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Expanded Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Taking the Case
I. Initial Client Contact
II. Case Assessment and Valuation
A. Weigh Costs and Benefits
B. Evaluate Client
C. Consider Ethical Factors (State Bar Rules)
1.
Governing Rules
2. Is There a Conflict of Interest?
D. Evaluate Fee Sources
III. After Assessment and
Valuation
A. Initial Steps
B. Prepare for Case Conference
C. Consider Fee and Cost Arrangements
1.
Preliminary Considerations
2. Factors in Selecting Fee Arrangement
3. Time-Based (Hourly-Rate) Billing
4. Contingency Fees
5. Retainers
6. Other Fee Arrangements
7. Costs and Expenses
D. Prepare to Formalize Attorney-Client Relationship
1. Preliminary Considerations
2. Ethical Guidelines and Requirements
3. Draft Proposed Engagement Contract
a. In All Cases
b. In Hourly-Rate Billing Arrangements
c. In Contingency-Fee Arrangements
d. In Other Arrangements
IV. Case Conference
A. Overview
B. Information to Obtain
C. Information to Convey
V. Taking Over From Prior
Counsel
Chapter 2 Presuit
Activities
I. Investigation
A. Preliminary Considerations
B. Methods and Sources for Investigation
1.
Preliminary Considerations
2. Witnesses
3. Documents
4. Experts
5. Other Sources of Information
C. Protecting the Results of Your Investigation
II. Litigation Planning
A. Pre-Filing Resolution
1.
Negotiation
2. Threatening Action
3. Insurance Coverage Issues
4. Alternative Dispute Resolution
B. Plaintiff’s Considerations
1. Legal Research
2. Parties
3. Causes of Action
4. When to File
5. Where to File
a. Personal Jurisdiction
b. State or Federal Court?
c. Which State Court
C. Defendant’s Considerations
III. Presuit Communications,
Notices, Demands, and Exhaustion
Requirements
A. Generally
B. Presuit Demands To Opposing Party
C. Claims or Notices to Public Entities
D. Exhaustion of Other Remedies
E. Other Presuit Requirements by Statute
IV. OTHER PRESUIT ISSUES
A. Fee Issues
B. Presuit Disclosure
C. Subrogation Rights and Liens and Reimbursement of Third Parties
Chapter 3 Statutes
of Limitations
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Sources of Law
C. Constitutionality of Statutes of Limitations
D. Contractual Modifications
E. Presuit Requirements
F. Laches
II. When Limitations Period
Begins
A. Overview
B. Contract Claims
C. Tort Claims
D. Statutory Violations
E. Discovery Rule
1.
Effect
2. Application
III. Determining Applicable
Period
A. Overview
B. Contractual Actions
1.
Breach of Contract Actions
2. Equitable Contract Remedies
3. Actions Involving Sureties or Guarantors
4. Other Contractual Actions
C. Torts
1. Overview
2. Personal Injuries
a. General Rule: Two Year Period
b. Exceptions to Two-Year Period
3. Injuries to Real or Personal Property
4. Fraud, Mistake, or Duress
5. Obligations or Liabilities Not Founded In Writing
6. Actions Against Professionals
a. Overview
b. Medical Malpractice
c. Legal Malpractice
d. Construction Professionals
e. Other Professionals
7. Breach of Fiduciary Duty
D. Actions Involving Real Property
E. Statutory Causes of Action
F. Negotiable Instruments
G. Family Law
H. Wills and Probate
I. Other Statutory Actions
J. Other Actions
K. Damage Actions Against Public Entities and Employees
L. Enforcement of Judgments and Awards
M. No Limitations Period
IV. When Limitations Period
Expires
A. Filing
B. When Period Expires
C. Relation-Back Doctrine
1.
