Court Rules
Judge Susan van Keulen
Magistrate Judge

Judge Susan van Keulen

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Northern District of California

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion In Limine
15 pgs
Response To Motion In Limine
15 pgs
Joint Statement
10 pgs
Motion In Limine
20 pgs

Courtesy Copies

All filings

  • 2 copies

Courtesy copies

  • Not required

Hearing Materials

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • At Hearing

Joint Pretrial Statement

  • 2 copies • Hand Delivery • Within 24 Hours

Adjournments

  • A settlement conference continuance requires a compelling reason, a prior meet-and-confer, and a prompt ECF request stating the reason and whether any party objects.

Request must include

Reason For RequestAdversary Position
5Calendar Daysnotice
  • Administrative motion required 5 days before hearing to appear by Zoom/phone instead of in-person

Communication

Email

Clerk, Chambers

svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov
Scheduling
Email

Chambers

svkcerd@cand.uscourts.gov
Letter via ECF

Court

No status inquiries
Email

Chambers

EmergenciesScheduling
No status inquiries
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsProposed OrdersMemorandaTypographyConferencesSettlementRedactions

Page & Word Limits5 rules

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each party's responses to motions in limine must be contained in a single document that does not exceed 15 pages double-spaced in 12-point font.

Summary: Responses to motions in limine limited to 15 pages.

Response To Motion In Limine

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

For all other motions in limine, each side may file not more than 5 motions in limine set forth in a single document that does not exceed 15 pages double-spaced in 12-point font.

Summary: Motions in limine document limited to 15 pages.

Motion In Limine

15 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Unless otherwise permitted by the Court, only one Motion for Summary Judgment, Partial Summary Judgment, or Summary Adjudication may be filed by each party.

Summary: Each party limited to one dispositive motion (Summary Judgment, Partial Summary Judgment, or Summary Adjudication) unless Court permits otherwise

Structured details unavailable. See the source text.

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The joint statement must not exceed 10 pages, exclusive of the caption page, double-spaced with 12-point font and in text-searchable PDF format.

Summary: Joint statements for discovery disputes are limited to 10 pages with specific formatting requirements.

Joint Statement

10 pages

Page LimitsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All other motions in limine must be filed at least 14 days before the pretrial conference, with responses due 7 days before the pretrial conference. No party may file a reply without leave of Court. Except as otherwise ordered by the Court, each party’s motions in limine must be combined in a single document not to exceed 20 pages, and each party’s responses to motions in limine must be combined in a single document not to exceed 20 pages.

Summary: Motions in limine must be filed 14 days before pretrial conference; responses due 7 days before; combined documents limited to 20 pages each.

Motion In Limine

20 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Response To Motion In Limine

20 pages

Applies to: Attorney

Document Format Requirements10 rules

FormattingCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

Settlement conference statements must be submitted in text-searchable PDF format.

No later than seven days prior to the conference, the parties must send the following statements in text-searchable PDF format to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The cover page of any exhibit submitted in connection with briefing on a motion must include the exhibit number and the title or brief description of the exhibit (e.g., “Ex. 1 – 1/1/2023 email from Joe Smith to Nancy Jones”).

Summary: Exhibit cover pages must include exhibit number and title/description.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The joint statement must not exceed 10 pages, exclusive of the caption page, double-spaced with 12-point font and in text-searchable PDF format.

Summary: Joint statements must be in text-searchable PDF format with double-spacing and 12-point font.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

All stipulations and proposed orders are to be emailed in Word format to svkcerd@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day as the documents are e-filed.

Summary: Stipulations and proposed orders must be in Word format.

Required Format

DOCX

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Each party's responses to motions in limine must be contained in a single document that does not exceed 15 pages double-spaced in 12-point font.

Summary: Responses to motions in limine must be double-spaced in 12-point font.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

For all other motions in limine, each side may file not more than 5 motions in limine set forth in a single document that does not exceed 15 pages double-spaced in 12-point font.

