Honorable Christina A. Snyder

​​SCHEDULING AND PROCEDURES

1. If counsel has received a "Notice to Parties of Court-Directed ADR Program" (form ADR-08), the Court will presumptively refer the case to the Court Mediation Panel or to private mediation at the time of the initial scheduling conference. See General Order 11-10, § 5.1. Counsel are directed to furnish and discuss this Notice with their clients in preparation for the parties’ Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(f) conference. Counsel should include their shared or separate views regarding a preference for the Court Mediation Panel or private mediation, and when the mediation should occur, in the written report required by Fed.R.Civ.P. 26(f) and Civil L.R. 26-1. A settlement conference with a magistrate judge is generally not available for cases in the Court-Directed ADR Program. See Civil L.R. 26-1(c). For information about the Court's ADR Program, please see General Order 11-10 which is located in the "General Orders" section on the home page and in the "ADR" page of the Court's website.
   
   1. LOCAL RULES Counsel are advised the Court expects strict compliance with the provisions of the Local Rules and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Copies of the Local Rules may be purchased from one of the following:
      

      Los Angeles Daily Journal 915 East 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

      Metropolitan News 210 South Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

      West Group 610 Opperman Drive Egan, Minnesota 55123

      The Local Rules may also be found on the United States District Court’s website at the following address: http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov. Please note that certain Local Rules have recently been amended.
      The attention of counsel is particularly directed to Local Rules 16 and 26 for the conduct of mandatory pretrial and settlement proceedings.

   2. INTERROGATORIES
      Refer to the Local Rules.
   3. MOTIONS IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL CASES
      Motions shall be heard on each Monday of the month at 10:00 a.m., unless otherwise ordered by the Court. If Monday is a national holiday, the succeeding Monday shall be the motion day and all matters noticed for such Monday stand for hearing on the following Monday without special order or notice. The Court provides oral or written tentative rulings on most motions. Counsel are encouraged to direct oral argument to the matters raised in the tentative ruling and to submit to any part of the ruling that is not in genuine dispute, where appropriate. The Court will notify counsel if it does not require oral argument on any specific motion.
      Motion papers should comply with the Local Rules. Briefs should not exceed the page limits authorized by the Local Rules. The Court will rarely grant leave to file briefs that exceed the authorized page limits. Counsel are admonished not to circumvent page limits by filing multiple motions which purport to address separate issues in a case. Such motions will not be considered unless counsel obtains leave to file more than one motion or to file a brief that exceeds the page limits authorized by the Local Rules.
      Motions in criminal cases shall be heard on each Monday of the month at 1:30 p.m, unless otherwise ordered by the Court. If Monday is a national holiday, the succeeding Monday shall be the motion day and all matters noticed for such Monday stand for hearing on the following Monday without special order or notice.
      Special Note: The Court does not reserve hearing dates for any motions. Counsel refer to the applicable rules regarding notice of any matter being set upon the Court’s calendar (See, e.g., Local Rule 7).
   4. STATUS CONFERENCES, PRETRIAL CONFERENCES
      Counsel are reminded of their obligations to disclose information and confer on a discovery plan not later than 21 days prior to the date of the Fed. R. Civ. P. 16(b) scheduling conference and to report to the Court not later than 14 days after they confer on a discovery plan and the other matters required by Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) and the Local Rules of this Court. The following issues will be considered at the scheduling conference: the last date by which parties and claims for relief may be added, the discovery cutoff, as well as any issues relating to the discovery plan, the last date for filing motions, the time for the pretrial conference and the trial date. Scheduling conferences are generally held on Monday at 11:00 a.m.
      Status conferences and pretrial conferences in civil cases are held on Mondays at 11:00 a.m., unless they have previously been scheduled to take place at a different time. Counsel are reminded to comply fully with Local Rule 16 in preparing for pretrial conferences. Motions in limine shall be noticed to be heard on the same date and time the pretrial conference is scheduled for. Briefing on the motions in limine must comply with the Local Rules. However, no replies are to be filed as the Court will not consider such filings.
      Status conferences in criminal cases are held on Mondays at 1:30 p.m., unless they have previously been scheduled to take place at a different time. Motions in limine shall be noticed to be heard on the same date and time the status conference is scheduled for. Briefing on the motions in limine must comply with the Local Rules. However, no replies are to be filed as the Court will not consider such filings.
      Judge Snyder will permit oral argument on calendared motions to be heard telephonically if (a) all involved parties consent to the telephone hearing, (b) the parties anticipate presenting limited argument, and (c) the Court’s calendar permits such telephone oral argument to be heard. Arrangements for telephone hearings must be made by filing a request and proposed order no later than three business days prior to the scheduled hearing.
      The Courtroom Deputy Clerk must be notified by the moving party of all counsels’ intention to participate in a telephone hearing by the Wednesday prior to the Monday hearing date.
      The telephone hearing will be scheduled at a time convenient for the Court and the parties, on the Monday originally scheduled for the hearing of the motion pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Local Rules. The party bringing the motion will initiate the conference call, and when all counsel are present on the line, will contact the Court. Callers will hold on the line until their motion is ready to be heard, at which time they will be connected with the Court, the case will be called, and the telephone hearing will commence.

