Federal Courts District Update – December 2024

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter includes an interview with United States Magistrate Judge Stephanie Christensen.

We are looking for six new members to join our Federal Courts Committee. If you are interested, please apply at https://calawyers.org/section/litigation/standing-committees/committee-on-federal-courts/ or email Committee Chair Tom Stout for more information.

Central District of California

Changes to Local Rules: The Court has approved amendments to the local rules, which became effective on December 1, 2024: For a list of the changes and a redline of the changes, please see the Clerk’s notice. (Notice)

Consent to Magistrate Judges: The Central District launched the Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judges Program on December 1, 2024. Under that Program, a certain portion of new civil filings will be assigned directly to Magistrate Judges. The parties will receive a notice and be provided an opportunity to opt-out of the Program. More information can be found in the Clerk’s notice. (Notice)

Judicial confirmations:

Judge Anne Hwang of Los Angeles County Superior Court has been confirmed to serve as a District Judge. She will maintain chambers in Los Angeles. (Notice)

Judge Cynthia Valenzuela Dixon, former supervising judge of the State Bar Court, has been confirmed to serve as a District Judge. She will maintain chambers in Los Angeles. (Notice)

Northern District of California

Judicial Appointment: The Northern District of California announced the re-appointment of United States Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen.

Eastern District of California

Judicial Updates: Senior District Judge Morrison C. England Jr. retired from the bench on October 4, 2024, and has become a private mediator.