Court Alerts
Litigation Section Newsletter

Brian Hershman
Oliver Rocos
Maxine Thomas

Litigation Executive Committee:

Eric Y. Kizirian, Chair
Brian T. Glennon, Chair Elect
Shehnaz M. Bhujwala, Vice Chair
Mike Madokoro, Secretary
Douglas N. Silverstein, Immediate Past Chair

LOS ANGELES COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT UPDATES

Face Mask Mandate Ended

• Effective April 4, 2022, the court lifted its mandatory face mask order. However, it still strongly recommends the use of well-fitting medical masks or respirators inside all courthouses to align with the most recent Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Order. (News Release)

Expansion of Early Resolution Employment Case Pilot Program

• Judge Eric C. Taylor announced the expansion of the Early Resolution Employment Case Mandatory Settlement Conference Pilot Program to six additional Independent Calendar courtrooms – five courtrooms at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse and one at the Alhambra Courthouse. The expansion became effective April 1. The pilot program, launched in February 2022, encourages resolution of employment cases through early virtual Mandatory Settlement Conferences conducted through Resolve Law LA (RLLA). Judge Taylor stated the “pilot program is another example of the productive partnership between the Court and the Civil bar, which continues to yield creative solutions to facilitate case resolution.” Judge Taylor also thanked Judge David J. Cowan for “building these strong partnerships that lead to programs that support the Court’s mission of providing equitable and timely access to justice.” More information on the pilot program is also available in a previous news release, here. (News Release).

New Webpage Featuring “The Good We Do” Videos Showcasing Judicial Outreach

• Judge Eric C. Taylor announced a new webpage highlighting the ways in which judicial officers serve Los Angeles communities. The webpage, titled, The Good We Do, showcases the Judicial Mentor Program, the Good City Mentors Program, the Redondo Beach Homeless Court, and the Skid Row Running Club. Judge Taylor stated the webpage “demonstrates the passion and commitment our judicial officers bring on and off the bench to improve the lives and enhance equity and opportunity for all members of our diverse communities.” The webpage will continue to highlight current and future initiatives, and the public is encouraged the check the webpage often for new videos. (News Release).

Diversity Inclusion Working Group Webpage

• Judge Eric C. Taylor announced a new Diversity Inclusion Working Group webpage providing on-demand access to training and programs created by the working group, co-chaired by Judge Taylor and Judge Ruth Ann Kwan, in collaboration with local bar associations, attorneys, and legal aid. The website reflects the working groups vision to create opportunities for courtroom experience and access to expert mentors to hone trial and litigation skills. The webpage features a Civil Trial Advocacy Voir Dire Program video training that drew a record-setting 1,600 registered participants. The video is the most recent example of the working group’s successful attorney training and mentorship programs seeking to create more diversity and inclusion. (News Release).
• The webpage features:
  • Judge Taylor’s welcome video, detailing the mission and goals of the working group’s training and programs;
  • A calendar of upcoming events and opportunities; and
  • Training videos of the popular Civil Trial Advocacy Voir Dire Program and the Pro Bono Litigation Opportunities Forum

Courtroom Change

• Effective April 18, Judge Dean J. Kitchens is assigned to Department A12 at the Michael D. Antonovich Antelope Valley Courthouse. All probate matters previously assigned to Department A12 will be assigned to Judge Kitchens. (Notice).
• Effective May 2, Department 23 at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse will become the fifth AB 1058 Child Support Commissioner Program courtroom. Commissioner Tiffany W. Tai is assigned to Department 23. Commissioner Christine J. Gonong is assigned to the AB 1058 Child Support Commissioner Program and will assist with coverage needs for AB 1058 calendar courtrooms. (Notice).
• Effective May 20, Judge James E. Horan will be reassigned to Department S15 at the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse.  Judge Esther P. Kim will be reassigned to Department 1 at the Compton Courthouse. (Notice).

Electronic Filing in Family law

• Effective April 18, attorneys and self-represented litigants (SRLs) can e-file Qualified Domestic Relations Order of Support, judgments, and all proposed orders in Family Law to the Court for processing. Once the e-filed orders are processed, the Court will email the submitting party the conformed copies. The submitting party is required to serve all other parties. With this expansion, the Court continues to provide court users efficient and convenient options for resolving their matters without having to come to court, while enhancing the Court’s ability to maintain complete and easily accessible records. SRLs may continue to submit all documents in paper form. The Court will mail conformed copies to the submitting SRLs after processing, and SRLs are required to serve all other parties. (Notice).