2. DISCOVERY CUTOFF

   Generally, the Court will set a discovery cutoff date at the scheduling conference. The Court expects that by the date of the discovery cutoff, all discovery and responses thereto shall have been served, and all motions to compel will be on file and have been argued (but not necessarily decided). The only discovery that may be conducted after the discovery cutoff date without leave of Court is discovery ordered by the Magistrate Judge for which a timely-filed motion was pending and argued before the discovery cutoff date. Unless the Court has issued a contrary order, all discovery motions should be set before the Magistrate Judge to whom this case is assigned. Furthermore, Judge Snyder has a blanket referral of all discovery matters to be handled by the Magistrate Judge to whom the case is assigned

3. ARE TENTATIVE RULINGS ISSUED?

   Generally, prior to argument, written tentative rulings are provided to counsel on the date of the scheduled hearing, in court. The courtroom is open to the public twenty (20) minutes before calendar call, upon which counsel may obtain such written tentative rulings, if available. In some cases, counsel will be notified that the motion has been taken under submission and that counsel need not appear for oral argument.

4. ARE COPIES REQUIRED BY THE COURT?

   The Court requires that mandatory copies of electronically filed documents be delivered to the judge's mail box outside the Clerk's Office on the 4th floor of the 1st Street Courthouse, no later than 12:00 p.m. on the first court day following the date when the documents are required filed. Furthermore, mandatory copies shall be 2-hole punched and the efile notification date shall be visible on or as the first page. Moreover, in all cases asserting claims under the antitrust laws, the patent laws or federal securities laws, and in such specific cases as may be designated by the Court, counsel must deliver to the Court two (2) mandatory chambers copies of all documents that are electronically filed. Mandatory copy documents shall include tabs to separate exhibits, declarations, etc., where applicable. The Court will also accept any fax courtesy copies not exceeding five (5) pages in length total. The Courtroom Deputy Clerk’s fax number is 213-894-0375.
   In addition, counsel shall email any and all proposed orders to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk in “Word” or “WordPerfect” format to CAS_Chambers@cacd.uscourts.gov.

5. PROCEDURES FOR FILING AN EX PARTE APPLICATION

   The parties’ and counsels’ attention is directed to Local Rule 7-19. The moving party shall inform the opposing party or parties that such party or parties shall have 48 hours from the date of delivery of the moving papers to file and serve their opposition papers, if any.
   No hearing will be held on any ex parte application unless deemed necessary by the Court and in such case counsel will be notified by the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.

