Judge Jon S. Tigar — United States District Court, Northern District of California
District Judge
Practice notes for litigators appearing before Judge Tigar in the N.D. Cal.. Sourced from the judge's individual rules, standing orders, and chambers procedures published by the court.
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Individual Practices
Standing Orders — Inline Excerpts
The Court requires courtesy copies of the filings listed below. This requirement is waived for self-represented litigants who are proceeding without a lawyer. The Court may request courtesy copies of other documents but discourages their unsolicited submission. i. Pretrial Filings Courtesy copies of pretrial filings, including papers associated with motions in limine, must be lodged with the Clerk’s office in Oakland. They must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) on the top of each page and be double-sided and three-hole-punched at the left margin. If binders are used, each binder should be no wider than three inches. Side tabs, rather than bottom tabs, should be used to separate exhibits. ii. Sealed Documents Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal. Parties must submit a single PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the “Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under “Case Name” or (b) contacting the Courtroom Deputy at jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov to arrange a different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link). Each exhibit must be bookmarked, and sealed material or material sought to be filed under seal must be highlighted. Where possible, the PDF must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) at the top of each page. iii. Proposed Orders
Electronic copies of proposed orders must be sent in Word format to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov
Delivery Address
Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building & United States Courthouse Office of the Clerk 1301 Clay Street, Suite 400 S Oakland, CA 94612
Judge Tigar's Guilty Plea Application
[Source: https://cand.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/standing-orders/JST-Guilty-plea-application-and-order-form.pdf]
United States District Court Northern District of California
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
<< Plaintiff Long (CAPS) >>, Plaintiffs, v.
<< Defendant Long (CAPS) >>, Defendants. Case No. << Case Number >> (JST) << Case Sealed Status >>
The defendant represents to the Court:
- My full true name is ___________________________ . I am _____ years of age. I have gone to school up to and including . My most recent occupation has been____________. I request that all proceedings against me be in my true name.
- I am represented by a lawyer. His/her name is ________________________________________.
- I received and read a copy of the indictment/information. If applicable: An interpreter who speaks_________________ read it to me in ___________________, and I have discussed it with my lawyer. // // //
United States District Court Northern District of California I fully understand every charge made against me. I understand these charges to be as follows:
- I have told my lawyer all the facts and circumstances known to me about the charges made against me in the indictment/information. I believe that my lawyer is fully informed on all such matters.
- I know that the Court must be satisfied that there is a factual basis for a plea of “GUILTY” before my plea can be accepted. I represent to the Court that I took the following actions in connection with the charges made against me in Count[s] ______________ and that these facts are true and correct:
- My lawyer has counseled and advised me on the nature of each charge, all lesser included charges, all penalties and consequences of each charge, all possible defenses that I may have in this case and constitutional rights I am waiving.
- I understand that my constitutional rights are as follows:
(a) the right to plead not guilty or, having already so pleaded, to persist in that plea;
(b) the right to a jury trial;
(c) the right to represented by counsel – and if necessary have the Court appoint counsel – at trial and at every other stage of the proceeding; and
(d) the right at trial to confront and cross-examine adverse witnesses, to testify and present evidence, to compel the attendance of witnesses, to be protected from compelled self-incrimination, and to remain silent, such that if I do not take the witness stand, no inference of guilt may be drawn from such failure and the jury must be so advised. 8. I know that I may plead “NOT GUILTY” to any offense charged against me and exercise all of my rights as listed above.
United States District Court Northern District of California 9. I know that if I plead “GUILTY,” I am giving up all of the trial rights enumerated in paragraph 7 and that there will be no trial either before a court or jury. 10. I know that if I plead “GUILTY,” the result of my plea is more than just an admission or confession of guilt. I understand that it will result in my conviction, and the Court may impose the same punishment as if I had pleaded “NOT GUILTY,” stood trial and been convicted by a jury. 11. My lawyer has informed me that the maximum and minimum, if any, punishments which the law provides for the offense charged in Count(s) __________ are as follows: (For multiple counts, include the following information for each count) (a) Maximum prison sentence:
______ years
(b) Mandatory minimum prison sentence (if applicable):
______ years
(c) Maximum supervised release term:
______ years (d) Minimum supervised release term (if applicable): ______ years (e) Mandatory special assessment:
$__________ (f) Restitution:
$__________
(g) Maximum fine equal to the greater of the following:
(1) $__________________ (generally $250,000 for a felony, $100,000
for a Class A misdemeanor, or $5,000 for a
Class B misdemeanor or lower; see 18
U.S.C. § 3571)); or
(2) $__________________ (twice the gross pecuniary gain I derived from the offense); or
(3) $___________________ (twice the gross pecuniary loss caused by the offense to another person or persons). If applicable: I understand that, because I am pleading guilty to more than one count, the Court may order the sentences on those counts to run consecutively. I understand that if I violate any condition of supervised release, the release may be revoked, and I may be sentenced to all or part of the term of supervised release imposed in addition to any other term of imprisonment which I have received. I understand that if I violate any term of probation, the probation may be revoked, and I may be sentenced up to the maximum statutory term of imprisonment for the offense.
United States District Court Northern District of California I understand that I may be assessed the costs of confinement and/or supervision. I understand I may be ordered to pay restitution in an amount determined by the Court. 12. I know that the sentence I will receive will be decided solely by the Judge. I understand that the Judge will make no decision regarding my sentence until the Judge has read and considered the pre-sentence investigation report prepared and submitted to the Court by the Probation Department. I also understand that the Court and counsel cannot promise me now what sentence will be imposed. I understand that in deciding what sentence it will impose, the Court will calculate my sentencing range under the Sentencing Guidelines. I understand that while the Court is not bound to apply the Guidelines, it must take them into consideration when sentencing me, together with the factors set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a). 13. I understand that under provisions of certain criminal statutes, certain property of mine may be forfeited to the United States. I have been advised by my lawyer whether, and to what extent, my property may be subject to forfeiture. 14. If I am on probation, supervised release or parole in this or any other Court, I know that by pleading guilty here, my probation, release or parole may be revoked, and I may be required to serve time in that case, which may be consecutive (that is, in addition to) any sentence imposed upon me in this case. 15. I declare that no officer or agent of any branch of government (federal, state or local) has promised or suggested that I will receive a lighter sentence, or probation, or any other form of leniency, nor have any other promises been made if I plead “GUILTY” except as follows:
(In the space below, insert any promises or concessions made to the defendant or to his/her attorney).
