Appointed Referee

Common Ground also provides services for trial by reference, or discovery references, as set forth in California Code of Civil Procedure, Title 8, Chapter 6 (section 638, et seq.). Many matters or issues are suitable for timely and cost-effective resolution through the reference process. Common Ground is able to provide litigating parties the opportunity for prompt informal or formal resolution of disputes without resorting to costly motion practice which frequently results in protracted delays due to our severely impacted trial court calendars. We are able to conduct informal discovery conferences under Code of Civil Procedure section 2016.080.

Appointed Referee Fees:

The trial by reference fee covers the time before the session required for document study, issue research, correspondence, telephone calls, and the rendering of the Referee’s decision. Extraordinary expenses, if any, will be reimbursed separately. Our reference retainer policy requires advance payment based on the number of plenary session days required.

REFERENCE RETAINER Policy:

Cancellation before 90 days prior to the originally scheduled trial by reference session: Refund of the reference fee less the first session day fee and a $500.00 administrative fee.
Cancellation by 60 days prior to the originally scheduled ﬁrst reference session: One-half of the reference fee refunded less the ﬁrst session day fee and a $500.00 administrative fee.
Cancellation thereafter: No refund provided (except in the discretion of the Referee).