Summary: Motions in limine must be double-spaced in 12-point font.

Typography
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

The chart must be in landscape orientation, must be organized in numerical order by exhibit number, and must include columns containing the following information for each exhibit: 1. An exhibit number. 2. A brief description of each exhibit's contents and purpose. 3. The identity of each sponsoring witness.

Summary: Exhibit list must be in landscape orientation, numerically ordered, with specific columns.

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

All items must be in text-searchable PDF format.

Summary: All items in the Joint Pretrial Statement must be in text-searchable PDF format.

Required Format

PDF

FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Use of footnotes in Court filings is to be limited to providing brief points of clarification or cross-references. Argument in footnotes will not be considered by the Court. The form of footnotes must comply with Civil Local Rule 3-4(c)(2). The Court may strike any filing that includes excessive or improper footnotes.

Summary: Footnotes limited to clarification/cross-references; argument in footnotes not considered; must comply with Local Rule 3-4(c)(2); excessive/ improper footnotes may be stricken.

Typography
Font FamilyTimes New Roman
Size12 pt
Line SpacingDouble
FormattingCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Use of footnotes in Court filings is to be limited to providing brief points of clarification or cross-references. Argument in footnotes will not be considered by the Court.

Summary: Footnotes are limited to clarification or cross-references; argument in footnotes will not be considered.

Document Filing Requirements20 rules

Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The joint settlement conference statement must identify attendees and address the case facts, claims and defenses, proceedings and schedule, pending motions, and relief sought.

1. A joint settlement conference statement. The joint settlement conference statement must include: - (a) the identity of the attorney(s) and clients attending the settlement conference; - (b) a brief statement of the facts of the case; - (c) a brief statement of the claims and defenses raised, including statutory or other grounds upon which the claims are founded; - (d) a bullet-point summary of the proceedings to date, including the operative case schedule; - (e) a list of all pending motions; - (f) the relief sought; and

Document Type

Joint Settlement Conference Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The confidential addendum must not be served on other parties and must candidly assess likelihood of success, identify major and potentially case-resolving issues, and state the party's settlement value.

2. A confidential addendum to the joint statement. The confidential addendum is not to be served on any other party and must include: (a) a *candid* evaluation of the parties' likelihood of prevailing on the claims and defenses; (b) a brief description of the major issues in dispute and any discrete issue that, if resolved, would facilitate the resolution of the case; (c) the party's settlement value of the case.

Document Type

Confidential Addendum To Joint Settlement Conference Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026Mandatory

The joint statement must describe the parties' settlement positions, discussion history, and current demands and offers as of the statement date.

(g) the parties' positions on settlement exchanged as of the date of the joint statement, including a history of settlement discussions and the present demands and offers.

Document Type

Joint Settlement Conference Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

When submitting a proposed order pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3), the table format included in the order shall comply with the below format: Document Text to be Sealed Basis for Sealing [redacted portions to be identified by page and line number]

Summary: Proposed order for sealing must include a table with columns 'Document Text to be Sealed' and 'Basis for Sealing'.

Document Type

Proposed Order For Sealing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Joint case management statements must include as the first item the case schedule, if it has been set, as well as all information required under the Standing Order for All Judges of the Northern District of California — Contents of Joint Case Management Statement.

Summary: Joint case management statement must include case schedule first and all required information per standing order.

Document Type

Joint Case Management Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

No party may file a reply without leave of Court.

Summary: Replies to motions in limine are prohibited without leave of Court.

Document Type

Reply

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All stipulations and proposed orders are to be emailed in Word format to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day as the documents are e-filed.