United States District Court Northern District of California If anyone else made such a promise or suggestion, except as noted in the previous sentence, I know that it was entirely without authority or effect. 16. I believe that my lawyer has done all that a lawyer could do to counsel and assist me, and I am satisfied with the advice and help he/she has given me. 17. I know that the Court will not permit anyone to plead “GUILTY” who maintains he/she is innocent and, with that in mind and because I am “GUILTY,” I respectfully request the Court to accept my plea of “GUILTY” and to have the clerk enter my plea of “GUILTY” as follows:
- My mind is clear. I am not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and I am not under a doctor’s care. The only drugs, medicines, or pills that I have taken within the past seven days are:
(If none, so state.) 19. I confirm that my decision to plead guilty is made voluntarily, and no one coerced or threatened me to enter into this Agreement. I offer my plea of “GUILTY” freely and voluntarily and of my own accord, and with full understanding of all the matters set forth in the indictment/information, in this application, and in the certificate of my lawyer which is attached to this application. In offering my plea of “GUILTY,” I freely and voluntarily waive (that is, give up) the constitutional rights guaranteed to me as stated in paragraph 7 above. 20. I waive the reading of the indictment/information in open court, and I request the Court to enter my plea of “GUILTY” as set forth in Paragraph 17 of this application. 21. I understand that the Court will address me personally in open court to determine the voluntariness of my guilty plea and to establish a factual basis for it. I understand that the Court
United States District Court
Northern District of California
may place me under oath, and that the government may use any false statements that I make under
oath against me in a prosecution for perjury or false statement (which is a felony).
22. ________ I am proficient enough in English to read the above and have read and fully
understand it.
_________ I am not proficient enough in English. I speak and understand ,
which is my native language. The above was read to me in and I fully understand it.
Signed by me in open court in the presence of my attorney this__ day of__________, 20__.
Defendant CERTIFICATE OF COUNSEL I have fully explained to my client the charges in the indictment/information in the case, the defenses he/she may have to the charges, all of the information set forth in this application, and all the rights that a criminal defendant has. In my opinion, my client understands the charges, the defenses, the information in this application, and the rights he or she is giving up by pleading guilty, and, based on the information now known to me, his/her decision to plead guilty is knowing and voluntary Signed by me in open court in the presence of the above-named defendant after a full discussion of the contents of this certificate with the defendant this________ day of____________, 20___ .
Attorney for the Defendant
INTERPRETER CERTIFICATION I, ________________________, hereby certify that I am a certified __________ language] interpreter and that I accurately translated this plea agreement to the defendant, he/she told me that he/she understood it, and I am satisfied that his/her answer is true and correct.
Date__________________________
Interpreter’s Signature
United States District Court Northern District of California ORDER I find that:
- The defendant enters this plea of guilty freely and voluntarily and not out of ignorance, inadvertence, fear or coercion.
- The defendant understands and knowingly, freely and voluntarily waives his/her constitutional rights.
- The defendant freely and voluntarily executed the attached Application and fully understands its contents.
- The defendant has admitted the essential elements of the crime charged. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that the defendant’s plea of “GUILTY” entered in open court be accepted and entered as requested in this Application and as recommended in the certificate signed by the defendant’s lawyer. Done in open court this___ day of____________ , 20__. Dated:
JON S. TIGAR United States District Judge
Judge Tigar's Civil Standing Order
[Source: https://cand.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/standing-orders/JST-CivilStandingOrder-06.03.26.pdf]
JST Civil Standing Order UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
STANDING ORDER FOR ALL CIVIL CASES BEFORE
DISTRICT JUDGE JON S. TIGAR
A.
Conformity with Rules
The parties must follow the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Civil Local Rules, and the
General Orders of the Northern District of California, except as superseded by this Court’s
standing orders.
B.
Service of This Order
Within five days of the filing of the complaint, the reassignment of a case to this Court, or the
addition of a new party, the plaintiff must serve on all parties a copy of this order and the
Standing Order for All Judges of the Northern District of California: Contents of Joint Case
Management Statement.
C.
Court Schedule
Judge Tigar hears civil motions on Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. Motions must be noticed for a
hearing in accordance with Civil Local Rule 7-2(a). Parties must consult Judge Tigar’s weekly
calendar, available at https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/jst, to determine which dates are available.
They need not reserve a hearing date in advance. The Court may reset noticed hearing dates as
its calendar requires.
The Court may find a matter suitable for disposition without oral argument and vacate the
hearing on the matter.
Case management conferences are held on Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m.
Trials commence on Mondays at 8:00 a.m. for jury trials and Mondays at 8:30 a.m. for bench
trials. Both jury and bench trials proceed Mondays through Thursdays. Pretrial conferences are
held on Fridays at 2:00 p.m.
Scheduling questions may be addressed to Courtroom Deputy Dianna Shoblo at (510) 637-3547
or jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov.
All filing deadlines are at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise ordered.
JST Civil Standing Order D. Invitation to Self-Identify Pronouns and Honorifics Litigants and lawyers are invited to indicate their pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them) and honorifics (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr.) by adding the information in the name block or signature line of a court filing or informing the Court when making an appearance. E. Joint Case Management Statement and Initial Case Management Conference Parties are required to file a joint case management statement not less than seven calendar days before a scheduled case management conference, unless the Court sets a different deadline. Unless otherwise ordered, the parties’ statement must comply with the terms of the Standing Order for All Judges of the Northern District of California: Contents of Joint Case Management Statement. Parties must not incorporate prior case management statements by reference. In the section of the joint case management statement addressing “Other References,” the parties must indicate whether all parties consent to the jurisdiction of a magistrate judge. The parties are advised that they may jointly request assignment to a specific magistrate judge. F. Discovery Matters
- Evidence Preservation Parties must take the steps needed to preserve information relevant to the issues in the litigation, including suspending document-destruction programs that, if not suspended, could result in evidence spoliation.
- Document Responses To the maximum extent feasible, parties must retain and produce files and records in their original form and sequence, including file folders, and the originals should remain available for inspection by any counsel on reasonable notice.
- Depositions Depositions of fact witnesses must be noticed at least 30 days before the close of fact discovery. Counsel must consult in advance with opposing counsel to schedule depositions at a mutually convenient time and location. Counsel and parties must comply with Rule 30(d)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Speaking objections are prohibited. When privilege is claimed, the witness must answer questions relevant to the existence, extent, or waiver of the privilege unless such information is itself privileged.
