All local rules for N.D. Cal., integrated with this judge's published requirements.
Motions must be directed to the Judge to whom the action is assigned, except as that Judge may otherwise order. (p. 30)
the initials of the Magistrate Judge to whom the action is referred for discovery or other pretrial activity (p. 12)
by any written order of a District Judge designating a Magistrate Judge to perform specific statutorily authorized duties in a particular action. (p. 70)
Civil L.R. 7-1(b); 3-4(a); 72-1
“As soon as a discovery-related matter arises, the Court may refer the case to a Magistrate Judge to handle all discovery disputes.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“After a Magistrate Judge has been assigned to a case for discovery, the parties in that case must handle any discovery matters according to the procedures set by that Judge.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
The Court will not entertain a request or a motion to resolve a disclosure or discovery dispute unless, pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 37, counsel have previously conferred for the purpose of attempting to resolve all disputed issues. (p. 59)
“Meet and confer” or “confer” means to communicate directly and to discuss in good faith the issue(s) required under the particular Rule or order. (p. 10)
Unless these Local Rules otherwise provide or a Judge otherwise orders, such communication may take place by telephone. (p. 10)
The mere sending of a written, electronic, or voice-mail communication, however, does not satisfy a requirement to “meet and confer” or to “confer.” (p. 10)
this requirement can be satisfied only through direct dialogue and discussion – either in a face to face meeting or in a telephone conversation. (p. 10)
Civil L.R. 37-1(a); 1-5(n)
“If the parties cannot resolve their discovery dispute after a good faith effort, they shall prepare and file a joint letter of no longer than five pages stating the nature and status of their dispute.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Promote Efficient Resolution: Engage in reasonable efforts to resolve disputes informally before filing motions.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“Meet and confer obligations must be taken seriously and approached with a genuine intention to resolve issues without judicial intervention.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
If a dispute arises during a discovery event the parties must attempt to resolve the matter without judicial intervention by conferring in good faith. (p. 59)
counsel or a party may contact the chambers of the assigned District Judge or Magistrate Judge to ask if the Judge is available to address the problem through a telephone conference during the discovery event. (p. 59)
Civil L.R. 37-1(b)
Nothing posted.
Any written request to the Court for an order must be presented by one of the following means: (p. 30)
A duly noticed motion pursuant to Civil L.R. 7-2; (p. 30)
In addition to complying with applicable provisions of Civil L.R. 7, a motion to compel further responses to discovery requests must (p. 59)
Civil L.R. 7-1(a); 37-2
“Discovery disputes should be brought to the Court's attention as early as possible.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“If the parties cannot resolve their discovery dispute after a good faith effort, they shall prepare and file a joint letter of no longer than five pages stating the nature and status of their dispute.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
a motion to compel further responses to discovery requests must set forth each request in full, followed immediately by the objections and/or responses thereto. (p. 59)
For each such request, the moving papers must detail the basis for the party’s contention that it is entitled to the requested discovery and must show how the proportionality and other requirements of Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(2) are satisfied. (p. 59)
In one filed document not exceeding 25 pages in length, a motion must contain: (p. 30)
The opposition must be filed and served not more than 14 days after the motion was filed. (p. 31)
Unless the Court expressly orders otherwise pursuant to a party’s request made prior to the due date, briefs or memoranda filed with opposition papers may not exceed 25 pages of text (p. 32)
Civil L.R. 37-2; 7-2(b); 7-3(a); 7-4(b)
“If the parties cannot resolve their discovery dispute after a good faith effort, they shall prepare and file a joint letter of no longer than five pages stating the nature and status of their dispute.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
the reply brief or memorandum may not exceed 15 pages of text. (p. 31)
The reply to an opposition must be filed and served not more than 7 days after the opposition was due. (p. 31)
Once a reply is filed, no additional memoranda, papers or letters may be filed without prior Court approval, except as follows: (p. 31)
Unless the Court expressly orders otherwise pursuant to a party’s request made prior to the due date (p. 32)
Civil L.R. 7-3(c),(d); 7-4(b)
Nothing posted.
