📋 What is a Case Management Conference?
A Case Management Conference (CMC) is a mandatory court appearance where you, opposing counsel, and the judge discuss the status of your case and set a trial date. In California, the CMC is typically scheduled 120-180 days after the complaint is filed. You must file a CM-110 Case Management Statement before the hearing, and failing to appear can result in sanctions or dismissal.
The CMC is not a motion hearing—no arguments happen. It's an administrative checkpoint to ensure cases move forward and don't languish on the docket.
⏰ When is the CMC Scheduled?
Under CRC 3.720-3.730, the court must hold an initial Case Management Conference within specific timeframes:
- General civil cases: Within 180 days of filing the complaint
- Complex litigation: May be scheduled earlier, often within 120 days
- Unlawful detainer: Different timeline applies (typically much faster)
- Family law: Uses different case management procedures entirely
The clerk sets the CMC date when the complaint is filed. You'll receive notice of the CMC date either in the initial filing paperwork or shortly after. If you're the defendant, the CMC date is usually included in the summons or served separately.
Many attorneys treat the CMC as a throwaway hearing and send associates or appearance counsel without context. This is a mistake. The CMC is where trial dates get set, and the judge forms first impressions about case complexity and party cooperation. If you want a reasonable trial date or need to flag discovery issues, your CMC statement and appearance matter.
🎯 Purpose of the CMC
The CMC serves several purposes under California's case management system:
- Set the trial date: This is the primary function. The court will set a trial date and calculate backwards to establish all pretrial deadlines.
- Identify case complexity: Is this a straightforward breach of contract or a multi-party construction defect case? The answer affects scheduling.
- Discovery disputes: The judge will ask if discovery is proceeding smoothly or if issues need addressing.
- Settlement prospects: Parties are asked whether settlement discussions have occurred and if ADR might be appropriate.
- Estimate trial length: How many days will trial take? This affects court scheduling.
📄 What You Need to File
Before the CMC, you must file and serve a CM-110 Case Management Statement. The deadline is typically:
- 15 calendar days before the CMC (CRC 3.725)
- Must be served on all parties who have appeared in the action
- Must be filed with the court
Failing to file your CM-110 on time is one of the most common CMC mistakes. Judges notice. Some will impose sanctions on the spot. Others will continue the CMC and order you to file, wasting everyone's time. Don't let this be you—calendar the deadline 15 days before your CMC and treat it as immovable.
👥 Who Must Appear?
At the CMC, the following must appear (in person or remotely, depending on court rules):
- Lead counsel or an attorney with full authority to discuss the case
- Self-represented parties must appear personally
- Someone with settlement authority must be available (either present or by phone)
Sending an attorney who knows nothing about the case is technically compliant but practically problematic. Judges often ask specific questions about discovery status, settlement efforts, and case complexity that require actual case knowledge.
- CMC is mandatory—failure to appear can result in sanctions or dismissal
- File CM-110 15 days before the scheduled CMC date
- Bring case knowledge—judges ask substantive questions
- Trial date gets set at the CMC, triggering all discovery deadlines
📝 CM-110 Case Management Statement: Line by Line
The CM-110 is your opportunity to tell the judge what's happening in your case. It covers parties, claims, discovery status, settlement efforts, and trial estimates. Fill it out completely and honestly—judges read these before the hearing and form impressions based on what you write.
📃 Getting the Form
The CM-110 Case Management Statement is a Judicial Council form, available at:
- Official Judicial Council CM-110 Form (PDF)
- Your court's self-help center
- Most e-filing platforms have it built in
📋 Section-by-Section Guide
Items 1-3: Caption and Party Information
Standard case caption information. Make sure you have the correct case number and department. Double-check the hearing date—courts sometimes continue CMCs without notice.
Item 4: Type of Case
Check the appropriate box for your case type. This matters because different case types have different management tracks:
- Personal injury (PI)
- Contract/commercial
- Real property
- Employment
- Other civil
Item 5: Description of Case
Provide a brief (1-2 sentence) description of what the case is about. The judge uses this to understand the dispute at a glance. Be accurate but concise:
"Breach of commercial lease agreement. Landlord seeks $145,000 in unpaid rent and property damage."