JST Civil Standing Order
4. Electronically Stored Information
Parties must review in detail the Northern District’s electronically stored information (“ESI”)
guidelines and checklist for Rule 26(f) conferences, which are available at
https://cand.uscourts.gov/rules-forms-fees/northern-district-guidelines/e-discovery-esi-
guidelines-model-stipulated-orders. The Court discourages deviation from the ESI guidelines
absent good cause. Failure to meet and confer regarding the required topics prior to the initial
case management conference, including alternative dispute resolution and ESI, may, in the
reasonable exercise of the Court’s discretion, result in sanctions or disciplinary action.
5. Stipulated Protective Orders and Orders Re: Discovery of ESI
Parties who seek a protective order or order re: discovery of ESI must, where practicable, use
one of the model stipulated orders available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/rules-forms-
fees/northern-district-guidelines/model-protective-orders or https://cand.uscourts.gov/rules-
forms-fees/northern-district-guidelines/e-discovery-esi-guidelines-model-stipulated-orders.
Parties must file one of the following with any proposed protective order or order re: discovery
of ESI: (a) a declaration stating that the proposed order is identical to one of the model orders
except for the addition of case-identifying information or the elimination of language denoted as
optional; (b) a declaration explaining each modification to the model order, along with a redline
version comparing the proposed order with the model order; or (c) a declaration explaining why
use of one of the model orders is not practicable. Proposed orders that are not accompanied by
one of the required declarations will be denied without prejudice.
6. Discovery Disputes
A party may not file a motion regarding a discovery dispute without leave of court. If a
discovery dispute arises, the parties must meet and confer in good faith to attempt to resolve the
dispute. If the parties are unable to reach a resolution through this process, they must file a joint
letter brief of five pages or less that describes each disputed issue. The joint letter brief must be
filed electronically in the Civil Events category of Motions and Related Filings > Motions –
General > Discovery Letter Brief. After the letter brief is submitted, the Court will advise the
parties as to how it intends to proceed, which may include referral of discovery disputes to a
magistrate judge.
G.
Motions for Summary Judgment
Absent good cause, the Court will consider only one motion for summary judgment per party.
Any party wishing to exceed this limit must request leave of court and must show good cause.
The Court generally construes “party” in this context to include affiliates.
Unless otherwise ordered, the parties must meet and confer to determine if they will file cross-
motions for summary judgment. If so, only four briefs will be allowed: (1) opening brief by the
plaintiff side; (2) opening/opposition brief by the defense side; (3) opposition/reply brief by the
plaintiff side; and (4) reply brief by the defense side. The parties may agree to reverse the order,
and have the defense file its opening brief first, without order of the Court. The first two briefs
JST Civil Standing Order
are limited to 25 pages; the third brief is limited to 20 pages; and the fourth brief is limited to
15 pages. Before the first brief is filed, the parties must submit a stipulation and proposed order
setting a briefing schedule for the cross-motions. The fourth brief must be filed at least 21 days
before the hearing date.
H.
Cross-Motions under Rule 52 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
If parties intend to resolve a case under cross-motions for judgment brought under Rule 52 of the
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, they must follow the same briefing and scheduling guidelines
set forth above regarding cross-motions for summary judgment.
I.
Class Action Settlements
Any motion for preliminary or final approval of a class action settlement must address the
respective guidelines in the Northern District of California’s Procedural Guidance for Class
Action Settlements, available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/rules-forms-fees/northern-district-
guidelines/procedural-guidance-class-action-settlements, in the order the guidelines are presented
on the website.
As reflected in the Guidance, the Court will require a post-distribution accounting within 21 days
after the distribution of settlement funds. In addition to the information contained in the
Guidance, the post-distribution accounting must discuss any significant or recurring concerns
communicated by class members to the settlement administrator or counsel since final approval,
any other issues in settlement administration since final approval, and how any concerns or
issues were resolved.
The Court will typically withhold between 10% and 25% of the attorney’s fees granted at final
approval until after the post-distribution accounting has been filed. The final approval motion
should specify what percentage class counsel believes it is appropriate to withhold and why.
Class counsel must file a proposed order releasing the remainder of the fees when they file their
post-distribution accounting.
J.
Requests for Telephonic Appearance
Requests to appear by telephone are generally unnecessary because Judge Tigar currently
conducts case management conferences and law and motion hearings by video.
When such a request is necessary, parties seeking to appear telephonically must file a stipulation
and proposed order, or an administrative motion and proposed order if a stipulation is not
possible, at least seven calendar days prior to the scheduled appearance. Absent extraordinary
circumstances and a showing of good cause, late requests will be denied.
JST Civil Standing Order If a case management statement is required, parties may not file a request to appear telephonically at a case management conference until after the case management statement has been filed. If a request to appear telephonically is granted, the Court will provide instructions on how to appear. Where feasible, parties must make telephonic appearances using a land line, rather than a mobile phone. K. Requests to Extend Deadlines or Continue Hearing Dates Requests to extend deadlines or continue hearing dates should be filed at least three business days prior to the deadline or hearing sought to be extended or continued. If the request is made by administrative motion rather than stipulation, any opposition must be filed (a) no later than 12:00 p.m. one business day before the deadline or hearing in question or (b) within the time allowed by Civil Local Rule 7-11, whichever is sooner. L. Briefing and Filing Guidelines
- Page Limits Briefs for summary judgment motions, class certification motions, motions for a preliminary injunction, motions for preliminary approval of class action settlements, and claim construction must comply with the page limits in Civil Local Rules 7-2 through 7-4. For all other types of motions, the opening and opposition briefs must be no more than 15 pages, and the reply brief must be no more than 10 pages. These page limits include any summaries of arguments but exclude the title page, table of contents, table of authorities, signature blocks, and exhibits.
- Requests to Enlarge Page Limits or Extend Filing Deadlines Requests to enlarge page limits or extend filing deadlines should be made by stipulation whenever possible. Requests must be filed at least three business days prior to the filing deadline. If a request is opposed, it should be filed as an administrative motion. The opposition must be filed within the time allowed by Civil Local Rule 7-11 and no later than 12:00 p.m. one business day before the relevant deadline. Requests to enlarge page limits will rarely be granted.
