Court Rules
Judge

Judge Jinsook Ohta

Individual Rules, Standing Orders & Policies

Rules last changed:
Southern District of California

Limits & Logistics

Document Limits

Motion In Limine
5 pgs

Courtesy Copies

Courtesy copies

  • Not required

Trial Exhibit

  • 1 copy • Hand Delivery • At Least 3 Days Before Trial

Adjournments

  • Parties must meet and confer before requesting a continuance or extension.
  • Joint motions for continuance must be filed on CM/ECF with proposed order emailed.
  • Untimely joint motions require in-person continuance request at hearing.
  • +2 more

Request must include

Reason For RequestAdversary PositionProposed Rescheduled DateNumber Of Previous Requests
1Business Daysnotice
  • Joint motions for continuance must be filed by 9:00 AM Wednesday before hearing.

Communication

Email

Chambers

steven_yaptangco@casd.uscourts.gov
SchedulingTechnical Issues
No status inquiries
Phone

Chambers

619-321-0988
Scheduling
No status inquiries
Phone

Chambers

619-557-7486
SchedulingTechnical Issues
Letter via ECF

Chambers

No status inquiries
Phone

Chambers

Scheduling
Filters:AllMandatoryImportantFormattingExhibitsJuryProposed OrdersTRO/InjunctionElectronicsCourtroom ConductLetters

Page & Word Limits2 rules

Page Limits

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Unless the Court grants permission otherwise, each side is limited to five motions in limine and the motions and the responses to the motions will not exceed five pages. No replies to motions in limine are permitted.

Summary: Each side may file max 5 motions in limine; motions and responses limited to 5 pages; replies are prohibited.

Motion In Limine

5 pages

Opposition

5 pages

Page LimitsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Each side is limited to five motions in limine.

Summary: Maximum of five motions in limine per side.

Structured details unavailable. See the source text.

Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIV. Pre-Trial and Trial Procedures

Document Format Requirements7 rules

Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel must email proposed orders in Word (.doc) format to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov

Summary: Proposed orders must be in Word (.doc) format.

Required Format

DOCX

Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 2
|SecII. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders
Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All exhibits submitted in support of motions should be excerpted to include only relevant material. All exhibits must be clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

Summary: Exhibits in support of motions must be excerpted to relevant material, clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 3
|SecD. Exhibits & Unreported Cases
Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties must also email a proposed order in Word (.doc) format to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov. See Civil Chambers Rule II.B. The proposed order must set forth the currently scheduled date and the new, proposed date.

Summary: Proposed orders for agreed continuances must be in Word (.doc) format, emailed to specified address, and include current and proposed dates.

Required Format

DOCX

Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Parties may use their own exhibit stickers if the stickers include the exhibit number and case number.

Summary: Party-provided exhibit stickers must include exhibit number and case number.

Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecX. Trial B. Trial Exhibits
Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Civil trials must only use numbers for identifying exhibits and not letters, unless otherwise ordered by the Court.

Summary: Civil trials must use numbers (not letters) for exhibit identifiers unless court ordered.

Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecX. Trial B. Trial Exhibits
Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

For all disputed instructions, the parties will prepare their respective proposed instruction and submit both proposals in the one set submitted to the Court. The text of the disputed instructions shall be color-coded as follows a. Model Instruction Text: black ink b. Stipulated Modifications to Model Instructions: red ink c. Plaintiff’s Proposed Edits or Additions: blue ink d. Defendant’s Proposed Edits or Additions: green ink

Summary: Disputed jury instructions must be color-coded per specified scheme and both parties' versions submitted.

Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecX. Trial C. Jury Instructions
Formatting

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

if the parties propose different versions of the same instruction, each version of the disputed instruction shall comply with the color coding above. These competing versions of the same instruction should be placed one after another in the one set of proposed instructions submitted to the Court.

Summary: Competing versions of the same disputed jury instruction must be placed consecutively in the submission set.

Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecX. Trial C. Jury Instructions

Document Filing Requirements33 rules

Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

B. Proposed Orders. Proposed orders must be submitted simultaneously with all motions. Proposed orders should contain “[PROPOSED]” in brackets in the caption. This Chambers Rule mandating the addition of “[PROPOSED]” supersedes Section 2(h) of the ECF Manual. Counsel must email proposed orders in Word (.doc) format to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov and include the case number and case name in the subject line of the email. Proposed orders or other documents requiring the Judge’s signature must not be filed on the docket.

