From Full Circle of Living and Dying v. Sanchez, decided earlier this month by Kimberly J. Mueller (E.D. Cal.), denying the parties' joint request to conduct a Final Pretrial Conference remotely:
The court strongly prefers in-person oral argument for its civil law and motion calendar. Attorneys appearing in person are often better prepared, more professional and answer the court's questions more thoroughly, without talking over others. Although the court has previously accepted stipulations for virtual appearance due to the exigencies of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the court has transitioned out of a state of emergency, the court has returned to many of its prior protocols.
The court acknowledges that remote appearances can be useful, as they reduce cost and burden for parties. But the court will no longer routinely grant these requests. Virtual appearance is discouraged.