- Footnotes Footnotes are often unnecessary and must be employed sparingly. When used, they must appear in no less than 12-point type. Excessive footnotes will be disregarded.
JST Civil Standing Order
4. Citations
The Court prefers Westlaw citations for unpublished opinions that are not included in the Federal
Supplement, Federal Rules Decisions, or the Federal Appendix.
5. Format of Electronic Filings
Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs whenever possible. This
requirement is waived for self-represented litigants who are proceeding without a lawyer.
6. Courtesy Copies
The Court requires courtesy copies of the filings listed below. This requirement is waived for
self-represented litigants who are proceeding without a lawyer. The Court may request courtesy
copies of other documents but discourages their unsolicited submission.
i.
Pretrial Filings
Courtesy copies of pretrial filings, including papers associated with motions in limine, must be
lodged with the Clerk’s office in Oakland. They must bear the ECF stamp (case number,
document number, date, and page number) on the top of each page and be double-sided and
three-hole-punched at the left margin. If binders are used, each binder should be no wider than
three inches. Side tabs, rather than bottom tabs, should be used to separate exhibits.
ii.
Sealed Documents
Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple
parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration
with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal. Parties must submit a single
PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital
Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the
“Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under
“Case Name” or (b) contacting the Courtroom Deputy at jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov to arrange a
different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link).
Each exhibit must be bookmarked, and sealed material or material sought to be filed under seal
must be highlighted. Where possible, the PDF must bear the ECF stamp (case number,
document number, date, and page number) at the top of each page.
iii.
Proposed Orders
Electronic copies of proposed orders must be sent in Word format to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
M.
Requests for Settlement Conferences with a Magistrate Judge
The Court receives many more requests for magistrate judge settlement conferences than it can
accommodate. As a result, with limited exceptions, the Court generally does not refer cases for
JST Civil Standing Order settlement with a magistrate judge unless the parties have already completed one of the other processes set forth in ADR Local Rule 3-4: Early Neutral Evaluation, Mediation, or Private ADR. Parties who complete one of these processes without reaching a settlement may request referral to a magistrate judge at that time. If the parties believe their case merits an exception to this rule, they should discuss their views in the initial case management statement. If they seek a referral before the initial case management conference, they may file a joint request for an early case management conference.
Dated: June 3, 2026
JON S. TIGAR United States District Judge
Judge Tigar's Criminal Standing Order
[Source: https://cand.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/standing-orders/Criminal-Standing-Order-JST-05.13.25.pdf]
JST Criminal Standing Order UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
STANDING ORDER FOR ALL CRIMINAL CASES BEFORE
DISTRICT JUDGE JON S. TIGAR
A.
Conformity with Rules
The parties must follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Criminal Local Rules, and
the General Orders of the Northern District of California, except as superseded by this Court’s
standing orders.
B.
Court Schedule
Judge Tigar hears criminal matters on Fridays in Courtroom 6, 2nd Floor, United States District
Court, 1301 Clay Street, Oakland, California. Motions, evidentiary hearings, and pretrial
conferences are heard at 2:00 p.m. All other matters are heard at 9:30 a.m.
Trials commence on Mondays at 8:00 a.m. and proceed Mondays through Thursdays.
Scheduling questions may be addressed to Courtroom Deputy Dianna Shoblo at (510) 637-3547
or jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov.
All filing deadlines are at 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise ordered.
C.
Invitation to Self-Identify Pronouns and Honorifics
Litigants and lawyers may indicate their pronouns (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/their) and
honorifics (e.g., Mr., Ms., Mx., Dr.) by filing a letter, adding the information in the name block
or signature line of the pleadings, or verbally informing the Court when making an appearance.
D.
Motions
Motions must be noticed for a hearing in accordance with Criminal Local Rule 47-1. Counsel
need not reserve a hearing date in advance. Before selecting a hearing date, however, counsel
must consult Judge Tigar’s weekly calendar, which is available at
https://www.cand.uscourts.gov/jst, to determine which dates are available. The Court may reset
noticed hearing dates as its calendar requires.
Any party wishing to have motions in limine heard prior to the commencement of trial must file
and serve them at least 14 days prior to the pretrial conference. All motions in limine must be
contained in one document, limited to 25 pages, with each motion listed as a subheading.
Oppositions to the motions in limine must be contained in one document, limited to 25 pages,
with corresponding subheadings, and must be filed and served no later than seven days prior to
the pretrial conference. The Court will not consider reply briefs absent prior order on a showing
JST Criminal Standing Order of good cause. The motions in limine will be heard at the pretrial conference, unless the Court sets another time. E. Footnotes and Citations Footnotes are often unnecessary and must be employed sparingly. When used, they must appear in no less than 12-point type. Excessive footnotes will be disregarded. The Court prefers Westlaw citations for unpublished opinions that are not included in the Federal Appendix. F. Format of Electronic Filings Electronically filed documents must be text-searchable PDFs whenever possible. This requirement is waived for self-represented litigants who are proceeding without a lawyer. G. Courtesy Copies and Proposed Orders Courtesy copies must be provided for: (1) electronic media that is manually filed and (2) pretrial filings, including papers associated with motions in limine. The Court may request courtesy copies of other documents but discourages their unsolicited submission. Courtesy copies must be lodged with the Clerk’s office in Oakland and must be double-sided and three-hole-punched at the left margin. Courtesy copies of e-filed documents must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) on the top of each page. Side tabs, rather than bottom tabs, should be used to separate exhibits. The quality, condition, and labeling of binders, when used, should be such that the Court can easily identify, review, and transport the binders’ contents. Whenever possible, the spine of a binder should not exceed three inches in width, even if that limitation results in the use of more than one binder. Electronic copies of proposed orders must be sent in Word format to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov. H. Pretrial Conference Statement and Related Filings The parties must file a pretrial statement that addresses all items listed in Criminal Local Rule 17.1-1(b). The parties must attach to their pretrial statement a joint set of jury instructions ordered in logical sequence and accompanied by a table of contents. The parties must use the Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instructions whenever possible. Proposed deviations from the model instructions, no matter how minor, must be clearly identified by red-lined copy and supported by authority. The Court discourages the unnecessary submission of special instructions or modification of model instructions. Special instructions, if any, must be complete, accurate, balanced, clear, and non- argumentative. Any instruction to which the parties disagree must be marked as “disputed” and must be followed by concise argument and authority in support of and against the use of the instruction.