Item 6: Jury or Non-Jury Trial
Indicate whether you've demanded a jury trial. If you haven't decided yet, say so—but know that jury demand deadlines exist and missing them waives your right.
In California, you must post jury fees and file a jury demand no later than 365 days before the initial trial date (CCP 631). Since the trial date gets set at the CMC, pay attention. If you want a jury, make sure your demand is on file before or immediately after the CMC. Some practitioners wait until the last minute and lose jury rights by miscounting.
Item 7: Estimated Length of Trial
Be realistic. Judges appreciate accurate estimates because they affect court scheduling. Consider:
- Number of witnesses you expect to call
- Complexity of expert testimony
- Document-intensive vs. witness-intensive case
- Likely length of cross-examination
A simple breach of contract might be 2-3 days. A complex construction defect case could be 3-4 weeks.
Item 8: Party Names
List all parties and indicate their status (plaintiff, defendant, cross-defendant, etc.). If parties have been dismissed or added, update accordingly.
Item 9: Service Status
Critical section. Indicate which defendants have been served and which haven't. If service is incomplete, explain why and provide an estimated completion date. Judges want to see progress—a defendant who has evaded service for 6 months raises questions.
Item 10: Related Cases
Disclose any related cases in this or other courts. Related cases may be consolidated or coordinated, affecting scheduling.
Items 11-14: Discovery Status
This is where the judge learns whether your case is progressing or stuck:
- Discovery completed: What discovery have you already done?
- Discovery planned: What do you still need to do?
- Discovery disputes: Are there any pending motions to compel or disputes?
- Discovery cut-off request: When do you need discovery to close?
Items 15-16: Settlement/ADR
Indicate whether settlement discussions have occurred and whether you're open to ADR (mediation, arbitration). Most courts encourage or require ADR before trial. If you haven't discussed settlement, be honest—but expect the judge to ask why not.
Item 17: Insurance Coverage
For cases with potential insurance coverage, indicate whether coverage has been tendered and accepted, or if coverage disputes exist.
Item 18: Other Issues
Catch-all section for anything else the court should know. Use this to flag unusual issues:
- Party is in bankruptcy
- Key witness is unavailable for extended period
- Coordination with other proceedings
- Requests for specific trial dates to accommodate schedules
"At least 15 calendar days before the date set for the case management conference, each party must file a completed Case Management Statement."
This deadline is firm. Late filings may not be considered, and the court may impose sanctions.
✅ CM-110 Filing Checklist
- Verified correct case number and department
- Confirmed CMC hearing date hasn't changed
- Completed all sections (no blanks)
- Provided realistic trial length estimate
- Updated service status for all defendants
- Disclosed any discovery disputes
- Indicated ADR/settlement status
- Filed at least 15 days before CMC
- Served on all parties who have appeared
🤝 Meet and Confer Before the CMC
You must meet and confer with opposing counsel before the CMC. Under CRC 3.724, parties are required to meet in person, by telephone, or by video conference at least 30 days before the initial CMC to discuss the items that will be covered at the conference. This is not optional—judges ask about it, and your CM-110 should reflect what was discussed.
📞 The Meet and Confer Requirement
California Rules of Court require a pre-CMC meet and confer under CRC 3.724. This is separate from discovery meet and confer obligations.
The meet and confer must occur at least 30 days before the initial CMC. Parties should discuss:
- Service of process: Who has been served, who hasn't, and when service will be completed
- Discovery plan: What discovery is needed and a proposed timeline
- Settlement: Whether settlement discussions have occurred or are planned
- ADR: Whether mediation, arbitration, or other ADR is appropriate
- Trial estimate: Agreeing on estimated trial length
- Any scheduling conflicts: Vacations, other trials, or conflicts that affect proposed dates
The meet and confer is your chance to coordinate with opposing counsel and present a unified position to the court. Judges appreciate when both sides have already agreed on a discovery schedule and trial estimate. It suggests the case is being managed professionally and saves court time. Conversely, showing up with wildly different positions on basic logistics frustrates judges and signals potential problems ahead.
