Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
Speaking at CMC
In a civil case, in California, may a client
speak on his own behalf at a Case Management Conference and a hearing for a motion even if he has a lawyer who will be in attendance?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Speaking at CMC
No. You either have an attorney that represents you, or you go pro per.
Re: Speaking at CMC
No, not really. Trial judges are annoyed when a client starts speaking when they already have a lawyer. A Case Management Conference is an opportunity for a judge to schedule the case for trial, mediations, discovery, and any relevant motion practice. It is not an opportunity for you to flout your views or tell your side of the story like you see on television on Judge Judy. If you have a lawyer, he is going to want to speak to your lawyer, to determine the lawyer's availability for trial. You should let your lawyer do the talking until you are called to the stand to testify as a witness, if that ever happens.
That's why you have a lawyer, to speak for you.
Very truly yours,
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
