Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Kenly Kiya Kato — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 3, 3rd Floor, George E. Brown, Jr. Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 3470 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. AI use disclosure required with mandatory sanctions: $500 for first violation, $500 for each subsequent violation — court imposes sanctions sua sponte without motion.
- 2. Riverside courthouse (George E. Brown Federal Building) — not Los Angeles; easy to misdeliver chambers copies.
- 3. Chambers copies must be labeled 'MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPY' prominently on face page AND include NEF as last page — missing either label is a violation.
- 4. Proposed orders must be emailed to KK_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the SAME DAY as electronic filing — not the next court day.
- 5. Ex parte opposition deadline is 24 hours excluding weekends and court holidays (business days only) — file on Thursday if deadline would otherwise fall on a weekend.
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. (civil) |
| Motion Limit | 25 pages |
| Reply Limit | 12 pages |
| Chambers Copies | Conditional Mandatory chambers copies required ONLY for: (1) MSJ and class certification motion papers (motion, opposition, reply, all supporting and... |
| Tentative Rulings | Not specified. |
| Remote Appearances | Remote appearances permitted only with advance approval. Must file request at least 5 court days before the hearing. Court may deny. If approved, use Zoom link provided by CRD. |
| Discovery | Yes — all discovery matters referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge. All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. (civil)
Notice Period
Per Local Rules.
Motion Page / Word Limit
25 pages
Opposition Limit
25 pages
Reply Limit
12 pages
Font & Formatting
14-point or larger per L.R. 11-3.1.1.
Footnote Policy
Not specified.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
Conditional
Mandatory chambers copies required ONLY for: (1) MSJ and class certification motion papers (motion, opposition, reply, all supporting and opposing documents including exhibits); (2) overlength brief when leave to file granted. No chambers copies for any other documents unless specifically requested. Delivery: Chambers of Judge Kenly Kiya Kato, 3rd Floor, George E. Brown, Jr. Federal Building, 3470 Twelfth Street, Riverside, CA 92501. Must be labeled 'MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPY' prominently on the face page. Must include NEF as last page. Exhibits must be tabbed.
ECF Stamp Requirements
Yes — NEF must be included as last page of chambers copies.
Proposed Orders
Email proposed orders in Word format to KK_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the same day as electronic filing. Proposed orders required for all motions and ex parte applications.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not specified.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Hearings held in person on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Court may take matters under submission without oral argument.
Remote Appearances
Remote appearances permitted only with advance approval. Must file request at least 5 court days before the hearing. Court may deny. If approved, use Zoom link provided by CRD.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Contact CRD via KK_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Counsel may not contact the Court or chambers staff by telephone or any other ex parte means unless requested by the Court. Do not contact chambers to inquire about status of rulings.
Discovery Referral
Yes — all discovery matters referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge. All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in caption.
Discovery Motion Process
All discovery matters handled by assigned magistrate judge.
Ex Parte Applications
Opposition due within 24 hours after service, excluding weekends and court holidays (business days only). Non-opposition may be communicated by telephone to CRD.
Settlement Notification
Not specified.
Lead Counsel
Lead trial counsel must attend all court proceedings. Counsel wishing to be excused must notify CRD at least 5 court days in advance and receive prior approval.
Under Seal Filings
Comply with L.R. 79-5.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Request continuance at least 5 court days before the scheduled hearing by filing a stipulation and proposed order. Good cause required.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Court located in Riverside, not Los Angeles. AI use disclosure requires certification that: (1) AI was used to draft/revise the filing; (2) counsel personally reviewed all AI-generated content for accuracy and compliance with Rule 11; and (3) all citations were verified. Sanctions are $500 per violation imposed sua sponte. Continuance requests must be filed at least 5 court days before the scheduled date. Remote appearances require 5 court days advance notice and court approval.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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