Judge Anne Hwang

Judge Anne Hwang is one of the newest judges on the Central District of California bench, confirmed in December 2024 and already establishing clear expectations for AI use in her courtroom. Her standing order for civil cases directly addresses generative artificial intelligence—requiring disclosure and certification when AI tools are used in preparing filings.

The C.D. Cal. covers Los Angeles and the surrounding region, making it one of the busiest federal courts in the country. Judge Hwang's AI provisions reflect the reality that attorneys in this market are using AI tools aggressively, and the court needs enforceable guardrails to ensure accountability.

What Judge Hwang's AI Provision Requires

Judge Hwang's Standing Order for Civil Cases requires that any party who uses generative artificial intelligence—including tools like ChatGPT, Harvey, CoCounsel, or Google Bard—to generate any portion of a brief, pleading, or other filing must attach a separate declaration disclosing the use of AI. The declaration must certify that the filer has reviewed the source material and verified that the AI-generated content is accurate and complies with the filer's Rule 11 obligations. This isn't a footnote or a casual mention—it's a separate document attached to the filing, making AI disclosure a formal procedural requirement rather than an informal expectation.

The Separate Declaration Requirement

Most judges who've addressed AI require either a certification within the filing or a general statement about AI use. Judge Hwang goes further by requiring a separate declaration. This matters procedurally because declarations are sworn statements subject to penalties for false declaration under 28 U.S.C. Section 1746. When you sign a declaration stating that you've verified AI-generated content for accuracy, you're making a sworn statement—not just complying with a local rule. False declarations carry potential criminal penalties beyond the Rule 11 sanctions that apply to inaccurate filings. This elevates the accountability mechanism significantly.

C.D. Cal. Context: One of America's Busiest Courts

The Central District of California is the largest federal district by population, covering Los Angeles, Orange County, and surrounding areas. The court handles an enormous volume of cases across every practice area—entertainment litigation, immigration, IP disputes, complex commercial cases, and massive class actions. The sheer volume means attorneys face intense time pressure, which increases the temptation to rely on AI tools without adequate verification. Judge Hwang's order is designed to counteract that temptation by creating a mandatory pause point where the attorney must affirmatively certify that verification occurred.

How to Comply with Judge Hwang's AI Requirements

Step 1: Determine whether any generative AI tool was used at any stage of preparing your filing. The order covers any tool that generates text, not just final drafting. Step 2: If AI was used, prepare a separate declaration disclosing the specific use. Step 3: The declaration must certify that you reviewed source material and verified accuracy. This means actually running citations through Westlaw or Lexis—not just reading the AI output. Step 4: Certify that the AI-generated content complies with your Rule 11 obligations—warranted by existing law, supported by facts, and not filed for an improper purpose. Step 5: Attach the declaration as a separate document to your filing. Don't bury it in a footnote or include it as part of the brief text.

Comparison to Other C.D. Cal. Judges

The Central District of California has approximately four judges with AI standing orders, but the requirements vary significantly. Some judges require simple disclosure statements; others have more elaborate certification requirements. Judge Hwang's separate declaration requirement is among the most formal and enforceable in the district. Because the C.D. Cal. doesn't have a district-wide AI rule, attorneys must check the specific requirements of their assigned judge. Drawing Judge Hwang means complying with one of the more rigorous AI protocols in the district. Don't assume that compliance with another C.D. Cal. judge's order satisfies Judge Hwang's requirements—they're different.

The Bottom Line: Judge Hwang requires a separate sworn declaration disclosing AI use and certifying that all AI-generated content has been verified for accuracy and Rule 11 compliance. This is a formal procedural requirement with real teeth—prepare the declaration for every filing where AI was used.