Unless otherwise ordered, as used in any order of this Court or in these Local Rules, a “discovery cut-off” is the date by which all responses to written discovery are due and by which all depositions must be concluded. (p. 59)
Where the Court has set a single discovery cut-off for both fact and expert discovery, no discovery-related motions may be filed more than 7 days after the discovery cut-off. (p. 59)
no motions related to fact discovery may be filed more than 7 days after the fact discovery cut-off, and no motions related to expert discovery may be filed more than 7 days after the expert discovery cut-off. (p. 59)
“Discovery-related motions” encompasses all motions relating to discovery, including motions to compel or protect against discovery, motions regarding the duty to preserve documents, including spoliation motions, motions to quash or enforce subpoenas, and motions for discovery sanctions. (p. 59)
Civil L.R. 37-3
“The parties must allow sufficient time for the assigned Magistrate Judge to resolve discovery disputes before the close of discovery.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Absent truly compelling reasons, the Court will not extend case deadlines based on a pending discovery dispute.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
Except as otherwise ordered or permitted by the assigned Judge or these Local Rules, and except for motions made during the course of a trial or hearing, all motions must be filed, served and noticed in writing on the motion calendar of the assigned Judge for hearing not less than 35 days after filing of the motion. (p. 30)
In the Judge’s discretion, or upon request by counsel and with the Judge’s approval, a motion may be determined without oral argument or by telephone conference call. (p. 30)
Civil L.R. 7-2(a); 7-1(b)
Nothing posted.
If good faith negotiations between the parties fail to resolve the matter, and if disposition of the dispute during the discovery event likely would result in substantial savings of expense or time, counsel or a party may contact the chambers of the assigned District Judge or Magistrate Judge (p. 59)
Unless otherwise ordered by the assigned Judge, a party may file an ex parte motion, that is, a motion filed without notice to opposing party, only if a statute, Federal Rule, local rule, or Standing Order authorizes ex parte filing. (p. 34)
If the motion is to shorten time for the Court to hear a motion: (p. 28)
Civil L.R. 37-1(b); 7-10; 6-3(a)(4)
Nothing posted.
If counsel for the moving party seeks to arrange such a conference and opposing counsel refuses or fails to confer, the Judge may impose an appropriate sanction, which may include an order requiring payment of all reasonable expenses, including attorney's fees, caused by the refusal or failure to confer.
The Court will not entertain a request or a motion to resolve a disclosure or discovery dispute unless
Civil L.R. 37-1(a)
“Absent truly compelling reasons, the Court will not extend case deadlines based on a pending discovery dispute.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Civil motions are generally heard on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
Except as otherwise ordered or permitted by the assigned Judge or these Local Rules, and except for motions made during the course of a trial or hearing, all motions must be filed, served and noticed in writing on the motion calendar of the assigned Judge for hearing not less than 35 days after filing of the motion. (p. 30)
Fed. R. Civ. P. 6(d), which extends deadlines that are tied to service (as opposed to filing), does not apply and thus does not extend this deadline. (p. 30)
On the first page in the space opposite the caption and below the case number, the noticed hearing date and time; (p. 30)
In the first paragraph, notice of the motion including date and time of hearing; (p. 30)
A Judge who will be absent from the District for one court day or more shall post a notice to that effect on the official calendar of the Court. (p. 10)
Civil L.R. 7-2(a), (b)(1)-(2); 1-5(p)
“Counsel need not reserve motion hearing dates but should check Judge Thompson's scheduling notes on the Court's website to determine the next available law and motion calendar date.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Motions may be reset as the Court's calendar requires.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“The order of call on each calendar will be determined by the Court.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Scheduling questions should be addressed to Judge Thompson's Courtroom Deputy.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
In the Judge’s discretion, or upon request by counsel and with the Judge’s approval, a motion may be determined without oral argument or by telephone conference call. (p. 30)
Unless otherwise ordered, a Motion for Administrative Relief is deemed submitted for immediate determination without hearing on the day after the opposition is due. (p. 34)
Civil L.R. 7-1(b); 7-2(a); 7-11(c)