6. TO REQUEST A CONTINUANCE OF ANY SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCE

   Continuances will only be granted based upon a showing of good cause. Stipulations, including second and subsequent extensions of time to respond to the complaint, are effective ONLY when approved by the Court. (See Local Rule 16-8).

7. NO COMMUNICATION WITH CHAMBERS STAFF

   Unless counsel have been expressly authorized to communicate with chambers (e. g., for a telephone status conference with all counsel participating), all oral and written communications must be submitted only to the Courtroom Deputy, Catherine Jeang with copies to all counsel of record. Please do not attempt to communicate in writing or by telephone with chambers. (See Local Rule 83-2.11).

8. CALENDAR CONFLICTS

   Any person appearing before the Court must check in with the Courtroom Deputy Clerk prior to calendar call, and advise the Courtroom Deputy Clerk of the calendar conflict. The Court will provide a priority position on the calendar or, hold the matter until the end of the calendar or permit a party to submit on the tentative ruling.

9. ELECTRONIC OR PHOTOGRAPHIC EQUIPMENT

   The Local Rules prohibit the recording of federal proceedings, either by electronic recording means or by camera. Video cassette recorders, monitors, computers, overhead projectors, and silent copiers, and the like for presentation of evidence are permitted, only by approval. Counsel shall contact the Courtroom Deputy Clerk by telephone to request leave to bring electronic equipment into the courtroom. Counsel will be advised by the Courtroom Deputy Clerk that such a request shall be made by a letter addressed to the U.S. Marshal's Office, carbon copied to the Court Coordinator and prepared for the Courtroom Deputy Clerk's signature, along with the case name and case number, the purpose, and on what date or for what duration equipment is needed. Counsel may fax the letter listing the equipment that he or she intends utilize to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk for signature, in advance of the trial or hearing, for approval and authorization. Upon approval, counsel shall present the letter to Court Security on the day(s) of the hearing, for admission.

   • Arrangements for bringing voluminous exhibits into the courtroom may be made through the Space and Facilities Help Desk, at (213) 894-1400.
   • For information regarding ELMO reservations and/or training, please visit the court website (www.cacd.uscourts.gov) section referring to Courtroom Technology. Alternatively, you may contact the Courtroom Technology Help Desk at 213-894-3061.

10. TO ORDER A TRANSCRIPT OF A PROCEEDING

    For general information on how to order a transcript of any reported or digitally recorded proceeding, please contact 213-894-3015 or visit the court website (www.cacd.uscourts.gov) section referring to Court Reporter/Recorder Transcripts. If you require an estimate of cost for the preparation of a transcript, contact the court reporter/recorder for the desired proceeding.
    To determine the court reporter/recorder for a particular proceeding, go to the Court Reporter Schedule web page and click on View by Date. Once you've determined the correct court reporter/recorder for the desired session, click on Court Reporter Phone and Email List for contact information.

11. TRIAL CALENDAR AND REQUIRED PREPARATION

    Court hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Court may conduct bench trials to 6:30 p.m. and specifically schedule hearings after 5:00 p.m. if convenient for the parties. Luncheon recess is 12:00 p.m. (Noon) to 1:30 p.m.
    