Summary: Proposed orders must be submitted with motions, include “[PROPOSED]” in caption, emailed in Word format to specified address, not filed on docket.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Content & Formatting
Caption
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 2
|SecII. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

counsel for the moving party must include in the motion papers a declaration detailing (1) the date of the meet and confer; (2) counsel’s good faith efforts, in person or by telephone, to meet and confer to resolve differences with opposing counsel; and (3) the positions taken by opposing counsel such that resolution was not possible.

Summary: Motions must include a declaration detailing meet and confer date, good faith efforts, and opposing counsel's positions.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 2
|SecII. Noticed Motions A. Conference of Counsel Prior to Filing Noticed Motions
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Copies of documents already contained on the electronic docket in any United States district court should not be included as exhibits. Such documents should be cited in the text of the motion with the case name, docket number, filing date, and any other information (e.g., pages or paragraph numbers) that aids the Court (e.g., Doe v. Does, No. 22cv306 (N.D. Cal. Jan. 13, 2022), Dkt. __ at __).

Summary: Do not include as exhibits documents already on any U.S. district court electronic docket; cite them in the motion text instead.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 3
|SecD. Exhibits & Unreported Cases
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

If the parties reach an agreement, they must file a joint motion with a declaration explaining the reasons for the requested continuance or extension of time.

Summary: Agreed continuances require a joint motion with a declaration explaining the request reasons.

Document Type

Joint Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All ex parte motions must be accompanied by a declaration from the movant documenting (1) efforts to contact opposing counsel, (2) counsel’s good faith efforts, in person or by telephone, to meet and confer to resolve differences with opposing counsel, and (3) opposing counsel’s position regarding the ex parte motion.

Summary: Ex parte motions must include a declaration documenting contact efforts, meet and confer efforts, and opposing counsel’s position.

Document Type

Ex Parte Motion

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

For cases not assigned to a reporter for publication, Westlaw or Lexis citations should be given, if available. Citations to cases not available in Westlaw or Lexis should be accompanied by copies of the cases cited attached as exhibits.

Summary: Unpublished cases should be cited via Westlaw/Lexis if available; copies of cases not on Westlaw/Lexis must be attached as exhibits.

Document Type

Motion

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 3
|SecD. Exhibits & Unreported Cases
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The proposed pretrial order must comply with the requirements of Civil Local Rule 16.1(f)(6)(c).

Summary: Proposed pretrial order must comply with Civil Local Rule 16.1(f)(6)(c).

Document Type

Proposed Pretrial Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The parties are required to jointly submit one set of agreed upon instructions. To submit to the Court one complete set of proposed instructions consisting of 1) preliminary jury instructions; 2) during trial jury instructions; and 3) final jury instructions.

Summary: Parties must jointly submit one set of proposed jury instructions including preliminary, during trial, and final instructions.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecX. Trial C. Jury Instructions
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All instruction headings must identify whether the instruction is jointly proposed or, if disputed, the party proposing the instruction.

Summary: Jury instruction headings must identify if jointly proposed or party-proposed if disputed.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecX. Trial C. Jury Instructions
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel must confirm their good faith attempt to resolve the issues in a declaration that includes (1) the date of the meet and confer; (2) counsel’s good faith efforts, in person or by telephone, to resolve differences with opposing counsel; and (3) the positions taken by opposing counsel such that resolution was not possible.

Summary: Motions in limine must include a declaration confirming good faith meet and confer with specified content.

Document Type

Motion In Limine

Content & Formatting
Certificate Of Conference
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

For each disputed instruction, the parties must provide to the Court the factual or legal basis for each party’s position.

Summary: Parties must provide factual/legal basis for each party's position on disputed jury instructions.

Document Type

Proposed Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 6
|SecX. Trial C. Jury Instructions
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Proposed orders or other documents requiring the Judge's signature must not be filed on the docket.

Summary: Documents requiring Judge's signature must not be filed on docket.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Proposed orders must be submitted simultaneously with all motions.

Summary: Proposed orders required with all motions.

Document Type

Motion

Content & Formatting
Proposed Order
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Proposed orders should contain the word "[PROPOSED]" in brackets in the caption.

Summary: Proposed orders must include "[PROPOSED]" in caption.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel must email proposed orders in Word (.doc) format to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov and include the case number and case name in the subject line of the email.