JST Criminal Standing Order
The parties also must attach to their pretrial statement a joint list of agreed-upon voir dire
questions and a list of any voir dire questions on which they could not agree.
Counsel for the United States must file and serve a verdict form on the same day as the pretrial
conference statement is due.
The parties must e-mail Word versions of the proposed jury instructions, voir dire, and verdict
form to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov on the same day they file them.
I.
Trial Exhibits
-
Exchange of Exhibits. At least 21 calendar days before the final pretrial conference, the parties must exchange copies of all exhibits, summaries, charts, schedules, diagrams, and other similar documentary materials to be used in their case-in-chief, together with a complete list of all such proposed exhibits. Voluminous exhibits must be reduced by elimination of irrelevant portions or through the use of summaries.
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Objections to Exhibits. Following the exchange, the parties must immediately meet and confer about the exhibits and any potential objections thereto, and must make a good faith effort to stipulate to exhibits’ admissibility. If the parties cannot so stipulate, they must make every effort to stipulate at least to authenticity and foundation absent a legitimate (not tactical) objection. The Court may inquire about the basis for any or all of a party’s objections to another party’s exhibits and/or conduct a pretrial conference to rule on such objections, so as to ensure that the jury’s time is not wasted during trial.
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Pre-Marking. Each exhibit must be labeled in the lower-right-hand corner with the exhibit number in a prominent, bold typeface.
The parties must mark their exhibits using non-overlapping ranges of numbers,
leaving enough unused numbers that additional exhibits can be marked during trial.
For example, the parties might agree that the government will use numbers 001–199
and the defendant will use numbers 200–399.
-
Delivery. Unless otherwise ordered, at least seven calendar days prior to the beginning of trial, the parties must deliver one set of all pre-marked exhibits in clearly labeled three-ring binders to the courtroom deputy. Admitted exhibits from these binders will be given to the jury during deliberations. The quality, condition, and labeling of the binders should be such that the Court can easily transport and review the binders’ contents. Whenever possible, the spine of a binder should not be wider than three inches.
-
All exhibits that have not been provided as required are subject to exclusion in the reasonable exercise of the Court’s discretion.
-
Following trial, the parties shall coordinate with the courtroom deputy regarding electronic filing of all admitted exhibits, which shall be the official court record.
JST Criminal Standing Order
J.
Witnesses at Trial
Unless otherwise ordered, each party must notify all other parties by the close of each trial day of
the witnesses that party intends to call on the following trial day. Failure to comply with this
order may, in the discretion of the Court, be grounds for exclusion of any witness who was not
properly disclosed.
Once the cross-examination of a witness has commenced, and until cross-examination of the
witness has concluded, counsel offering the witness on direct examination must not: (a) consult
or confer with the witness regarding the substance of the witness’s testimony already given, or
anticipated to be given, except for the purpose of conferring on whether to assert a privilege
against testifying or on how to comply with a court order; or (b) suggest to the witness the
manner in which any questions should be answered. Once cross-examination has concluded,
counsel is permitted to confer with the witness before redirect examination begins.
K.
Transcripts
Any party who would like a daily transcript or real-time reporting must email
Transcripts@cand.uscourts.gov at least fourteen calendar days before the first day of trial.
L.
Interpreters
If any witness will require an interpreter at trial and there is no certified court interpreter
available to translate in the appropriate language, counsel must notify Courtroom Deputy Dianna
Shoblo at least 30 days before the commencement at trial at (510) 637-3547 or
jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov.
Dated: May 13, 2025
JON S. TIGAR United States District Judge
Judge Tigar's Civil Bench Trial Standing Order
[Source: https://cand.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/standing-orders/JST-BenchTrialStandingOrder-06.03.26.pdf]
JST Civil Bench Trial Standing Order UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
STANDING ORDER FOR CIVIL BENCH TRIALS BEFORE DISTRICT JUDGE JON S. TIGAR A. Meeting and Disclosure Prior to Pretrial Conference At least 21 calendar days before the final pretrial conference, lead trial counsel must meet and confer with respect to: 1. Settlement of the case; 2. Preparation of the joint pretrial statement; 3. Preparation and exchange of pretrial materials to be served and lodged pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3); and 4. Clarifying and narrowing the contested issues for trial in order to achieve a just, speedy, and efficient determination of the case. B. Joint Pretrial Statement Unless otherwise ordered, the parties must file and serve a joint pretrial statement no later than seven calendar days before the pretrial conference. The statement must contain the following information: 1. Substance of the Action. A brief description of the parties, the substance of claims and defenses that remain to be decided, and the operative pleadings. 2. Relief Requested. A detailed statement of all requested relief, including an itemization of all elements of damages claimed. 3. Undisputed Facts. A plain and concise statement of all relevant facts to which the parties will stipulate for incorporation into the trial record without supporting testimony or exhibits. The parties must exercise good faith in stipulating to facts that are not reasonably disputable. 4. Disputed Factual Issues. A plain and concise list of the issues of fact that are contested and remain to be litigated at trial. 5. Agreed Statement. A statement assessing whether all or part of the action may be presented upon an agreed statement of facts. 6. Stipulations. A statement of proposed stipulations or agreements that will expedite the presentation of evidence.
JST Civil Bench Trial Standing Order
7.
Witnesses to be Called. A list of all witnesses likely to be called at trial other than
solely for impeachment or rebuttal, and a brief statement following each name
describing the substance of the testimony to be given. No party will be permitted to
call any witness in its case-in-chief who is not disclosed in its pretrial statement
without leave of court.
8.
Exhibits, Schedules, and Summaries. A list of all documents or other items to be
offered as exhibits at trial, other than solely for impeachment or rebuttal, and a brief
statement following each that describes: (1) its substance or purpose; (2) the identity
of the sponsoring witness; and (3) whether the parties have stipulated to its
admissibility and, if they have not, the objection to its admission, the grounds for the
objection, and the position of the offering party.
9.
Disputed Legal Issues. Without extended legal argument, a concise statement of
each disputed point of law concerning liability or relief, citing supporting statutes
and decisions.
10. Pending Motions or Matters. A statement of any motions or other matters that must
be resolved prior to trial.
11. Bifurcation or Separate Trial of Issues. A statement of whether either party requests
bifurcation or a separate trial of specific issues and why.
