Federal Courts Update

For more federal court specific content, please see the Federal Court Committee’s Quarterly Newsletter at https://calawyers.org/section/litigation/standing-committees/committee-on-federal-courts/federal-courts-newsletter/.

Central District of California

COVID-19 Update: The District Court adopted a policy regarding COVID-19 vaccinations and testing, effective October 1, 2021. (Policy.) On October 4, 2021, the Court extended its authority pursuant to provisions of the CARES Act through January 14, 2022. Accordingly, court hearings by video or telephonic conference may continue to be held in certain criminal matters. (Notice.)  

Local Rules: New and amended Local Rules became effective December 1, 2021. A redlined version of these rules, as well as a complete copy of the Local Civil Rules are available on the Court’s website.

New Costs Form: The Application to the Clerk to Tax Costs (Form CV-59) and the Bill of Costs Handbook have been revised and are available at http://www.cacd.uscourts.gov/court-procedures/filing-procedures/bill-costs. Parties filing an Application to the Clerk to Tax Costs must use Form CV-59. Please review the handbook for new instructions on submitting that form.

Southern District of California

COVID-19 Update: The Southern District of California has resumed normal operations. However, most proceedings can typically proceed by telephone or videoconference. (See, e.g., id. CJO 63-F.) Face coverings are required for visitors that are not fully vaccinated. (See CJO 59-A.)

Magistrate Judges: The Court is considering the reappointment of Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt and a Merits Selection Panel is accepting comments from members of the bar and public. (GO 733.)

Northern District of California

COVID-19 Update: All visitors to a Northern District courthouse must review the court’s COVID-19 pre-screening questionnaire before arriving at the courthouse and, effective July 29, 2021, all jurors, attorneys, court staff, and other courthouse visitors, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear masks within public or common areas of courthouse property. Additionally, the Northern District is holding “hybrid” in-court criminal proceedings incorporating Zoom, regarding which additional information is available on the Court’s website.

Civil Local Rules: The court updated its Civil Local Rules effective November 1, 2021. Comments or suggestions on any of the revisions may be submitted at any time to media@uscourts.gov. 

Clerk of Court: Mark B. Busby, Deputy Circuit Executive for the U.S. Courts for the Ninth Judicial Circuit, has been selected as the Clerk of Court for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Mr. Busby replaced the Acting Clerk of Court, Kathleen M. Shambaugh, effective December 6, 2021.

NextGen CM/ECF: On October 25, 2021, the Northern District of California implemented the NextGen CM/ECF system. Action is required by all registered CM/ECF users. For more information, see NextGen CM/ECF Instructions.

Eastern District of California

COVID-19 Update: The Court issued a General Order regarding vaccination and testing requirements. (GO-637.) All federal courthouses in the Eastern District of California remain open to the public. (Notice.) Face coverings must be worn in public spaces. (Notice.) Criminal and civil jury trials are being held in person. Judges shall determine whether to hold other proceedings in person. Civil proceedings are primarily being held by telephone or videoconference.

Local Rules: Notice and Opportunity to Comment on Proposed New and Amended Eastern District of California Local Rules: Appendix A, 101, 135, 173, 174, 230, 233, 251, 261, 428, 429, 430.1, 460, and 461. Comments are due no later than Friday, December 31, 2021. Please see the district court’s Local Rules Page for the proposed amendments and the ability to comment.

Diversity Career Fair: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California together with support from the University of California, Davis, School of Law, the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, the Federal Bar Association, and different affinity bar associations, is starting a Sacramento Region Diversity Career Fair for law students and practicing attorneys, which will be held on January 29, 2022 in Sacramento at McGeorge School of Law. For more information, contact Chi Soo Kim at chi.soo.kim@usdoj.gov.

If you are interested in applying to join the Federal Court Committee, you can apply at https://calawyers.org/section/litigation/standing-committees/committee-on-federal-courts/.