Summary: Proposed orders must be emailed in .doc format with case info in subject line.

Document Type

Proposed Order

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

No party shall submit more than five sentencing letters without leave of Court.

Summary: Maximum of five sentencing letters allowed without court permission.

Document Type

Sentencing Letter

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecI. Communications with Chambers
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

The first exchange of expert disclosure will take place five weeks before trial and any exchange of rebuttal experts will take place three weeks before trial.

Summary: Expert disclosures due five weeks before trial; rebuttal experts three weeks before.

Document Type

Expert Disclosure

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIV. Pre-Trial and Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

all discovery, including reciprocal discovery and expert discovery, must be completed three weeks before trial.

Summary: Discovery must be completed three weeks before trial.

Document Type

Discovery

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIV. Pre-Trial and Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel shall file a sentencing summary chart at a minimum, and may also file a sentencing memorandum, no later than seven days before the

Summary: Sentencing summary chart required at least 7 days before sentencing.

Document Type

Sentencing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIII. Dispositions and Sentencings
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Jury instructions shall be submitted to the Court two weeks before trial in the following format:

Summary: Jury instructions due two weeks before trial.

Document Type

Jury Instructions

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 4
|SecIV. Pre-Trial and Trial Procedures
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Pursuant to Criminal Local Rule 23.1, the parties may, no later than two weeks before the date of trial, serve and file briefs on all significant disputed issues of law, including foreseeable procedural and evidentiary issues.

Summary: Trial briefs on significant disputed issues of law must be filed no later than two weeks before trial.

Document Type

Trial Brief

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Certificate Of Service
Legal Argument
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Counsel must serve and file any proposed voir dire questions, proposed verdict forms, and the government’s list of witnesses no later than two weeks before the date of trial.

Summary: Proposed voir dire questions, verdict forms, and government witness list must be filed two weeks before trial.

Document Type

Voir Dire Questions

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Certificate Of Service
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 5
|SecE. Proposed Voir Dire Questions, Verdict Forms and Government’s Witness List
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

All exhibits must be pre-marked on the first day of trial.

Summary: All exhibits must be pre-marked on first day of trial.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Before publishing an exhibit to the jury, counsel must either move for admission of the exhibit or allow the Court to inquire whether the opposing side has any objection to publication.

Summary: Must move for admission or allow Court to inquire about objections before publishing exhibits to jury.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Mandatory?

Government counsel must provide a list of exhibits and give it to the courtroom deputy on the first day of trial.

Summary: Government must provide exhibit list to courtroom deputy on first day of trial.

Document Type

Exhibit List

Content & Formatting
Case Number
Judge Name
Filing Requirements

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

Unless authorized by the Court, parties should not submit jury questionnaires.

Summary: Jury questionnaires are prohibited unless authorized by the Court.

Document Type

Jury Questionnaire

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Civil Rules · Apr 2026 · p. 5
|SecX. Trial A. Jury Selection
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Important?

When referring to an exhibit, counsel should refer to its exhibit number whenever possible to keep a complete record.

Summary: Counsel must refer to exhibits by exhibit number when possible.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

The Court prefers that a presentence report be prepared in every case for sentencing.

Summary: Presentence report preferred in every case for sentencing.

Document Type

Sentencing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIII. Dispositions and Sentencings
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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The Court encourages pleas before the magistrate judge assigned to the case.

Summary: Plea before assigned magistrate judge is encouraged.

Document Type

Plea

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIII. Dispositions and Sentencings
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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Rule 11 guilty pleas may be taken by the magistrate judge on a report and recommendation.

Summary: Rule 11 pleas may be taken by magistrate judge on report and recommendation.

Document Type

Plea

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIII. Dispositions and Sentencings
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

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Rule 11 proceedings before the district judge may occur at the pretrial motion hearing or as soon as scheduled by contacting the courtroom deputy in advance.

Summary: Rule 11 proceedings before district judge may occur at pretrial motion hearing.

Document Type

Plea

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIII. Dispositions and Sentencings
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

Upon stipulation filed by both parties and joint request made by motion on the docket or by request to the courtroom deputy, the Court may proceed with immediate sentencing in certain immigration cases if it has adequate information in the record to perform a meaningful exercise of sentencing authority.

Summary: Immediate sentencing in immigration cases possible with stipulation and joint request.