Overview
2. Effect of Errors in Parties
3. Amended Pleadings
4. Cross-Complaints
V. Modifying Limitations Period
A. By Agreement
B. By Acknowledgment of Debt
C. Waiver and Estoppel
VI. Tolling and Suspension
Rules
A. General Points
B. Minority and Insanity
1. In
General
2. Minority
3. Insanity
C. War and Military Service
D. Criminal Charge or Conviction
E. Attorney’s Condition
F. Defendant’s Absence From State
G. Death
H. Tolling Based on Other Pending Proceedings
1. In General
2. Pending Actions
I. Fraudulent Concealment
J. Other Tolls
K. Tolls in Federal Statutes
Chapters 4-5
[Reserved]
Chapter 6 Subject
Matter Jurisdiction
I. Jurisdiction of Superior
Courts
A. In General
B. Exceptions to Superior Court Jurisdiction
II. Challenging Subject Matter
Jurisdiction
III. Limited and Unlimited Civil Cases
A. In General
B. Specified Limited Civil Cases Under CCP 86(a)
C. Other Limited Civil Cases
IV. Reclassification
A. General Points
B. By Amendment, Cross-Complaint, or Stipulation
C. By Motion
D. Reclassification Fee
E. Effect of Reclassification
F. Review
Chapter 7 Personal
Jurisdiction
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Related Concepts
C. Bases for California Jurisdiction
II. Jurisdiction Over Nonresidents; Minimum Contacts Standard
A. General Points
B. General Jurisdiction
C. Specific Jurisdiction
1.
Requirements
2. Purposeful Availment
3. Arise Out of Contact
4. Fair Play and Substantial Justice
D. Application to Related Defendants
E. Application in Specific Situations
1. Tort Actions
2. Products Liability Actions
3. Contract Actions
4. Professional Services
5. Insurance Services
6. Property Interests
7. Foreign Corporations
8. International Defendants
III. Other Bases for
Jurisdiction
A. Service of Process
B. Domicile
C. Appearance and Consent
1.
Appearance
2. Consent
IV. Challenging Personal
Jurisdiction
A. Motion to Quash
B. Attacking Default Judgment
Chapter 8 Venue and
Forum Non Conveniens
I. OVERVIEW
A. GENERAL POINTS
B. SIGNIFICANCE OF VENUE
II. Determining Proper Venue
A. Local Actions
1. Real
Property
2. Family Law Actions
3. Estates and Trusts
4. Other Local Actions
B. Transitory Actions Against Individuals
1. Venue Proper at Defendant’s Residence
2. Venue Proper at Defendant’s Residence and Elsewhere
a. Contract Actions
i. General Rule
ii. Special Venue Rules for Certain Consumer Actions
b. Injury and Death Actions
C. Mixed Actions
D. Actions Against Entities
1. Actions Against Corporations
2. Actions Against Unincorporated Associations
E. Actions Against Public Officials
F. Actions Involving Government Entities
1. Actions Against or By the State
2. Actions Against or by Local Government Entities
a. Actions Against Local Government Entities
b. Transfer of Actions Against or by Local Entity to Neutral County
i. Transfer of Actions Against Local Entity
ii. Transfer of Actions Brought by Local Entity
iii. Transfer Procedure
G. Proper Locations Within Superior Court
III. Motions for Change of
Venue
A. Grounds
1.
General Points
2. Improper Court
3. Impartial Trial
4. Convenience of Witnesses
5. Dissolution of Marriage
B. Motion Procedure
C. Transfer Procedures
D. Sanctions When Motion Based on Improper Venue Grounds
E. Review
IV. Forum Non Conveniens
A. General Points
B. Suitable Forum Elsewhere
C. Balancing Public and Private Interests
D. Forum Selection Clauses
E. Procedure
F. Ruling on Forum non Conveniens Motion
Chapter 9 Summons
and Service of Process
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Methods of Service of Process
C. Immunity From Service of Process
D. Documents Required For Service Of Process
E. Time for Service
II. Preparation and Issuance of
Summons
III. WHO MAY SERVE PROCESS
IV. Whom to Serve
A. Who Served
B. Individuals
C. Corporations
D. Insurance Companies
E. Estates and Trusts
F. Unincorporated Entities
G. Service On State Officials for Certain Nonresidents
H. Governmental Entities
I. Other Defendants
V. MANNER OF SERVICE INSIDE
CALIFORNIA
A. Introduction
B. Service by Mail With Acknowledgment of Receipt
C. Personal Delivery
D. Substituted Service
E. Service by Publication
F. Additional Method of Service of Unlawful Detainer Summons
VI. SERVICE IN ANOTHER STATE
A. California Procedures or Procedures Where Service
Made
B. Certified or Registered Mail
VII. SERVICE OUTSIDE THE UNITED
STATES
VIII. Waiver of Service Requirements
IX. Return of Service
X. Motions To Dismiss for Lack of Timely Service
XI. CHALLENGING DEFECTIVE SERVICE
A. Tactical Considerations
B. Motion to Quash
C. Motion To Set Aside Default
Chapters 10-11
[Reserved]
Chapter 12 Parties
I. General Points
II. Capacity to Sue or Be Sued
A. Minors, the Unborn or Unascertained, and Incompetents
1.
