Updated September 2026. Court procedures change. Confirm current requirements with the Los Angeles Superior Court and the assigned department before filing or appearing.
BLUF: Los Angeles Superior Court civil practice is not governed by one webpage. Lawyers routinely need several separate court resources: the filing-court locator, Local Rules, e-filing information, Court Reservation System, case access, tentative rulings, and department-specific courtroom information. This page puts the core official links in one place.
Bookmark it if you litigate in LASC. The goal is not to restate every rule; it is to help counsel get to the controlling court resource quickly.
1. Where should a new civil case be filed in Los Angeles County?
Start with LASC’s official Where Do I File My Case? page and Filing Court Locator. LASC explains that civil cases are assigned under Local Rule 2.3 using considerations such as where the defendant lived when the action commenced, where a contract was entered into or performed, where the accident or injury occurred, or where disputed real property is located.
Practice point: Do not assume “Los Angeles County” means Stanley Mosk. Determine the proper district and courthouse before filing and complete any location-related filing forms the court requires.
2. Where are the current LASC Civil Local Rules?
Use the court’s Civil Division Local Rules. Chapter 3 addresses subjects including assignment of cases, electronic filing, hearing timing, appearances, evidence at hearings, discovery, law and motion, and other civil procedures.
Practice point: Read both the Local Rules and the assigned department’s courtroom information. A technically correct filing can still create avoidable problems if counsel misses a department-specific instruction.
3. Where can lawyers access LASC civil online services?
The court’s Civil Online Services page collects links for civil case access, courtroom information, the Filing Court Locator, case-number search, interpreter requests, and tentative rulings.
4. How does the Court Reservation System work?
Many LASC civil courtrooms use the Court Reservation System (CRS) to reserve motion dates. The CRS portal states that, after a reservation is made, the motion generally must be filed within three business days or the reservation will be automatically cancelled, subject to stated exceptions.
Practice point: Reserving a date is not the same as filing the motion. Calendar the reservation deadline immediately, and confirm the assigned department’s instructions before relying on a date.
5. Where do I find tentative rulings?
Use LASC’s Civil Online Services page for the current Tentative Rulings system. Not every department follows the same posting practice, so counsel should review the assigned courtroom’s information rather than assuming a tentative ruling will appear.
6. Where are department-specific rules and preferences?
Use LASC’s Civil Online Services page and select Courtroom Information. Department pages may address motion scheduling, courtesy copies, ex parte practice, tentative rulings, remote appearances, trial procedures, and other courtroom-specific expectations.
Practice point: Department information can change. Re-check it before significant filings and hearings even if you have appeared before the same judge previously.
7. How are proposed orders handled in civil cases?
LASC has adopted electronic-filing procedures for proposed orders in Civil Division matters. Because procedures have changed over time, verify the current Local Rules, e-filing instructions, and assigned department page before submitting a proposed order.
8. What should out-of-state counsel review before appearing in LASC?
Out-of-state counsel should begin with California’s pro hac vice requirements and local-counsel obligations. See our guide, How Pro Hac Vice Works in California, and review California Rule of Court 9.40.
9. Quick LASC civil litigation checklist
- Confirm the correct filing district and courthouse.
- Review the California Rules of Court.
- Review LASC Local Rules Chapters 2 and 3 as applicable.
- Check whether e-filing is mandatory for the filing.
- Review the assigned department’s courtroom information.
- Determine whether a CRS reservation is required.
- Calendar the filing deadline tied to any reserved hearing date.
- Check tentative-ruling procedures before the hearing.
- Confirm remote/in-person appearance requirements.
- Re-check court resources before major deadlines because procedures can change.
Need California or Los Angeles counsel?
Proper Law is based in Los Angeles and handles significant California litigation matters. Lawyers seeking local-counsel support or considering a referral can contact Proper Law. Personal-injury attorneys can also review the firm’s Attorney Referrals page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the correct Los Angeles Superior Court courthouse for a civil case?
Use LASC’s official Where Do I File My Case page and Filing Court Locator. Filing location is governed by court rules and depends on facts such as where a defendant lives, where a contract was made or performed, where an injury occurred, or where disputed real property is located.
Do all LASC civil departments use the Court Reservation System?
No. CRS is mandated in many civil courtrooms, but lawyers should confirm the practice of the assigned department before reserving or filing a motion.
Where are Los Angeles Superior Court tentative rulings posted?
LASC provides access to civil tentative rulings through its Civil Online Services. Department-specific practices vary, so counsel should also review the assigned courtroom’s information.
Do LASC courtrooms have their own procedures?
Yes. Courtroom information pages may contain department-specific instructions concerning motions, ex parte applications, courtesy copies, tentative rulings, appearances, and trial procedures.
Should lawyers rely on this page instead of the court rules?
No. This page is a navigation resource. The current California Rules of Court, LASC Local Rules, official court notices, and orders of the assigned judge control.