Judge: Daniel M. Crowley, Case: BC683194, Date: 2022-09-07 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: BC683194    Hearing Date: September 7, 2022    Dept: 28

Plaintiff Hope Miller’s Counsel Michael Geragos and Carpenter & Zuckerman’s Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel

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

BACKGROUND

On November 14, 2017, Plaintiff Hope Miller filed this action against Defendants Ingersoll Rand Company (“IRC”) and Austin Whiteside (“Whiteside”) for motor vehicle negligence and general negligence. 

On April 9, 2018, IRC filed an answer. On October 17, 2018, Whiteside filed an answer. 

On July 27, 2022, Plaintiff’s counsel, Michael Geragos and Carpenter & Zuckerman, filed a Motion to be Relieved as Counsel to be heard on September 7, 2022. 

Trial is currently scheduled for October 18, 2022.

PARTY’S REQUESTS

Plaintiff’s counsel, Michael Geragos and Carpenter & Zuckerman, 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 submitted a completed MC-051, MC-052 and MC-053 form. Counsel provided a declaration stating that there have been irreconcilable differences between attorney and client, as well as potential ethical violations should counsel continue to represent Plaintiff. Counsel has indicated that Plaintiff was served via mail at two addresses, both of which were confirmed via telephone in the last 30 days. Counsel submitted proof of service on Plaintiff and Defendant. Counsel has complied with all requirements. The Court grants the motion.

CONCLUSION

Counsel for Plaintiff’s Motion to be Relieved as Counsel is GRANTED. Counsel for Plaintiff will be relieved upon filing proof of service upon the client of the Order Granting Attorney’s Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel--Civil (Judicial Council form MC-053).

               Counsel for Plaintiff is ordered to give notice of this ruling.

Counsel for Plaintiff 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.