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Are Dixon or Perry required to attend?

Typically, parties need not personally appear if represented by counsel. The rules allow a court, after reviewing the written submissions, to issue a case management findings without any appearance at all. Practically speaking, the lawyers handle the CMC; the court will notify if in-person or remote appearances are required. California Courts

The disclosure rule that can reshape leverage

Beginning January 1, 2024, California added initial disclosures to its Civil Discovery Act (broadly mirroring federal practice). If any party serves a demand, each side must make initial disclosures within 60 days (or as ordered by the court). These disclosures typically include:

• Names/contact information of individuals likely to have discoverable information;
• A description—or copy—of relevant documents and ESI within the party’s possession;
• A computation of damages and supporting materials; and
• Insurance agreements that may satisfy a judgment.

The requirement applies to civil actions filed on or after Jan. 1, 2024, and—absent legislative change—is scheduled to sunset Jan. 1, 2027. Because the rule is comparatively new, it can fly under the radar. But failure to comply after a proper demand can become a live issue at the CMC, and judges retain authority to impose monetary, issue, evidence, or terminating sanctions for discovery misuse Duane Morris

Practice note: If one side is lagging, seasoned litigators often serve (or complete) initial disclosures before the CMC and use the hearing to document their diligence while highlighting any opponent’s noncompliance in a measured, rule-based way.

How each side can gain leverage at the CMC

Arrive with a credible schedule. Propose realistic discovery cutoffs, motion deadlines, and a trial length grounded in witness counts and exhibits. Judges appreciate specificity, and it frames your case as organized and trial-ready. California Courts

Meet-and-confer like it matters. The Rules require a substantive meet-and-confer at least 30 days before the initial CMC, covering the subjects in Rule 3.727. Arrive prepared to report genuine progress—narrowed issues, agreed discovery search terms/ESI formats, and any ADR window. California Courts+1

File a crisp CM-110. The court leans heavily on the Case Management Statement; an accurate, complete filing can persuade the judge to adopt your proposed schedule and ADR path.

Use the disclosure rule judiciously. If the other side is “playing keep-away,” a timely initial-disclosure demand followed by a documented follow-up can set up CMC discussion—and, if necessary, motion practice with sanctions under the Discovery Act. Justia Law+1

Make ADR work for you. If your case benefits from early mediation (e.g., witness stress, reputational risk, or heavy e-discovery burn), a party can propose a firm mediation date and mediator shortlist in the CM-110.