📧 Initiating the Meet and Confer
As a practical matter, someone has to initiate the meet and confer. Typically this falls to plaintiff's counsel, but either side can (and should) reach out if timing is getting tight.
A simple email works:
📋 What to Cover in the Meet and Confer
Use this agenda to ensure you cover everything required:
| Topic | Questions to Address |
|---|---|
| Service Status | All defendants served? If not, what's the plan and timeline? |
| Discovery Plan | What discovery is each side planning? Any experts? Estimated completion date? |
| Discovery Disputes | Any current or anticipated disputes? How will you resolve them? |
| Settlement | Any settlement discussions? Demand made? Response? |
| ADR | Is mediation appropriate? When? Who should serve as mediator? |
| Trial Estimate | How many days for trial? Jury or bench? Can you agree on an estimate? |
| Scheduling | Any conflicts with proposed trial dates (other trials, planned vacations)? |
⚠ When Opposing Counsel Won't Cooperate
Sometimes opposing counsel ignores meet and confer requests. Document your attempts:
- Send the initial request at least 35 days before the CMC (gives 5 days buffer)
- Follow up if no response within 5 business days
- Send a final notice stating you'll proceed without their input
- Note the non-cooperation in your CM-110 under "Other Issues"
Even if you think the meet and confer is pointless, do it anyway. Judges ask whether you've met and conferred, and saying "no" looks bad. If opposing counsel won't cooperate, you can truthfully say you attempted to meet and confer and they failed to respond. That's very different from admitting you never tried.
🏛 What Happens at the CMC Hearing
The CMC hearing is usually brief (5-15 minutes). The judge reviews your CM-110 statements, asks a few questions, and sets a trial date. No arguments happen—this isn't a motion hearing. Be prepared to discuss case status, discovery timeline, and settlement prospects. The main outcome is getting a trial date on the calendar.
📹 Remote vs. In-Person CMC Appearances
Most California courts now allow remote CMC appearances under CCP 367.75 and CRC 3.672.
- LA Superior Court: Most CMCs are conducted remotely via LACourtConnect
- San Francisco: Remote via Zoom; check department-specific rules
- Orange County: Mixed; some departments prefer in-person
- Other counties: Check local rules and department practices
If appearing remotely:
- Log in 5-10 minutes early
- Have your CM-110 and case file accessible
- Ensure stable internet connection
- Professional background and attire (it's still court)
❓ What Judges Typically Ask
Judges have limited time. They typically ask focused questions to understand case status:
Service and Parties
- "Have all defendants been served?"
- "Are there any parties who haven't appeared?"
- "Any anticipated amendments to add or dismiss parties?"
Discovery Status
- "How is discovery progressing?"
- "Any discovery disputes I should know about?"
- "When do you expect to complete discovery?"
- "Will there be experts? How many?"
Settlement and ADR
- "Have the parties discussed settlement?"
- "Is mediation scheduled or being considered?"
- "Would a Mandatory Settlement Conference be helpful?"
Trial Logistics
- "How long will trial take?"
- "Jury or non-jury?"
- "Any scheduling conflicts I should consider when setting the trial date?"
If you have legitimate scheduling conflicts (another trial, planned vacation, expert availability), the CMC is the time to raise them. Judges generally accommodate reasonable requests if made early. Asking to continue a trial date later because of a conflict you knew about at the CMC will not be received well.
📝 What to Bring to the CMC
- Your filed CM-110 (and opposing counsel's if you have it)
- Calendar to check proposed trial dates
- Case file summary in case you're asked detailed questions
- Discovery timeline you're prepared to commit to
- Authority to agree to proposed dates and schedules
📅 The CMC Order
After the hearing, the court issues a CMC Order (typically on form CM-110 or a separate order). This order will include:
- Trial date
- Final Status Conference date (typically 2-4 weeks before trial)
- Discovery cut-off (tied to trial date)
- Motion cut-off (typically 15 days before trial)
- Expert disclosure deadlines
- Next CMC date (if case needs further management)
Calendar all dates immediately. These deadlines are generally not flexible.
