--- name: ca-lasc description: > Use when drafting or filing in Los Angeles Superior Court (LASC), the largest unified trial court in the U.S. Triggers include "Los Angeles Superior Court", "LASC", "Stanley Mosk Courthouse", "Spring Street Courthouse", "LASC Court Reservation System", "LASC CRS", "LASC tentative ruling", "LASC local rules", "Odyssey eFileCA Los Angeles", "CMC statement CM-110", or LASC case numbers (24STCV12345, 24CMCV12345). Covers LASC local rules, Court Reservation System (CRS), tentative-ruling regime, mandatory eFiling via Odyssey eFileCA, and case management conferences. Layer on `ca-statewide-format`. version: 0.1.1 --- # Los Angeles Superior Court (LASC) Use this skill in addition to `ca-statewide-format` when the case is in any Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse. LASC is the largest unified trial court in the United States with approximately 500 judicial officers serving over 10 million residents across a county the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island combined. ## Court locations and civil divisions LASC has over 30 courthouses. The major civil venues are: | Courthouse | Address | Case types (civil) | |------------|---------|-------------------| | **Stanley Mosk Courthouse** (Central) | 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles 90012 | Unlimited civil (the flagship); most complex litigation departments | | **Spring Street Courthouse** | 312 N. Spring St., Los Angeles 90012 | Unlimited civil departments, writs, and appeals | | **Norwalk Courthouse** | 12720 Norwalk Blvd., Norwalk 90650 | Unlimited and limited civil — Southeast District | | **Pomona Courthouse South** | 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona 91766 | Unlimited and limited civil — East District | | **Van Nuys Courthouse East/West** | 14340 Sylvan St. / 6230 Sylvan St., Van Nuys 91401 | Unlimited and limited civil — Northwest District | | **Pasadena Courthouse** | 300 E. Walnut St., Pasadena 91101 | Unlimited civil — Northeast District | | **Long Beach Courthouse** | 275 Magnolia Ave., Long Beach 90802 | Unlimited and limited civil — South District | | **Compton Courthouse** | 200 W. Compton Blvd., Compton 90220 | Limited civil — Southwest District | | **Torrance Courthouse** | 825 Maple Ave., Torrance 90503 | Unlimited and limited civil — Southwest District (Torrance) | | **Glendale Courthouse** | 600 E. Broadway, Glendale 91206 | Limited civil; unlawful detainer — North District | | **Chatsworth Courthouse** | 9425 Penfield Ave., Chatsworth 91311 | Unlimited and limited civil — Northwest District (West) | The department assignment is determined at case filing based on case type, courthouse of filing, and random assignment (LASC General Order for civil case assignment). Confirm the department and courthouse on the LASC case portal. ## Case number formats | Format | Case type | Example | |--------|-----------|---------| | `YYXXXXXXXX` (Stanley Mosk) | Unlimited civil (Central) | `24STCV12345` | | `YYNWCVNNNNN` | Unlimited civil (Northwest/Van Nuys) | `24NWCV00001` | | `YYCMCVNNNNN` | Civil — Compton | `24CMCV00001` | | `YYSMCVNNNNN` | Limited civil (Stanley Mosk) | `24SMCV00001` | | Various district codes | Other districts | `24PSCV`, `24LBCV`, `24GDCV` etc. | Pull the exact case number format from the LASC case portal: **https://www.lacourt.org** — search by party name to confirm the case number and assigned department. ## Caption — LASC variant The court name line for LASC cases: ``` IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ``` For cases assigned to a specific district courthouse, some practitioners add the courthouse name below the county line, but this is not required by CRC 2.111. The case number suffix identifies the district (e.g., ST = Stanley Mosk, NW = Northwest, CM = Compton). ## Mandatory eFiling — Odyssey eFileCA LASC mandates electronic filing for represented parties in civil cases through **Odyssey eFileCA** (Tyler Technologies). Pro se (self-represented) filers may, but are not required to, use the e-filing system. - Portal: **https://efiling.lacourt.org** (LASC-specific entry point into the Odyssey platform) - Accepted format: PDF only - File-size limit: 25 MB per document; split larger filings - Filing fee payment: credit card via portal - Service of process: Odyssey does not handle initial service; use traditional service (process server, sheriff, etc.) for summons and complaint - eService for subsequent filings: parties who register on the portal