Protocol and Practice of Persons Appearing in the Court of Judge Gregory Como

Specific Comments or Advice for Litigants

Specific Requirements or Preferences

COURT EXPECTATIONS REGARDING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN COURT FILINGS  
 
The Court is aware that some parties and attorneys use artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools (such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, or similar programs) to help prepare pleadings, motions, or other filings.  
 
While these tools may assist in drafting or explaining legal concepts, all parties remain fully responsible for the accuracy and truthfulness of their filings.  
 
AI tools sometimes generate incorrect or “hallucinated” case citations, statutes, or facts that appear genuine but are not. While these citations look real, they are not. Submitting inaccurate or fabricated material may result in denial of relief, sanctions, or other consequences.  
 
To reduce errors (and minimize the risk of sanctions), the Court expects filers using AI to:  
 
Independently and carefully verify every citation and legal authority using official or reliable legal sources. Again, the party using AI is responsible for false citations.  
Confirm all facts are true and supported by evidence in the record.  
Tell the AI tool to provide only real and verifiable citations with links to the cases when possible.  
Remember: AI tools are not lawyers and cannot give legal advice.  
 
The Court supports responsible use of technology, but every filer is accountable for ensuring the accuracy of what is filed. A party who is irresponsible with the use of these tools, or (worse) knowingly submits pleadings with non-existent facts/caselaw, shall be subject to sanctions.  
 

Pre-Trial Practice and Management Issues

Motion Practice

Each party is presumptively limited to filing one motion for summary judgment in each case. If a party believes and additional motion is warranted, that party shall file a written request with the Court.

Discovery or Disclosure Disputes and/or Sanctions

The parties are required to follow the procedures set forth in Rule 26(d), Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure, for all disputes regarding disclosure and discovery. No motions to compel may be filed unless the Court has specifically authorized such a motion following a Rule 26(d) hearing.

Other Pre-trial Practice Guidelines or Comments

If a party, or the parties jointly, find that they need an extension of deadlines in the scheduling order, they shall file a motion or stipulation to extend the deadlines before the deadlines expire.  
 
This Division does not normally set a Trial Scheduling Conference (TSC) until requested by a party in writing. Any party may request a TSC, as long as the party states: (1) discovery is complete; (2) the parties have completed a mediation or settlement conference; and (3) the deadline for filing dispositive motions has passed or all dispositive motions have been decided.

Trial Practice and Protocol

Trial Schedule

The Court's standard trial schedule is Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 pm. The lunch break is from 12:00 until 1:30.

Trial Practice and Procedure

All witnesses at trials and in-person evidentiary hearings are expected to appear in person. If a party wishes to have a witness appear virtually, the party must first obtain leave of the Court upon motion or stipulation.  
 
If any witness appears virtually, it is the responsibility of the party to ensure that the witness has a paper copy of all exhibits with them while testifying.