Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Jesus G. Bernal — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 1, 2nd Floor, George E. Brown, Jr. Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, Riverside
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Chambers copies REQUIRED with blue-backs and tabs — failure may result in rescheduled hearing and sanctions
- 2. Riverside courthouse — different delivery address (3470 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501)
- 3. Ex parte applications that fail L.R. 7-19 compliance (including statement of opposing counsel's position) will be DENIED
- 4. Continuance requests must be in pleading form (stipulation + proposed order) at least one week in advance
- 5. Discovery chambers copies go to Magistrate Judge only — NOT to Judge Bernal's chambers
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Mondays at 9:00 a.m. (criminal: Mondays at 2:00 p.m.) |
| Motion Limit | 25 pages |
| Reply Limit | 12 pages |
| Chambers Copies | ✓ Required ONE mandatory chambers copy required for: (civil) motions and related documents (opposition, replies, exhibits); ex parte applications and... |
| Tentative Rulings | No — 'Tentative rulings are not issued.' |
| Remote Appearances | File a request with proposed order for Court's consideration. All matters held in-person unless approved by Court for Zoom or telephone. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery matters have been referred to a United States Magistrate Judge.' All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption. Chambers copies of discovery papers go to Magistrate Judge, not to Judge Bernal. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Mondays at 9:00 a.m. (criminal: Mondays at 2:00 p.m.)
Notice Period
L.R. 6-1 governs — 28 days for moving papers
Motion Page / Word Limit
25 pages
Opposition Limit
25 pages
Reply Limit
12 pages
Font & Formatting
Follows Local Rules.
Footnote Policy
Not specified.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✓ Required
ONE mandatory chambers copy required for: (civil) motions and related documents (opposition, replies, exhibits); ex parte applications and related documents (oppositions and exhibits); Joint Rule 26(f) reports. Deliver to Courtesy Box outside Courtroom 1, 2nd floor, or by mail to 3470 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501, Attn: Judge Bernal - Chambers Copy. Must comply with L.R. 11-3 including blue-backs (L.R. 11-3.5) and tabbing (L.R. 11-5.3). Failure may result in rescheduled hearing and sanctions.
ECF Stamp Requirements
Not specified.
Proposed Orders
Required to be emailed in Word or WordPerfect format to JGB_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
No — 'Tentative rulings are not issued.'
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Oral argument held at hearing; no tentative rulings issued
Remote Appearances
File a request with proposed order for Court's consideration. All matters held in-person unless approved by Court for Zoom or telephone.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Unless requested, counsel shall not contact Court or staff by telephone or other ex parte means. Contact CRD by telephone at (951) 328-2254 or email at maynor_galvez@cacd.uscourts.gov only when information cannot be found through available resources. Shall not contact to inquire about status of motion, stipulation, or proposed order.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery matters have been referred to a United States Magistrate Judge.' All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption. Chambers copies of discovery papers go to Magistrate Judge, not to Judge Bernal.
Discovery Motion Process
Referred to assigned Magistrate Judge. Chambers copies of discovery-related papers must be delivered to Magistrate Judge's chambers.
Ex Parte Applications
Opposition should be filed within 24 hours of receipt of ex parte application.
Settlement Notification
Not specifically stated.
Lead Counsel
Lead trial counsel for each party must attend any scheduling and pretrial conferences. Failure to appear is basis for sanctions.
Under Seal Filings
Not separately specified beyond general Local Rule compliance.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Must be in pleading form — submit stipulation and proposed order at least one week in advance. Good cause required. No stipulations effective unless approved by Court. Calendar conflict: notify CRD prior to the date of conflict.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Riverside division — note different courthouse. Standing order dated March 24, 2016. CRD: Maynor Galvez, (951) 328-2254, Maynor_Galvez@cacd.uscourts.gov. Chambers: JGB_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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