Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Josephine L. Staton — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 8A, 8th Floor, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse, Los Angeles
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Reply briefs limited to 4,200 words — significantly stricter than the Local Rule default of 7,000 words
- 2. Proposed orders must be in Microsoft Word format specifically — other formats not accepted despite Local Rule 5-4.4.2 allowing them
- 3. Court will not stay proceedings for 'tentative' settlements or settlements 'in principle' — must be a real reached settlement
- 4. Settlement stipulation of dismissal must be filed within 30 days of stay order (shorter than some judges' 60-day window)
- 5. Under seal chambers copies go to civil filing window — not the drop box — unique routing requirement
- 6. AI use disclosure required: must attach separate declaration disclosing use and certifying review and accuracy verification
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Civil motions: Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Criminal motions: Thursdays (must contact CRD for available date and time before filing). No need to reserve date for civil motions, but must check Closed Motion Dates. |
| Motion Limit | 7,000 words (Local Rule 11-6.1) |
| Reply Limit | 4,200 words (stricter than Local Rule default of 7,000 words — specifically imposed by this Court) |
| Chambers Copies | ✗ Not required Notwithstanding Local Civil Rule 5-4.5, and absent a case-specific order to the contrary, the Court does not require mandatory chambers... |
| Tentative Rulings | Not specified. Court may resolve civil motions on parties' written submissions without oral argument — will advise parties in advance if oral argument is not helpful. |
| Remote Appearances | Absent extraordinary circumstances, all hearings conducted in person. Requests to appear by telephone or Zoom must be made by filing an application no fewer than five days in advance of the hearing. Sending an email to the CRD is NOT the proper way to request remote appearance. Telephonic or video conference appearances by counsel are disfavored and require truly exceptional circumstances. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery motions in civil cases are to be calendared before the magistrate judge.' (JPS Procedures, item 12). Standard CACD blanket referral. Discovery motions must be filed no later than ten days after the discovery cut-off date. Any party may move for review of a discovery ruling within fourteen days after such ruling. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Civil motions: Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Criminal motions: Thursdays (must contact CRD for available date and time before filing). No need to reserve date for civil motions, but must check Closed Motion Dates.
Notice Period
28 days (Local Rule 7). Counsel must review Closed Motion Dates. Court may resolve civil motions on written submissions without oral argument.
Motion Page / Word Limit
7,000 words (Local Rule 11-6.1)
Opposition Limit
7,000 words
Reply Limit
4,200 words (stricter than Local Rule default of 7,000 words — specifically imposed by this Court)
Font & Formatting
Follows Local Rule 11-3 (font size per Rule 11-3.1.1; spacing per Rule 11-3.6). Documents submitted for filing in paper format or as mandatory chambers copies need not be blue-backed (Local Rule 11-3.5). No supplemental briefs or sur-reply briefs without leave of Court.
Footnote Policy
Not specified separately.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✗ Not required
Notwithstanding Local Civil Rule 5-4.5, and absent a case-specific order to the contrary, the Court does not require mandatory chambers copies in any case — applies equally to civil and criminal cases. No paper copies of under seal filings (and supporting applications and declarations) need to be provided. Full instructions for under seal submissions are in the 'Orders and Additional Documents' tab. Under seal chambers copies must be delivered to the civil filing window and must not be left in the drop box.
ECF Stamp Requirements
No chambers copies required — ECF stamp requirement is moot.
Proposed Orders
Whether related to ex parte applications, stipulations, motions, or any other request for relief, parties must prepare, lodge, and email proposed orders. A word processing version (Microsoft Word format specifically — Local Rule 5-4.4.2 allows other formats but Judge Staton requires Word) must be emailed to JLS_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. Any motion or request for attorneys' fees must include a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel format emailed to the chambers address.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
Not specified. Court may resolve civil motions on parties' written submissions without oral argument — will advise parties in advance if oral argument is not helpful.
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Court may resolve civil motions on written submissions without oral argument. Will advise parties in advance if oral argument not helpful. All civil motions proceed in person absent order.
Remote Appearances
Absent extraordinary circumstances, all hearings conducted in person. Requests to appear by telephone or Zoom must be made by filing an application no fewer than five days in advance of the hearing. Sending an email to the CRD is NOT the proper way to request remote appearance. Telephonic or video conference appearances by counsel are disfavored and require truly exceptional circumstances.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Unless counsel or parties have been expressly authorized to communicate with chambers, all appropriate oral and written communications are to be submitted to the CRD. Parties and counsel are instructed to refrain from inquiring by phone or email regarding the status of a motion, stipulation, or proposed order. Chambers email: JLS_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov. The CRD reviews emails — neither Judge Staton nor chambers staff review communications directly.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery motions in civil cases are to be calendared before the magistrate judge.' (JPS Procedures, item 12). Standard CACD blanket referral. Discovery motions must be filed no later than ten days after the discovery cut-off date. Any party may move for review of a discovery ruling within fourteen days after such ruling.
Discovery Motion Process
All discovery motions calendared before the Magistrate Judge. Counsel directed to Local Rule 37 and the Magistrate Judge's procedures. Discovery motions must be filed no later than 10 days after discovery cut-off.
Ex Parte Applications
Party seeking relief must notify opposing party that any opposition must be filed no later than 24 hours after service. Absent leave of court, replies are not permitted. If parties do not intend to oppose, must inform CRD by email as soon as possible. Ex parte applications generally resolved on the papers and rarely set for hearing.
Settlement Notification
Parties to advise the Court promptly when a settlement is reached. Court will issue order staying proceedings pending a stipulation of dismissal. Parties expected to finalize and file stipulation of dismissal within thirty (30) days of stay order. For settlements expected to take more than 60 days to finalize, parties must articulate why and demonstrate diligence. Court will not retain jurisdiction to enforce settlement agreement unless parties file the agreement under seal for the Court's review. No stay for 'tentative' settlements or settlements 'in principle.'
Lead Counsel
Lead trial counsel is expected to appear at all conferences and hearings, including motion hearings. Special appearances not permitted; only counsel of record may appear. If one attorney makes a telephone appearance but co-counsel is present in Court, only one of the two may address the substance of any matter.
Under Seal Filings
Civil: all parties and counsel must fully comply with all steps of the multi-step procedure set forth in Local Rule 79-5. Failure to comply with any one requirement may result in denial and may result in inability to rely on documents. Under seal chambers copies must be delivered to the civil filing window and must not be left in the drop box. Criminal: under seal filings not subject to Local Rule 79-5 — see separate document under 'Orders and Additional Documents.'
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
After scheduling order issued, continuances granted only upon showing of good cause. Applications or stipulations must be supported by detailed declaration attesting to grounds. Court does not modify Scheduling Orders to accommodate mediation or settlement negotiations. Stipulations are not effective until approved by Court. Five court days in advance recommended. Court does not rule on 'rush' stipulations. Calendar conflicts: notify CRD for each judge prior to date of conflict; appear before most senior judge and request priority.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Initial Standing Order (09-12-23) and JPS procedures govern civil cases. Discovery motions must be filed no later than 10 days after discovery cutoff — earlier than default under some judges. Class actions: Court expects class certification motion filed within 6-9 months of scheduling conference. Court does not bifurcate class discovery from merits discovery. Patent cases: Court follows a schedule similar to Northern District of California. Attorneys' fees motions: Excel spreadsheet required emailed to chambers. Court sets trial date at Final Pretrial Conference. AI use: any party using generative AI in any portion of a brief or filing must attach separate declaration disclosing use and certifying accuracy compliance with Rule 11 obligations.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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