Summary: Stipulations and proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to chambers on same day as e-filing

Document Type

Stipulation

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Motions to seal shall be filed in accordance with Civil Local Rule 79-5. When submitting a proposed order pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(c)(3), the table format included in the order shall comply with the below format: Document Text to be Sealed Basis for Sealing [redacted portions to be identified by page and line number]

Summary: Motions to seal must follow specific table format for proposed orders under Civil Local Rule 79-5

Document Type

Motion To Seal

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Where a party (“Filing Party”) files a motion to consider whether another party’s (“Designating Party”) materials should be sealed pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f), the Designating Party’s statement and/or declaration in support of sealing pursuant to Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)(3) shall attach as exhibit(s) the proposed, public, redacted version of the document(s) sought to be sealed to the extent the proposed redactions differ from the redactions proposed by the Filing Party.

Summary: Designating Party must attach proposed public redacted version of documents when responding to motion to seal under Civil Local Rule 79-5(f)

Document Type

Response To Motion To Seal

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The cover page of any exhibit submitted in connection with briefing on a motion must include the exhibit number and the title or brief description of the exhibit (e.g., "Ex. 1 – 1/1/2023 email from Joe Smith to Nancy Jones").

Summary: Exhibit cover pages must include exhibit number and title/description.

Document Type

Exhibits

Content & Formatting
Caption
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The joint statement must also include each party's proposed order as an exhibit.

Summary: Joint statements for discovery disputes must include each party's proposed order as an exhibit.

Document Type

Joint Statement

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Word versions of the joint chart exhibit and each party’s proposed order must also be emailed to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov

Summary: Word versions of joint chart exhibit and proposed orders must be emailed to chambers

Document Type

Joint Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Word versions of the joint chart exhibit and each party's proposed order must also be emailed to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov

Summary: Word versions of joint chart exhibit and proposed order must be emailed to chambers.

Document Type

Discovery Letter Brief

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The signature of counsel or a self-represented party on any submission containing AI-generated content, including citations generated by AI, constitutes a certification that the signing attorney (or self-represented party) has personally verified the content's accuracy.

Summary: Signature on AI-generated submissions certifies personal verification of accuracy.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Ai Disclosure
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel is responsible for providing complete and accurate representations in any submission (including filings, demonstratives, evidence and oral argument) to the Court as required by Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the California Rules of Professional Conduct, and any other applicable legal or ethical guidance. Use of generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc., in preparing submissions to the Court is not prohibited, but counsel and self-represented parties must at all times personally confirm for themselves the accuracy of any content generated by these tools. The signature of counsel or a self-represented party on any submission containing AI-generated content, including citations generated by AI, constitutes a certification that the signing attorney (or self-represented party) has personally verified the content’s accuracy. The Court will impute any errors by such AI tools to the attorney or party whose signature appears on the document containing those errors. Failure to verify the accuracy of submissions, particularly the accuracy of citations to law and evidence, may be grounds for sanctions. Counsel is responsible for maintaining records of all prompts or inquiries submitted to any generative AI tools in the event those records become relevant at any point.

Summary: AI disclosure required - counsel must verify accuracy of AI-generated content and maintain records

Document Type

All Submissions

Content & Formatting
Ai Disclosure
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a party filed an amended complaint or other amended pleading, they must also file as an exhibit to the pleading a redline version showing what changes have been made to the most-recent version. Self-represented parties are not required to comply with this requirement.

Summary: Amended pleadings must include redline exhibit showing changes; pro se parties exempt.

Document Type

Amended Complaint

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Joint case management statements must include as the first item the case schedule, if it has been set, as well as all information required under the Standing Order for All Judges of the Northern District of California – Contents of Joint Case Management Statement.

Summary: Joint case management statements must include the case schedule as the first item.

Document Type

Joint Case Management Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a party files a dispositive motion (such as a motion to dismiss or a motion for remand), the moving party must file the consent or declination simultaneously with the motion.

Summary: Dispositive motions must be filed simultaneously with written consent to magistrate jurisdiction or request for reassignment.

Document Type

Case Dispositive Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If a party wishes to use electronic equipment or other large items (such as bookshelves), the party must file a request and proposed order with the Court no later than 5 days prior to trial. Equipment not provided by the Court must be tested in the courtroom prior to the day when it will be used. Arrangements for such testing may be made with the Courtroom Deputy.