    1. EXHIBITS: Two (2) Sets (original and Bench copy) are to be submitted to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at the beginning of trial - in the form specified in Local Rule 16-5. When applicable, the Court prefers all written exhibits to be placed in 3-ring binders (no larger than 2-1/2 inches), with numbered tabs and, volume numbers identified on the outside spine of the exhibit book. Good photographs of physical exhibits are to be inserted into the bench book, and the actual physical exhibit with the appropriate evidence tag may be tendered to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk. Digital exhibit tags are now available on the Court's website under Court Forms > General forms > Form G-14A (plaintiff) and G-14B (defendant).  Digital exhibit tags may be used in place of the tags obtained from the Clerk’s Office.  If the physical exhibit is to be returned at the conclusion of trial, a photograph of same is to be provided to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk.
    2. EXHIBIT LISTS: Three (3) copies are to be submitted to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at the beginning of trial.
    3. WITNESS LISTS: Three (3) copies are to be submitted to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at the beginning of trial.
    4. DEPOSITIONS: If counsel plans to use deposition transcripts during trial for any purpose, including impeachment, counsel should arrange to have the original lodged on the first day of trial. If the original is not available, please lodge a certified copy in lieu or the original or, counsel may stipulate to the use of an uncertified copy. The use of depositions at trial will not be permitted if the original or a copy has not been lodged.
       Where witnesses testify by deposition, counsel for the parties should do the following: Prepare and file with the Court a stipulated summary of what the witness’ testimony will be, and mark those portions of the deposition transcripts that will be offered. Plaintiffs shall use blue markings and defendants shall use red markings. Other colors, clearly identified as to the designating party, shall be used if there are multiple defendants. If there are objections to testimony upon which counsel seeks a ruling from the Court, counsel must indicate the request for a ruling in the margin of the deposition transcript.
    5. VOIR DIRE: Ordinarily the Court will conduct voir dire. Counsel should submit proposed voir dire examination no later than the Wednesday of the week prior to trial.
    6. JURY INSTRUCTIONS: Jury instructions in the form described below are to be submitted not later than the Wednesday of the week prior to trial. Counsel need only submit proposed substantive instructions. The Court will propound its own general instructions and will essentially follow the format set out in the Manual of Model Criminal Jury Instructions for the Ninth Circuit (West Publishing, latest edition). In those cases where a special verdict is desired, counsel shall submit a proposed verdict form with the jury instructions Counsel shall submit a floppy disk or compact disc containing the proposed joint and disputed instructions and special verdict.
       The parties must submit JOINT jury instructions and a JOINT proposed verdict form (if a special verdict is requested). In order to produce these joint instructions, the parties shall meet and confer sufficiently in advance of the required submission date with the goal of agreeing upon instructions and verdict forms. The jury instructions shall be submitted as follows: 1) JOINT jury instructions, those instructions which are agreed to be all parties; and 2) DISPUTED jury instructions, those instructions propounded by a party to which another party objects. Objections to disputed instructions shall be filed no later than the Friday before the commencement of trial. Each requested jury instruction shall be numbered and set forth in full on a separate page, citing the case authority or other source of the requested instruction.
       The Court prefers counsel to use the instructions from the Manual of Model Criminal Jury Instructions for the Ninth Circuit, West Publishing, latest edition. Another suggested source is Federal Jury Practice and Instructions, Devitt, Blackmar, Wolff and O’Malley, West Publishing Co., current edition.
       An index page shall accompany all jury instructions that are submitted to the Court. The index page shall indicate the following:
       1. The number of the instruction;
       2. A brief title of the instruction;
       3. The source of the instruction; and
       4. The page number of the instruction.
       5. EXAMPLE
          

          Number	Title	Source	Page Number
          #1	Duty of the Jury	9th Cir. 1.01	1
          Ninth Circuit Model Jury Instruction are preferred. Counsel may discuss the matter with the Court before the commencement of trial proceedings.

12. PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING THE SERVICES OF A COURT INTERPRETERS

    CIVIL CASES: Counsel are responsible for providing federal court certified interpreters at their expense.
    CRIMINAL CASES: The Court will provide interpreters at no charge to the parties. The Courtroom Deputy Clerk requires advance notice of no less than 24 hours for Spanish language, and 48 hours for any other language. The more notice the better, as the Courtroom Deputy Clerk cannot guarantee an interpreter on less than one (1) day’s notice. You may fax your notice to the Courtroom Deputy Clerk at the telephone number given above.

13. OTHER

    Any questions regarding law clerk/extern positions shall be directed to chambers at (213) 894-8551.
    Thank you for inquiring on the internet.