“The Court may find a matter suitable for disposition without oral argument and vacate the hearing on the matter.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“All hearings and appearances will be held in Courtroom 9 on the 19th floor of the United States Courthouse, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, California.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Unless specially set, all initial and further case management conferences will be conducted through Zoom videoconference.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Prior to the case management conference, the Courtroom Deputy will publish a notice on the case docket explaining how the conference will be conducted and provide access information for counsel.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“If, however, any party advises the Court in writing by no later than two days from the date of the order vacating the hearing that the argument for its side will be conducted by a lawyer who has been licensed to practice law for five or fewer years, then the Court will consider rescheduling the hearing in order to provide that opportunity.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“The Court strongly encourages parties to permit less experienced lawyers, including lawyers from historically under-represented groups, to actively participate in the proceedings by presenting argument at motion hearings or examining witnesses at trial.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“The Court is amenable to permitting a number of lawyers to argue for one party if this creates an opportunity for such attorneys to participate.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
a party who has filed a motion may file a notice continuing the originally noticed hearing date for that motion to a later date if: (p. 32)
No opposition has been filed; and (p. 32)
The notice of continuance is filed prior to the date on which the opposition is due pursuant to Civil L.R. 7-3(a). (p. 32)
After an opposition to a motion has been filed, the noticed hearing date may be continued to a subsequent date upon order of the assigned Judge. (p. 32)
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, the continuance of the hearing of a motion does not extend the time for filing and serving the opposing papers or reply papers. (p. 32)
Any stipulated request or motion which affects a hearing or proceeding on the Court’s calendar must be filed no later than 14 days before the scheduled event. (p. 28)
Civil L.R. 7-7(a), (b), (d); 6-1(b)
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Persons granted remote access to court proceedings by Zoom teleconference or telephone are strictly prohibited from photographing, including "screen-shots," recording, and rebroadcasting the court proceeding.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
“Persons granted remote access to court proceedings by Zoom teleconference or telephone are strictly prohibited from photographing, including "screen-shots," recording, and rebroadcasting the court proceeding.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Pursuant to General Order 58, ¶ III, violation of these prohibitions may result in sanctions, including removal of court-issued media credentials, restricted entry to future hearings, or any other sanctions deemed necessary by the court.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
“Parties are limited to filing one motion for summary judgment.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Any party wishing to exceed this limit must request leave of Court and must show good cause.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
In one filed document not exceeding 25 pages in length, a motion must contain: (p. 30)
Unless the Court expressly orders otherwise pursuant to a party’s request made prior to the due date, briefs or memoranda filed with opposition papers may not exceed 25 pages of text and the reply brief or memorandum may not exceed 15 pages of text. (p. 32)
Civil L.R. 7-2(b); 7-4(b)
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
Motions for summary judgment or summary adjudication and opposition to such motions must be noticed as provided in Civil L.R. 7-2 and 7-3. (p. 65)
Except as otherwise ordered or permitted by the assigned Judge or these Local Rules, and except for motions made during the course of a trial or hearing, all motions must be filed, served and noticed in writing on the motion calendar of the assigned Judge for hearing not less than 35 days after filing of the motion. (p. 30)
The opposition must be filed and served not more than 14 days after the motion was filed. (p. 31)
The reply to an opposition must be filed and served not more than 7 days after the opposition was due. (p. 31)
Civil L.R. 56-1; 7-2(a); 7-3(a), (c)
Nothing posted.
If the assigned Judge orders the submission of a joint statement of undisputed facts, the parties shall confer and submit, on or before a date set by the assigned Judge, a joint statement of undisputed facts. (p. 65)
Civil L.R. 56-2(b)
Nothing posted.
Unless required by the assigned Judge, no separate statement of undisputed facts or joint statement of undisputed facts shall be submitted. (p. 65)
If the nonmoving party refuses to join in the statement, the moving party will nevertheless be permitted to file the motion, accompanied by a separate declaration of counsel explaining why a joint statement was not filed. (p. 65)
Civil L.R. 56-2(a)-(b)
“Joint statements of undisputed facts are not required but are helpful if completely agreed upon.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“Separate statements of undisputed facts may not be filed.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
Any evidentiary and procedural objections to the motion must be contained within the brief or memorandum. (p. 31)
Any evidentiary and procedural objections to the opposition must be contained within the reply brief or memorandum. (p. 31)
If new evidence has been submitted in the reply, the opposing party may file and serve an Objection to Reply Evidence, which may not exceed 5 pages of text, stating its objections to the new evidence, which may not include further argument on the motion. (p. 31)
Civil L.R. 7-3(a), (c), (d)(1)
Nothing posted.
