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Courtesy Copies

When Courtesy/Chambers Copies Are Required

Pursuant to Civil Local Rule 5-1(e)(7), e-filers must deliver to the Court a paper copy of each electronically filed document. Each such copy should be clearly marked “Chambers Copy” on the first page. The timing requirements of the rule are summarized in the chart below.

Additionally, many judges have specific instructions regarding the format and presentation of courtesy
copies. Please review the assigned judge’s standing orders for details.

Send by first class mail
on day of filing:		 Deliver to Clerk’s Office
by noon of next court day:		 No courtesy copies:
  • Motions filed under Civil L.R. 7-3 and Criminal L.R. 47-2
  • All other electronically filed documents not specifically mentioned on this chart.
  • Motions filed under Civil L.R. 6-3 or 7-11
  • Motion for temporary restraining order or other emergency ex parte relief
  • Documents relating to hearings set less than 7 days from filing date.
  • Magistrate Judge consent/declination forms

Chambers/Courtesy Copies Best Practices

Here are some “dos and don’ts” for preparing chambers copies for delivery to the Court.

Fastening

Do securely fasten the papers so that they remain orderly
and hole-punch the papers if required by the individual judge’s standing order.

Do not submit:

  • a stack of loose paper wrapped with a rubber band;
  • a stack of loose paper fastened with a binder
    clip or a paper clip; or
  • a stack of paper that is too thick to permit
    secure fastening with a staple, or that is fastened with a brad-type fastener
    that is too short for the thickness of the document.

Exhibits

Do include legible, supporting exhibits
separated or delineated by numbered or lettered exhibit tabs.

Do not submit:

  • voluminous exhibits without tabbed dividers;
  • exhibits that are illegible or faintly printed;
  • exhibits that are unreadable because the print
    is too small; or
  • exhibits that are not attached to a declaration
    or request for judicial notice and are otherwise unidentified.

Font Size

Do follow the General Requirements for papers presented for
filing, Civil Local Rule 3-4.

Do not file or submit: copies of briefs that include
text and/or footnotes in a font smaller than 12 point.

Under Seal Filings

Do follow procedures for e-filing documents under seal and
submitting chambers copies of both the redacted and unredacted versions of each
document sought to be filed under seal, Civil Local Rule 79-5.

Do not submit:

  • an unredacted chambers copy without highlighting
    or otherwise indicating the portions or exhibits that have been omitted from
    the redacted version; or
  • a redacted chambers copy without an accompanying
    unredacted chambers copy of the document sought to be filed under seal.