copies with hyperlinks and bookmarks required for lengthy documents, emailed to specific chambers address.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
If filings are voluminous, then the parties must lodge chambers copies that are double-side printed and three-hole punched. They must be the electronically filed copies with the PACER/ECF-generated header (case number, docket number, date, and ECF page number). Exhibits must be tabbed and have a table of contents. If the copies are more than two inches thick, then the parties must submit them in a binder. If the case involves sealed filings, then the redacted and unredacted copies must be submitted in order (e.g., redacted motion/unredacted motion (behind a tab labeled “motion”) or redacted Ex. 1/unredacted Ex. 1 (behind a tab labeled “1” or “Ex. 1”)). The binder order must be (1) motions and proposed orders (redacted/unredacted), (2) sealing motions and proposed orders with supporting declarations only; and (3) exhibits (redacted/unredacted with numbered tabs that correspond to the exhibit number).
Summary: Voluminous filings require double-sided, three-hole punched chambers copies with specific binding and tabbing requirements.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
First, the parties must lodge a joint, single set of all trial exhibits marked 'Original Exhibits,' either as a thumb drive or in three-ring binders. If binders, then each exhibit must be tagged and separated by a label divider identifying the exhibit number. The binder spines must identify the exhibits in a particular binder. A thumb drive must reflect a comparable organization.
Summary: Trial exhibits must be lodged as a joint set marked 'Original Exhibits' on thumb drive or three-ring binders with labeled dividers and spine identification.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The chambers copies of these materials must be submitted in a binder, labeled on the front and spine with the case name and 'Pretrial Submissions,' with labeled tabs separating the filings by topic to reflect the organization in this section.
Summary: Chambers copies of pretrial submissions must be in a binder labeled with case name and 'Pretrial Submissions,' with labeled tabs by topic.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The chambers copies of these materials must be submitted in binders, labeled on the front and spine with the case name and a description of the contents, and have labeled tabs separating the filings to reflect the organization in this section.
Summary: Chambers copies of exhibits and designations must be in binders labeled with case name and contents description, with labeled tabs.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The videos must omit dead time, objections, and colloquy not necessary to understand the answers.
Summary: Video depositions must omit dead time, objections, and unnecessary colloquy.
Document Filing Requirements20 rules
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Before the scheduling conference, lead counsel must discuss with their clients and each other: • The optimal time for a settlement conference; • Their mutually available dates; • The availability of insurance; • Individuals with settlement authority and their attendance; • Information to be exchanged before the settlement conference; • The time needed to evaluate demands and responses; and • Any other relevant issues.
Summary: Lead counsel must discuss settlement conference logistics with clients and opposing counsel before scheduling conference
Document Type
Scheduling Conference
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A party that is not a natural person (e.g., a corporation or association) satisfies the attendance requirement if represented by a person (other than outside counsel) who is knowledgeable about the case and has final settlement authority. If settlement authority is vested solely in a governing board, claims committee, or equivalent body and cannot be delegated, the party must designate a person with authority to attend and participate in the settlement conference and, if a tentative settlement agreement is reached, to recommend the agreement to the approving body for approval. ADR L.R. Rule 7-3(a).
Summary: Corporations must send knowledgeable person with final settlement authority or designate representative to recommend to approving body
Document Type
Settlement Conference
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Lead trial counsel, all parties, and individuals with full authority to negotiate and settle the case must attend the settlement conference.
Summary: Lead trial counsel, all parties, and individuals with full settlement authority must attend settlement conference
Document Type
Settlement Conference
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
A government-entity party satisfies the attendance requirement if represented by a person (in addition to counsel of record) who (1) has, to the greatest extent feasible, authority to settle, (2) is knowledgeable about the case facts, the government entity's position, and the policies governing settlement decisions, and (3) has the authority to recommend a tentative settlement agreement to the government entity for approval. ADR L.R. 7-3(b). If the action is brought by the government on behalf of one or more individuals, at least one such individual must attend. Id.
Summary: Government entities must send knowledgeable representative with settlement authority to recommend to approving body; individuals must attend if government acts on their behalf
Document Type
Settlement Conference
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Settlement statements must include: • Attendees and their roles; • Relevant facts, including disputed facts and key evidence; • Relevant court rulings; • Claims and defenses; • Legal issues about liability and damages; • Prior settlement discussions and mediation efforts; • The current demand and response; • Fees and costs incurred to date and projected through trial; • A candid assessment of settlement risks and the parties’ needs; • Obstacles to settlement and proposed solutions; and • Any other information relevant to settlement.
