Federal Courts Update – September 2025

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter.

We are looking for new members to join our Federal Courts Committee. If you are interested, please apply here or email Committee Chair Tom Stout at Litigation@calawyers.org for more information.

Northern District of California

Seeking public comment on proposed changes to Civil Local Rules 3-12 and 3-15: The Judges of the Northern District of California have approved proposed substantive modifications to Civil Local Rules 3-12 and 3-15. Public comments on the proposed modification may be submitted to media@cand.uscourts.gov until Monday, September 22, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. PDT.

Laurel Beeler Reappointed as U.S. Magistrate Judge: JudgeLaurel Beeler has been reappointed as a full-time U.S. Magistrate Judge for an eight-year term, beginning January 4, 2026, with her duty station to remain in San Francisco.

Robert M. Illman Reappointed as U.S. Magistrate Judge: Judge Robert M. Illman has been reappointed as a full-time U.S. Magistrate Judge to an eight-year term, beginning November 6, 2025, with his duty station to remain the Eureka-McKinleyville Courthouse.

Southern District of California

Recipient of the 2025 Hon. David H. Bartick Award for Civility and Professionalism Announced: The Southern District of California has announced the selection of Elizabeth M. Barros and Jeremy Warren as the 2025 recipients of the Hon. David H. Bartick Award for Civility and Professionalism.