Document Type

Sentencing

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.
Ohta Chambers Criminal Rules · Aug 2025 · p. 3
|SecIII. Dispositions and Sentencings
Filing RequirementsCriminal cases

Machine summary. Not checked yet.Note?

Pursuant to Criminal Local Rule 1.1(e) and Civil Local Rule 79.1, all exhibits will be returned to the party who produced them at the end of trial.

Summary: All exhibits will be returned to producing party at end of trial.

Document Type

Exhibit

Specific requirements detailed in rule text.

Filing & Service rules

Electronic Filing Rules

Proposed orders and judge-signed documents must not be filed on the ECF docket.

Proposed orders or other documents requiring the Judge’s signature must not be filed on the docket.

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Page 2 | II. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders

Final Exhibit and Witness Lists must be emailed to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov 14 days before trial.

email a copy of their Final Exhibit and Witness Lists to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov fourteen (14) days before trial.

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Page 5 | X. Trial B. Trial Exhibits

Jointly proposed and disputed preliminary, during trial, and final jury instructions must be submittedto efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov by the court-set deadline.

includes both the jointly proposed and disputed instructions for the 1) preliminary jury instructions; 2) during trial jury instructions; and 3) final jury instructions to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov by the deadline set by the Court.

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Page 7 | Jury Instructions

Filing Timing and Cure Windows

Ex parte motions not opposed within 2 court days are considered unopposed.

Ex parte motions that are not opposed within two (2) Court days will be considered unopposed and may be granted on that ground.

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Page 3 | III. Ex parte Motions

Unopposed continuance requests require an ex parte motion filed at least 2 court days before the event.

If the parties are unable to reach an agreement, the requesting party must file an ex parte motion demonstrating satisfaction of the applicable legal standard. Such a motion should be filed at least two (2) Court days prior to the event or deadline that the moving party seeks to continue.

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Page 3 | V. Continuances

Proposed pretrial order must be emailed to court at least 7 days before pretrial conference.

Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 16.1(f)(6), the Court requires that the parties lodge by email to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov a proposed pretrial order at least seven (7) days before the pretrial conference.

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Page 4 | VIII. Pretrial Conference

Joint motion to dismiss and proposed order must be filed/emailed within 28 days of settlement, unless Rule 41(a)(1) dismissal applies.

Unless a notice of dismissal is filed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(a)(1) for which a court order is not required, the parties must file a joint motion to dismiss and email the proposed order to the Court within twenty-eight (28) days of the settlement.

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Page 4 | VII. Settlement

Service and Proof of Service Rules

Proposed orders must be emailed in Word format to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov with case number and name in subject line.

Counsel must email proposed orders in Word (.doc) format to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov and include the case number and case name in the subject line of the email.

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Page 2 | II. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders

Ex parte motions must be served on opposing counsel via email or overnight mail.

Any ex parte motion filed with the Court must be served on opposing counsel via email, or overnight mail.

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Page 3 | III. Ex parte Motions

Final Exhibit and Witness Lists must be exchanged 14 days before trial.

The parties must also exchange their Final Exhibit and Witness Lists fourteen (14) days before trial

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Page 5 | X. Trial B. Trial Exhibits

Courtesy Copy Requirements

Paper courtesy copies are prohibited unless specifically requested by the Court.

C. Courtesy Copies. Unless otherwise requested by the Court, do not deliver any paper courtesy copies to the Court.

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Page 2 | I. Communications with Chambers C. Courtesy Copies

One paper courtesy copy of trial exhibits is due at least 3 days before trial.

For both bench trials and jury trials, the parties must submit one (1) courtesy copy of the trial exhibits at least three (3) days before trial begins. Counsel should contact the courtroom deputy to arrange a time to deliver the courtesy copies.

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Page 5 | X. Trial B. Trial Exhibits

Electronic copy (USB) of trial exhibits is due at least 3 days before trial.

The parties must also submit the trial exhibits in an electronic-media format (e.g., a USB flash drive) at least three (3) days before trial.

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Page 5 | X. Trial B. Trial Exhibits

Sealing & Redaction Procedures

Motions to seal must be narrowly tailored, include specific required elements, and include redacted and unredacted document versions.

