Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Michelle Williams Court — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 6A, 6th Floor, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. MSJ notice period is 49 days — significantly longer than standard CACD; opposition 28 days before; reply 14 days before
- 2. Lead counsel must be the attending attorney — if lead counsel cannot appear, must continue the matter
- 3. Remote appearances: 7-day advance e-filed request required with good cause declaration; telephonic not permitted
- 4. Proposed orders must be emailed in Word (not PDF) on same day as e-filing
- 5. Must copy all parties on any email to CRD chambers address
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (criminal: Fridays at 8:30 a.m.) |
| Motion Limit | 25 pages |
| Reply Limit | 12 pages |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required Not required. Do not provide chambers copies unless specifically ordered. |
| Tentative Rulings | Not specified. |
| Remote Appearances | Remote appearance requires advance e-filed request at least 7 court days before the hearing, supported by declaration showing good cause and statement that L.R. 7-3 meet-and-confer was conducted. Telephonic hearings are not permitted. Court strongly prefers in-person appearances. |
| Discovery | Yes — all discovery matters referred to Magistrate Judge. 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 8:30 a.m.)
Notice Period
MSJ: 49 days before hearing (opposition 28 days before; reply 14 days before). Standard motions: L.R. 7-9 and 7-10.
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
✗ Not required
Not required. Do not provide chambers copies unless specifically ordered.
ECF Stamp Requirements
Not specified.
Proposed Orders
Word file must be emailed to MWC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the same day as e-filing. PDF not acceptable for proposed orders.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not specified.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Oral argument held at hearing. Telephonic appearances not permitted.
Remote Appearances
Remote appearance requires advance e-filed request at least 7 court days before the hearing, supported by declaration showing good cause and statement that L.R. 7-3 meet-and-confer was conducted. Telephonic hearings are not permitted. Court strongly prefers in-person appearances.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Contact CRD by email at MWC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Must copy all parties on any email to chambers. Do not contact chambers by telephone or other ex parte means. Do not contact to inquire about status of matters.
Discovery Referral
Yes — all discovery matters referred to Magistrate Judge. All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption.
Discovery Motion Process
Referred to assigned Magistrate Judge.
Ex Parte Applications
Opposition must be filed within 24 hours of service. PDF of application AND Word proposed order must be emailed to MWC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. No reply papers without Court order.
Settlement Notification
Notify Court immediately upon reaching settlement.
Lead Counsel
Lead counsel must be the attending attorney. If lead counsel cannot attend the hearing, the matter must be continued.
Under Seal Filings
Local Rule 79-5 governs. Must minimize requests to file under seal. Justify sealing for each individual item.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Good cause required. Stipulations must include proposed order. Not effective unless Court orders.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
MSJ briefing schedule of 49/28/14 days is among the most notice-intensive in CACD. Standing order is a 12-page document. CRD: MWC_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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