Definitions
2. Lack of Capacity
3. Guardian Ad Litem
4. Settlement of Ward’s Claim
B. Corporations
C. Partnerships and Other Unincorporated Entities
D. Other Entities and Individuals
E. Indigents
F. Unknown or Fictitious Defendants
G. Misnamed Parties
H. Death, Disability, or Transfer
I. Challenging Capacity
III. Standing to Sue
A. General Concepts
B. Actions and other circumstances in Which Standing May Be an Issue
C. Challenging Standing
IV. Joinder
A. Adding Parties to a Law Suit
1.
Methods of Adding Parties
2. Alternatives to Joinder
3. Advantages of Joining Parties
4. Disadvantages of Joining Parties
5. How to Join Parties
B. Necessary Joinder
1. General Points
2. Examples
3. Challenging Non-Joinder
a. General Points
b. Procedure
C. Permissive Joinder
1. General Points
2. Joinder of Plaintiffs
3. Joinder of Defendants
4. Challenging Misjoinder
V. THIRD PARTY PRACTICE
A. Basic Points
B. Requirements
C. Whether to File a Third-Party Claim
D. Strategies
E. Procedure
1.
Third-Party Summons and Cross-Complaint
2. Third-Party Defendant’s Response
3. Plaintiff’s Claims Against Third-Party Defendant
4. Severance
VI. Interpleader
A. General Points
B. Applicable Law
C. State Court Procedure
1.
General Points
2. No Action Pending
3. Action Pending Against Stakeholder
4. Procedure
D. Personal Jurisdiction Over Adverse Claimants
E. Federal Interpleader
1. General Points
2. Federal Rule Interpleader
3. Statutory Interpleader
VII. Intervention
A. Basic Points
B. Intervention as of Right
C. Permissive Intervention
D. Procedure to Intervene
VIII. Class Actions
A. Basic Points
B. Advantages and Disadvantages of Class Actions
C. Statutory Requirements
D. Requirements for Class Certification Under CCP §382
E. Procedural Issues
F. Order Allowing Class Action
G. Notice to Class Members
H. Management of Class Actions
I. Class Action Settlements
Chapter 13 Pleadings
I. All Pleadings
A. Basic Points
B. Purposes
C. Format (For All Court Papers)
D. Drafting Rules and Techniques
E. Verification
1.
Basic Points
2. When Required
3. By Whom
a. Requirements and Exceptions
b. Attorney
4. Form and Content
5. Defective or Missing Verification
a. Basic Points
b. How to Respond
F. Sanctions for Frivolous Pleading
II. Complaints
A. Definitions
B. Goals and Pitfalls
C. Particularity Requirements
1. The
Key Rule: CCP §425.10
a. Basic Points
b. Exceeding Minimum Requirements
c. Common Counts
2. Particularity for Specific Matters
a. Condition Precedent
b. Corporate and Unincorporated Association Status
c. Other Parties
d. Other Matters
3. Special Particularity for Specific Claims
a. General Points
b. Libel or Slander
c. Fraud and Similar Actions
d. Tort Claims Against Governmental Entities
e. Action on Judgment
f. Action Based on Ordinances or Foreign Law
D. Gatekeeper Statutes
1. In General
2. Punitive Damages Claims Against Health Care Providers
3. Punitive Damages Claims Against Religious Corporations
4. Negligence Claims Against Volunteer Directors of Non-Profits
5. Claim Against Attorney for Conspiracy with Client
E. Before Drafting
F. Drafting the Complaint
1. Basic Points
2. Caption and Introductory Matters
3. Background Facts
4. Causes of Action
a. Basic Pleading Points & Strategies
b. Splitting Claims Not Permitted
c. Joinder of Claims
5. Demand for Relief
a. Basic Points
b. Pleading Dollar Amount of Damages
6. Attorney’s Signature
7. Attachments
8. Special Rules for Certain Actions
a. Actions Against Health Care Provider for Professional Negligence
b. Actions Against Architect, Engineer, or Surveyor for Professional
Negligence
c. Actions Alleging Childhood Sexual Abuse
9. Filing Fees and Service
III. Before Answering
IV. Answers
A. Basic Points
B. Format
C. Parts and Divisions
D. Allegation Responses
1.