The public enjoys a presumptive right of public access to court records based upon the First Amendment and the common law; therefore, motions to file documents under seal are strongly discouraged. The fact that both sides agree to seal a document is insufficient cause for sealing. Motions based solely on a party’s designation of a document as “confidential” or “attorneys’ eyes only” under a stipulated protective order are insufficient to establish that a document, or portions thereof, are sealable. As such, motions to seal must be narrowly tailored to the documents or portions of documents which require protection for good cause in accordance with legal standards. Parties shall not request the wholesale sealing of documents where only portions require protection. Sealing motions must include the following: 1. A specific statement of the applicable legal standard and the reasons for keeping a document under seal, including an explanation of a. the legitimate private or public interests that warrant sealing; b. the injury that will result if sealing is denied; and c. why a less restrictive alternative to sealing is not sufficient; 2. Evidentiary support from declarations where necessary; 3. An unredacted version of the document(s) sought to be sealed, with highlights to the alleged confidential or privilege information, as an attachment to the motion with “FILED UNDER SEAL” prominently marked on the first page; and 4. A proposed order that only seals the sealable material, and which lists in table format each document or portion thereof that is sought to be sealed. The party requesting a sealing order must also file a “public” version of the document(s) it seeks to file under seal redacting only the alleged confidential or privileged information. If the moving party seeks an order to seal the document in full, the party should file a slip sheet making clear for the Court that the document is subject to the motion to seal. Motions to seal entire pleadings or briefs are strongly disfavored and will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances.

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Page 4 | Sealing Procedures

Sealed motions must be hand-delivered to Clerk of Court with sealed documents and proposed order.

Counsel lodging with the Court a motion to seal and documents to be sealed shall hand-deliver, to the Clerk of Court on the Fourth Floor of the James M. Carter & Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse, (1) the motion to seal, (2) the proposed sealed documents, and (3) a proposed order in compliance with these Rules.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | II. Motions

Sealed motions and protective orders should not be hand-delivered to chambers.

Motions to seal and motions for protective order should not be hand-delivered to chambers.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | II. Motions

Emergency seal motions require contacting courtroom deputy for alternate delivery.

In the case of an emergent motion to seal, counsel will contact the courtroom deputy for instructions about alternate delivery.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | II. Motions

Motions to seal documents are strongly discouraged.

Motions to file documents under seal are strongly discouraged.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 2 | II. Motions

Pre-Motion Conference Requirements

Opposition briefs due 3 weeks after motion filing, reply briefs due 2 weeks after opposition; supersedes local rule 7.1(e).

C. Briefing. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, upon the filing of a motion, any opposition brief(s) must be filed within three weeks of the noticed motion. Any reply brief(s) must be filed within two weeks of the opposition brief. This briefing schedule supersedes the briefing schedule set forth by Civil Local Rule 7.1(e). If multiple parties are moving for substantially the same relief or opposing a motion seeking substantially the same relief against them, they must make every effort to coordinate the timing of the filing of their motions, and to coordinate and

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Page 2 | II. Noticed Motions C. Briefing

Noticed motions require meet and confer with opposing counsel at least 7 days prior to filing, unless exempt; declaration required in motion if no resolution.

A. Conference of Counsel Prior to Filing Noticed Motions. Unless one of the below exceptions applies, any party contemplating the filing of any noticed motion before this Court must first contact opposing counsel to discuss thoroughly the substance of the contemplated motion and attempt to resolve the matter informally. For example, a party desiring to file a Rule 12(b)(6) motion shall meet and confer to determine the feasibility of stipulating to an amended complaint that resolves the moving party’s concerns. The conference must take place by telephone or in person at least seven (7) days prior to the filing of the motion. If the parties are unable to reach a resolution that eliminates the need to file the motion, counsel for the moving party must include in the motion papers a declaration detailing (1) the date of the meet and confer; (2) counsel’s good faith efforts, in person or by telephone, to meet and confer to resolve differences with opposing counsel; and (3) the positions taken by opposing counsel such that resolution was not possible. Parties will not obtain a hearing date until they have satisfied this meet and confer requirement. Any motions filed in violation of these requirements may be stricken. Failure to meet and confer in good faith will result in the Court issuing an order to show cause why sanctions should not be issued. The only exceptions to this meet-and-confer requirement are (1) cases where any party is appearing pro se and is not an attorney and (2) applications for temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions. Ex parte applications, which have separate requirements below, and joint motions are exempt from this rule as they are not noticed motions.

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Page 2 | II. Noticed Motions A. Conference of Counsel Prior to Filing Noticed Motions

All temporary restraining order motions must be briefed.

