Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 9B, 9th Floor, Ronald Reagan Federal Building and United States Courthouse, Santa Ana
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Proposed orders must spell the judge's name and title exactly: 'Hon. Monica Ramirez Almadani, United States District Judge' — orders with incorrect spelling will not be signed
- 2. Rule 56 motions have a different notice period: 42 days before hearing (not standard 28) — unique extended schedule
- 3. Remote appearance requests are rarely granted and must be filed at least 5 court days in advance with declaration and proposed order
- 4. No chambers copies generally — do not send unsolicited copies
- 5. Under seal chambers copies must go to Intake Department (1st floor) in manila envelope labeled 'UNDER SEAL' — not the regular chambers drop box
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Civil motions: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Criminal motions: Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. |
| Motion Limit | Follows Local Rule 11-6.1 (7,000 word limit) |
| Reply Limit | Follows Local Rule 11-6.1 |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required The Court does not require chambers copies of any motion papers or exhibits and discourages the parties from sending chambers courtesy... |
| Tentative Rulings | Not specified. |
| Remote Appearances | ALL hearings in person in Courtroom 9B unless otherwise ordered. Requests for remote appearance must be filed no later than five (5) court days before the proceeding, supported by a declaration and proposed order showing good cause. Requests are rarely granted. Zoom link available only if approved and ordered by the Court. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery matters have been referred to the assigned magistrate judge, who will hear all discovery disputes.' (JPS Procedures, item 03). All discovery-related documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption. Magistrate judge's initials follow the district judge's initials in the case number. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Civil motions: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Criminal motions: Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Notice Period
28 days before hearing (Local Rules 6-1, 7-9, 7-10). For Rule 56 motions: motion filed 42 days before hearing; opposition 28 days before; reply 21 days before.
Motion Page / Word Limit
Follows Local Rule 11-6.1 (7,000 word limit)
Opposition Limit
Follows Local Rule 11-6.1
Reply Limit
Follows Local Rule 11-6.1
Font & Formatting
Follows Local Rules.
Footnote Policy
Not specified.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✗ Not required
The Court does not require chambers copies of any motion papers or exhibits and discourages the parties from sending chambers courtesy copies. If the Court directly requests a copy, it must comply with Local Rule 11-3, need not be blue-backed, must be labeled 'MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPY' on face page, include NEF as last page, and be delivered to Judge Ramirez Almadani's courtesy box outside Courtroom 9B on the 9th floor by the deadline set by the Court. Under seal documents: placed together in manila envelope labeled 'UNDER SEAL' and delivered to Intake Department on 1st floor.
ECF Stamp Requirements
If chambers copies ordered, must include NEF as last page and 'MANDATORY CHAMBERS COPY' label on face page.
Proposed Orders
Each party filing or opposing a motion shall concurrently serve and electronically lodge a proposed order. A copy in Word format shall be e-mailed to MRA_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the day the document is e-filed. Proposed orders must include Judge Ramirez Almadani's correct name and title: 'Hon. Monica Ramirez Almadani, United States District Judge.' Orders with incorrect spelling or title will not be signed. Template available on court website.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not specified.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
In person on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Court may decide without oral argument and will notify parties in advance.
Remote Appearances
ALL hearings in person in Courtroom 9B unless otherwise ordered. Requests for remote appearance must be filed no later than five (5) court days before the proceeding, supported by a declaration and proposed order showing good cause. Requests are rarely granted. Zoom link available only if approved and ordered by the Court.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Counsel must not contact the Court or its Chambers staff by telephone or by any other ex parte means. Counsel may contact the courtroom deputy with appropriate inquiries, preferably through MRA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov, and must include all counsel in such communications.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery matters have been referred to the assigned magistrate judge, who will hear all discovery disputes.' (JPS Procedures, item 03). All discovery-related documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption. Magistrate judge's initials follow the district judge's initials in the case number.
Discovery Motion Process
All discovery matters referred to assigned Magistrate Judge. Counsel must review 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 for each category.
Ex Parte Applications
Any opposition to an ex parte application should be filed within 24 hours of receipt. Ex parte applications considered on the papers and typically not set for hearing. If counsel do not intend to oppose, must inform the courtroom deputy by telephone. Sanctions may be imposed for misuse.
Settlement Notification
The parties must advise the Court promptly when a settlement is reached. Court will issue an order staying proceedings pending a stipulation of dismissal. Parties expected to finalize and file stipulation of dismissal within 60 days of stay order.
Lead Counsel
Not specified beyond general practice.
Under Seal Filings
Comply with Local Rule 79-5.2.2 in civil cases. Strong presumption of access. Must justify sealing for each individual matter; blanket claims denied. Meet and confer required before filing application (see Local Rule 79-5). Under seal chambers copies: placed in manila envelope labeled 'UNDER SEAL' and delivered to Intake Department on 1st floor.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Continuances granted only on showing of good cause. Requests must be by motion or stipulation accompanied by a declaration. Must be submitted no later than five (5) court days prior to the scheduled date. Declaration must indicate prior continuances and whether granted/denied. A request to continue or extend expired deadlines is presumptively a lack of due diligence. Caption of any request shall indicate how many previous extensions have been requested (e.g., 'First Request for Extension').
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Civil Trial Order (updated 12-30-25) contains trial-specific procedures. Meet-and-confer under Local Rule 7-3 must be by real-time discussion of all issues and evidence — letters and email insufficient. Notice of motion must include statement of compliance with LR 7-3. Court email: MRA_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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