Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 6B, 6th Floor, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Proposed orders MUST use court template — failure may result in motion stricken without consideration
- 2. MSJ requires 35-day notice (not standard 28 days); extended briefing schedule required
- 3. No cross-motions on same legal issues — must designate single moving party via meet-and-confer
- 4. Calendar conflict notice required at least 3 business days in advance via email
- 5. Holiday deadline trap: check whether opposition falls on Friday holiday — Court will re-calendar hearing to following Friday
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (criminal: Fridays at 10:30 a.m.) |
| Motion Limit | 7,000 words (25 pages if handwritten) |
| Reply Limit | 4,200 words (15 pages if handwritten) |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required No chambers copies required for motion papers. Court discourages courtesy copies. See Scheduling and Trial Order for pretrial documents and... |
| Tentative Rulings | Not specified. |
| Remote Appearances | Court may permit telephone or video conference upon showing of undue hardship. Must email CRD and copy opposing counsel at least 3 court days in advance with detailed statement of undue hardship; use landline or hardline internet; be available 15 minutes before hearing. In-person attendance required for all hearings and trials unless otherwise instructed. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery matters are hereby referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge, who will hear all discovery disputes.' All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (criminal: Fridays at 10:30 a.m.)
Notice Period
Standard: 28 days; Rule 56 (MSJ): 35 days before hearing
Motion Page / Word Limit
7,000 words (25 pages if handwritten)
Opposition Limit
7,000 words (25 pages if handwritten)
Reply Limit
4,200 words (15 pages if handwritten)
Font & Formatting
Times New Roman 14-point minimum; Courier 12-point minimum. Follows Local Rule 11-3.1.1.
Footnote Policy
Footnotes must be in the same font and the same size as the body of the memorandum.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✗ Not required
No chambers copies required for motion papers. Court discourages courtesy copies. See Scheduling and Trial Order for pretrial documents and trial exhibits requirements.
ECF Stamp Requirements
Not specified.
Proposed Orders
MUST use template from Judge Aenlle-Rocha's webpage. Word format e-mailed to fla_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on day e-filed. Failure may result in motion/application/stipulation being stricken without consideration on merits.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not specified.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Oral argument held unless Court deems matter appropriate for decision without argument and notifies parties before hearing.
Remote Appearances
Court may permit telephone or video conference upon showing of undue hardship. Must email CRD and copy opposing counsel at least 3 court days in advance with detailed statement of undue hardship; use landline or hardline internet; be available 15 minutes before hearing. In-person attendance required for all hearings and trials unless otherwise instructed.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Counsel must not contact chambers staff by email, telephone, or ex parte means. For appropriate matters only, contact CRD via email at FLA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov or by telephone at (213) 894-5686. Must not contact CRD regarding status of any pending matter.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery matters are hereby referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge, who will hear all discovery disputes.' All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption.
Discovery Motion Process
All discovery matters referred to assigned Magistrate Judge. Magistrate's decision is final subject to clearly erroneous review. Motion for review must be filed within 14 days of written ruling or oral ruling not followed by written ruling.
Ex Parte Applications
Opposition must be filed no later than 24 hours following service.
Settlement Notification
Counsel shall notify CRD as soon as settlement reached. Court may assess jury fees under L.R. 40-3 if notification occurs after 4:00 p.m. on last business day prior to trial absent good cause.
Lead Counsel
Not specified as mandatory for motion hearings. Court encourages lead counsel to permit junior/less experienced litigators to argue motions. Court more likely to hear oral argument if junior counsel noted in bold, underlined font.
Under Seal Filings
Civil cases: strong presumption of access. Justify sealing for each individual item — blanket confidentiality denied. Meet and confer required before any sealing application. Follow L.R. 79-5.2.2. Protective orders alone do not authorize under seal filing.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Must file electronically with detailed declaration; proposed order in Word format emailed to fla_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Avoid submitting less than 5 business days before deadline. Requests after expired deadlines constitute presumptive lack of due diligence. Calendar conflicts: notify CRD not later than 3 business days before appearance.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Pronunciation: Ah-N-Jay / Row-Cha. Trials Monday through Thursday, 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Attorney fee motions require two Excel spreadsheet tables emailed to chambers (organized by task and by attorney). CRD: Twyla Freeman, FLA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov, (213) 894-5686.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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