All motions for temporary restraining orders must be briefed.

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Page 3 | IV. Temporary Restraining Orders

Counsel must meet and confer with opposing party before filing any ex parte motion.

Before filing any ex parte motion, counsel must contact the opposing party to meet and confer regarding the subject of the ex parte motion.

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Page 3 | III. Ex parte Motions

Only motions limited to evidentiary issues are proper in limine motions; specified motion types are excluded.

Motions in limine are those limited in scope to evidentiary issues. Daubert motions, motions for judgment on the pleadings, summary judgment, leave to amend, or to bifurcate are not proper in limine motions.

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Page 5 | Motions in limine

Counsel must meet and confer before filing motions in limine to resolve issues without court intervention.

Prior to filing motions in limine, counsel must meet and confer and discuss their intended motions, in an attempt to resolve issues without court intervention.

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Page 5 | Motions in limine

Motions in limine due two weeks before hearing; opposition one week before.

motions in limine are due two weeks before the hearing, with any opposition due one week before the hearing.

Machine summary. Not checked yet. · Criminal cases

Page 3 | IV. Pre-Trial and Trial Procedures

Meet and confer required before filing motions in limine.

Prior to filing motions in limine, counsel must meet and confer and discuss their intended motions, in an attempt to resolve issues without court intervention.

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Page 3 | IV. Pre-Trial and Trial Procedures

Failure to meet and confer in good faith for motions in limine results in an order to show cause regarding sanctions.

Failure to meet and confer in good faith will result in the Court issuing an order to show cause why sanctions should not be issued.

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Page 5 | Motions in limine

TROs may be heard ex parte only in extraordinary circumstances.

While temporary restraining orders may be heard ex parte, the Court will do so only in extraordinary circumstances.

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Page 3 | IV. Temporary Restraining Orders

Adjournment & Extension Requirements

Parties must meet and confer before requesting a continuance or extension.

Parties requesting a continuance of any conference, scheduled motion, hearing date, deadline, briefing schedule, or any other procedural change must meet and confer prior to contacting the Court.

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Page 3 | V. Continuances

Untimely joint motions require in-person continuance request at hearing.

If a joint motion is untimely filed, counsel will appear in person to request a continuance at the scheduled hearing.

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Joint motions for continuance must be filed by 9:00 AM Wednesday before hearing.

Joint motions to continue must be filed before 9:00 a.m. on the Wednesday morning prior to the scheduled hearing.

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Joint motions for continuance must be filed on CM/ECF with proposed order emailed.

If counsel stipulate to a continuance, a joint motion should be filed on the CM/ECF docket, and a proposed order should be emailed to efile_ohta@casd.uscourts.gov.

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Sentencing continuance requests must be made by noon Thursday before sentencing week.

A party seeking a continuance of a sentencing hearing must notify the courtroom deputy at the earliest possible time, but no later than noon on the Thursday prior to the following week's sentencing date.

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Late filings may result in continuance without good cause.

Absent a showing of good cause, any late filings by counsel may result in a continuance, at minimum.

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Chambers Communication Rules

Telephone calls to chambers only permitted for hearing dates for civil motions, TROs, or preliminary injunctions, with restrictions on callers and purposes.

B. Telephone Calls. Telephone calls to chambers are permitted only for obtaining a hearing date for a civil motion, temporary restraining order, or preliminary injunction. Parties seeking a motion date for a noticed motion may contact chambers if (1) they are ready to file within two calendar days and (2) have satisfied the meet and confer requirements set forth below. Such calls may only be made by counsel with knowledge of the case or an unrepresented party. Calls from secretaries, legal assistants, paralegals, or parties represented by counsel are prohibited. Please be aware that all requests for court action must be made in a filing on the docket. Counsel or unrepresented parties should not call chambers with procedural questions; to inquire whether any action has been taken on a motion or other filing; or to request extension of deadlines or changes to hearing dates and/or times. Court personnel will not give legal advice, discuss the the Judge. Requests regarding access to courtroom technology prior to a hearing should be directed to Courtroom Deputy Steven Yaptangco at 619-557-7486 or by email at steven_yaptangco@casd.uscourts.gov.

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Letters to chambers are prohibited unless required by Local Rule or court request; if sent, must copy all parties and exclude counsel correspondence.

