Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Serena R. Murillo — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 5D, 5th Floor, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse, Los Angeles
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Footnotes must be same font and size as body text — no reduction — opposite of many other judges who allow smaller footnotes
- 2. Citations supporting statements must be in main text, not in footnotes
- 3. Meet-and-confer for motions must be by videoconference or in person — email correspondence is insufficient
- 4. Proposed orders must use the Court's official template from the website — failure to do so may result in striking
- 5. No chambers copies required generally, but TRO-related documents require same-day mandatory chambers copies
- 6. Check Closed Motion Dates before filing — dates close frequently and filing for a closed date may result in striking or resetting
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. (civil). Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (criminal). |
| Motion Limit | 25 pages (Local Rule 11-6 default) |
| Reply Limit | 10 pages |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required No mandatory chambers copies required unless specifically ordered by the Court, except for ex parte applications for a TRO (which require... |
| Tentative Rulings | Not specified in standing orders. Court may deem matter appropriate for decision without oral argument and will notify parties before hearing (Local Rule 7-15). |
| Remote Appearances | Remote appearances are disfavored absent good cause shown in a filed declaration. Court seldom permits telephonic appearances and strongly prefers in-person. If exceptional circumstances exist, counsel may file an application to appear telephonically detailing such circumstances. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery matters are referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge.' (Civil Standing Order, Section V.A). All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption. Do not deliver chambers copies of discovery matters to the District Judge. Magistrate Judge's decision is final subject to clearly erroneous standard. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. (civil). Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. (criminal).
Notice Period
28 days before hearing date (Local Rule 6-1). For Rule 56 motions, see separate Standing Order for Motions for Summary Judgment.
Motion Page / Word Limit
25 pages (Local Rule 11-6 default)
Opposition Limit
25 pages (Local Rule default)
Reply Limit
10 pages
Font & Formatting
Times New Roman font no less than 14 point. Footnotes shall be in the same font and same size as the body of the memorandum (no reduction for footnotes). Follows Local Rule 11-3.1.1 for typeface.
Footnote Policy
Footnotes must be in the same font and same size as the body of the memorandum. Citations that support a statement in main text must be in the main text, not in footnotes.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✗ Not required
No mandatory chambers copies required unless specifically ordered by the Court, except for ex parte applications for a TRO (which require mandatory chambers copies on the same day filed). If ordered, copies delivered to Judge Murillo's mailbox on the 4th Floor of the First Street Courthouse, 350 West First Street, by 12:00 p.m. the following business day. Must include CM/ECF-generated header and NEF as last page. No blue backing required. Exhibits over 50 pages: table of contents and tabbed binder required. Over 200 pages: Slant D-Ring binder (max 4 inches), cover sheet and spine label required. Three-hole punched with larger hole size (13/32") preferred. Do not leave chambers copies in envelopes or folders.
ECF Stamp Requirements
If chambers copies ordered, must include CM/ECF-generated header and NEF as last page.
Proposed Orders
Must be lodged, served, and emailed to SRM_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov in Microsoft Word format on the day the document is e-filed. Must use the 'Proposed Order' template from the Court's website. Court enforces strict compliance with Local Rule 5-4.4.2. Court will not consider a stipulation, ex parte application, or other request for relief until a compliant proposed order is received by email. If based on stipulation or ex parte application, must email both the order and the stipulation/ex parte application. Must be on pleading paper. Must NOT contain attorney names/addresses on caption page, footer with document name, or watermark/firm name designation.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not specified in standing orders. Court may deem matter appropriate for decision without oral argument and will notify parties before hearing (Local Rule 7-15).
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
If the Court deems a matter appropriate for decision without oral argument, the Court will notify the parties in advance (Local Rule 7-15). If oral argument permitted, parties have 10 minutes each unless Court states otherwise.
Remote Appearances
Remote appearances are disfavored absent good cause shown in a filed declaration. Court seldom permits telephonic appearances and strongly prefers in-person. If exceptional circumstances exist, counsel may file an application to appear telephonically detailing such circumstances.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Neither counsel nor a party shall initiate contact with the Court or its Chambers staff by telephone or any other improper ex parte means. Preferred method: email at SRM_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Counsel must copy all parties on any such email. Inquiries regarding status of submitted motions, stipulations, or proposed orders will not be responded to unless pending more than 90 days.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery matters are referred to the assigned United States Magistrate Judge.' (Civil Standing Order, Section V.A). All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption. Do not deliver chambers copies of discovery matters to the District Judge. Magistrate Judge's decision is final subject to clearly erroneous standard.
Discovery Motion Process
All discovery matters referred to assigned Magistrate Judge. Counsel must follow Magistrate Judge's procedures for scheduling. Documents may not be filed under seal before the district judge based solely on a magistrate judge's protective order — separate additional showing of good cause required.
Ex Parte Applications
Applicant must notify the other party that opposing papers are due no later than 24 hours following service or by 3:00 p.m. on the first court day after service, whichever is later. For TROs specifically, 48 hours following service or by 3:00 p.m. on the first court day after service, whichever is later. Reply briefs not permitted. TRO-related documents: mandatory chambers copies required on the same day they are filed.
Settlement Notification
Counsel must notify the Court at least two (2) weeks before the scheduled hearing if the parties are conducting settlement discussions that may render the motion moot. Must notify the Court immediately if a settlement is reached. Belated settlement notice may subject parties to sanctions.
Lead Counsel
Lead trial counsel shall attend all proceedings set by the Court, including scheduling, settlement, pretrial conferences, and trial unless engaged in trial. Only one attorney per party designated as lead trial counsel unless otherwise permitted. No special appearances — only counsel of record may appear.
Under Seal Filings
Comply with Local Rule 79-5. Strong presumption of access to court records. Sealing must be justified for each individual confidential matter; blanket claims denied. Parties must meet and confer in person or by telephone at least seven calendar days before filing application. Not later than two calendar days after meet-and-confer, non-proposing party must confirm agreement or opposition. Email correspondence alone is insufficient to satisfy meet-and-confer. Application must contain dates and method of meet-and-confer or will be denied without prejudice.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Continuances granted only on showing of good cause. Must be by motion or stipulation with detailed declaration. Declaration must include whether previous continuances were requested and whether granted or denied. 'Notice of Unavailability' has no legal effect and should not be filed. Calendar conflicts: counsel must inform CRD via email at SRM_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov as soon as possible and not later than three days before scheduled appearance.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Separate Standing Order for Summary Judgment motions governs Rule 56 motions — parties must review and comply. Standing Order dated July 2025. Oral argument: 10 minutes per side if permitted. Motions in limine: 5 per party max (without leave), due 28 calendar days before Final Pretrial Conference; opposition due 14 calendar days before; reply not required. Daubert motions noticed no later than 8 weeks before Final Pretrial Conference. AI use disclosure: required by standing order implicitly under Rule 11 framework. Scheduling motions: not necessary to clear hearing date with CRD.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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