Lieu Bill to Create Efficiency in the Courts Sent to Governor

Sacramento, CA – The State Assembly today gave final legislative approval to Assembly Bill (AB) 500, a bill by Assemblymember Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) to require courts to allow attorneys to appear by telephone in civil cases.  Lieu practiced law for more than 10 years before being elected to the Assembly.

AB 500 is adapted from Court Rule 3.670, and will permit a party in a general civil case who has provided notice to appear by telephone at conferences, hearings, and proceedings.  In addition, AB 500 requires the Judicial Council of California to adopt rules effectuating these provisions by January 1, 2008.

Most attorneys know that many court matters can be handled by telephone appearances, especially when the attorney for one party practices far away from the courthouse.  Despite this, some courts have established seemingly arbitrary rules regarding the use of telephone appearances.  AB 500 creates a unified, consistent rule, and sets a very high standard for a judge to refuse the telephone appearance.

“This is a huge win for California’s legal system,” Lieu said.  “Allowing attorneys to appear by telephone will create efficiency in the process.”

AB 500 sailed through the legislative process without a single ‘no’ vote.  Along the way, it also gathered support from the Sierra Club, who believe that, if attorneys are not required to drive to far away courthouses, it will save carbon dioxide and other toxins that are emitted by their cars.

AB 500 will now head to Governor Schwarzenegger, who will have 30 days to act on it.

Assemblymember Ted Lieu represents the 53rd Assembly District, which includes the cities of El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, and Lomita, as well as Marina Del Rey and portions of the City of Los Angeles.