Q: What to do when opposing counsel isn’t available to meet and confer?

A: 1. Document your attempts: Keep a detailed record of all your attempts to contact opposing counsel, including dates, times, and methods of communication (e.g., email, phone calls).

2. File your Case Management Statement: Since the deadline is approaching and you've made good faith efforts to meet and confer, you should file your Case Management Statement on time. In the statement:

- Explain that you've attempted to meet and confer with opposing counsel multiple times.

- Provide details of your attempts to contact them.

- State that you were unable to complete the meet and confer process due to lack of response from opposing counsel.

3. At the Case Management Conference:

- The judge will likely address the lack of communication from opposing counsel.

- Be prepared to explain your attempts to meet and confer.

- The judge may order opposing counsel to cooperate or face sanctions.

- In some cases, the judge might continue the conference to allow time for proper meet and confer, but this is at the judge's discretion.

4. Rescheduling: You generally cannot unilaterally reschedule a Case Management Conference. If you feel it's necessary, you can file a request for continuance with the court, explaining the situation. However, there's no guarantee it will be granted.

5. Consider filing a motion: If opposing counsel's lack of cooperation persists, you might consider filing a motion to compel meet and confer or for sanctions. However, this should be a last resort and only after discussing the issue with the judge at the Case Management Conference.

6. Maintain professionalism: Continue to act in good faith and remain professional in all your communications and court filings.

Remember, judges often understand the challenges faced by self-represented litigants and may be sympathetic to your situation, especially if you've made diligent efforts to comply with court rules.