Effective 11/5/2025
U.S. Magistrate Judge Chi Soo Kim
United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
501 I Street, Courtroom No. 25, 8th Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
CIVIL STANDING ORDERS
I. CIVIL LAW AND MOTION (NON-DISCOVERY)
The following applies to non-discovery civil law and motion. This does not apply to
Social Security cases (Local Rule 206 and Section IV below apply); prisoner cases
(Local Rule 230(l) applies to all motions in prisoner cases except motions to dismiss
for lack of prosecution and Section V below apply); or motions for administrative
relief (Local Rule 233 applies). 1 See Section II below for civil discovery matters.
A. Schedule: Civil law and motion is heard on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. in person in
Courtroom 25. Motion dates are not reserved. If the hearing date conflicts with
the Court’s calendar, the Court will reschedule the hearing.
B. Briefs: Besides cross motions for summary judgment (see Section I.C), all other
motions and oppositions are limited to 20 pages, and replies are limited to
10 pages. Only in rare instances and for good cause shown will requests to
expand these page limits or to file a supplemental brief or sur-reply be granted.
Any such requests must be filed in writing at least seven (7) days before the
filing. Pages that exceed the page limits, supplemental briefs, or sur-replies filed
without prior leave of court will not be considered. Briefs must be submitted using
a minimum of 12 point font for all text, including footnotes, and must be double-
spaced. Multi-page exhibits must be internally paginated, with the pagination for
each exhibit beginning at one (1) (for example, Exh. A-1, Exh. A-2, etc.).
C. Motions for Summary Judgment: Local Rule 260 applies to motions for
summary judgment, and requires the moving party to submit a Statement of
Undisputed Facts. The Statement of Undisputed Facts shall be submitted as an
attachment in a numbered table format following the example below. The
opposing party shall reproduce and respond to the moving party’s Statement of
Undisputed Facts in a numbered table format, and shall submit its response as
an attachment. An example is provided below.
Example - Statement of Undisputed Facts
No. Undisputed Fact Source (Deposition Opposing Party’s
Page:Line, etc.) Response
1.
2.
1
The Local Rules of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
are available on the district court’s website:
https://www.caed.uscourts.gov/caednew/index.cfm/rules/local-rules/.
1
Effective 11/5/2025
The requirements for briefs in Section I.B apply to all summary judgment
motions, except for cross motions for summary judgment. If Plaintiff and
Defendant both intend to file a motion for summary judgment, the motions will be
treated as cross motions for summary judgment. At least 28 days before the
dispositive motions filing deadline, the parties must meet and confer to determine
whether they intend to file cross motions for summary judgment. Only four briefs
shall be filed for cross motions for summary judgment using the following
schedule and page limits:
1. Plaintiff’s opening motion and brief (20 pages maximum) shall be filed at least
21 days before the dispositive motions filing deadline;
2. Defendant’s opposition and cross motion for summary judgment (30 pages
maximum) shall be filed no later than 14 days after Plaintiff’s opening motion
was filed;
3. Plaintiff’s reply and opposition (30 pages maximum) shall be filed no later
than 14 days after Defendant’s opposition and cross motion was filed; and
4. Defendant’s reply (10 pages maximum) shall be filed no later than 14 days
after Plaintiff’s reply and opposition was filed.
D. Remote Zoom Appearances: Requests for a remote appearance are generally
disfavored absent a showing of hardship (for example, a pro se party without
means to travel to the courthouse, health concerns, a substantial increase in
litigation costs for out-of-state travel by counsel where no counsel is located in
California, etc.). Scheduling conflicts are insufficient. A request for a remote
appearance must be filed in writing at least 10 days before the hearing, only after
providing courtesy notice to other parties, and must include the basis for the
request. If a request for a remote appearance is granted, all parties will appear
remotely by video using the Zoom platform; there are no hybrid hearings. During
the remote appearance, the individual’s video and audio must be turned on and
functioning. Virtual backgrounds, avatars, digital twins, or the use of any tool or
artificial intelligence (AI) to alter an individual’s appearance or voice are
prohibited.
