Judge: John J. Kralik, Case: 22BBCV00960, Date: 2023-05-05 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22BBCV00960    Hearing Date: May 5, 2023    Dept: NCB

Superior Court of California

County of Los Angeles

North Central District

Department B

Plaintiff’s Counsel, Eric Bonholtzer (“Counsel”), moves to be relieved as counsel for Plaintiff Andrius Kantas (“Plaintiff”). 

Counsel filed this instant motion to be relieved as counsel on March 21, 2023.  Counsel has filed the requisite forms pursuant to CRC Rule 3.1362.  The Court notes that Counsel’s Form MC-053 (Proposed Order) was rejected by the Clerk of the Court as section 6 was incomplete and lacked the litigant’s phone number.

According to the declaration of Counsel, Counsel seeks to be relieved as counsel because there has arisen an unexpected and irreconcilable breakdown of communication and the attorney-client relationship, such that Counsel states it would be impossible and unethical to represent Plaintiff.  (MC-052, §2.)  For these reasons, Counsel seeks to withdraw from representing Plaintiff in this action. 

Counsel properly served Plaintiff at his last known mailing address, which was confirmed by email within the past 30 days of filing the motion.  Defense counsel was also served with the motion.

As for future hearing dates, the Case Management Conference is set for August 7, 2023.  No trial date has been set.  Thus, there is sufficient time for Plaintiff to obtain substitute counsel.

Accordingly, the motion to be relieved as counsel is granted.  Counsel should electronically lodge a revised proposed order (Form MC-053) for the Court’s signing prior to the hearing.  The order will become effective upon the filing of a proof of service of a signed copy of the order on Plaintiff. 

Notice to be provided by Counsel.