A. Letters or emails. Letters or emails to chambers or chambers staff are prohibited unless required by Local Rule or specifically requested by the Court. If requested by the Court, letters or emails shall copy simultaneously all counsel and unrepresented parties. Copies of correspondence between counsel must not be sent to the Court unless requested by the Court.

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Civil hearing date requests must be left via voicemail at 619-321-0988, returned by next business day; do not delay until filing deadline.

For civil hearing dates only, leave a voicemail message with chambers at 619-321-0988. Your call will be returned on or before the next business day. Be aware of meet and confer requirements below prior to obtaining a hearing date. Do not wait until the filing deadline to leave a message requesting a hearing date.

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Counsel must immediately notify the court and magistrate judge upon case settlement.

If the parties settle a case, counsel must immediately notify this Court and the magistrate judge.

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Page 4 | VII. Settlement

Letters/emails to chambers are prohibited unless required by Local Rule or Court request.

Letters or emails to chambers or chambers staff are prohibited unless required by Local Rule or specifically requested by the Court.

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Counsel must notify courtroom deputy of disposition before scheduled motions hearing.

Any time a case is calendared for motions hearing and counsel for either party knows that a disposition is to take place, counsel has a duty to call the courtroom deputy at the earliest available time to inform the Court of the disposition.

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Contact courtroom deputy for docketing/scheduling via phone or email.

For docketing, scheduling, and calendaring matters, contact Courtroom Deputy Steven Yaptangco at 619-557-7486 or by email at steven_yaptangco@casd.uscourts.gov.

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About United States District Judge Jinsook Ohta

**District Judge Jinsook Ohta** was appointed to the Southern District of California by President Joseph R. Biden in 2021. Judge Ohta was born in 1976 in Seoul, South Korea. She was nominated on September 30, 2021, confirmed by the Senate on December 17, 2021, and received her commission on December 27, 2021, filling the seat vacated by Barry Ted Moskowitz. She previously served as a visiting assistant professor of law at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and as a deputy attorney general for the State of California. **Education** - New York University School of Law, J.D., 2001 - Yale University, B.A., 1998 **Career** - Law Clerk to Hon. Barry Ted Moskowitz, U.S. District Court, Southern District of California (2001–2002, 2007–2008) - Private practice, Los Angeles and San Francisco (2002–2003) - Private practice, San Diego (2003–2006) - Visiting Assistant Professor of Law, Thomas Jefferson School of Law (2006–2007) - Deputy Attorney General, State of California (2011–2019); Supervising Deputy Attorney General (2019–2020) - Judge, Superior Court of California, San Diego County (2020–2021)

**Courthouse:** James M. Carter and Judith N. Keep U.S. Courthouse, 333 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 **Chambers:** Courtroom 4C **Phone:** (619) 321-0988 **Chambers Staff** - Courtroom Deputy: S. Yaptangco, (619) 557-7486 - Court Reporter: C. Gerongco, (619) 786-6537

Common questions about Judge Jinsook Ohta's rules

Are courtesy copies required for Judge Jinsook Ohta?

Courtesy-copy rule applies for trial exhibits. Details: 1 copy, delivery at least 3 days before trial, by hand delivery. One paper courtesy copy of trial exhibits is due at least 3 days before trial.

View ruleSource: page 5, section X. Trial B. Trial Exhibits

Does Judge Jinsook Ohta require a pre-motion conference or letter before filing a motion?

Judge Jinsook Ohta's rules set a pre-motion procedure for tro. All temporary restraining order motions must be briefed.

View ruleSource: page 3, section IV. Temporary Restraining Orders

What page or word limits apply to motion in limine before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

Judge Jinsook Ohta's rule states these limits: 5 pages; 5 pages. Each side may file max 5 motions in limine; motions and responses limited to 5 pages; replies are prohibited.

View ruleSource: page 5, section Motions in limine

What formatting rules apply to filings before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

Judge Jinsook Ohta's formatting rule includes file format docx and word (.doc) format required for email submission. Proposed orders must be in Word (.doc) format.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders

What must be included with motion filings before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

The rule requires certificate of conference. Motions must include a declaration detailing meet and confer date, good faith efforts, and opposing counsel's positions.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Noticed Motions A. Conference of Counsel Prior to Filing Noticed Motions

What must be included with proposed order filings before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

The rule requires caption. Proposed orders must be submitted with motions, include “[PROPOSED]” in caption, emailed in Word format to specified address, not filed on docket.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders

How may parties contact Judge Jinsook Ohta's chambers?