E. Less Experienced Attorneys: The Court values the importance of training less
experienced attorneys. The parties are encouraged to consider providing less
experienced attorneys with the opportunity to present oral argument. If a written
request for oral argument is filed at least 10 days before the scheduled hearing
and states that an attorney with less than five (5) years of experience as a
practitioner will present oral argument, the Court will hold a hearing. The Court
may otherwise find it appropriate in some situations to submit a motion without
oral argument.
2
Effective 11/5/2025
II. DISCOVERY
The following applies to discovery matters in non-prisoner cases. Local Rule 230(l)
applies to all motions in prisoner cases except motions to dismiss for lack of
prosecution.
A. Meet and Confer Requirement: For discovery matters where all parties raising
the discovery matter are represented by counsel, the requirement to confer under
Local Rule 251 and for Informal Discovery Resolution (see Section II.C below)
must be done through communication that occurs in-person, by phone, or by
video. Written communication alone does not satisfy the requirement to confer
where all parties raising the discovery matter are represented by counsel.
B. Motions Pursuant to Local Rule 251: The Joint Statement re Discovery
Disagreement under Local Rule 251(c) is limited to 20 pages, excluding exhibits.
If an affidavit is filed instead of a Joint Statement as provided under Local Rule
251(d), the affidavit is limited to 15 pages, excluding exhibits. For motions under
Local Rule 251(e), the motion and opposition are limited to 20 pages, and the
reply is limited to 10 pages, excluding exhibits. Only in rare instances and for
good cause shown will requests to expand these page limits be granted. Any
such requests must be filed in writing at least seven (7) days before the filing
deadline. Pages that exceed the page limits without prior leave of court will not
be considered.
The Joint Statement, affidavit, or brief must be submitted using a minimum of
12 point font for all text, including footnotes, and must be double-spaced. Multi-
page exhibits must be internally paginated, with the pagination for each exhibit
beginning at one (1) (for example, Exh. A-1, Exh. A-2, etc.). For the Joint
Statement, parties are discouraged from submitting exhibits of communications
between the parties regarding the discovery matter (for example, emails between
counsel). For the Local Rule 251(d) affidavit, the party submitting the affidavit may
submit exhibits of communications between the parties to demonstrate efforts
made to secure the cooperation of the other party, the preparation or execution of
the Joint Statement, or the other party’s response or failure to respond.
C. Informal Discovery Resolution: Upon order of the Court in an appropriate case
or by agreement of the parties, Judge Kim will resolve discovery disputes outside
the formal Local Rule 251 procedures by conducting an informal telephonic
conference. To promote the just, speedy, and inexpensive resolution under Rule 1
of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, parties are encouraged to resolve
discovery disputes early through this informal discovery resolution process.
A party with a discovery dispute shall first confer with the opposing party in a
good faith effort to resolve the dispute without court action. If such efforts fail, the
prospective moving party may contact Judge Kim’s Courtroom Deputy, Alexandra
Waldrop, at (916) 930-4187 or
[email protected], to request an
informal telephonic conference with Judge Kim. The prospective moving party,
after having conferred with the opposing party, shall provide the dates and times
3
Effective 11/5/2025
in the next three (3) to fourteen (14) days when all concerned parties are
available for a telephonic conference. The Court will then issue a minute order
with the time and date of the telephonic conference, and provide dial-in
instructions.
Unless a different deadline is set by the Court, by 10:00 a.m. PT two business
days before the telephonic conference, the parties shall file a joint letter briefly
summarizing the discovery dispute and the parties’ meet and confer efforts. The
joint letter brief is limited to two (2) pages; must use a minimum of 12 point font
for all text; and may be single spaced. Parties are discouraged from submitting
exhibits or attachments. If any exhibits or attachments are submitted, they are
limited to five (5) pages. Pages that exceed the page limits will not be
considered.