Admissions
2. Denials
a. Basic Points
b. Types of Denials
3. Responding to Specific Allegations
E. Affirmative Defenses: “New Matter”
1. Basic Points
2. Specific Defenses
a. In All Types of Actions
b. Contract Actions
c. Tort Actions
3. Pleading Requirements
4. Failure To Plead
a. Basic Points
b. Raising Defense in Amended Answer
F. Service and Filing
1. Basic Points
2. Extending Service Deadline
a. By Stipulation
b. By Court Order
c. If Time Has Expired
G. Plaintiff’s Reply
V. Cross-Complaints
A. Counterclaims
B. Cross-Complaints
1. In
General
2. Mandatory Cross-Complaints Against Plaintiff
3. Permissive Cross-Complaints
4. Joinder
5. Application of Statute of Limitations to Cross-Complaints
6. Procedure and Format
7. Service and Filing
C. Response to Cross-Complaint
VI. Amended and Supplemental
Pleadings
A. Basic Points
B. Supplemental Pleadings
1. When
Used
2. Procedure
C. Amendments
1. Basic Points
2. Doe Plaintiffs
3. Amending Without Leave of Court
4. Amending With Leave of Court
a. Basic Points
b. Court’s Discretion
i. Granting Leave
ii. Denying Leave
5. Request for Leave
D. Response to New Pleading
Chapter 14 Motion
Practice
I. OVERVIEW
II. Preparing, Serving, and Filing Motions
A. Formal Requirements
B. Motion
C. Notice of Hearing
D. Attached Evidence
1. Use
of Evidence
2. Requirements for Specific Evidence
a. Request for Judicial Notice
b. Declarations or Affidavits
c. Documentary Evidence
d. Discovery Documents
E. Memorandum of Points and Authorities
1. Requirements
2. Drafting Considerations
F. Service of Motion
1. Who and What to Serve
2. Effect of Service
3. Methods of Service
a. Personal Delivery
b. Service by Mail, Express Mail, or Overnight Delivery
c. Proof of Service by Mail
d. Service by Fax
e. Service by Electronic Transmission
G. Filing
1. General Requirements
2. Fax Filing
a. Applicability and Format
b. Using Fax Filing Agency
c. Direct Filing by Fax
3. Filing by Electronic Transmission
III. Opposing the Motion
A. Opposition Papers
B. Time for Response
C. Extending Time
D. Grounds for Opposition
IV. Reply
V. Hearing
A. Hearing Procedures
B. Appearance by Telephone
C. Evidence at Hearing
D. Tentative Rulings
E. Oral Argument
1. When
Available
2. Effective Oral Argument
VI. Order
VII. Reconsideration
VIII. Ex Parte Motions
IX. MOTIONS TO CONTINUE TRIAL DATE
Chapter 15 Attacking
the Pleadings
I. Demurrers
A. Overview
B. Time to Demur
C. Combined With Other Pleadings
D. When Demurrer Is Not Available
E. Grounds
1. In
General
2. Defects on Face of Pleadings
3. Matters Judicially Noticed
4. Exceptions to Rule That Allegations Must Be Accepted As True
a. Conclusory Allegations
b. Exhibits
c. Allegations Contrary to Previously Pleaded Facts
F. General Demurrers
1. General Principles
2. Bases for General Demurrer
G. Special Demurrers
1. General Principles
2. Subject Matter Jurisdiction
3. No Legal Capacity to Sue
4. Another Action Pending Between Same Parties on Same Cause of Action
5. Defect of Parties
6. Uncertainty
7. Whether Contract Is Written or Oral
8. Failure to File Required Certificate
H. Demurrer to Answer
I. Procedure
1. Moving Papers
2. Responding Papers
3. Reply Papers
4. Hearing
5. Leave to Amend
6. Order
a. Statement of Grounds
b. Preparation
c. Notice of Court’s Order
7. Time to Amend or Answer
8. Demurrer to Amended Complaint
9. Dismissal
J. Review
1. Demurrer Overruled
2. Demurrer Sustained With Leave to Amend
3. Demurrer Sustained Without Leave to Amend
a. All Causes of Action
b. Some Causes of Action
c. Demurrer to Answer
d. Standard of Review
II. Motions to Strike
A. Overview
B. Time for Motion to Strike
C. Combined With Other Pleadings
D. Grounds
1.
