Procedures verified May 27, 2026
Judge Hernán D. Vera — United States District Court, Central District of California
Courtroom 5B, 5th Floor, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse, Los Angeles
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Zero remote appearances — no exceptions, including scheduling conferences; counsel must appear in person in Courtroom 5B
- 2. MSJ uses a joint brief format with specific integration timeline: moving party provides opening brief electronically to non-moving party 63 calendar days before hearing; non-moving party provides integrated brief within 14 days; moving party files joint brief within 7 days of receiving integrated version
- 3. Two paper copies of MSJ filings required for the mailbox on the fourth floor (in addition to the standard chambers copy box delivery)
- 4. Chambers copies required for ALL motion-related documents (not limited to MSJ/class cert) — due by noon the following business day, binder ready, three-hole punched, no blue-backs or staples
- 5. Statements of Uncontroverted Facts must be submitted in both paper (four-column format) and Excel (editable, restrictions removed) emailed to HDV_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. (civil motions); Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. (civil motions in limine); Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. (criminal motions and criminal motions in limine). If Thursday is a national holiday, the following Thursday. |
| Motion Limit | 25 pages (Local Rule default). MSJ: 25 pages per separately represented party, exclusive of tables of contents and authorities. |
| Reply Limit | 10 pages. |
| Chambers Copies | ✓ Required Required for all e-filed motion-related documents (moving papers, oppositions, and replies) plus all associated exhibits. No chambers copies... |
| Tentative Rulings | No — 'The Court is not issuing tentative rulings at this time.' |
| Remote Appearances | No remote appearances accepted. 'Effective immediately, the Court will no longer accept requests for remote appearances on any matters, including scheduling conferences. Counsel are directed to appear in person.' All appearances shall be in person in Courtroom 5B. |
| Discovery | Yes — 'All discovery matters are referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge.' Proposed protective orders must also be submitted to the Magistrate Judge. All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption to ensure proper routing. Do not deliver courtesy copies of discovery documents to Judge Vera's chambers. |
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. (civil motions); Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. (civil motions in limine); Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. (criminal motions and criminal motions in limine). If Thursday is a national holiday, the following Thursday.
Notice Period
Follows Local Rules 6 and 7. No need to reserve or clear a motion date in advance with the Courtroom Deputy.
Motion Page / Word Limit
25 pages (Local Rule default). MSJ: 25 pages per separately represented party, exclusive of tables of contents and authorities.
Opposition Limit
25 pages.
Reply Limit
10 pages.
Font & Formatting
Times New Roman or Courier. Text no less than 12-point; footnotes no less than 10-point.
Footnote Policy
No less than 10-point font and shall be used sparingly. MSJ: each party limited to a total of 8 footnotes.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✓ Required
Required for all e-filed motion-related documents (moving papers, oppositions, and replies) plus all associated exhibits. No chambers copies for any other e-filed documents. Delivery: Judge Vera's chambers copy box outside the Clerk's Office on the fourth floor, First Street Courthouse (350 W. 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). Must be delivered by no later than noon on the following business day after filing. Format: 'binder ready' — three-hole punched on the left side, without blue-backs or staples, with any exhibits tabbed. For MSJ only: submit two paper copies of all MSJ filings to Judge Vera's mailbox on the fourth floor. Pro se parties exempt.
ECF Stamp Requirements
Not specified.
Proposed Orders
E-file in PDF as attachment to main document. Also email in Word format to HDV_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov on the day of e-filing. Only proposed order signature items should be emailed — do not email other associated documents. Excel files for attorneys' fees and proposed orders in Word submitted to HDV_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.
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Before the Hearing
Tentative Rulings
No — 'The Court is not issuing tentative rulings at this time.'
Prohibition / Ex Parte Contact Re Tentatives
Not specified.
Oral Argument
Oral argument held for all noticed motions unless otherwise notified by the Court. Court may take matter under submission and notify parties before the hearing if no oral argument.
Remote Appearances
No remote appearances accepted. 'Effective immediately, the Court will no longer accept requests for remote appearances on any matters, including scheduling conferences. Counsel are directed to appear in person.' All appearances shall be in person in Courtroom 5B.
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Background Rules
Chambers Contact
Counsel must not contact the Court or chambers staff by email, telephone, or ex parte means. HDV_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov is for proposed order Word submissions only — do not use for other communication. For appropriate matters, contact CRD directly at Wendy_Hernandez@cacd.uscourts.gov. Do not contact CRD regarding status of any matter.
Discovery Referral
Yes — 'All discovery matters are referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge.' Proposed protective orders must also be submitted to the Magistrate Judge. All discovery documents must include 'DISCOVERY MATTER' in the caption to ensure proper routing. Do not deliver courtesy copies of discovery documents to Judge Vera's chambers.
Discovery Motion Process
Calendar before the Magistrate Judge. Magistrate Judge's decision is final; Court will not reverse unless clearly erroneous and contrary to law. Motion for reconsideration must be filed within 14 days of written ruling or oral ruling that will not be followed by a written ruling.
Ex Parte Applications
Advance notice by telephone and email to all other parties required. Oppositions must be filed within 24 hours of the filing of the application, subject to Rule 6(a)(2). No oral argument unless calendared by the Court. Application must be sent in PDF to HDV_chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov with Word version of proposed order. Service by facsimile, email, or personal service even if electronic service effected under Local Rule 5-3.2.1.
Settlement Notification
When a motion is calendared or under submission, counsel must promptly inform the Court of any finalized or imminent settlement that may render the motion moot. ADR participation mandatory — Court will not hold FPTC or convene trial until all parties (including corporate principals) have completed ADR.
Lead Counsel
Not specified. Court strongly encourages opportunities for less experienced lawyers and permits division of oral argument among two attorneys.
Under Seal Filings
Parties shall make every effort to limit under seal filings. Requests to file memoranda of points and authorities under seal are disfavored. Pursuant to Local Rule 79-5.2.2, no document may be filed under seal without prior Court approval. Must comply with Local Rule 79-5.2.2(a) procedures. Documents filed electronically under seal may not rely on CM/ECF for service — must serve pursuant to FRCP 5. In camera review governed by Local Rule 79-6. Frivolous or overbroad motions to seal subject to sanctions; party bears risk that Court will deny request entirely and place all documents on the public docket.
Continuances & Calendar Conflicts
Must lodge proposed stipulation and order with detailed declaration of grounds. Avoid submitting requests less than 5 court days before expiration of scheduled date. Good cause required; must meet and confer first; include Local Rule 7-3 compliance statement.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Scheduling and status conferences heard on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. String cites disfavored; if necessary, include parenthetical explaining the ruling in each cited case. MSJ each separately represented party limited to 25 pages and 8 footnotes total. No cross-motions seeking to adjudicate the same legal issues — must meet and confer to determine which party moves. Motions in limine set for hearing no later than the Thursday before the FPTC. MSJ briefing: at least 42 days between reply deadline and hearing. Court requires 4-column joint statement of uncontroverted facts (columns: fact + evidence, status, opposition basis, reply).
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified May 27, 2026.
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