Welcome to the Complex Civil Litigation Program of the Superior Court of
California, County of Los Angeles. Pursuant to the Complex Civil Litigation
Pilot Program established by the Judicial Council, the Central Civil West
Courthouse has been designated as the branch where Complex Civil Litigation
cases are managed. The program provides a more effective and efficient case
resolution for cases that require unusual amounts of judicial time because of
legal or factual complicated issues, often highly technical that involve
numerous parties and claims.
A “Complex Case” is a civil action that requires continuous judicial management
to avoid placing unnecessary burden on litigants, counsel and the Court. It is
designed to expedite cases, keep costs reasonable, and promote an effective
decision making process by the Court, parties and counsel. Local Rule 3.3(k)
governs the procedure for the determination of complex case designation.
The Assistant Supervising Judge, for Complex Civil Litigation Courts, (or his or
her designee) reviews all cases that are designated on the
Civil Case Cover Sheet Addendum and Statement of Location(LACIV109)
as “provisionally” complex. Determination of whether or not the case should be
designated as complex is made pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule
3.403.
Complex cases suitable for assignment to the Complex Civil Litigation Department
are defined in Rule 3.400, California Rules of Court. Complex cases must be
designated or counterdesignated in the Civil Case Cover
Sheet Addendum and Statement of Location(LACIV109) as provided by
California Rules of Court, rules 3.401-3.402. The fees required by Government
Code 70616 are due upon such designation.
In general, cases assigned to the Complex Civil Litigation Program are managed
in accordance with the principles set forth in Standard 3.10 of the California
Standards of Judical Administration and the case management concepts set forth
in the Deskbook on the Management of Complex Civil Litigation published by the
Judicial Council of California.