General Points
2. Irrelevant, False, or Improper Matter
3. Noncompliance With Statutes and Rules
E. Procedure
1. Required Papers
2. Order
III. Judgment on the Pleadings
A. Overview
B. Time Within Which Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings May Be Filed
C. Grounds for Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
D. Procedure
E. Order
F. Judgment
G. Review
IV. SLAPP Suits: Special
Motions to Strike
A. OVERVIEW
B. ANTI-SLAPP MOTION TO STRIKE: PROCEDURES
C. ANTI-SLAPP MOTION TO STRIKE: SUBSTANCE
Chapter 16 Temporary
Restraining Orders and Preliminary Injunctions
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Distinguished From Other Pre-judgment Orders
C. Advantages and Disadvantages of Preliminary Injunctions
1.
Advantages
2. Disadvantages
II. Grounds and Defenses
A. Requirements
B. Equitable Considerations
1.
General Points
2. Likelihood of Success
3. Threat of Irreparable Injury
4. Lack of Adequate Remedy at Law
5. Staying Actions
6. Considering Public Interest
C. Defenses
1. General Jurisdictional Limitations
2. Specific Statutory Limitations
3. Equitable Defenses
III. Typical Subject Matter for
TRO and PI
A. Asset Protection and Enforcement of Judgments
B. Real Property
C. Contract Rights
D. Business
E. Other
IV. Jurisdiction, Venue, and
Parties
A. Jurisdiction and Venue
B. Parties
1. Who
May Seek Relief
2. Persons Bound
V. Procedure
A. Effective Preparation and Advocacy
B. Timing
C. TRO Procedure for Moving Party
1.
Checklist
2. Moving Papers
3. Evidence to Support Application
4. Notice
5. Hearing
6. Service of TRO and OSC
D. Responding to TRO Application
E. PI Procedure for Moving Party
F. Responding to PI Hearing
G. Undertaking
H. Preparing PI Order
1. General Points
2. Persons and Acts Enjoined
I. Service of PI
VI. Trial Court Oversight of
TRO or PI
A. Reconsideration of Denied TRO or PI
B. Modification or Dissolution of TRO or PI
C. Automatic Dissolution
D. Enforcement by Contempt
1.
Definitions
2. Contempt Procedures
3. Penalties
4. Appellate Review
VII. Appellate Review of TRO or
PI
A. General Points
B. Scope of Review
C. Mooting of Appeal
VIII. Wrongful Injunction
A. Overview
B. Malicious Prosecution and Abuse of Process
C. Action on PI Bond or Undertaking
1.
Elements
2. Damages
IX. Permanent Injunction
Chapters 17-19
[Reserved]
Chapter 20 All
Discovery
I. GENERAL POINTS
A. Purpose, Goals, Drawbacks
B. Governing Law
C. Sealing and Filing
D. Use of Technology
II. Right to Discovery
A. Basic Points
B. Limits on Discovery
III. Scope of Discovery
A. Must Be Relevant
B. Matters Discoverable
1.
General Points
2. Experts
a. Generally
b. Exchange of Expert Lists
i. Demand
ii. Response
c. Protective Order
d. Depositions of Experts
e. Motion to Submit Tardy Information or Augment
i. Motion to Submit Tardy Information
ii. Motion to Augment
f. Exclusion of Expert Witness Testimony
3. Insurance and Indemnity Policies
4. Settlement Agreements
C. Matters Usually Outside Scope
1. Privileged Matter
2. Work Product
3. Other Matters
IV. Planning & Timing
A. Planning Strategies
1.
Basic Points
2. Establish Goals
3. What Discovery Devices To Use
B. Sequence of Discovery
C. Timing Factors
1. For Discovering Party
2. For Responding Party
D. Misuses of Discovery and Discovery Sanctions
1. Discovery Misuses Generally
V. Stipulations
A. Basic Points
B. Confidential Information
VI. Supplementary and Amended
Responses
VII. Review
Chapter 21
Production of Documents
and Other Things
I. Party Document Demands
A. General Points
B. Using Demands to Produce With Other Discovery Tools
C. Steps to Obtain Documents
1.
