California Lawyers Association
Request for Emergency Orders for Civil Cases
April 3, 2020
Martin Hoshino
Administrative Director, Judicial Council of California
455 Golden Gate Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Re: Request for Emergency Orders for Civil Cases
Dear Mr. Hoshino:
We write on behalf of the California Lawyers Association (CLA). We have reviewed the March 31, 2020 memorandum from the Consumer Attorneys of California and California Defense Counsel, requesting that the Chief Justice act on certain urgent matters as soon as possible. We support pursuit of emergency relief in all seven areas that are identified: 1) tolling of statutes of limitations; 2) remote depositions; 3) electronic service on represented parties; 4) five year rule extension and non-trial deadlines; 5) uniform rescheduling of continued trials; 6) ex parte and other urgent hearings; and 7) encouraging case progress during the current crisis. We also support the conceptual framework that is outlined for addressing all seven areas.
We recognize that the Judicial Council will be dealing with these issues on an expedited basis. To the extent the process provides an opportunity for input on the details of the emergency relief in each of these areas, CLA remains available to offer the perspective of our members on an expedited basis. We are also willing to assist in getting information regarding any emergency relief or related news from the Judicial Council to our members.
Thank you for your extraordinary leadership during this unprecedented crisis.
Sincerely,
Emilio Varanini
President, California Lawyers Association
Howard “Chip” Wilkins
Chair, Board of Representatives, California Lawyers Association