Procedures verified June 26, 2026
Judge Maxine M. Chesney -- United States District Court, Northern District of California
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Key Traps — Where Counsel Gets Caught
- 1. Chambers copies are required -- this is a deviation from many CA-ND judges who have eliminated this requirement. Missing copies is a compliance failure.
- 2. Proposed orders must include a short statement of rationale and citation of authority -- not just the requested relief. A blank form order is insufficient.
- 3. Only one SJ motion per party or side absent specific leave granted in advance.
- 4. Timing trap on courtesy copies: if the hearing is within 7 days of filing, copies must be delivered to the Clerk's Office by noon the following court day -- not mailed.
Quick Reference
| Topic | Rule |
|---|---|
| Motion Days | Fridays at 9:00 a.m. No hearing reservation required. Noticed dates may be reset as the Court's calendar requires. [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 2(b)] |
| Motion Limit | Per Civ. L.R. 7-2(b): 25 pages maximum. |
| Reply Limit | Per Civ. L.R. 7-4(b): 15 pages maximum. |
| Chambers Copies | ✓ Required Timing: courtesy copies shall be mailed via first class mail to the Clerk's Office on the same day the documents are filed, unless the... [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 1] |
| Discovery | Discovery motions in civil cases are referred to a Magistrate Judge. [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 4] |
Procedural Briefing by Motion Type
N.D. Cal. · Standing Orders
Procedural Requirements
Key Traps
Compare to Other N.D. Cal. Judges
Procedural facts only. Judges shown to illustrate variance in this district.
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Before You File
Motion Days & Times
Fridays at 9:00 a.m. No hearing reservation required. Noticed dates may be reset as the Court's calendar requires. [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 2(b)]
Notice Period
Per Civ. L.R. 7-2(a): 35 days after filing. FRCP 6(d) mail-service extension expressly excluded.
Motion Page / Word Limit
Per Civ. L.R. 7-2(b): 25 pages maximum.
Opposition Limit
Per Civ. L.R. 7-4(b): 25 pages maximum.
Reply Limit
Per Civ. L.R. 7-4(b): 15 pages maximum.
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At Filing
Chambers Copies
✓ Required
Timing: courtesy copies shall be mailed via first class mail to the Clerk's Office on the same day the documents are filed, unless the filing is in connection with a hearing to be held within 7 days of filing, in which case courtesy copies shall be delivered to the Clerk's Office no later than noon on the court day following the filing. Format: single-sided; exhibits separated by tabbed dividers. [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 1]
Proposed Orders
Required. Each party filing or opposing a motion shall serve and file a proposed order setting forth the relief or action sought and a short statement of the rationale of decision, including citation of authority, that the party requests the Court to adopt. [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 3]
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Before the Hearing
Oral Argument
Not specifically addressed in standing order beyond scheduling on the Friday calendar.
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Background Rules
Discovery Referral
Discovery motions in civil cases are referred to a Magistrate Judge. [Judge Chesney Standing Orders (1-4-2022), § 4]
Discovery Motion Process
Not specified in standing order beyond local rule requirements.
Ex Parte Applications
Per Civ. L.R. 7-10: Permitted only if authorized by statute, Federal Rule, local rule, or standing order. Cite authority in motion. Scheduling changes require a signed stipulation and proposed order, or if stipulation is not possible, a motion or administrative request under Civ. L.R. 6-3 or 7-11.
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AI & Style Preferences
Additional Notes
Chesney (Senior District Judge) requires physical courtesy copies with specific timing and format rules. Civil motions on Fridays at 9:00 a.m.; case management conferences on Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Discovery disputes go to magistrate. Proposed orders must include rationale and authority citation, not just requested relief. Standing order dated January 4, 2022.
Sources & Currency
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Procedures verified June 26, 2026.
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