📆 Setting the Trial Date and Discovery Deadlines
Once the trial date is set, everything else follows. Discovery cut-off is 30 days before trial (CCP 2024.020). Expert disclosure deadlines, motion filing deadlines, and the Final Status Conference all cascade from the trial date. If you need more time for discovery, you need to get the trial date set farther out at the CMC.
⏳ How Trial Dates Are Set
California follows a "fast track" system under the Trial Court Delay Reduction Act. General civil cases should be brought to trial within:
- General civil: Within 2 years of filing (CRC 3.714)
- Complex cases: Within 3 years of filing
- Certain injury cases: May have different standards
At the CMC, the court will propose a trial date. You can request a date farther out if you need more time, but you'll need to justify it. Judges are reluctant to set trial dates more than 18-24 months out without good reason.
📅 Critical Deadlines Tied to Trial Date
Once you have a trial date, calculate these deadlines immediately:
| Deadline | Timing | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Cut-Off | 30 days before trial | CCP 2024.020 |
| Discovery Motions Cut-Off | 15 days before discovery cut-off (45 days before trial) | CCP 2024.020 |
| Expert Witness Disclosure (Initial) | 50 days before trial | CCP 2034.230 |
| Expert Witness Disclosure (Supplemental) | 20 days after initial disclosure | CCP 2034.280 |
| Expert Deposition Cut-Off | 15 days before trial | CCP 2024.030 |
| Jury Fees Due | 365 days before trial (or 25 days after CMC) | CCP 631 |
| Summary Judgment Motion Filing | 75 days before trial (plus notice time) | CCP 437c |
| Other Dispositive Motions | Typically 15-16 court days before hearing, hearing before trial | CCP 1005 |
"Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, any party shall be entitled as a matter of right to complete discovery proceedings on or before the 30th day, and to have motions concerning discovery heard on or before the 15th day, before the date initially set for the trial of the action."
This is the core discovery deadline rule. "Initially set" means the first trial date—continuances don't automatically extend discovery unless the court orders otherwise.
⚠ Discovery Extensions
If you need more discovery time after the trial date is set, you have options:
- Stipulation: Parties can stipulate to extend discovery deadlines, but the stipulation should be filed with the court
- Motion to Continue Trial: If you need significant additional time, you may need to move to continue the trial date (which extends all tied deadlines)
- Motion to Reopen Discovery: After discovery closes, you can move to reopen for good cause
One of the most common malpractice traps is miscalculating discovery deadlines. Remember: discovery closes 30 days BEFORE trial, and that's for responses to be due, not for requests to be served. If you need documents, you need to serve the request 30 days before the cut-off (60 days before trial). Serve written discovery early and often—don't wait until the last minute.
📋 Post-CMC Deadline Calculator
Use this quick reference to calculate your deadlines from your trial date:
| If Trial Date Is... | Discovery Closes... | Expert Disclosure Due... | MSJ Motion Due... |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 1, 2026 | May 2, 2026 | April 12, 2026 | March 18, 2026 |
| September 15, 2026 | August 16, 2026 | July 27, 2026 | July 2, 2026 |
| January 10, 2027 | December 11, 2026 | November 21, 2026 | October 27, 2026 |
⚠ Sanctions for Missing CMC & How to Continue
Missing a CMC is serious. Courts can impose monetary sanctions, strike pleadings, or dismiss the case. If you need to continue the CMC, do it properly—file a request in advance, not after the fact. Continuances are generally granted for good cause, but "I forgot" is not good cause.
