E-Discovery (ESI) Guidelines
The Guidelines, Checklist and Model Stipulated Order on this page are court-approved and counsel should consult them at the beginning of a case.
The Standing Order for all Judges of the Northern District of California requires, effective November 27, 2012, that the parties’ Joint Case Management Statement include, among other things:
A brief report certifying that the parties have reviewed the Guidelines Relating to the Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (“ESI Guidelines”), and confirming that the parties have met and conferred pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(f) regarding reasonable and proportionate steps taken to preserve evidence relevant to the issues reasonably evident in this action. See ESI Guidelines 2.01 and 2.02, and Checklist for ESI Meet and Confer.
All counsel are expected to review the Guidelines. The Checklist & Model Stipulated Order themselves are highly recommended, but their use is voluntary. In addition, counsel may stipulate to or move for entry of a protective order, such as the court-approved Stipulated Protective Orders.
Documents available for download:
- Guidelines for the Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (.pdf)
- ESI checklist for use during the Rule 26(f) meet and confer process (.pdf)
- Model Stipulated Order Re: Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (Standard Cases)(.doc)
- Model Stipulated Order Re: Discovery of Electronically Stored Information (Patent Cases)(.doc) (added April 2014)
- Standing Order for All Judges of the Northern District of California (.pdf)
http://www.cand.uscourts.gov/eDiscoveryGuidelines