12. Use of Discovery Responses. Citations to all evidence that a party might introduce
at trial, other than that to be used solely for impeachment or rebuttal, that was
obtained from deposition testimony, interrogatory responses, or responses to
requests for admission. Counsel must state any objections to the use of these
materials and must certify that they have conferred regarding such objections.
Counsel must separately file a document containing each disputed discovery
response or deposition testimony excerpt, and as to each must state the objection to
its admission, the grounds for the objection, and the position of the offering party.
13. Estimate of Trial Time. An estimate of the number of hours or days needed for the
trial.
14. Settlement Discussion. A brief summary of the status of settlement negotiations,
without indicating specific dollar amounts, and an indication of whether further
negotiations are likely to be productive and what, if anything, would facilitate
settlement.
15. Miscellaneous. Any other matters that will facilitate the just, speedy, and efficient
resolution of the action.
JST Civil Bench Trial Standing Order
C.
Binding Effect of the Joint Pretrial Statement
The joint pretrial statement described above must include the following language directly above
the signature lines:
The foregoing admissions having been made by the parties, and
the parties having specified the foregoing issues of fact and law
remaining to be litigated, this order will supplement the pleadings
and govern the course of trial of this case, unless modified by the
Court to prevent manifest injustice.
D.
Trial Exhibits
1.
Exchange of Exhibits. At least 21 calendar days before the final pretrial conference,
the parties must exchange copies of all exhibits, summaries, charts, schedules,
diagrams, and other similar documentary materials to be used in their case-in-chief,
together with a complete list of all such proposed exhibits. Voluminous exhibits
must be reduced by elimination of irrelevant portions or through the use of
summaries.
2.
Objections to Exhibits. Following the exchange, the parties must immediately meet
and confer about the exhibits and any potential objections thereto, and must make a
good faith effort to stipulate to exhibits’ admissibility. If the parties cannot so
stipulate, they must make every effort to stipulate at least to authenticity and
foundation absent a legitimate (not tactical) objection.
3.
Pre-Marking. Each exhibit must be labeled in the lower-right-hand corner with the
exhibit number in a prominent, bold typeface.
The parties must mark their exhibits using non-overlapping ranges of numbers,
leaving enough unused numbers that additional exhibits can be marked during trial.
For example, the parties might agree that the plaintiff will use numbers 001–199 and
the defendant will use numbers 200–399.
4.
Delivery. Unless otherwise ordered, at least seven calendar days prior to the
commencement of the trial, the parties must deliver one set of all pre-marked
exhibits in clearly labeled three-ring binders to the Clerk’s office, marked for the
attention of the courtroom deputy. The quality, condition, and labeling of the
binders should be such that the Court can easily transport and review the binders’
contents. Whenever possible, the spine of a binder should not be wider than three
inches.
5.
All exhibits that have not been provided as required are subject to exclusion in the
reasonable exercise of the Court’s discretion.
6.
Following trial, the parties shall coordinate with the courtroom deputy regarding
electronic filing of all admitted exhibits, which shall be the official court record.
JST Civil Bench Trial Standing Order
E.
Motions in Limine
Motions in limine are usually unnecessary in a bench trial. However, in any civil trial, unless
otherwise ordered, any party filing a motion in limine must first seek a stipulation from the
opposing party or parties to the relief requested in the motion.
Motions in limine are due no later than 21 days before the final pretrial conference. They must
be contained in a single document of no more than 40 pages, with no single motion exceeding 10
pages. Oppositions are due no later than 14 days before the final pretrial conference. They must
also be contained in single document of no more than 40 pages, with the opposition to no single
motion exceeding 10 pages. The Court will not consider reply briefs absent prior order on a
showing of good cause.
The motions will be heard at the pretrial conference, unless the Court sets another time or
determines that oral argument is unnecessary.
The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.
F.
Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
At least seven calendar days prior to the pretrial conference, each party must serve and file with
the Court proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law on all material issues. The proposed
findings must be brief, written in plain English, and be free of pejorative language, conclusions,
or argument. Conclusions of law must be supported by appropriate citation to legal authority.
Parties must submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law in Word format via email
to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov.
G.
Trial Briefs
Trial briefs are optional, but any party wishing to file a trial brief must do so at least seven
calendar days prior to the commencement of trial.
H.
Continuances and Settlements
Once set by the Court, trial dates are to be regarded as firm. Continuances are disfavored. For
example, the Court will rarely continue a trial because the parties have “settled in principle.”
A stipulated dismissal will ordinarily be required.
I.
Opportunities for Junior Lawyers
The Court strongly encourages the parties to permit junior lawyers to examine witnesses and to
have an important role at trial.
J.
Witnesses at Trial
Unless otherwise ordered, each party must notify all other parties by the close of each trial day of
the witnesses that party intends to call on the following trial day. Failure to comply with this
JST Civil Bench Trial Standing Order
order may, in the discretion of the Court, be grounds for exclusion of any witness who was not
properly disclosed.
Once the cross-examination of a witness has commenced, and until cross-examination of the
witness has concluded, counsel offering the witness on direct examination must not: (a) consult
or confer with the witness regarding the substance of the witness’s testimony already given, or
anticipated to be given, except for the purpose of conferring on whether to assert a privilege
against testifying or on how to comply with a court order; or (b) suggest to the witness the
manner in which any questions should be answered. Once cross-examination has concluded,
counsel is permitted to confer with the witness before redirect examination begins.
K.
Post-Trial Retention of Exhibits
At the conclusion of the trial, each party must retain its exhibits throughout the appellate process.
It is each party’s responsibility to make arrangements with the Clerk to file the record on appeal.
L.
Daily Transcripts and Real-Time Reporting
Any party who would like a daily transcript or real-time reporting must email
Transcripts@cand.uscourts.gov at least fourteen calendar days before the first day of trial.
