Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Dolly M. Gee — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 8C, 8th Floor, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez U.S. Courthouse, Los Angeles
warning
Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. MSJ and preliminary injunctions require pre-clearance with CRD — other motions do not
- 2. Tentative ruling not available before hearing — unlike judges who post the day before
- 3. No chambers copies required; do NOT send unsolicited copies
- 4. Under seal: docket entry title is publicly visible — be circumspect about document title
- 5. Settlement notice must come before 4:00 p.m. on last business day before trial or jury fees assessed
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (criminal: Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.) |
| Motion Limit | 25 pages (Local Rules default — no express deviation specified) |
| Reply Limit | 12 pages (Local Rules default) |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required No chambers copies required for civil or criminal cases except at specific Court request. If requested: deliver to Judge's courtesy box... |
| Tentative Rulings | No — Court makes every effort to issue a tentative at the time of the hearing; tentative ruling is not available before the hearing |
| Remote Appearances | Court MAY permit telephone or video appearances for status conferences, scheduling conferences, and oral argument on motions upon showing of undue hardship. Must: (1) email CRD and copy opposing counsel at least 7 days in advance; (2) if by telephone, use landline to call bridge line; (3) be available 15 minutes before hearing. All hearings proceed in-person unless otherwise ordered. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery motions are to be calendared before the Magistrate Judge assigned to the case.' |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (criminal: Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.)
Notice Period
28 days for moving papers; 21 days for opposition; 14 days for reply
Motion Page / Word Limit
25 pages (Local Rules default — no express deviation specified)
Opposition Limit
25 pages (Local Rules default)
Reply Limit
12 pages (Local Rules default)
Font & Formatting
Times New Roman 14-point minimum; Courier 12-point minimum. Follows Local Rules.
Footnote Policy
Not specified.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✗ Not required
No chambers copies required for civil or criminal cases except at specific Court request. If requested: deliver to Judge's courtesy box outside Clerk's Office, 4th floor, by 5:00 p.m. on first court date after filing. All exhibits, declarations, etc. must be tabbed. Blue-backs and hole punches not required. Under seal documents placed together in manila envelope labeled 'UNDER SEAL.'
ECF Stamp Requirements
Not specified.
Proposed Orders
All proposed signature items e-filed in PDF as attachment to main document AND e-mailed to dmg_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov in Word or WordPerfect format. Under seal requests: subject line must include case number and 'UNDER SEAL REQUEST.'
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
No — Court makes every effort to issue a tentative at the time of the hearing; tentative ruling is not available before the hearing
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Hearings held; Court issues tentative at time of hearing
Remote Appearances
Court MAY permit telephone or video appearances for status conferences, scheduling conferences, and oral argument on motions upon showing of undue hardship. Must: (1) email CRD and copy opposing counsel at least 7 days in advance; (2) if by telephone, use landline to call bridge line; (3) be available 15 minutes before hearing. All hearings proceed in-person unless otherwise ordered.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Parties shall refrain from phoning or emailing CRD: (1) to confirm webpage information; (2) to request status of pending stipulation or motion; (3) to determine if hearing will proceed; (4) with CM/ECF questions. Refer to L.R. 5-4 or help desk at 213-894-0242. Email: DMG_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery motions are to be calendared before the Magistrate Judge assigned to the case.'
Discovery Motion Process
Referred to assigned Magistrate Judge. Parties must comply with Local Rules 37-1 and 37-2. Discovery motions may not be heard on ex parte basis except in extreme emergency not created by the moving attorney.
Ex Parte Applications
Moving party must immediately serve by fax, email, or hand delivery; opposition must be filed not later than 24 hours after service.
Settlement Notification
Immediately email CRD as soon as settlement reached. Jury fees assessed against each side under L.R. 40-3 if notification occurs after 4:00 p.m. on last business day prior to trial.
Lead Counsel
Not specified.
Under Seal Filings
Civil cases: follow L.R. 79-5.2.2. Two separate docket entries: PUBLIC entry (application for leave with redacted version and proposed order) and SEALED entry (declaration in support with unredacted version). After e-filing, email Word/WordPerfect proposed order to dmg_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov with subject line including case number and 'UNDER SEAL REQUEST.' No chambers copy required except at specific Court request. Docket entry title is publicly visible even if document is sealed.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Must be by stipulation with detailed explanation of good cause; lodge proposed order. Avoid submitting less than 5 court days before expiration. Continuances after deadline has expired are disfavored.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Chief Judge. Trials commence on Tuesdays; Final Pretrial Conferences on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. All hearings in-person unless otherwise ordered. CRD: Derek Davis, DMG_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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