Prepare Demands
a. Form of Demands
b. Format
c. Substance
i. General Points
ii. Individual Items
iii. By-Category Demands
2. Particular Types of Documents
3. Serve: Do Not File
4. Track Response
D. How to Respond and Produce
1. Initial Steps
2. Time to Respond
3. Failure to Timely Respond
4. Possession, Custody, or Control
5. Locate, Collect, and Examine Items
a. General Points
b. Locate Items
c. Collect Items
d. Examine Items
6. The Response
a. General Points
b. Drafting Points
c. Objections
i. General Points
ii. Specific Objections
d. Dealing With Problem Demands
i. Overbroad, Vague, or Ambiguous
ii. Unduly Burdensome
e. Protect Confidential Information
f. Service and Filing
7. Prepare for Production
E. Inspection and Copying
1. Inspection
2. Copying
F. Discovery Disputes
1. Overview
2. Case Management Order/Discovery Referee
3. Motions
a. General Points
b. Motion to Extend Time
c. Motion for Protective Order
d. Motion to Compel Production
e. Motion To Compel Further Response
f. Motion to Compel Compliance
g. Sanctions
II. Land and Tangible Things
III. Nonparty Document Inspection
A. Overview
B. Deposition Subpoenas
1.
Business Records Subpoena
a. General Points
b. Procedure
2. Testimony and Documents Subpoena
3. Service of Subpoena
C. Subpoenaing Consumer and Employment Records
1. Personal Records of Consumers and Employees
a. Purpose and Definitions
b. Service
c. Stopping the Production of Consumer or Employee Records
d. Compelling Production
D. Challenging Subpoena
IV. Public Records
A. Subpoenas for Government Records
B. Access to Public Records
1.
Overview and Strategy
2. California Public Records
a. Access to and Use of Public Records
b. Exemptions
c. Procedure
d. Enforcing Rights of Disclosure
C. Federal Public Records
1. Authority & Exceptions
2. Procedure
Chapter 22
Depositions
I. Overview
A. General Points
B. Types of Depositions
1. Oral
Depositions
2. Depositions by Written Questions
3. Depositions to Perpetuate Testimony and Pending Appeal
4. Depositions in Other States
5. Depositions in Foreign Countries
6. Actions Outside California
II. Functions
A. General Points
B. Using Deposition Testimony at and After Trial
C. Use in Conjunction With Other Discovery Devices
III. Taking a Deposition
A. Preparation
1.
Procedure
a. Select Deponent
b. Choose Location
c. Schedule Deposition
d. Notice a Party’s Deposition
e. Subpoena a Non-party Deponent
f. Telephone or Videoconference Deposition
g. Select Recording Method
i. Stenographic Recording
ii. Audio or Video Technology
h. Deposition Officers
i. Transcripts and Costs
j. Interpreters
2. Substantive Preparation
a. General Considerations
b. Prepare Outline
c. Organize Documents in Advance
B. Conducting the Deposition
1. Getting Started
2. Review Document Requests
3. Examination and Cross-Examination
4. Adjourning or Completing a Deposition
a. Adjourning
b. Completion
5. Court’s Involvement
a. Generally
b. Motions
i. Procedure
ii. Compel Attendance or Testimony
iii. Protective Order
iv. Compelling Answers
c. Sanctions for Failure to Attend
IV. Defending a Deposition
A. Response to Notice
1.
Objections
2. Motions
3. Witness Designation
B. Preparation
1. Introduction
2. Guidelines for Witness
3. Guidelines for Experts
C. Conduct During the Deposition
1. General Points
2. Objections
V. Preparing Transcript for Use
at Trial
Chapter 23 Physical
and Mental Examinations
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Who Is Subject to Exam
1.
Parties
2. Non-Parties
C. Preliminary Considerations
II. Setting the Logistics
A. Overview
B. Examiner
1.
General Points
2. Challenging Discoverer’s Designee
C. Location
D. Time
E. Manner and Scope
F. Conditions
G. Costs
III. Obtaining Exam
A. By Stipulation
B. By Demand
1.