Dated: June 3, 2026
JON S. TIGAR United States District Judge
Judge Tigar's Civil Jury Trial Standing Order
[Source: https://cand.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/standing-orders/JST-JuryTrialStandingOrder-06.03.26.pdf]
JST Civil Jury Trial Standing Order UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
STANDING ORDER FOR CIVIL JURY TRIALS BEFORE
DISTRICT JUDGE JON S. TIGAR
A. Meeting and Disclosure Prior to Pretrial Conference At least 21 calendar days before the final pretrial conference, lead trial counsel must meet and confer with respect to: 1. Settlement of the case; 2. Preparation of the joint pretrial statement; 3. Preparation and exchange of pretrial materials to be served and lodged pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(a)(3); and 4. Clarifying and narrowing the contested issues for trial in order to achieve a just, speedy, and efficient resolution of the case. B. Joint Pretrial Statement Unless otherwise ordered, the parties must file and serve a joint pretrial statement no later than seven calendar days before the pretrial conference. The statement must contain the following information: 1. Substance of the Action. A brief description of the parties, the substance of claims and defenses that remain to be decided, and the operative pleadings. 2. Relief Requested. A detailed statement of all requested relief, including an itemization of all elements of damages claimed. 3. Undisputed Facts. A plain and concise statement of all relevant facts to which the parties will stipulate for incorporation into the trial record without supporting testimony or exhibits. The parties must exercise good faith in stipulating to facts that are not reasonably disputable. 4. Disputed Factual Issues. A plain and concise list of the issues of fact that are contested and remain to be litigated at trial. 5. Agreed Statement. A statement assessing whether all or part of the action may be presented upon an agreed statement of facts. 6. Stipulations. A statement of proposed stipulations or agreements that will expedite the presentation of evidence.
JST Civil Jury Trial Standing Order
7.
Witnesses to be Called. A list of all witnesses likely to be called at trial other than
solely for impeachment or rebuttal, and a brief statement following each name
describing the substance of the testimony to be given. No party will be permitted to
call any witness in its case-in-chief who is not disclosed in its pretrial statement
without leave of court.
8.
Exhibits, Schedules, and Summaries. A list of all documents or other items to be
offered as exhibits at trial, other than solely for impeachment or rebuttal, and a brief
statement following each that describes: (1) its substance or purpose; (2) the identity
of the sponsoring witness; and (3) whether the parties have stipulated to its
admissibility and, if they have not, the objection to its admission, the grounds for the
objection, and the position of the offering party.
9.
Disputed Legal Issues. Without extended legal argument, a concise statement of
each disputed point of law concerning liability or relief, citing supporting statutes
and decisions.
10. Pending Motions or Matters. A statement of any motions or other matters that must
be resolved prior to trial.
11. Bifurcation or Separate Trial of Issues. A statement of whether either party requests
bifurcation or a separate trial of specific issues and why.
12. Use of Discovery Responses. Citations to all evidence that a party might introduce
at trial, other than that to be used solely for impeachment or rebuttal, that was
obtained from deposition testimony, interrogatory responses, or responses to
requests for admission. Counsel must state any objections to the use of these
materials and must certify that they have conferred regarding such objections.
Counsel must separately file a document containing each disputed discovery
response or deposition testimony excerpt, and as to each must state the objection to
its admission, the grounds for the objection, and the position of the offering party.
13. Estimate of Trial Time. An estimate of the number of hours or days needed for the
trial.
14. Settlement Discussion. A brief summary of the status of settlement negotiations,
without indicating specific dollar amounts, and an indication of whether further
negotiations are likely to be productive and what, if anything, would facilitate
settlement.
15. Miscellaneous. Any other matters that will facilitate the just, speedy, and efficient
resolution of the action.
JST Civil Jury Trial Standing Order
C.
Binding Effect of the Joint Pretrial Statement
The joint pretrial statement described above must include the following language directly above
the signature lines:
The foregoing admissions having been made by the parties, and
the parties having specified the foregoing issues of fact and law
remaining to be litigated, this order will supplement the pleadings
and govern the course of trial of this case, unless modified by the
Court to prevent manifest injustice.
D.
Trial Exhibits
1.
Exchange of Exhibits. At least 21 calendar days before the final pretrial conference,
the parties must exchange copies of all exhibits, summaries, charts, schedules,
diagrams, and other similar documentary materials to be used in their case-in-chief,
together with a complete list of all such proposed exhibits. Voluminous exhibits
must be reduced by elimination of irrelevant portions or through the use of
summaries.
2.
Objections to Exhibits. Following the exchange, the parties must immediately meet
and confer about the exhibits and any potential objections thereto, and must make a
good faith effort to stipulate to exhibits’ admissibility. If the parties cannot so
stipulate, they must make every effort to stipulate at least to authenticity and
foundation absent a legitimate (not tactical) objection. The Court may inquire about
the basis for any or all of a party’s objections to another party’s exhibits and/or
conduct a pretrial conference to rule on such objections, so as to ensure that the
jury’s time is not wasted during trial.
3.
Pre-Marking. Each exhibit must be labeled in the lower-right-hand corner with the
exhibit number in a prominent, bold typeface.
The parties must mark their exhibits using non-overlapping ranges of numbers,
leaving enough unused numbers that additional exhibits can be marked during trial.
For example, the parties might agree that the plaintiff will use numbers 001–199 and
the defendant will use numbers 200–399.
4.
Delivery. Unless otherwise ordered, at least seven calendar days prior to the
commencement of the trial, the parties must deliver one set of all pre-marked
exhibits in clearly labeled three-ring binders to the Clerk’s office, marked for the
attention of the courtroom deputy. Admitted exhibits from these binders will be
given to the jury during deliberations. The quality, condition, and labeling of the
binders should be such that the Court can easily transport and review the binders’
contents. Whenever possible, the spine of a binder should not be wider than three
inches.
JST Civil Jury Trial Standing Order
5.
All exhibits that have not been provided as required are subject to exclusion in the
reasonable exercise of the Court’s discretion.
6.
Following trial, the parties shall coordinate with the courtroom deputy regarding
electronic filing of all admitted exhibits, which shall be the official court record.
E.
Motions in Limine
Any party filing a motion in limine must first seek a stipulation from the opposing party or
parties to the relief requested in the motion.
Motions in limine are due no later than 21 days before the final pretrial conference. They must
be contained in a single document of no more than 40 pages, with no single motion exceeding 10
pages. Oppositions are due no later than 14 days before the final pretrial conference. They must
also be contained in single document of no more than 40 pages, with the opposition to no single
motion exceeding 10 pages. The Court will not consider reply briefs absent prior order on a
showing of good cause.
The motions will be heard at the pretrial conference, unless the Court sets another time or
determines that oral argument is unnecessary.
The Court ordinarily does not grant leave to file motions in limine under seal.
F.
Jury Materials
1.
