Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Judge Ronee Korbin Steiner
Specific Comments or Advice for Litigants
Specific Requirements or Preferences
Be prepared for hearings. This sounds like an obvious statement but it is not. It's hard for the court to move cases forward when lawyers are not prepared even for basic hearings.Please be mindful of virtual hearings and the need to be heard, and preferably seen as well. We recognize sometimes you are on the go. However, you need to make sure you have a good connection, you are in a quiet place and that you are ready to go before the hearing starts (barring being stuck in another division for a different hearing).
This leads me to another point- if you know you are going to be late because you are stuck in another division, please email the division so we are aware. Staff will alert me right away. Please also let your clients know, if you are able.
Talk to your clients before hearings. It's not only required but it's a best practice and it will help move the case along to keep open communication with your client.
Pre-Trial Practice and Management Issues
Motion Practice
Please double space your motions. Please start or end your motion telling me exactly what you are requesting. Often times, the Court receives motions and while the Court wants to assist, the Court does not know what is being requested. In those cases, the Court is likely to deny the motions. This causes you unnecessary delay.If expedited treatment is requested the request should state what has already been done to attempt to expedite the matter (personal consultation with opposing counsel, email service on opposing party, etc.). It should also include a proposed form of order that provides a response date or deadline or some other provision for the other sides right to be heard. It is not the responsibility of court staff to coordinate an expedited response with the other side.
Please make sure you deliver a copy of any motions/pleadings filed through e-file OR if you file them through the clerk, if you want me to see it soon. Sometimes it takes days for the Court to receive the document.
The Court normally will not set oral argument unless it is requested. If it is requested, the Court will expect any additional information and probably not what has already been presented. This may be a time to explain arguments over which the Court needs clarity.
Trial Practice and Protocol
Trial Schedule
The Court relies on the time the parties or attorneys estimate for trial.Parties will be accommodated with special needs.
Courtroom Etiquette
Please be courteous to my staff. Remember that they can be helpful to you. But, please do not ask them legal advice. They are not lawyers and they cannot answer those questions.Please do not argue with the other party. Your comments are directed to the Court.
Please remind those people who come with you to court that they are also expected to be courteous and abide by Courtroom procedures.
Please direct your clients to be on time, to spit out gum and to be courteous to court staff.