💰 Sanctions for Missing CMC
Under CRC 3.720 and CCP 575.2, courts have broad authority to impose sanctions for failure to comply with case management requirements:
Monetary Sanctions
- Sanctions payable to the court (typically $250-$1,000 for first offense)
- Sanctions payable to opposing party for wasted time
- Can be imposed on attorney, party, or both
Issue and Evidentiary Sanctions
- Striking pleadings or portions thereof
- Precluding evidence
- Establishing facts against the non-appearing party
Terminating Sanctions
- Dismissal of plaintiff's case (for plaintiff's non-appearance)
- Striking defendant's answer (for defendant's non-appearance)
- Entry of default
If you're plaintiff's counsel and miss a CMC without explanation, the court can dismiss your case for failure to prosecute. This has happened. It creates malpractice exposure and is completely avoidable. If you can't make the CMC, continue it in advance or send coverage counsel.
🔄 How to Continue a CMC
If you legitimately cannot attend the scheduled CMC, you have options:
Option 1: Stipulation to Continue
If both parties agree, you can file a stipulation to continue the CMC. Most courts will grant stipulated continuances for the first CMC without question.
Option 2: Ex Parte Application
If you can't get opposing counsel's agreement, you can file an ex parte application to continue. You'll need to show good cause and explain why a stipulation wasn't possible.
Option 3: Call the Clerk
For some courts and some situations, a phone call to the clerk's office may be sufficient, especially for minor date adjustments. This varies widely by court—don't assume it will work.
✅ Valid Reasons for CMC Continuance
- Trial conflict: Counsel is in trial in another matter
- Settlement pending: Parties are actively negotiating and need more time
- Service incomplete: Key defendant not yet served
- Bankruptcy stay: Automatic stay affects the case
- Medical emergency: Counsel or party incapacitated
- New counsel: Substitution of attorney requires time to get up to speed
❌ Invalid Reasons for CMC Continuance
- "I forgot": Not good cause
- Vacation planned after CMC was set: Should have checked calendar
- Too busy: Courts are unsympathetic
- Haven't done discovery yet: That's why the CMC exists
- Client can't attend: Client attendance usually isn't required
The best way to handle CMC continuances is to avoid needing them. When a new case comes in, immediately calendar the CMC date. Set reminders for: (1) meet and confer deadline (30 days before), (2) CM-110 filing deadline (15 days before), and (3) the CMC itself. If you identify a conflict early, you have time to address it properly.
🚨 If You Already Missed the CMC
If you've already missed a CMC, act immediately:
- Check the court's online portal to see what happened (OSC issued? Sanctions imposed? Case dismissed?)
- Contact opposing counsel to understand the current status
- File appropriate relief depending on what the court did:
- If sanctions ordered: Appear at the OSC and explain, consider motion for reconsideration
- If case dismissed: File motion to vacate dismissal under CCP 473(b)
- If answer stricken: File motion to vacate and restore answer
- Take responsibility: Judges are more forgiving when counsel owns the mistake and explains what went wrong
"The court may, upon any terms as may be just, relieve a party or his or her legal representative from a judgment, dismissal, order, or other proceeding taken against him or her through his or her mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect."
This is your lifeline if you've missed a CMC and the case was dismissed. The motion must be filed within 6 months, and you must demonstrate that the failure was excusable. Attorney affidavit of fault can trigger mandatory relief.
California discovery procedures, timelines, and requirements for interrogatories, document requests, and depositions.
Meet and confer requirements for discovery disputes, including what to document and when court intervention is appropriate.
How to properly serve defendants in California, including personal service, substituted service, and service by publication.
Mandatory e-filing requirements in California courts, including platform selection and common filing errors.
I'm Sergei Tokmakov (CA Bar #279869), a California attorney who supports international clients with business interests in the United States. Whether you need someone to appear at your CMC, review your CM-110 before filing, or advise on case management strategy, I can help.
CMC Services
- ✓ CMC appearance (in-person or remote)
- ✓ CM-110 preparation and review
- ✓ Meet and confer with opposing counsel
- ✓ Discovery timeline planning
- ✓ Trial date strategy
Related Services
- ✓ Discovery motion practice
- ✓ Deposition defense
- ✓ Settlement conference representation
- ✓ Case strategy consultation
- ✓ Expert coordination