Hon. E. Loren Williams.

Practitioner Intelligence

From attorneys who have appeared in this part. These are observed patterns, not published court policy. Last updated: August 5, 2026.

What to Expect

Justice Loren Williams is an active, hands-on jurist who asks extensive questions about cases on the docket. Expect a thorough bench conference where the judge demonstrates familiarity with the file. The court monitors compliance closely and will note when a party has failed to submit required documents on time.

Settlement conferences are substantive. The judge will push both sides to make good faith offers and will express displeasure if there is a large gap between demand and offer without justification. If the numbers are not close, the court may still assign a follow-up settlement conference rather than simply moving toward trial.

Tips

• Do not write to chambers ex parte. The Part Rules prohibit ex parte communication except on an Order to Show Cause submitted for signature or on the consent of all parties during settlement negotiations. Anything else goes to the court on notice to your adversary.
• Get a so-ordered PC stipulation and save the trip. On a general civil preliminary conference, a proposed stipulation and order that the court so-orders takes the appearance off your calendar. If it is not so-ordered, you appear.
• Do not call to adjourn, and do not email papers. Telephone adjournment requests are not entertained, and the court does not accept legal papers or correspondence by email without advance approval.
• Know the Part Rules cold. This judge expects counsel to be familiar with every aspect of the Part Rules, including whether the trial is bifurcated. Do not ask questions that are answered in the rules.
• Be prepared to discuss the case in detail. The judge will ask pointed questions about discovery status, IME reports, and settlement posture. Vague answers will not go over well.
• NOI deadlines are enforced strictly. If you are told to file the Note of Issue by a certain date, do it. Requests for extensions are unlikely to be granted, even by a day or two.
• Good faith negotiations matter. If you are making a demand, be prepared to explain your position. If you are making an offer, make it a serious one. The court will press for movement on both sides.
• IME reports should be obtained promptly. The court expects IME reports to be available well before the settlement conference. Delays in obtaining reports are viewed unfavorably.