Judge: Cherol J. Nellon, Case: 22STCV25609, Date: 2023-05-16 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22STCV25609    Hearing Date: May 16, 2023    Dept: 28

Plaintiff Alberto Montes’s Counsel Daniel Moossai’s Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel

Having considered the moving papers, the Court rules as follows.

BACKGROUND

On August 9, 2022, Plaintiff Alberto Montes (“Plaintiff”) filed this action against Defendants Walmart, Inc. (“Walmart”) and John Doe (“Doe”) for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence and negligent hiring, supervision and retention.

On April 5, 2023, Plaintiff’s counsel, Daniel Moossai, filed a Motion to be Relieved as Counsel to be heard on May 16, 2023.

Trial is scheduled for December 22, 2023.

PARTY’S REQUESTS

Plaintiff’s counsel, Daniel Moossai, requests to be relieved as counsel for Plaintiff.

LEGAL STANDARD

California Rule of Court rule 3.1362 (Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel) requires (1) notice of motion and motion to be directed to the client (made on the Notice of Motion and Motion to be Relieved as Counsel—Civil form (MC-051)); (2) a declaration stating in general terms and without compromising the confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship why a motion under Code of Civil Procedure section 284(2) is brought instead of filing a consent under Code of Civil Procedure section 284(1) (made on the Declaration in Support of Attorney's

Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel—Civil form (MC-052)); (3) service of the notice of motion and motion and declaration on all other parties who have appeared in the case; and (4) the proposed order relieving counsel (prepared on the Order Granting Attorney’s Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel—Civil form (MC-053)).

The court has discretion to allow an attorney to withdraw, and such a motion should be granted provided that there is no prejudice to the client, and it does not disrupt the orderly process of justice. (Ramirez v. Sturdevant (1994) 21 Cal.App.4th 904, 915.)

DISCUSSION

Counsel has submitted completed MC-051, MC-052 and MC-053 forms. Counsel has provided a declaration stating that there has been an irreconcilable breakdown in the attorney-client relationship. Counsel has indicated that Plaintiff was served via personal service. However, counsel did not file proof of service on Plaintiff. The Court continues the motion and orders counsel to provide proof of service.

CONCLUSION

Counsel's Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel is CONTINUED to May 31, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 28 of the Spring Street Courthouse.

Counsel is ordered to give notice of this ruling.

Counsel is ordered to file the proof of service of this ruling with the Court within five days.

The parties are directed to the header of this tentative ruling for further instructions.