A CMC organizes litigation and may address ADR. A settlement conference focuses on efforts to resolve the dispute and uses a different submission and attendance framework. CM-110 is not a substitute for a required settlement conference statement. Read the notice’s actual hearing type before selecting the form or computing the deadline.
Documents and facts to assemble
- The notice identifying the type of conference
- The appropriate CM-110 or settlement statement and attendance plan
How this fits an injury lawsuit
A case management conference organizes the path toward resolution or trial. In an auto accident injury case, the useful discussion concerns service, the pleadings, disputed liability, medical discovery, depositions, expert needs, settlement opportunities, and realistic trial readiness. CM-110 is the mandatory statewide Case Management Statement. The court’s notice, applicable local rules, and assigned department’s instructions should be read together. Some courts use alternative procedures for particular case categories. A conference date stays on the calendar unless the court has actually vacated or continued it.
Practical checklist
- Read the actual CMC notice and any standing or case-specific order.
- Prepare an accurate CM-110, serve it, and preserve the filed copy and proof of service.
- Bring a workable discovery and ADR plan, trial availability, and an updated status of each defendant.
Deadline and local-rule check
Identify the event that starts the deadline, whether the rule uses calendar days or court days, the legally effective service method, and any written extension or court order. Read the applicable statute before adding time for service. Check the county’s current civil rules and the assigned department’s instructions for filing, delivery, reservation, and appearance requirements. A filing receipt or hearing reservation alone does not show that every required step has been completed.
Official forms and authorities
- California Rule of Court 3.1380
- Rule 3.724: initial CMC meet and confer
- Rule 3.725: CM-110 filing and service
- Rule 3.727: conference subjects
- Rule 3.720: application and local alternatives
This guide concerns auto accidents and similar personal injury actions in California state court. It does not supply a case-specific deadline calculation or a federal court procedure.