The rule addresses letter ecf communications with Judge Jinsook Ohta's chambers. Letters to chambers are prohibited unless required by Local Rule or court request; if sent, must copy all parties and exclude counsel correspondence.

View ruleSource: page 1, section I. Communications with Chambers A. Letters or emails

How does Judge Jinsook Ohta handle sealed or redacted filings?

A motion to seal is required for covered sealed filings before Judge Jinsook Ohta. Process: file redacted on ecf and file unredacted to chambers. Motions to seal must be narrowly tailored, include specific required elements, and include redacted and unredacted document versions.

View ruleSource: page 4, section Sealing Procedures

How do I request an adjournment or extension before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

Advance notice is not fully stated in the structured details. The request must include reason for request and adversary position. Parties must meet and confer before requesting a continuance or extension.

View ruleSource: page 3, section V. Continuances

Is electronic filing required before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

No. Electronic filing is prohibited for the covered filings. Proposed orders and judge-signed documents must not be filed on the ECF docket.

View ruleSource: page 2, section II. Noticed Motions B. Proposed Orders

What filing deadlines apply to ex parte motion filings before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

Ex parte motions not opposed within 2 court days are considered unopposed.

View ruleSource: page 3, section III. Ex parte Motions

What rule applies to service for ex parte motion before Judge Jinsook Ohta?

Proof of service is not required by this specific service rule. Details: method: service by email, recipient: the opposing party. Ex parte motions must be served on opposing counsel via email or overnight mail.

View ruleSource: page 3, section III. Ex parte Motions
Complete rules summary for Judge Jinsook Ohta

All temporary restraining order motions must be briefed.

TROs may be heard ex parte only in extraordinary circumstances.

Motions must include a declaration detailing meet and confer date, good faith efforts, and opposing counsel's positions.

Letters to chambers are prohibited unless required by Local Rule or court request; if sent, must copy all parties and exclude counsel correspondence.

Telephone calls to chambers only permitted for hearing dates for civil motions, TROs, or preliminary injunctions, with restrictions on callers and purposes.

Civil hearing date requests must be left via voicemail at 619-321-0988, returned by next business day; do not delay until filing deadline.

Noticed motions require meet and confer with opposing counsel at least 7 days prior to filing, unless exempt; declaration required in motion if no resolution.

Proposed orders must be submitted with motions, include “[PROPOSED]” in caption, emailed in Word format to specified address, not filed on docket.

Proposed orders must be in Word (.doc) format.

Proposed orders and judge-signed documents must not be filed on the ECF docket.

Opposition briefs due 3 weeks after motion filing, reply briefs due 2 weeks after opposition; supersedes local rule 7.1(e).

Exhibits in support of motions must be excerpted to relevant material, clearly labeled, dated, tabbed, and indexed.

Do not include as exhibits documents already on any U.S. district court electronic docket; cite them in the motion text instead.

Unpublished cases should be cited via Westlaw/Lexis if available; copies of cases not on Westlaw/Lexis must be attached as exhibits.

Counsel must meet and confer with opposing party before filing any ex parte motion.

Ex parte motions must include a declaration documenting contact efforts, meet and confer efforts, and opposing counsel’s position.

Ex parte motions must be served on opposing counsel via email or overnight mail.

Ex parte motions not opposed within 2 court days are considered unopposed.

Parties must meet and confer before requesting a continuance or extension.

Agreed continuances require a joint motion with a declaration explaining the request reasons.

Proposed orders for agreed continuances must be in Word (.doc) format, emailed to specified address, and include current and proposed dates.

Unopposed continuance requests require an ex parte motion filed at least 2 court days before the event.

Motions to seal must be narrowly tailored, include specific required elements, and include redacted and unredacted document versions.

Counsel must immediately notify the court and magistrate judge upon case settlement.

Joint motion to dismiss and proposed order must be filed/emailed within 28 days of settlement, unless Rule 41(a)(1) dismissal applies.

Proposed pretrial order must be emailed to court at least 7 days before pretrial conference.

Proposed pretrial order must comply with Civil Local Rule 16.1(f)(6)(c).

Only motions limited to evidentiary issues are proper in limine motions; specified motion types are excluded.

Counsel must meet and confer before filing motions in limine to resolve issues without court intervention.

Motions in limine must include a declaration confirming good faith meet and confer with specified content.

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