Factual contentions made in support of or in opposition to any motion must be supported by an affidavit or declaration and by appropriate references to the record. (p. 32)
Civil L.R. 7-5(a)
“Where each party relies on the same exhibit, the later-filing party should cite to the earlier-filed exhibit and should not file a duplicate exhibit.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
“If possible, the parties should meet and confer prior to filing a motion and submit a joint appendix of evidence.” · Judge Thompson's Civil Standing Order
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
Content. In addition to complying with the applicable provisions of Civil L.R. 3-4, a brief or memorandum of points and authorities filed in support, opposition, or reply to a motion must contain: (p. 31)
A succinct statement of the relevant facts; and (p. 31)
Civil L.R. 7-4(a)(4)
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-17).
Nothing posted.
An affidavit or declaration not in compliance with this rule may be stricken in whole or in part. (p. 32)
Whether or not sanctions should be imposed for failure to file a joint statement of undisputed facts is a matter within the discretion of the assigned Judge. (p. 65)
Civil L.R. 7-5(b); 56-2(b)
Nothing posted.
At the time the application is submitted, an attorney requesting to practice under Civil L.R. 11-3 must pay to the Clerk the Pro Hac Vice admission fee set by the Court's fee schedule. (p. 39)
If the assigned Judge rejects the application, the fee will be refunded at the attorney's request. (p. 39)
Fee schedule; Civil L.R. 11-3(d)-(e)
Nothing posted.
(3) That an attorney, identified by name and office address, who is a member of the bar of this Court in good standing and who maintains an office within the State of California, is designated as co-counsel. (p. 39)
Civil L.R. 11-3(a)(3)
Nothing posted.
An attorney who is not a member of the bar of this Court may apply to appear pro hac vice in a particular action in this district by submitting to the Clerk, together with the written application, a true and correct copy of a certificate of good standing or other similar official document issued by the appropriate authority governing attorney admissions for the relevant bar. (p. 38)
Civil L.R. 11-3(a); admission page
Nothing posted.
An attorney who is not a member of the bar of this Court may apply to appear pro hac vice in a particular action in this district by submitting to the Clerk, together with the written application, a true and correct copy of a certificate of good standing or other similar official document issued by the appropriate authority governing attorney admissions for the relevant bar. (p. 38)
must be dated no more than one year prior to the date of application for admission. (p. 39)
Civil L.R. 11-3(a)
Nothing posted.
The applicant must also submit an oath certifying the following: (1) That he or she is an active member in good standing of the bar of a United States Court or of the highest court of another state or the District of Columbia, specifying such bar; (2) That he or she agrees to abide by the Standards of Professional Conduct set forth in Civil L.R. 11-4, and to become familiar with the Local Rules and Alternative Dispute Resolution Programs of this Court and, where applicable, with the Bankruptcy Local Rules; (3) That an attorney, identified by name and office address, who is a member of the bar of this Court in good standing and who maintains an office within the State of California, is designated as co-counsel. (4) The number of times the applicant has been granted pro hac vice admission by the Court in the 12 months preceding the application. (p. 39)
Civil L.R. 11-3(a)(1)-(4); court form
Nothing posted.
An attorney seeking to appear pro hac vice must submit the application and admission fee at the time of the filing of a complaint or the attorney's first appearance in the case. A failure to meet this deadline may result in denial of the application. (p. 39)
Except as provided in Civil L.R. 11-2, 11-3, and 11-9, and Fed. R. Civ. P. 45(f), an attorney must be a member of the bar of this Court to practice in this Court and in the Bankruptcy Court of this District. (p. 37)
Civil L.R. 11-3(b); 11-1(a)
Nothing posted.
admission page
Nothing posted.
Service of papers on and communications with local co-counsel designated pursuant to Civil L.R. 11-3(a)(3) shall constitute notice to the party. (p. 39)
(2) If not proceeding pro se and if proceeding pro hac vice in conformity with Civil L.R. 11-3, following the information required in Civil L.R. 3-4(a)(1), the name, address, telephone and state bar number of the member of the bar of the Court who maintains an office within the State of California; and (p. 12)
Civil L.R. 11-3(f); 3-4(a)(2)
Nothing posted.
No local rule on this point (checked, as of 2026-10-24).
