Standing Order Regarding Case Management Conferences

STANDING ORDER No. 07-0628. This form issued by the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno, establishes procedures for managing civil cases filed after January 1, 2006. The order replaces the former status conference process with Case Management Conferences (CMCs) to streamline case handling, reduce delays, and promote early resolution. Under this order, parties are no longer required to file status hearing declarations or “at issue” memoranda. Trial dates are typically assigned about four months after filing—earlier than under prior procedures—and parties receive at least seven months’ notice of trial. If all named parties have appeared, the case is deemed “at issue,” and a trial date will be set at the CMC. Any party who fails to appear at the CMC may be deemed to have waived the right to a jury trial and consented to any orders made, including mediation, discovery, and scheduling directives. The standing order mandates participation in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as mediation or arbitration, prior to the Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC). Parties must file an ADR Stipulation at least ten court days before the CMC and an ADR Report at least ten court days before the MSC. Failure to comply may result in sanctions and an Order to Show Cause (OSC) hearing. The order also outlines special procedures for collection cases under California Rule of Court 3.740, including deadlines for service of complaints, proof of service, and default judgment filings within 360 days of the complaint. Plaintiffs who fail to meet these deadlines must attend a Collection Case Review (CCR) hearing and may be subject to sanctions. Parties may appear at CMCs or CCRs telephonically through CourtCall, provided arrangements are made by 4 p.m. the day before the hearing. However, this option is a privilege, not a right, and may be denied at the court’s discretion. The order authorizes court staff to issue OSCs, impose sanctions, and vacate hearings as necessary to ensure compliance with “fast track” case management timelines. Signed by Hon. Hilary A. Chittick, Presiding Judge, the order remains in effect until amended or revoked and governs all general civil cases in Fresno County’s Civil Division. www.FormsWorkflow.com