The court on its own motion may order, or a party or parties may request, that an additional case management conference be held at any time. A party should be required to appear at an additional conference only if an appearance is necessary for the effective management of the case. In determining whether to hold an additional conference, the court must consider each case individually on its own merits.
Rule 3.723.Additional case management conferences
Division 7. Civil Case Management · Chapter 3. Case Management · Adopted 2007 · no amendments on record · Last verified July 29, 2026
In one sentenceRule 3.723 lets a court, on its own motion, or a party, by request, schedule an additional case management conference at any point in a case, but requires a party to appear only when that will help manage the case, and directs the court to judge each case on its own facts.
Full Text of Rule 3.723
Plain-English Summary
Most civil cases get by on the standard rhythm of case management conferences — one at the start, maybe one more before trial. Rule 3.723 recognizes that some cases need more oversight than that. It gives the court a standing option to call another conference whenever the case calls for it, whether the court spots the need on its own or a party asks for one.
The rule also limits who has to show up. An additional conference doesn’t automatically mean everyone drops what they’re doing and appears. A party is required to attend only if that appearance is necessary to manage the case — the court isn’t supposed to call people into court out of habit.
There’s no formula for when an extra conference is warranted. The rule tells the court to look at each case on its own merits, which leaves room for complicated or slow-moving cases to get closer attention while routine cases move along without added hearings.
Advisory Committee Comment
The following comment is published by the Judicial Council of California alongside the rule itself — not commentary from this site.
Regarding additional case management conferences, in many civil cases one initial conference and one other conference before trial will be sufficient. But in other cases, including complicated or difficult cases, the court may order an additional case management conference or conferences if that would promote the fair and efficient administration of the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a party ask for an extra case management conference in California?
Yes. Rule 3.723 lets a party request an additional case management conference at any time, and the court can also order one on its own motion.
Does every party have to appear at an additional case management conference?
Not necessarily. Rule 3.723 requires a party’s appearance only when it’s necessary for the effective management of the case.
How many case management conferences will a California civil case have?
The rule doesn’t set a fixed number. Many cases need only the standard conferences, but rule 3.723 lets the court add more for cases that need closer supervision.
Amendment History
Rule 3.723 adopted effective January 1, 2007.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified July 29, 2026.
· Official source
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