New Rule for Central District Federal Court Filings

New Rule for Central District Federal Court Filings: Mandatory Magistrate Opt-Out Deadline within 14 days from service of the complaint. 

Effective December 1, 2024, under the Central District of California’s Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judge Program, newly filed civil cases will be randomly assigned to a magistrate judge for all purposes — unless a party timely opts out. 

Key Deadlines to Opt Out: 

14 days from service of the complaint, or 

7 days from notice of removal (for removed cases) 

To opt out, a party must submit the appropriate form via email to: 
optout_consent@cacd.uscourts.gov 

Failure to act within the deadline will be deemed consent to magistrate judge jurisdiction for all purposes, including trial. 

What are some of the Benefits of the Opt-Out Civil Consent to Magistrate Judge Program 

Faster Case Progression 

Magistrate judges typically have fewer cases than district judges, allowing them to devote more time and attention to each case. 

This can lead to quicker rulings and a faster overall timeline. 

Increased Judicial Availability 

By default, new civil cases are assigned to magistrate judges, ensuring prompt judicial oversight from the beginning. 

Flexible Choice for Attorneys 

Parties can choose to retain the magistrate judge for all purposes or opt out and have the case reassigned to a district judge. 

This empowers attorneys and clients to make strategic decisions based on the case complexity and their preferences. 

Efficient Use of Judicial Resources 

The program helps balance the workload between magistrate and district judges, reducing congestion in the court system. 

Streamlined Case Management 

Magistrate judges are well-versed in handling pretrial motions and settlement conferences, which can encourage earlier resolution. 

At McGonigle Law, we closely monitor procedural updates like this one to ensure our litigation strategy remains sharp and aligned with current court practices. Attorneys should mark their calendars and advise clients early on about the 14-day opt-out deadline, as failure to act could have long-term implications on case trajectory. If you have questions about how this new rule may affect your filings—or if you're navigating a complex federal matter—our team is here to support you. Visit www.mcgoniglelaw.com or call 800-713-5260 to connect with us.