Right to Exam
2. Defendant’s Demand
3. Plaintiff’s Response
4. Motion to Compel
C. By Motion
1. Threshold Requirements
a. Overview
b. In Controversy Requirement
c. Good Cause Requirement
2. Initiating Motion
a. Preliminary Issues
b. Motion Package
c. Filing & Service
IV. Response and Reply
V. Preparing For and Conducting Exam
VI. Subsequent Motions & Appeal
VII. Report of Examining Physician
A. General Points
B. Examinee’s Option to Get Report
C. Discoverer’s Reciprocal Right to Reports
D. Waiver of Privilege
Chapter 24
Interrogatories
I. OVERVIEW
A. General Rules and Principles
B. Form and Special Interrogatories
II. How to Use Interrogatories
A. General Points
B. Types of Interrogatories
III. Propounding
Interrogatories
A. Official Form Interrogatories
B. Format of Special Interrogatories
C. Preliminary Parts
D. Areas of Inquiry
1.
General Points
2. Facts
3. Documents
E. Serve: Do Not File
IV. Responding to
Interrogatories
A. General Points
B. Deadline for Response
C. Failure to Timely Respond
D. Drafting Responses
1.
General Points
2. Format
3. Verification of Responses
4. Option to Produce Records
5. Objections
a. General Points
b. Specific Objections
c. Protect Privileged Information
E. Service and Filing
V. Supplemental and Amended
Answers
A. General Points
B. Procedure
VI. Motions
A. Procedures
1. Meet
and Confer Requirement
2. Extending Time
3. Motion to Compel Response
4. Motion for Further Response
5. Responding Party’s Opposition
6. Sanctions
B. Obtain Protective Order
VII. EVIDENCE ISSUES
A. Answers as Evidence
B. Excluding Evidence at Trial
Chapter 25 Requests
for Admissions
I. General Points
A. Overview
B. Scope of RFAs
II. How to Use RFAs
A. General Strategies
B. Writings
C. Use With Other Discovery Tools
III. Propounding RFAs
A. Drafting Format and Techniques
B. Service and Filing
IV. Responding to Requests
A. General Points
B. Response Deadline
C. Drafting Responses and Objections
1.
Format and Procedure
2. Responses
a. Substantive Answers
b. Objections
i. Basic Points
ii. Specific Objections
iii. Resolving Objections
V. Motions
A. General Points
B. Motions by Requesting Party
1.
Motion for Order Compelling Further Response
2. Motion That RFAs Be Deemed Admitted
3. Motion to Recover Expenses for Proof at Trial
C. Motions by Respondent
1. Motion for Protective Order
2. Motion to Withdraw or Amend
3. Motion for Relief From Waiver
VI. Use of Responses at Trial
A. Admission of Answers Into Evidence
B. Effect of Admissions
Chapters 26-27
[Reserved]
Chapter 28 Summary
Judgment
I. OVERVIEW
A. Basic Points
B. Advantages
C. Disadvantages
D. Strategies
II. Summary Adjudication
A. Bases
B. Procedure
III. REQUIREMENTS FOR SUMMARY
JUDGMENT
A. No Triable Issue Of Material Fact
1.
“Material Fact”
2. Inferences
3. Trial Court Does Not Weigh Evidence
B. Entitled To Judgment “as a Matter of Law”
IV. BURDENS ON MSJ—AND HOW TO
MEET THEM
A. General Points
B. Movant’s Burden
1.
Plaintiff Movant
2. Defendant Movant
C. Respondent’s Burden
1. Defendant Respondent
2. Plaintiff Respondent
V. RECORD EVIDENCE
A. General Points
1. MSJ
Evidence
2. Admissible Evidence
B. Affidavits and Declarations
1. Requirements
2. Expert Affidavits
3. Preparing Affidavits
a. Form and Content Requirements
b. Working With Affiants
c. Effective Drafting
4. Exhibits
C. Admissions
1. Admissions in Pleadings
2. Admissions in Discovery
D. Depositions and Interrogatories
E. Judicial Notice
VI. INITIATING MSJ
A. Deciding Whether to Move
B. When to File
C. The Motion Documents
1.
