Judge: Elaine W. Mandel, Case: 23SMCV03962, Date: 2024-02-27 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 23SMCV03962    Hearing Date: February 27, 2024    Dept: P

Tentative Ruling

Douglas Emmett 2008 v. Status Collection & Co., Case No. 23SMCV03962

Hearing Date February 27, 2024/February 28, 2024

Darryl A. Meigs, Esq. Motion to be Relieved as Counsel for Defendants Status Collection & Co., Inc. and Jeremiah Speilman

Darryl A. Meigs moves to be relieved as counsel for Status Collection & Co., Inc. and Jeremiah Spielman. Meigs served and filed the forms required by the applicable local rule – Judicial Council forms MC051-MC053— and includes a proof of service indicating his clients and opposing counsel were properly served. The motion is procedurally proper.

As to the motion’s substance, Meigs states in both motions “[t]here has been a substantial breakdown in the attorney-client relationship. Counsel will be unable to continue to represent Respondent without conflict.” This is vague, presumably to preserve the attorney client privilege. However, Meigs’ clients do not oppose withdrawal, and there are no substantive hearings calendared in this case, so no undue prejudice would result from granting Meigs’ motion. GRANTED.

The court notes defendant Spielman, individually, may represent himself, should he so choose. As a corporation, defendant Status Collection & Co., Inc. may not.