Summary: Settlement statements must include specific required sections about parties, facts, claims, and settlement positions.
Document Type
Settlement Statement
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Second, the parties must file and lodge deposition designations for witnesses appearing only by designation, copies of designations of interrogatories and admissions, and objections to exhibits and use of depositions (as set forth in Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3)(B)). Objections not raised are waived.
Summary: Parties must file and lodge deposition designations, interrogatory/admission designations, and objections to exhibits and depositions; objections not raised are waived.
Document Type
Pretrial Filings
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
Counsel for the proffering party must collate and assemble a final packet that covers all remaining issues and provide it to the court fourteen days before the pretrial conference. Any objections must be highlighted and annotated as described in this section. If exhibits are needed to resolve the objections, designating counsel must include copies, with the relevant passages highlighted and tagged.
Summary: Final deposition designation packet must be provided to the court 14 days before the pretrial conference, with objections highlighted and annotated, and exhibits if needed.
Document Type
Deposition Designation Final Packet
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?
The parties may not file separate statements of undisputed facts. See Civil Local Rule 56-2. Joint statements of undisputed facts are not required but are helpful. Any joint statement must include — for each undisputed fact — citations to admissible evidence.
Summary: Separate statements of undisputed facts are prohibited; joint statements (if used) must cite admissible evidence.
Document Type
Summary Judgment Motion
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
If the parties modify a model instruction, they must identify the modification clearly in a blackline and include the model instruction in the packet.
Summary: Modified model instructions must include a blackline showing changes and the original model instruction.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The parties must file joint instructions, using model instructions when possible, in the order that they should be given, and include separate proposed preliminary instructions and final instructions. They must submit word copies to lbpo@cand.uscourts.gov. The instructions must include a table of contents and be supported by citations to the authority for the instruction (e.g., to the Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instructions or CACI).
Summary: Joint jury instructions must include a table of contents, be supported by citations, and word copies must be emailed to lbpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
If undisputed, an instruction must be labeled 'Stipulated Instruction.' If disputed, the parties' versions must bear the same instruction number, be labeled with the sponsoring party's name, and be inserted back to back in the logical place in the overall sequence. If the opposing party does not have a counter instruction and instead contends that no instruction should be given, the party must say so in a separate page inserted in lieu of the alternate instruction.
Summary: Undisputed instructions labeled 'Stipulated Instruction'; disputed instructions labeled with party name and same number; if no counter instruction, insert separate page stating no instruction should be given.
Document Type
Jury Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The parties must lodge a hard copy of the exhibits labeled 'Chambers Copy' with any updated (and filed) exhibit list in each binder.
Summary: A hard copy of exhibits labeled 'Chambers Copy' must be lodged with the updated exhibit list in each binder.
Document Type
Trial Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
The parties must include a short statement of the case to be read to the jury during voir dire as part of the preliminary instructions.
Summary: Preliminary instructions must include a short statement of the case to be read during voir dire.
Document Type
Preliminary Instructions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Each party must file a memorandum of law — organized by instruction number — regarding disputed jury instructions.
Summary: Each party must file a memorandum of law on disputed jury instructions, organized by instruction number.
Document Type
Memorandum Of Law
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Before submitting exhibit lists and binders, counsel must meet and confer to establish usable numbering conventions and eliminate duplicate exhibits. Use numbers only, and if possible, exhibit numbers should be the same numbers used in depositions. Otherwise, the deposition transcript must be conformed to the new exhibit number to avoid jury confusion and to ensure that every exhibit has a unique number. Blocks of numbers should be assigned to fit the needs of the case: e.g., Plaintiff has 1 to 99, Defendant A has 100 to 199, Defendant B has 200 to 299, et cetera. All exhibits must be marked 'Trial Exhibit No.,' not Plaintiff's Exhibit or Defendant's Exhibit. A single exhibit must be marked just once. The exhibit tag must be in the following form and must be affixed on or near the lower right-hand corner if possible and on the back if it is not.
Summary: Counsel must meet and confer on exhibit numbering conventions; use numbers only, preferably same as deposition numbers; assign blocks; mark exhibits as 'Trial Exhibit No.'; affix tag on lower right corner or back.