General Points
2. Notice of Motion
3. Separate Statement
4. Memorandum of Points and Authorities
5. Evidence
D. Service Requirements
VII. Responding to MSJ
A. Opposition Papers
B. Objections
C. Continuance
VIII. Reply
IX. Hearing
A. Conduct of Hearing
B. MSJ as Motion for Judgment on Pleadings
C. Court’s Determination
D. Court’s Authority
X. Order and Judgment
A. Preparing Order
B. Specifying Reasons
C. Judgment
XI. Challenge in Trial Court
XII. Appeal and Writ
A. Appeal
B. Review By Writ
Chapter 29 Default
Judgment and Voluntary Dismissal
I. Defaults and Default
Judgment
A. Basic Points
1. In
General
2. Limitations
3. Effect of Default and Default Judgment
B. Entry of Default by Court Clerk
1. When Application for Entry of Default May Be Made
2. Right to Notice of Amount of Damages and Type of Relief
3. Procedure for Application for Entry of Default
C. Clerk’s Entry of Default Judgment
1. Clerk’s Authority to Enter Default Judgment
2. Procedure for Entry of Clerk’s Default Judgment
D. Entry of Judgment on Default by Court
1. When Default Judgment Entered by Court
2. Procedure for Entry of Judgment by Court
3. Proof Required for Default Judgment
II. Relief from Defaults and
Default Judgments
A. Methods of Seeking Relief from Entry of Default and
Default Judgment
B. Motions for New Trial or Appeal
C. Relief Under CCP §473(b) Based on Mistake, Inadvertence, Surprise,
or Neglect
1.
Mandatory Relief
2. Discretionary Relief
a. Discretion
b. Time to Seek Relief
c. Relief Based on Mistake
d. Relief Based on Inadvertence and Surprise
e. Relief for Excusable Neglect
3. Procedure for Application for Relief
4. Conditions and Sanctions
5. Appellate Review of Orders Under CCP §473(b)
D. Relief From Default for “Lack of Actual Notice”
E. Relief Under Court’s Inherent Equitable Power
F. Relief in Certain Consumer Actions
G. Relief From Void Judgments
H. Attorney Ceasing to Act
III. Voluntary Dismissal
A. General Points
B. Dismissal by Plaintiff
1.
Right to and Reasons for Dismissal
2. Limitations on Plaintiff’s Right to Dismiss
a. Trial Commenced
b. Other Limitations
3. Procedure for Dismissal by Plaintiff
C. Dismissal by Stipulation
D. Effect of Voluntary Dismissal
1. On Court’s Jurisdiction
2. Preclusive Effect
3. Effect on Subsequent Malicious Prosecution Action
E. Recovery of Costs and Attorney Fees
1. Costs
2. Attorney Fees
F. Relief From Dismissal
Chapter 30
Settlement and Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR)
I. Settlement
A. Case Evaluation
1. Why
Try To Settle
2. When Should You Settle
3. Tax Consequences
4. Impact On Government Benefits
5. Ethical Responsibilities
B. Negotiation
1. General Points
2. Plaintiff’s Perspective
a. Settlement Letters or Brochures
b. Negotiations With Insurers
C. Statutory Offer to Compromise
1. Offer
2. Acceptance of Offer
3. Judgment
4. Plaintiff Fails to Obtain More Favorable Judgment
a. Plaintiff’s Liability
b. Whether Verdict for Plaintiff Is More Favorable
5. Defendant Fails to Obtain More Favorable Judgment
a. Defendant’s Liability
b. Whether Verdict for Defendant Is More Favorable
6. Expert Witness Costs
D. Admissibility of Offers
E. The Court’s Role
1. Mandatory Settlement Conference
2. Approval of Settlement of Claims of Minors and Incompetents
a. Requirements
b. Procedure
F. Mechanics of Settlements
1. Types of Settlements
2. Structured Settlements
3. Settlement Documents
4. Liens on Settlements
5. Notification to Court
6. Settlement by Fewer Than All the Parties
G. Motion to Enforce Settlement
1. In General
2. Writing Requirement
3. Oral Agreement
4. Court’s Role
5. Dismissal
H. Other Enforcement
II. Mediation
A. Mediation Procedure
B. Preparing for Mediation
C. Mediation Confidentiality
III. Judicial Arbitration
A. Purpose and Intent
B. When Judicial Arbitration Applicable
C. Stipulated Arbitration
D. Plaintiff’s Election
E. Appointment of Arbitrator
F. Hearing
G. Award
H. Trial De Novo
1.
General Points
2. Request
3. Withdrawal or Dismissal
4. Evidence at Trial
5. Costs
6. Tolling
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