Summary: Electronic equipment must be requested 5 days before trial and tested in courtroom.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCivil cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

At least 21 days before the Pretrial Conference, the parties must file in ECF a Joint Pretrial Statement that includes as attachments the items listed below. All items must be in text-searchable PDF format. A. Proposed Order Re: Trial Stipulations ... B. Jury or Bench Trial ... C. Witness List ... D. Expert Witness List ... E. Exhibit List ...

Summary: Joint Pretrial Statement must include Proposed Order, jury/bench notification, witness list, expert witness list, and exhibit list with specific formatting.

Document Type

Joint Pretrial Statement

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

The required statements must be sent to the Court by email and must not be filed in ECF.

No later than seven days prior to the conference, the parties must send the following statements in text-searchable PDF format to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov. The statements must not be filed in ECF.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

Joint Pretrial Statement must be filed in ECF.

At least 21 days before the Pretrial Conference, the parties must file in ECF a Joint Pretrial Statement that includes as attachments the items listed below.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | IV. JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

The parties must email the required statements as text-searchable PDFs no later than seven days before the conference and must not file them in ECF.

No later than seven days prior to the conference, the parties must send the following statements in text-searchable PDF format to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov. The statements must not be filed in ECF.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

A party objecting to a continuance must file an ECF opposition within two days after the request is filed.

Any party that objects to the continuance must file an opposition in ECF within two days of the filing date of the request for the continuance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | SCHEDULING

File administrative motion to appear by Zoom at least 5 days before hearing.

Any deviation from the appearance standards above requires prior approval of the Court. The requesting party must file an administrative motion to appear by Zoom video link or telephonic link at least 5 days before the hearing.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | LOCATION

Joint case management statement due one week before case management conference.

all joint case management statements are due one week before the case management conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | CASE MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENTS

File consent or declination simultaneously with any dispositive motion.

If a party files a dispositive motion (such as a motion to dismiss or a motion for remand), the moving party must file the consent or declination simultaneously with the motion.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | CASES INITIALLY ASSIGNED TO JUDGE VAN KEULEN: CONSENT OR DECLINATION

File consent or declination by deadlines in Civil Local Rule 73-1(a).

each party must file written consent to the jurisdiction of a magistrate judge or a written request for reassignment to a district judge as soon as possible but no later than the deadlines specified in Civil Local Rule 73-1(a).

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | CASES INITIALLY ASSIGNED TO JUDGE VAN KEULEN: CONSENT OR DECLINATION

Motions in limine must be filed at least 27 days before the Pretrial Conference.

Motions in limine must be filed at least 27 days before the Pretrial Conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Responses to motions in limine due 14 days before the Pretrial Conference.

Responses to motions in limine are due 14 days before the Pretrial Conference.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Joint Pretrial Statement must be filed at least 21 days before the Pretrial Conference.

At least 21 days before the Pretrial Conference, the parties must file in ECF a Joint Pretrial Statement that includes as attachments the items listed below.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | IV. JOINT PRETRIAL STATEMENT

Service and Proof of Service Rules

The confidential addendum must not be served on any other party.

The confidential addendum is not to be served on any other party

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Parties distributing hearing materials must provide two color copies to Court and one copy to other parties.

Any party who distributes materials at the hearing on any matter must supply the Court with two color copies of those materials at the hearing and all other parties with at least one copy.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 3 | HEARING MATERIALS

Two color copies to Court and one copy to other parties required for hearing materials; file on ECF promptly after hearing.

Any party who distributes materials at the hearing on any matter must supply the Court with two color copies of those materials at the hearing and all other parties with at least one copy. Unless the Court orders otherwise, all materials are to be filed on ECF promptly following the hearing.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 3 | f. HEARING MATERIALS

Two paper copies of Joint Pretrial Statement required within 24 hours of filing.