receive eService automatically Self-represented filers may also paper-file at the clerk's counter during business hours. Hours vary by courthouse — check **https://www.lacourt.org/courthouse/** for current hours. ## LASC Court Reservation System (CRS) For civil motions in unlimited civil cases, the moving party must **reserve a hearing date** through the LASC Court Reservation System (CRS) **before** filing the motion (or at the time of filing in some departments). The CRS is the LASC's online reservation portal. **Step 1 — Identify the assigned department and courthouse** Check the LASC case portal at **https://www.lacourt.org** for the assigned department. The department determines which reservation calendar to use. **Step 2 — Access the CRS** Go to: **https://www.lacourt.org/courtreservation/ui/index.aspx** Create an account or log in. Select the courthouse, department, and motion type from the dropdown menus. **Step 3 — Reserve a date** Select an available date from the calendar. The CRS will issue a **reservation number** (also called a "CRS number" or "booking number"). Record this number — it goes on the face of the motion. **Step 4 — Include the CRS number on the motion** In the caption area of the Notice of Motion, state: ``` Date: [Reserved date] Time: [Reserved time, e.g., 10:00 a.m. / 8:30 a.m.] Dept.: [Department number] Judge: Hon. [Judge name] Reservation No.: [CRS confirmation number] ``` **Step 5 — File the motion with the reserved date** File through Odyssey eFileCA with the correct department selected. The clerk will confirm or reject the filing; an accepted filing appears in the case portal. **CRS notes**: - Not all departments use the CRS; some departments have independent calendaring through the department clerk. Always confirm which method the assigned department uses — check the LASC department pages at **https://www.lacourt.org/division/civil/civil.aspx** - For ex parte applications, the CRS is not used; ex parte matters are set by calling the department clerk directly. - Some departments require a minimum notice period (e.g., 16 court days for a Code Civ. Proc., § 1005 motion); make sure the reserved date meets the statutory notice requirement. ## Tentative-ruling regime (CRC 3.1308; LASC Local Rule 3.31) LASC uses a tentative-ruling system for most civil law and motion hearings under Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1308(a)(1) and LASC Local Rule 3.31: 1. **Tentative ruling posted**: The court posts its tentative ruling by **2:00 p.m. the court day before** the hearing (i.e., by 2:00 p.m. on Monday for a Tuesday 10:00 a.m. hearing). 2. **Where to find tentatives**: **https://www.lacourt.org/tentativerulingweb/ui/** Search by case number or department. 3. **Contest the tentative**: - Any party who wishes to argue (contest the tentative) must notify **all other parties** and the **department clerk** by **4:00 p.m.** on the court day before the hearing. - Call the clerk's phone line for the specific department. Department phone numbers are listed at the LASC website. - If no party contests, the tentative becomes the **final ruling** without a hearing. 4. **If contested**: the hearing proceeds as scheduled. The judge may adopt, modify, or reject the tentative at the hearing. 5. **No hearing on uncontested tentatives**: If you are satisfied with the tentative and no other party contests, you do not need to appear. The tentative is automatically entered as the court's order. **Practical workflow**: - Check the tentative by 2:00 p.m. the day before the hearing - If unfavorable: call the department clerk by 4:00 p.m. to contest, then call or email opposing counsel/party - If favorable: confirm no other party has contested; no appearance required ## Case management conferences (CMC) LASC schedules a Case Management Conference (CMC) approximately 120 days after the filing of the complaint (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.722). **CMC statement (form CM-110)**: - File and serve the Judicial Council form CM-110 no later than **15 calendar days** before the CMC (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.725(c)) - The CM-110 asks about service of process, ADR, trial estimate, related cases, and discovery status - Both sides must file separate CM-110s unless they agree to a joint CM-110 **At the CMC**: the judge sets the trial date, discovery cut-off, motion cut-off, FSC (Final Status Conference), and ADR deadline. The CMC order (sometimes called a "Case Schedule Order") controls the