Federal Courts Updates

Student Practice in the Southern District of California: On March 26, 2025, the Southern District issued General Order No. 644-E, which permits eligible law students acting under the supervision of a member of the bar of the Southern District to speak or appear on behalf of a client in criminal or civil matters, if the client has filed a written consent with the Court, and subject to the restrictions set forth in the General Order. A copy of General Order No. 644-E is available here. Read more

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter includes an interview with Judge Carolyn K. Delaney, Chief Magistrate of the Eastern District of California. Read more

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter includes an interview with Judge Carolyn K. Delaney, Chief Magistrate of the Eastern District of California. We are looking for six new members to join our Federal Courts Committee. If you are interested, please apply here or email Committee Chair Tom Stout for more information. Southern District of California Call for Art: The Court is accepting submissions for a juried art exhibition in the… Read more

For more federal courts content, please see the Quarterly Federal Courts Committee Newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter includes an interview with Judge Carolyn K. Delaney, Chief Magistrate of the Eastern District of California. Read more

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:… Read more

1. You had a distinguished career in public service before joining the bench.  What made you decide to become a magistrate judge?    Loud encouragement. People that I trusted made me believe that it was a good fit, and their encouragement was louder than doubting questions in my mind.  Was I ready to give up advocacy?  Was it financially irresponsible to commit to the salary when the opportunity cost was so high? Would I enjoy the job?  Those persistent mentors got… Read more

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 Michelle M. Pettit We are looking for six new members to join our Federal Courts Committee. If you are interested, please apply here or email Committee Chair Tom Stout for more information. Southern District of California 2024 Hon. David H. Bartick Award: The Southern District is pleased to announce the selection of Michael J. Dowd as the 2024 recipient… Read more

The Southern District of California appointed Judge Pettit in July 2023. Before joining the bench, she worked as an assistant U.S. attorney for more than 15 years, prosecuting several areas of crime including national security and cybercrime, fraud, drug-trafficking, and child exploitation. Judge Pettit received a Bachelor of Science with distinction from the United States Naval Academy and graduated from Vanderbilt University Law School in 2001. Read more

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 Michelle M. Pettit. Read more

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