By 12 p.m. on the day after the Joint Pretrial Statement is filed, the parties must also deliver to the San Jose Courthouse two paper copies of the Joint Pretrial Statement, organized in binders containing an index and copies of filed documents with the ECF header reflecting the item’s docket number and filing date.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Chambers copies not required unless specifically requested by Court

Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 5-1(d)(7), no chambers copies are required unless specifically requested by the Court. If chambers copies are requested by the Court, parties are to notify the courtroom deputy at svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov when they have been delivered.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 6 | Chambers Copies

Filing Bundling Requirements

Each side's motions in limine must be filed in a single document.

For all other motions in limine, each side may file not more than 5 motions in limine set forth in a single document that does not exceed 15 pages double-spaced in 12-point font.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Each party's responses to motions in limine must be in a single document.

Each party's responses to motions in limine must be contained in a single document that does not exceed 15 pages double-spaced in 12-point font.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

When scheduling the settlement conference, the Court will set a pre-settlement call with all counsel for at least 48 hours before the conference.

At the time of scheduling the settlement conference, the court will set a date and time for a pre-settlement conference call with all counsel to take place not less than 48 hours prior to the conference.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 2 | PRE-SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE COURT

Motions to strike affirmative defenses require leave of Court, obtained via administrative motion under Civil Local Rule 7-11.

Motions to strike affirmative defenses may not be filed without leave of Court. Leave of Court may be sought by a motion for administrative relief pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7-11.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS AND STIPULATIONS

Motions to strike affirmative defenses require leave of Court via motion for administrative relief under Civil Local Rule 7-11

Motions to strike affirmative defenses may not be filed without leave of Court. Leave of Court may be sought by a motion for administrative relief pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7-11.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS AND STIPULATIONS

Motions to strike affirmative defenses require leave of Court obtained via administrative motion.

Motions to strike affirmative defenses may not be filed without leave of Court. Leave of Court may be sought by a motion for administrative relief pursuant to Civil Local Rule 7-11.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Parties must meet and confer before filing motions in limine.

The parties must meet and confer with respect to motions in limine and attempt to resolve them by stipulation.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

A settlement conference continuance requires a compelling reason, a prior meet-and-confer, and a prompt ECF request stating the reason and whether any party objects.

A settlement conference may be continued only for a compelling reason. The party seeking to continue a settlement conference must first meet and confer with opposing counsel and then promptly file a request in ECF. The request must demonstrate the compelling reason for the continuance and state whether any party objects to the continuance.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | SCHEDULING

Administrative motion required 5 days before hearing to appear by Zoom/phone instead of in-person

Any deviation from the appearance standards above requires prior approval of the Court. The requesting party must file an administrative motion to appear by Zoom video link or telephonic link at least 5 days before the hearing. If the request is granted, specific call-in/Zoom instructions will be posted on ECF no later than 48 hours in advance.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | LOCATION

Chambers Communication Rules

Contact the Courtroom Deputy by email or phone to coordinate scheduling.

To coordinate scheduling, please contact the Courtroom Deputy at svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov or (408) 535-5363.

Checked against the court's document on Oct 4, 2026 · Civil cases

Page 1 | SCHEDULING

If the case settles before the conference, the parties must immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy.

If the case settles before the settlement conference takes place, the parties must inform Courtroom Deputy immediately.

Not confirmed. Read the court's wording below. · Civil cases

Page 1 | SCHEDULING

Stipulations and proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to chambers on the same day as e-filing.

All stipulations and proposed orders are to be emailed in Word format to svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day as the documents are e-filed.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Do not contact Courtroom Deputy by email except for standing order requirements, Court instruction, or time-sensitive matters.

Parties must refrain from contacting the Courtroom Deputy by email or telephone unless (1) required to do so by one of the Court’s standing orders; (2) instructed to do so by the Court; or (3) necessary to inform the Court about a time-sensitive matter.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

All requests for Court action must be filed on the docket, not by email or phone.