Party Submissions. Unless otherwise ordered, at least seven calendar days prior to
the pretrial conference, the parties must file and serve (a) jury voir dire questions,
(b) proposed jury instructions; and (c) proposed jury verdict forms. The parties must
e-mail Word versions of all of these documents to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov on the
same day they file them.
2.
Voir Dire by Counsel. Counsel should discuss with the Court at the pretrial
conference whether they wish to conduct voir dire. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 47(a).
3.
General Instructions. Ordinarily, the Court will give the standard preliminary and
closing jury instructions contained in the Model Jury Instructions of the Ninth
Circuit. The preliminary jury instructions will ordinarily be given prior to opening
statements.
4.
Specific Instructions. The parties must submit a set of agreed-upon case-specific
instructions using the Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instructions or California Civil Jury
Instructions (CACI) whenever possible. Proposed deviations from the model
instructions, no matter how minor, must be clearly identified by red-lined copy and
supported by authority.
The Court discourages the unnecessary submission of special instructions or
modification of model instructions. Special instructions, if any, must be complete,
accurate, balanced, clear, and non-argumentative. Any instruction to which the
JST Civil Jury Trial Standing Order
parties disagree must be marked as “disputed” and followed by concise argument
and authority in support of and against the use of the instruction.
The parties’ set of proposed jury instructions must be ordered in logical sequence
and include a table of contents.
G.
Trial Briefs
Trial briefs are optional, but any party wishing to file a trial brief must do so at least seven
calendar days prior to the commencement of trial.
H.
Continuances and Settlements
Once set by the Court, trial dates are to be regarded as firm. Continuances are disfavored. For
example, the Court will rarely continue a trial because the parties have “settled in principle.” A
stipulated dismissal will ordinarily be required. In accordance with Civil Local Rule 40-1, if the
parties fail to proceed with a scheduled trial after a jury is empaneled, the Court may assess the
costs of maintaining the jury against the parties or attorneys.
I.
Opportunities for Junior Lawyers
The Court strongly encourages the parties to permit junior lawyers to examine witnesses and to
have an important role at trial.
J.
Witnesses at Trial
Unless otherwise ordered, each party must notify all other parties by the close of each trial day of
the witnesses that party intends to call on the following trial day. Failure to comply with this
order may, in the discretion of the Court, be grounds for exclusion of any witness who was not
properly disclosed.
Once the cross-examination of a witness has commenced, and until cross-examination of the
witness has concluded, counsel offering the witness on direct examination must not: (a) consult
or confer with the witness regarding the substance of the witness’s testimony already given, or
anticipated to be given, except for the purpose of conferring on whether to assert a privilege
against testifying or on how to comply with a court order; or (b) suggest to the witness the
manner in which any questions should be answered. Once cross-examination has concluded,
counsel is permitted to confer with the witness before redirect examination begins.
K.
Post-Trial Retention of Exhibits
At the conclusion of the trial, each party must retain its exhibits throughout the appellate process.
It is each party’s responsibility to make arrangements with the Clerk to file the record on appeal.
JST Civil Jury Trial Standing Order L. Daily Transcripts and Real-Time Reporting Any party who would like a daily transcript or real-time reporting must email Transcripts@cand.uscourts.gov at least fourteen calendar days before the first day of trial.
Dated: June 3, 2026
JON S. TIGAR United States District Judge
Judge Tigar’s Standing Order Governing Administrative Motions to File Materials Under Seal
[Source: https://cand.uscourts.gov/sites/default/files/standing-orders/JST-SealingMotionsStandingOrder-06.03.26.pdf]
JST Sealing Motions Standing Order
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
STANDING ORDER GOVERNING ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS TO FILE MATERIALS UNDER SEAL BEFORE DISTRICT JUDGE JON S. TIGAR In addition to the information required by Civil Local Rule 79-5, administrative motions to file materials under seal must contain the following information: 1. A statement that the filing party has reviewed and complied with this order. 2. A statement that the filing party has reviewed and complied with Civil Local Rule 79-5, including the requirement to file separate motions if a party seeks to file under seal a document containing “portions that more than one party bears the burden of showing is sealable.” Civil L.R. 79-5(f)(5). The motion or statement in support of sealing must identify the applicable legal standard (i.e., compelling reasons or good cause), explain why that standard applies, and articulate, with evidentiary support where necessary, why the materials to be sealed satisfy that standard. See Civil L.R. 79-5(c)(1)–(2). “Reference to a stipulation or protective order that allows a party to designate certain documents as confidential is not sufficient to establish that a document, or portions thereof, are sealable.” Civil L.R. 79-5(c). Conclusory references to “competitive harm” without explanation are also almost always insufficient justification for sealing. If a Designating Party seeks less extensive sealing than a motion filed under Civil Local Rule 79-5(f), that party must file revised redacted and unredacted versions of the documents sought to be sealed, as well as a revised proposed order. Unredacted versions of all documents sought to be partially filed under seal “must highlight the portions for which sealing is sought.” Civil L.R. 79-5(e)(2). If the document contains information sought to be sealed by multiple parties, a different color highlighting should be used to indicate the material designated by each party. Proposed orders must identify the appropriate legal standard, be “narrowly tailored to seal only the sealable material,” and “list[] in table format each document or portion thereof that is sought to be sealed.” Civil L.R. 79-5(c)(3). Tables must include a column for the Court’s ruling as to each document. Electronic copies of proposed orders must be sent in Word format to jstpo@cand.uscourts.gov. Electronic copies of sealed documents are required when a filed document consists of multiple parts and includes more than one part sought to be filed under seal—for example, a declaration with six exhibits, three of which are sought to be filed under seal. Parties must submit a single PDF of the entire document either by (a) following the instructions for Uploading Digital Exhibits available at https://cand.uscourts.gov/attorneys/attorney-practice-resources, using the “Chambers Copies ONLY” Case Type, and selecting the “SEALED” dropdown in the box under
JST Sealing Motions Standing Order
“Case Name” or (b) contacting the Courtroom Deputy at jstcrd@cand.uscourts.gov to arrange a different method of delivery (e.g., sharing a secured file link). Each exhibit must be bookmarked, and sealed material or material sought to be filed under seal must be highlighted. Where possible, the PDF must bear the ECF stamp (case number, document number, date, and page number) at the top of each page.
Dated: June 3, 2026
JON S. TIGAR United States District Judge
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