Nothing posted.
A failure to meet this deadline may result in denial of the application. (p. 39)
The Clerk will not present an application to the assigned Judge unless the filing fee has been paid or a request to waive the filing fee has been submitted. (p. 39)
Civil L.R. 11-3(b), (e)
“The Court may impose appropriate sanctions for violations of this Standing Order, including but not limited to:” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“1.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“Admonishment on the record.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“2.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“Monetary sanctions under Rule 11 or the Court's inherent powers.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“3.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“Revocation of pro hac vice status.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“4.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
“Referral to the Court's Standing Committee on Professional Conduct.” · Judge Thompson's Standing Order on Civility and Professionalism
Unless authorized by an Act of Congress or by an order of the assigned Judge, an applicant is not eligible for permission to practice pro hac vice if the applicant: (1) Resides in the State of California; or (2) Is regularly engaged in the practice of law in the State of California. This disqualification shall not be applicable if the pro hac vice applicant (i) has been a resident of California for less than one year; (ii) has registered with, and completed all required applications for admission to, the State Bar of California; and (iii) has officially registered to take or is awaiting results from the California State Bar exam. (p. 39)
Civil L.R. 11-3(c)
Nothing posted.
(4) The number of times the applicant has been granted pro hac vice admission by the Court in the 12 months preceding the application. (p. 39)
Civil L.R. 11-3(a)(4)
Nothing posted.
An attorney employed or retained by the United States government or any of its agencies may, without satisfying the membership requirements of LR 11-1, practice in this Court in all actions or proceedings within the scope of his or her employment or retention by the United States. (p. 38)
Civil L.R. 11-2
Nothing posted.
7-10. Ex Parte Motions Unless otherwise ordered by the assigned Judge, a party may file an ex parte motion, that is, a motion filed without notice to opposing party, only if a statute, Federal Rule, local rule, or Standing Order authorizes ex parte filing. The motion must include a citation to the statute, rule, or order which permits the use of an ex parte motion to obtain the relief sought. Civ. L.R. 7-10 ↗
Counsel shall not attempt to contact Judge Thompson or her chambers staff by telephone, email, or any other ex parte means, but may contact her Courtroom Deputy, Robert McNamee, at (415) 522-2039 or TLTCRD@cand.uscourts.gov regarding scheduling or other appropriate matters.
(b) Length. Unless the Court expressly orders otherwise pursuant to a party’s request made prior to the due date, briefs or memoranda filed with opposition papers may not exceed 25 pages of text and the reply brief or memorandum may not exceed 15 pages of text. Civ. L.R. 7-4(b) ↗
(b) Length. Unless the Court expressly orders otherwise pursuant to a party’s request made prior to the due date, briefs or memoranda filed with opposition papers may not exceed 25 pages of text and the reply brief or memorandum may not exceed 15 pages of text. Civ. L.R. 7-4(b) ↗
Paper courtesy copies of motion filings, including supporting documents, shall be submitted to the Court. This courtesy does not apply to pleadings or administrative motions. Visual or audio exhibits shall be submitted to the Court as digital courtesy copies on portable media (e.g., a flash drive) and online location designation by the Clerk's Office. See Civ. L.R. 5-1(g)(4).
(f) Proposed Orders Proposed orders submitted by an ECF user in an ECF case shall be filed in PDF format, and attached to the applicable motion or other document. In addition, proposed orders shall be submitted in a standard word processing format (such as Microsoft Word) to the specific address on the Court’s website for emailing proposed orders to the assigned Judge. Proposed orders must conform to the requirements of the assigned Judge’s standing orders. Civ. L.R. 5-1(f) ↗
Proposed orders shall be submitted in Word format by email to the Courtroom Deputy at TLTPO@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day the proposed order is e-filed.
If either party cites to an unpublished case, the Court generally prefers Westlaw citations. If the Westlaw citation cannot be provided, the party should include the case number, court name, and exact date of publication in the citation. Source ↗
Parties are limited to filing one motion for summary judgment. Any party wishing to exceed this limit must request leave of Court and must show good cause. Motions for summary judgment must comply with Civil Local Rule 7 in all respects. Joint statements of undisputed facts are not required but are helpful if completely agreed upon. Separate statements of undisputed facts may not be filed. Source ↗