After or during the telephonic conference, the Court may issue an order ruling on
the issues presented. Parties are cautioned that the Court will maintain the power
to issue monetary and other sanctions during telephonic conferences, including
for failures to meet and confer in good faith or for abuse of the discovery process.
D. Remote Zoom Appearances: The same procedures for remote Zoom
appearances in Section I.D above apply to discovery-related hearings.
E. Less Experienced Attorneys: The same procedures for less experienced
attorneys in Section I.E above apply to discovery-related hearings.
III. SETTLEMENT CONFERENCES
A. In-Person or Remote Zoom Appearances: Settlement conferences are held
either in-person or by Zoom based on the preference of the parties. If a
settlement conference is held by Zoom, all parties will appear remotely by video
using the Zoom platform; there are no hybrid settlement conferences. During the
remote appearance, the individual’s video and audio must be turned on and
functioning. Virtual backgrounds, avatars, digital twins, or the use of any tool or
artificial intelligence (AI) to alter an individual’s appearance or voice are
prohibited.
B. Scheduling: If parties are interested in a settlement conference, please contact
Judge Kim’s Courtroom Deputy, Alexandra Waldrop, at (916) 930-4187 or
[email protected]. Parties should communicate the specific time
frame when they would like the settlement conference held and whether the
parties are requesting an in-person or Zoom settlement conference.
C. Participation: At the settlement conference, in non-prisoner cases, the
attendance of the named parties is required unless (1) a waiver of appearance is
requested by the party at least seven (7) days before the settlement conference
that also identifies an individual who will attend and is fully authorized to settle the
matter, and this waiver of appearance is granted by the Court; or (2) the party is an
4
Effective 11/5/2025
entity or organization, and an individual who is fully authorized to settle the matter
for the entity or organization will attend. For insured parties, a representative of the
insurer who is fully authorized to settle the matter must either be present or be
available by phone during the entire settlement conference.
D. Pre-Settlement Conference Call in Non-Prisoner Cases: When possible in
non-prisoner cases, Judge Kim will separately call counsel for each party before
the settlement conference.
E. Settlement Conferences Statements: Parties must submit to chambers a
written settlement conference statement seven (7) days prior to the date of the
settlement conference by 5:00 p.m. PT. Parties shall email their settlement
conference statements to
[email protected], and should not file the
statement on the docket. Parties should file a Notice of Submission of Settlement
Conference Statement on the docket pursuant to Local Rule 270(d). Parties are
encouraged to share their settlement conference statement with the opposing
party, but are also invited to submit a confidential statement to Judge Kim.
The settlement conference statement shall include the following: a brief
summary of the facts, legal claims, relief sought, and defenses; a summary of
court proceedings to date and upcoming court proceedings, including summary
judgment deadlines and whether there is a scheduled trial date; discovery status;
an estimate of the cost and time needed to complete fact and expert discovery,
pretrial preparation, and trial; any settlement discussions (informal or formal) that
have already occurred; any related cases or other cases involving the same or
similar parties; any impediments to settlement, including any restitution owed;
any other information the party thinks would help facilitate settlement; and a
phone number at which counsel can be reached. Multi-page exhibits must be
internally paginated, with the pagination for each exhibit beginning at one (1) (for
example, Exh. A-1, Exh. A-2, etc.).
F. Video, Audio, or Other Voluminous Exhibits: If a party intends to submit video,
audio, or other electronic exhibits that may be too large to submit by email, please
contact Judge Kim’s Courtroom Deputy before the deadline for the settlement
conference statement for instructions on submission to ensure Judge Kim is able
to review the materials. See also Local Rule 138(l). Acceptable video and audio
formats are provided on the website for the United States District Court for the
Eastern District of California (https://www.caed.uscourts.gov). On the district
court’s website, select “Attorney Info,” then select “Electronic Evidence Submission
/ Presentation,” and go to the “Acceptable Audio and Video Formats” section.