Civil Division Announces Personal Injury Hub Procedural Changes Effective May 16

• Effective May 16, changes to the Personal Injury (PI) Hub court procedures shall be implemented. Personal injury cases filed on or after May 16, 2022 will be set approximately 24 months from filing date for an Order to Show Cause why the matter should not be dismissed for a plaintiff’s failure to file a proof of service of the summons and complaint, pursuant to Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) §§ 583.210 and 583.250. At the hearing, absent a showing of good cause, the PI Hub courts will consider dismissing matters pursuant to CCP §§ 583.410 and 583.420(1). The PI Hub will also limit the types of cases assigned to the PI Hub courts. Only certain case types, as identified in the Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum, will be assigned upon filing to the PI Hub. (Notice)

LACourtConnect Enhancements

• The Court is launching enhancements to LACourtConnect that more closely reflect the physical court room. The enhancements will take effect on May 13 for Probate hearings, and June 3 for Civil, Family Law, and Traffic hearings. Remote appearances are recommended to be scheduled well in advance for sufficient troubleshooting and to ensure appearing in a timely manner. All relevant information regarding LACourtConnect can be found on the Court’s Attorney portal here.

Attorney Sandbox

• Sandbox sessions for Civil, Family Law, and Traffic attorneys are available through June 9 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 pm – 1 pm PDT, and Wednesdays from 4 – 5 pm PDT. This resource will be available for anyone who wants to test the new features. Prior to attending a sandbox session, the Court asks attorneys to watch the LACC Recorded Tour video to maximize hands on practice time. To learn more, click here.

U.S.D.C. CENTRAL DISTRICT COURT UPDATES

Second Amended: Highly Sensitive Documents

Senate Confirms Superior Court Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett as United States District Judge for the Central District of California

Senate Confirms Superior Court Judge Fred Slaughter as United States District Judge for the Central District of California:

• On March 17, 2022 the United States Senate confirmed President Joe Biden’s nomination of Orange County Superior Court Judge Fred W. Slaughter to serve as a federal district judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Judge Slaughter will preside over matters in Santa Ana in the Court’s Southern Division. News Release

COURT OF APPEAL UPDATES

Appellate Self-Help Clinic

• Public Counsel's Appellate Self-Help Clinic is open three days a week to provide general legal information and procedural assistance to those representing themselves in appeals pending in the Second District Court of Appeal and the Appellate Division of any Superior Court within the Second District. The clinic will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Clinic consultations are by appointment only and are available in person, via video conference, or by telephone. Appointments can be requested by calling (213) 830-7234 every Wednesday starting at 8:00 a.m and the line will remain open until all available appointments are filled. (Notice).

Job Announcement

• The Second District Court of Appeals is accepting applications for Appellate Court attorney positions. More information on the positions and how to apply can be found here.

In-Person Oral Argument and Protocols

• The Second District Court of Appeal, resumed in person arguments consistent with updated state and local public health guidance. Division Two conducted the first in person oral argument on May 19, 2022 in a hybrid system. In-person oral argument was held in the morning, and remote oral argument was held in the afternoon. Please call the Clerk of Court for your relevant division for guidance on oral argument proceedings moving forward. (Notice).

About Court Alerts

The Litigation Section of LACBA is proud to provide "Court Alerts," an e-mail publication aimed at informing LACBA Litigation Section members of recent news related to the Los Angeles Superior Court and the U.S. Central District of California, including re-assignments of judges, changes in court structure, and other information important to litigators.

Readers are advised that changes in the law may affect the accuracy of this publication or the functionality of links after the publication date. The foregoing practice tips were prepared for information purposes only. Such practice tips do not constitute tax, legal or other advice and no responsibility is assumed for any reliance upon them or with respect to assessing or advising the reader as to tax, legal, or other consequences arising from a particular situation. The accuracy of the information provided should be independently verified by the reader and should not be treated as authoritative.