Judge-Specific Procedures
C.D. Cal. — CDCA has 30+ district judges and 20+ magistrate judges, each with their own standing orders.
CDCA has 30+ district judges and 20+ magistrate judges, each with their own standing orders. Judge-specific requirements override the local rules. Check your assigned judge's standing order before filing anything — many judges modify rules on chambers copies, word limits, meet-and-confer, MSJ procedures, and hearings.
Standing orders available at: https://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/judges-schedules-procedures
Three divisions: Western (Los Angeles), Southern (Santa Ana), Eastern (Riverside).
The court amends local rules twice per year: June 1 and December 1.
Recent Changes
Dec 1, 2025: L.R. 7-1 (stipulations), L.R. 83-4.2/4.5 (student practice), L.R. 83-4.6 (student criminal appearance).
June 1, 2025: L.R. 7-3 (added video conference as permitted format for meet-and-confer).
Dec 1, 2024: L.R. 4-6, 5-4.8.1, 11-3.8, 73-1, 73-2.1-2.3 revised; 73-2.4-2.6 deleted; 79-5.2 revised.
Exempt Case Types (L.R. 16-12)
No scheduling order or final pretrial conference required: habeas corpus, Social Security appeals, pro se prisoner cases, removed small claims, bankruptcy appeals, extradition, administrative summons enforcement, student loan collections.