Document Type
Exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Reviewing parties must promptly review the packet and highlight in yellow any passages objected to and write in the margin the legal basis for the objections. If a completeness objection is made, the objecting party must insert the additional passages needed to cure the completeness objection. Such additions must be highlighted in blue, and an explanation for the inclusion must be legibly handwritten in the margin. Counsel must line out any irrelevant portions of the additional pages. Reviewing counsel must return the packets to the proffering party to consider whether to accept the adjustments.
Summary: Reviewing counsel must highlight objections in yellow, completeness objections in blue, and return packets to proffering party.
Document Type
Deposition Designation Packet Review
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
To designate deposition testimony, counsel must photocopy the cover page, the page where the witness is sworn, and each page with any proffered testimony (with lines through testimony not proffered). Counsel must put lines through objections or colloquy unless they are needed to understand the question. Any corrections (including conforming exhibit numbers to trial exhibit numbers) must be done by hand. The finished packet must be the script that allows smooth presentation of the witness, the oath, and the testimony.
Summary: Deposition designation packet must include cover page, oath page, testimony pages with lines through non-proffered testimony and unnecessary objections/colloquy, and hand corrections.
Document Type
Deposition Designation Packet
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?
Proposed findings of fact must be supported by citations to the evidence that will be offered at trial. Conclusions of law that rely on substantive-law instructions from the Ninth Circuit Manual of Model Jury Instructions, CACI, or other model instructions must be cited, any modifications must be identified, and copies of the model and blacklined modified instructions must be attached. All conclusions of law — disputed or undisputed — must be supported by citation (including pin cites) in the format used by the Ninth Circuit Manual.
Summary: Proposed findings of fact must cite evidence; conclusions of law must cite model instructions, identify modifications, attach model and blacklined copies, and use pin cites in Ninth Circuit format.
Document Type
Proposed Findings Conclusions
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
Counsel must meet and confer to address reviewing counsel’s comments and any other issues.
Summary: Counsel must meet and confer regarding deposition designation adjustments.
Document Type
Deposition Designation
Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?
Otherwise, the parties do not need to submit paper copies and instead can email a chambers PDF copy to lbpo@cand.uscourts.gov. Parties do not need to submit electronic copies of certificates of service, certificates of interested entities or persons, consents or declinations to the court’s jurisdiction, stipulations that do not require a court order (see Civil Local Rule 6-1), or notices of appearance or substitution of counsel.
Summary: Chambers PDF copies can be emailed instead of paper copies, except for certain certificates and notices.
Document Type
General
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Parties must notify the court of objections to exhibits by 4:00 p.m.
The parties must notify the court by 4:00 p.m. of any objections to the exhibits
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Objections to exhibits in complex cases are due the next day at 8:00 a.m.
Objections then are due the next day at 8:00 a.m.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Objections to opening statement visuals must be filed by 8:00 a.m. the next business day after exchange.
Objections must be filed by 8:00 a.m. the next day
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Counsel must give written notice of the order of witnesses and exhibits for the next court day by 2:00 p.m.
by 2:00 p.m. on any court day, counsel must give written notice of the order of witnesses for the next court day and the exhibits (including illustrative exhibits) to be used on direct examination (other than for true impeachment of a witness).
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Defendant's opposition in bench trial is due 14 days after the opening brief deadline.
The defendant’s opposition and brief on affirmative defenses and any counterclaims (up to twenty-five pages) is due fourteen days later.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4. Additional Procedures for Bench Trials
Plaintiff's reply in bench trial is due 14 days after the opposition deadline.
The plaintiff’s reply and opposition (up to twenty-five pages) is due fourteen days later.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4. Additional Procedures for Bench Trials
Stipulated facts and conclusions of law must be filed no later than 63 days before the final pretrial conference.
The parties must file any stipulated facts and conclusions of law no later than sixty-three days before the final pretrial conference.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4. Additional Procedures for Bench Trials
Plaintiff's opening brief in bench trial is due 49 days before the final pretrial conference.
The plaintiff’s opening brief (up to twenty-five pages) is due forty-nine days before the pretrial conference.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 13 | 4. Additional Procedures for Bench Trials
Defendant's reply in bench trial is due 7 days after the plaintiff's reply deadline.