G. Photograph or Other Visual Image Exhibits: Pursuant to Local Rule 138(l), all
photographs and other visual images must be submitted electronically in JPG,
PNG, or TIFF format.
5
Effective 11/5/2025
IV. SOCIAL SECURITY CASES
Motions for Summary Judgment: Local Rules 230 and 260 do not apply to
motions for summary judgment in Social Security cases. The deadlines for filing the
administrative record and summary judgment briefs are set forth in the Scheduling
Order for Social Security Cases. In addition, Plaintiff’s motion for summary judgment
is limited to 25 pages; the Commissioner’s opposition and cross-motion for summary
judgment is limited to 30 pages; and Plaintiff’s optional reply brief is limited to
15 pages. All briefs must use a minimum of 12 point font, double-spaced.
V. PRISONER CASES
Motions: Local Rule 230(l) applies to all motions in prisoner cases except motions
to dismiss for lack of prosecution. In addition, all motions and oppositions in prisoner
cases are limited to 20 pages, and replies are limited to 10 pages. Only in rare
instances and for good cause shown will requests to expand these page limits. Any
such requests must be filed in writing at least seven (7) days before the filing. The
pages of motions filed that exceed the page limits without prior leave of court will not
be considered. Typed briefs must be submitted using a minimum of 12 point font for
all text, including footnotes, and must be double-spaced. Multi-page exhibits must be
internally paginated, with the pagination for each exhibit beginning at one (1) (for
example, Exh. A-1, Exh. A-2, etc.).
VI. CIVIL TRIAL PROCEDURES
Judge Kim’s civil trial procedures are provided in a separate document on Judge
Kim’s webpage on the website for the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of California. On the district court’s website, select “Judges,” then select
Judge Kim from the list of judges.
VII. OTHER
A. Proposed Orders: As required by the Local Rules, in addition to filing proposed
orders in CM/ECF, counsel shall also submit the proposed order accompanying
any application, request, stipulation, or motion in Microsoft Word format by email
to
[email protected]. The email subject line must contain the words
"proposed order" and the case number.
B. Deposition Transcripts: If a party makes reference to or cites a deposition in a
filing or a settlement conference statement, the party must simultaneously attach
as an exhibit only the excerpts of the relevant portion of the deposition transcript
referenced or cited. Entire deposition transcripts should not be filed through
CM/ECF. Under Local Rule 133(j), parties are required to submit a courtesy copy
of the entire deposition transcript either as a hard copy to the Clerk of Court or as
an electronic copy by email to chambers. Counsel is instructed to comply with
6
Effective 11/5/2025
this requirement by submitting the deposition transcript as an electronic copy
only by email to
[email protected]. The email subject line must
contain the case number, the words “deposition transcript,” and the last name of
the deponent.
C. Email Communications: Parties, including parties proceeding without an
attorney, should refrain from emailing Judge Kim or her staff except as provided
for in these standing orders (for example, to submit proposed orders or
settlement conference statements, request a settlement conference or an
informal discovery conference, etc.), Judge Kim’s orders (for example, to submit
certain trial documents in Word format), or the Local Rules (for example, Local
Rule 141 sealing documents). Judge Kim and her staff will not otherwise respond
to email communications.
D. Courtroom Audio / Visual Equipment: Information regarding the audio, visual,
and electronic equipment available in the courtroom is provided on the website
for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California. On the
district court’s website, select “Attorney Info,” then select “Electronic Evidence
Submission / Presentation.”
E. Transcript Orders: To order a transcript from a hearing held before Judge Kim,
follow the instructions for ordering transcripts on the website for the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of California. On the district court’s website,
select “Attorney Info,” then select “Court Reporters / Transcripts.”
F. Accommodations for Communication Disabilities: Information for persons
with communication disabilities is provided on the website for the United States
District Court for the Eastern District of California. On the district court’s website,
select “Attorney Info,” then select “Accommodations for Communication
Disabilities.”
///
7
