Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Wesley L. Hsu — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 9B, 9th Floor, First Street Courthouse, Los Angeles
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Word limits (not page limits) apply — 7,000 words for motions/oppositions, 4,000 for replies; certificate of compliance required on every brief.
- 2. Tentative rulings are strictly prohibited from being filed as an exhibit in any case — doing so violates the standing order.
- 3. Notice of Appearance must be filed at least 1 week before any hearing — missing this deadline is a standing order violation.
- 4. MSJ and preliminary injunction dates must be cleared with CRD before filing — do not notice these motions without first confirming the date.
- 5. Chambers copies only for MSJ and 26(f) reports — submitting copies of other filings signals unfamiliarity with the rules.
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (civil). MSJ and preliminary injunction dates must be cleared with CRD prior to filing. |
| Motion Limit | 7,000 words (includes all text in headings, footnotes, and quotations; excludes caption, tables of contents and authorities, signature block, and certificate of compliance) |
| Reply Limit | 4,000 words |
| Chambers Copies | Conditional Chambers copies required only for: (1) MSJ papers and (2) Joint Rule 26(f) reports. All chambers copies must be binder-ready: 3-hole... |
| Tentative Rulings | Yes — tentative rulings posted 2:00–6:00 p.m. the day before the hearing. If not posted by then, will be available in the courtroom 30 minutes before the hearing. Parties strictly prohibited from filing the tentative ruling as an exhibit in any case. |
| Remote Appearances | Not specified in standing order; default to in-person unless court orders otherwise. |
| Discovery | Yes — all discovery matters referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (civil). MSJ and preliminary injunction dates must be cleared with CRD prior to filing.
Notice Period
Per Local Rules. Notice of Appearance required at least 1 week before any hearing.
Motion Page / Word Limit
7,000 words (includes all text in headings, footnotes, and quotations; excludes caption, tables of contents and authorities, signature block, and certificate of compliance)
Opposition Limit
7,000 words
Reply Limit
4,000 words
Font & Formatting
Not separately specified beyond Local Rules.
Footnote Policy
Footnotes count toward the word limit.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
Conditional
Chambers copies required only for: (1) MSJ papers and (2) Joint Rule 26(f) reports. All chambers copies must be binder-ready: 3-hole punched, no blue backs, no staples. No chambers copies required for other filings unless specifically requested.
ECF Stamp Requirements
Certificate of compliance with word-count limit required for every brief, motion, or opposition. Must state that the document contains X words (excluding caption, TOC, TOA, signature block, and certificate of compliance).
Proposed Orders
Email proposed orders in Word format to WLH_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Yes — tentative rulings posted 2:00–6:00 p.m. the day before the hearing. If not posted by then, will be available in the courtroom 30 minutes before the hearing. Parties strictly prohibited from filing the tentative ruling as an exhibit in any case.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Parties are strictly prohibited from filing the tentative ruling as an exhibit in any case.
Oral Argument
Hearings held in person. Tentative rulings issued before hearing. Parties must file Notice of Appearance at least 1 week before any hearing.
Remote Appearances
Not specified in standing order; default to in-person unless court orders otherwise.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Not separately specified. Use WLH_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov for proposed orders.
Discovery Referral
Yes — all discovery matters referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge.
Discovery Motion Process
All discovery matters handled by assigned magistrate judge.
Ex Parte Applications
Not separately specified beyond Local Rules.
Settlement Notification
Notify the Court at least 2 weeks before a scheduled hearing if the parties are conducting settlement discussions that may render the motion moot; notify immediately if settlement is reached.
Lead Counsel
Not specified.
Under Seal Filings
Not specifically stated; refer to Local Rules 79-5.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Not separately specified beyond Local Rules.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Meet-and-confer must be conducted by videoconference or in person; email is insufficient. Standing order Rev. D (April 2024). Word limits include headings, footnotes, and quotations but exclude caption, TOC, TOA, signature block, and certificate of compliance. Certificate of compliance is required on every brief/motion/opposition certifying the word count.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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