case timeline. ## LASC local rules — key sections LASC Local Rules (California Rules of Court, local rules of the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles): | Rule | Subject | |------|---------| | 2.2 | Electronic filing — mandatory for represented parties | | 2.3 | Electronic service | | 3.5 | Trial date setting and continuances | | 3.10 | Motions in limine | | 3.20–3.25 | Summary judgment practice | | 3.26 | Demurrers | | 3.28 | Case management and CMC | | 3.31 | Tentative rulings | | 3.57 | Discovery motions — separate statement requirement | | 7.9 | Unlawful detainer | | 8.90–8.100 | Complex litigation (Complex Civil Program at CCW) | The full LASC Local Rules are posted at: **https://www.lacourt.org/rules/ui/index.aspx** Always pull the current version before citing — LASC updates local rules regularly, typically with each new calendar year. ## Separate statement (discovery motions) For any motion to compel further discovery responses in LASC, a **Separate Statement** is required under Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1345 and LASC Local Rule 3.57. The separate statement: - Sets out each discovery request in full - States the response given by the responding party - States why the response is deficient (good cause argument) - Is filed and served as a **separate document** from the motion (not incorporated into the memorandum) Failure to file a separate statement is grounds for denial of the motion. Use the required format from CRC 3.1345(c). ## Complex litigation Cases designated as complex civil litigation under Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.400 are sent to the **Complex Civil Program**, located at the **Central Civil West Courthouse** (600 S. Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles 90005). Complex cases have their own rules, CMC procedures, and department-specific standing orders. Common complex designations: class actions, coordinated proceedings, construction defect, environmental, securities fraud, mass torts. ## Filing fees LASC follows the Government Code schedule: - Complaint (unlimited civil): $435 (Gov. Code, § 70611; subject to annual inflation adjustment) - Complaint (limited civil, over $10,000): $225 - Motion: $60 per motion (Gov. Code, § 70617) - Summary judgment motion: $500 (Gov. Code, § 70617(e)) - Fee waiver: Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.50–3.63; Judicial Council form FW-001 Pull current fees from **https://www.lacourt.org/division/civil/fees.aspx** before advising on specific amounts — fees change with the Government Code. ## Document set for a noticed motion in LASC 1. **Notice of Motion and Motion** (with CRS reservation number, date, time, dept., and judge in the caption) 2. **Memorandum of Points and Authorities** (filed separately or combined with the motion) 3. **Supporting Declaration(s)** with exhibits 4. **Proposed Order** (titled "[PROPOSED] ORDER") 5. **Separate Statement** (required for discovery motions under CRC 3.1345; not required for non-discovery motions) 6. **Proof of Service** (Judicial Council form POS-030 or declaration of service under Code Civ. Proc., § 1013a) eFile each as a separate PDF through Odyssey eFileCA. ## Scheduling email — ex parte applications For **ex parte** relief (emergency relief before a noticed hearing), contact the assigned department clerk directly. The LASC ex parte procedure requires: 1. **Notice to all parties**: by **10:00 a.m. the court day before** the ex parte application, unless exceptional circumstances prevent prior notice (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1203) 2. **Application**: filed at the clerk's window or submitted via eFiling at the start of the court day (typically 8:30 a.m.) 3. **Declaration re notice**: explaining who was notified, when, and by what method (or why notice was not given) Ex parte relief standards: immediate danger of irreparable harm; inability to seek relief through a regularly noticed motion (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1202(c)). ## References - `references/downtown-central.md` — Stanley Mosk and Spring Street courthouse details, parking, clerk windows, courtroom layout - `references/civil-motion-scheduling.md` — CRS step-by-step, notice requirements, discovery-motion timing - `references/lasc-local-rules.md` — key LASC local rules affecting civil motion practice, tentatives, and CMC **NOT LEGAL ADVICE.** Generated content is a drafting aid; verify against current rules and case law before filing.