Case "Status Conference" and Statement

In Los Angeles, unlike Orange County, there is no longer a meet and confer requirement for most status conferences, nor any requirement to file anything with the court. However, if you are referring to a Case Management Conference, then of course you need to file your Case Management Statement at least 15 calendar days before the Case Management Conference. In Los Angeles Superior Court, the local rules of the court were recently revised and amended, effective July 1, 2011. See the link below: http://www.lacba.org/Files/Main%20Folder/CourtN...

Generally, you are supposed to have a very thorough meet and confer prior to the Status Conference or Case Management Conference. However, some judges are very lax at those hearings and don't even inquire whether the meet and confer took place. But, on the other hand, some judges are sticklers and want to make sure that the meet and confer was done as required by the California Rules of Court. Generally if you have spoken with the opposing side and have started discovery and are in agreement as to issues such as mediation and the trial date, the judge will be satisfied. However, be advised you can get sanctioned if you do not follow the rules and you appear in front of a judge that requires litigants to adhere to the rules.