Judge: Malcolm Mackey, Case: 21STCV21455, Date: 2022-09-02 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 21STCV21455    Hearing Date: September 2, 2022    Dept: 55

JAIME MORENO, et al.  v. ROYCE CLAYTON, et al.                          21STCV21455

Hearing Date:  9/2/22,  Dept. 55

#8:   

MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL.

MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL.

 

Notice:  Okay

No Opposition

 

MP:  Cultiva Law, PLLC, counsel of record for plaintiffs JAIME MORENO and CA MARIJUANA CO.

RP:  

 

 

Summary

 

On 12/6/21, plaintiffs filed a First Amended Complaint, alleging that the defendants misappropriated ownership of plaintiffs’ business “California Marijuana Company,” after making misrepresentations and by using false instruments.

Jury trial is set for 3/20/23.

 

 

MP Positions

 

Moving counsel requests an order allowing withdrawal as counsel of record for plaintiffs, on grounds including the following:

 

·         A conflict of interest arose, as to which withdrawal is mandatory.

 

 

Tentative Ruling

 

Both motions are granted.

Procedurally, the form notices, declarations, proposed orders, and proofs of service are sufficiently in compliance.  See  CRC Rule 3.1362.

Additionally, moving counsel’s declarations show cognizable grounds for withdrawal:

 

Further, no opposing papers have been filed in order to evidence any prejudice to the client.  See  Rules Prof. Conduct, Rule 1.16(d). 

“The determination whether to grant or deny an attorney 's motion to  withdraw as counsel of record lies within the sound discretion  of the trial court, having in mind whether such withdrawal might work an injustice in the handling of the case.”  Lempert v. Sup. Ct. (2003) 112 Cal. App. 4th 1161, 1173.  See also  Jones v. Green (1946) 74 Cal. App. 2d 223, 230.