Any requests for Court action must be filed on the docket.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

Contact with Courtroom Deputy by email limited to administrative matters; no substantive or procedural discussions.

Contact with the Courtroom Deputy must be limited to purely administrative matters, such as scheduling and general case management. Parties are not to communicate with the Courtroom Deputy regarding substantive or procedural issues, such as requests for legal advice or for interpretation of procedural rules.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | COMMUNICATION WITH THE COURT

Email stipulations and proposed orders in Word format to chambers on same day as e-filing.

All stipulations and proposed orders are to be emailed in Word format to svkcerd@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day as the documents are e-filed.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 2 | MOTIONS AND STIPULATIONS

Contact with Courtroom Deputy restricted to administrative matters; prohibited for substantive issues or legal advice.

Parties must refrain from contacting the Courtroom Deputy by email or telephone unless (1) required to do so by one of the Court's standing orders; (2) instructed to do so by the Court; or (3) necessary to inform the Court about a time-sensitive matter. Contact with the Courtroom Deputy must be limited to purely administrative matters, such as scheduling and general case management. Parties are not to communicate with the Courtroom Deputy regarding substantive or procedural issues, such as requests for legal advice or for interpretation of procedural rules.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Contact Courtroom Deputy via email for scheduling questions.

For questions regarding scheduling, please contact the Courtroom Deputy at svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov or (408) 535-5363.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Civil cases

Page 1 | SCHEDULING

About United States Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen

**Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen** was appointed to the Northern District of California in 2022 after 28 years of commercial and intellectual property litigation experience in Silicon Valley. Judge van Keulen earned her undergraduate degree from UC Davis and her law degree from UCLA School of Law. Her private practice focused on technology and semiconductor disputes in federal and state courts, with trial experience in the Northern District. She served as a member of the Northern District's Patent Local Rules Advisory Subcommittee from 2006 to 2014 and as Litigation Practice Leader at O'Melveny & Myers' Silicon Valley office. She has also provided pro bono representation in landlord-tenant, immigration, and domestic violence cases. **Education** - UCLA School of Law, J.D. - University of California, Davis, B.A. **Career** - Attorney, Thelen law firm (1988–2008) - Member, Northern District Patent Local Rules Advisory Subcommittee (2006–2014) - Partner and Litigation Practice Leader, O'Melveny & Myers, Silicon Valley (until 2022)

**Courthouse:** Robert F. Peckham Federal Building & United States Courthouse, 280 South 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113 **Chambers:** Courtroom 6, 4th Floor **Phone:** (408) 535-5375 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy/Calendar Clerk: svkcrd@cand.uscourts.gov

Common questions about Judge Susan van Keulen's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Susan van Keulen?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for hearing materials. Details: 2 copies, delivery at hearing, by hand delivery. Two color copies to Court and one copy to other parties required for hearing materials; file on ECF promptly after hearing.

View ruleSource: page 3, section f. HEARING MATERIALS

Does Judge Susan van Keulen require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Susan van Keulen's rules set a pre-motion procedure for covered motions. When scheduling the settlement conference, the Court will set a pre-settlement call with all counsel for at least 48 hours before the conference.

View ruleSource: page 2, section PRE-SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE CALL WITH THE COURT

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Susan van Keulen?

Judge Susan van Keulen's rule states these limits: attorney: 15 pages. Motions in limine document limited to 15 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

What page or word limits apply to response to motion in limine before Judge Susan van Keulen?

Judge Susan van Keulen's rule states these limits: attorney: 15 pages. Responses to motions in limine limited to 15 pages.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Susan van Keulen?

Judge Susan van Keulen's formatting rule includes file format PDF and pdf must be text-searchable.. Settlement conference statements must be submitted in text-searchable PDF format.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

What must be included with joint settlement conference statement filings before Judge Susan van Keulen?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The joint settlement conference statement must identify attendees and address the case facts, claims and defenses, proceedings and schedule, pending motions, and relief sought.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

What must be included with confidential addendum to joint settlement conference statement filings before Judge Susan van Keulen?

