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.
