Judge: Lynne M. Hobbs, Case: 22STCV22226, Date: 2023-08-21 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22STCV22226    Hearing Date: September 20, 2023    Dept: 30

CHARLES E. SMITH vs RICHARD POE SUAAVA, et al.

Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel for Plaintiff

Ruling:  Counsel’s Motion to be Relieved as Counsel for Plaintiff Charles Smith is GRANTED.  Pursuant to CRC Rule 3.1362(e), a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.  The effective date of the order relieving counsel is delayed until proof of service of a copy of the signed order on the client has been filed with the Court. Moving party to give notice.

Discussion:  Counsel filed a Notice of Motion and Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel (MC-051), an Order Granting Attorney’s Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel (MC-053), and a Declaration in Support of Attorney’s Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel (MC-052). (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362, subd. (a), (c), (e).)

Plaintiff will not be prejudiced if Counsel’s motion is granted. At the time this motion was initially filed, the next hearing in this matter was a final conference on Final Status Conference on December 22, 2023. This is still the next hearing. Trial is set to begin January 5, 2024.

The Court is satisfied that Counsel has a compelling reason to withdraw.