The rule identifies required filing content or certificates. The confidential addendum must not be served on other parties and must candidly assess likelihood of success, identify major and potentially case-resolving issues, and state the party's settlement value.

View ruleSource: page 2, section SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

How may parties contact Judge Susan van Keulen's chambers?

If the case settles before the conference, the parties must immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SCHEDULING

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Susan van Keulen?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request and adversary position. A settlement conference continuance requires a compelling reason, a prior meet-and-confer, and a prompt ECF request stating the reason and whether any party objects.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SCHEDULING

Does Judge Susan van Keulen require motion papers to be bundled?

Yes. Judge Susan van Keulen requires bundling for covered papers. Each side's motions in limine must be filed in a single document.

View ruleSource: page 1, section III. MOTIONS IN LIMINE

Is electronic filing required before Judge Susan van Keulen?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. The required statements must be sent to the Court by email and must not be filed in ECF.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT

What filing deadlines does Judge Susan van Keulen set?

A party objecting to a continuance must file an ECF opposition within two days after the request is filed.

View ruleSource: page 1, section SCHEDULING

What rule applies to serving the opposing party before Judge Susan van Keulen?

The rule addresses service method, recipient, or timing requirements. Details: recipient: the opposing party. The confidential addendum must not be served on any other party.

View ruleSource: page 2, section SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE STATEMENT
Complete rules summary for Judge Susan van Keulen

Contact the Courtroom Deputy by email or phone to coordinate scheduling.

A settlement conference continuance requires a compelling reason, a prior meet-and-confer, and a prompt ECF request stating the reason and whether any party objects.

A party objecting to a continuance must file an ECF opposition within two days after the request is filed.

If the case settles before the conference, the parties must immediately notify the Courtroom Deputy.

The parties must email the required statements as text-searchable PDFs no later than seven days before the conference and must not file them in ECF.

The required statements must be sent to the Court by email and must not be filed in ECF.

Settlement conference statements must be submitted in text-searchable PDF format.

The joint settlement conference statement must identify attendees and address the case facts, claims and defenses, proceedings and schedule, pending motions, and relief sought.

The joint statement must describe the parties' settlement positions, discussion history, and current demands and offers as of the statement date.

The confidential addendum must not be served on other parties and must candidly assess likelihood of success, identify major and potentially case-resolving issues, and state the party's settlement value.

The confidential addendum must not be served on any other party.

When scheduling the settlement conference, the Court will set a pre-settlement call with all counsel for at least 48 hours before the conference.

File administrative motion to appear by Zoom at least 5 days before hearing.

All requests for Court action must be filed on the docket, not by email or phone.

Do not contact Courtroom Deputy by email except for standing order requirements, Court instruction, or time-sensitive matters.

Contact with Courtroom Deputy by email limited to administrative matters; no substantive or procedural discussions.

File consent or declination by deadlines in Civil Local Rule 73-1(a).

File consent or declination simultaneously with any dispositive motion.

Joint case management statement due one week before case management conference.

Joint case management statement must include case schedule first and all required information per standing order.

Email stipulations and proposed orders in Word format to chambers on same day as e-filing.

Stipulations and proposed orders must be in Word format.

Proposed order for sealing must include a table with columns 'Document Text to be Sealed' and 'Basis for Sealing'.

Motions to strike affirmative defenses require leave of Court, obtained via administrative motion under Civil Local Rule 7-11.

Contact Courtroom Deputy via email for scheduling questions.

Parties must meet and confer before filing motions in limine.

Each side's motions in limine must be filed in a single document.

Motions in limine document limited to 15 pages.

Motions in limine must be double-spaced in 12-point font.

All items in the Joint Pretrial Statement must be in text-searchable PDF format.

More Judges in Northern District of California

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