The defendant’s reply (up to fifteen pages) is due seven days later.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 14 | 4. Additional Procedures for Bench Trials
In complex cases, the court may require notice of witnesses and exhibits two court days before testimony by 2:00 p.m.
In complex cases, the court may require notice two court days before the testimony by 2:00 p.m.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Service and Proof of Service Rules
Deposition designation packet must be served on other parties at least 30 days before the pretrial conference.
The packet must be provided to the other parties at least thirty days before the pretrial conference.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 7 | 5.1 Designating Counsel
Final deposition designation packet must be provided to the court 14 days before the pretrial conference.
Counsel for the proffering party must collate and assemble a final packet that covers all remaining issues and provide it to the court fourteen days before the pretrial conference.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 7 | 5.4 Designating Counsel to Assemble Final Packet
Counter-designations must be provided to designating counsel at the same time as objections are returned.
The reviewing party must make any counter-designations by providing a packet with the counter-designated passages to the original designating counsel at the same time as the reviewing party returns its objections to designating counsel.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 8 | 5.5 Counter-Designations
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A chambers copy of objections to opening statement visuals must be delivered by 11:00 a.m. the next day, including the documents and copies of cited cases.
with a chambers copy delivered by 11:00 a.m. that includes the documents and copies of cited cases.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Chambers copies of objections to exhibits in complex cases must be delivered by 11:00 a.m., including disputed exhibits and cited cases.
chambers copies (including the disputed exhibits and the cited cases) must be delivered by 11:00 a.m.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 10 | 3.3 Advance Notice at Trial
Chambers copies of motions in limine must be submitted in a binder with specific labeling and tabs.
Collated chambers copies must be submitted in a binder, labeled on the front and spine with the case name and "Motions in Limine," with labeled tabs for the individual motions.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 3 | PRETRIAL FILINGS
Submissions under 20 pages may be emailed to settlement email address.
Submissions under twenty pages may be emailed to lbsettlement@cand.uscourts.gov.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 3 | SETTLEMENT-CONFERENCE STATEMENTS
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Continuance requests must be emailed with proposed dates and accompanied by joint statement on docket.
Requests for continuances must be emailed to lbcrd@cand.uscourts.gov as soon as is practicable and include proposed new dates. A short joint statement reflecting the continuance request must be filed on the docket.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 4 | SETTLEMENT-CONFERENCE STATEMENTS
Chambers Communication Rules
Parties must email preferred dates to lbcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least two days before scheduling conference
The parties must email their preferred dates to lbcrd@cand.uscourts.gov at least two days before the scheduling conference, including the emails of all participants in the scheduling conference.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 2 | SCHEDULING
Parties must arrange daily or real-time court reporting at least 14 days before trial by contacting the court-reporter supervisor.
The parties must arrange daily or real-time reporting at least fourteen days before trial with the court-reporter supervisor at 415-522-2079 and by email to lbcrd@cand.uscourts.gov.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 8 | 1. Trial Schedule and Court Reporters
Parties must meet with courtroom deputy at least 14 days before trial to resolve technical and courtroom issues.
The parties meet with the court’s courtroom deputy (lbcrd@cand.uscourts.gov or 415-522-3140) at least fourteen days before trial to work out all technical and courtroom issues.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 8 | 1. Trial Schedule and Court Reporters
Settlement conferences scheduled on Tuesdays/Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
Scheduling conferences are held by videoconference on Thursdays, following the 11:00 a.m. civil case-management calendar. Settlement conferences are scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 1 | SCHEDULING
Parties may propose up to ten additional jury questionnaire questions, emailed to the court.
Parties may propose a total of ten additional questions, which also must be emailed to lbpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 4 | PRETRIAL FILINGS
Word copies of proposed verdict forms must be emailed to the court.
They must submit word copies to lbpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 4 | PRETRIAL FILINGS
Designating counsel must give advance notice to the court for voluminous deposition designations.
For voluminous designations, the court requires advance notice by designating counsel because more lead time is required.
Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases
Page 7 | 5.1 Designating Counsel
Junior Lawyer Participation Incentives
Court encourages giving less-experienced lawyers opportunities to participate in proceedings.
The court encourages parties to give less-experienced lawyers an opportunity to participate in all court proceedings and to let the court know during the scheduling process.
Machine summary. Not checked yet.