Case Management Statement

What this form actually does

In general civil cases (not small claims or unlawful detainer), the court schedules Case Management Conferences to keep cases moving toward resolution instead of sitting idle. CM-010 is filed by each party before the conference and reports on discovery completed and remaining, settlement or ADR efforts, motions anticipated, and a realistic trial time estimate. Judges often set scheduling orders directly off what's reported here.

Before you fill it out

• Check the local rules and any standing order. Many courts, including several in Los Angeles County, have their own case management requirements layered on top of the statewide form — read the assigned judge's standing order first.
• Talk to opposing counsel if possible. Some courts expect or require a joint statement, or at least expect the parties to have met and conferred about scheduling before the conference.
• Pull your discovery log. You'll need an accurate summary of what's been propounded, responded to, and what's still outstanding.

Filling it out, section by section

1. Complexity. State whether the case is complex or involves any factors that would make it so (numerous parties, coordinated actions, novel legal issues).
2. Meet and confer. Confirm whether you conferred with other parties about the items on the statement, as many local rules require.
3. Service and jurisdiction status. Report which parties have been served, who hasn't been served yet, and any jurisdictional issues.
4. Trial estimate. Give a realistic estimate of trial length and whether a jury is requested — this directly affects how the court sets the schedule.
5. Discovery. Summarize discovery completed, discovery in progress, and what's still needed, including any anticipated discovery motions.
6. Alternative dispute resolution. State whether the parties are willing to try mediation, arbitration, or a settlement conference, and any ADR already attempted.
7. Other motions and issues. Flag anticipated motions (e.g., summary judgment) and any other scheduling issues the court should know about.
8. Sign and file. File and serve it by the deadline set in the notice of the conference — usually a set number of days beforehand under statewide rule, though local rules can shorten or add requirements.

Common mistakes

• Using the statewide-only version when the local court requires its own supplemental case management form as well.
• Giving an unrealistically short trial estimate that doesn't reflect actual discovery still outstanding.
• Skipping the meet-and-confer requirement where local rules mandate it before the conference.
• Filing late enough that the court doesn't have it before setting the schedule.