Judge: Randall J. Sherman, Case: 2022-01267498, Date: 2023-08-18 Tentative Ruling

The unopposed motion of Shannon R. Finley of Pettit Kohn Ingrassia Lutz & Dolin PC to be relieved as counsel of record for defendants Safe and Reliable Med Trans., Jonas Del Rio Rosete and Rowena Orolfo Rosete is granted.  Moving counsel has complied with the requirements of CRC Rule 3.1362.  The Order will be effective upon the filing of a proof of service showing service of a signed Order on the clients.

The court denies plaintiff’s request to continue this hearing until after plaintiff’s discovery motion is heard on October 20, 2023.  The court sees no reason why plaintiff’s request for sanctions against defendants’ withdrawing attorneys cannot be granted even if they are relieved as counsel before that hearing.

The court hereby sets an Order to Show Cause why defendant Safe and Reliable Med Trans.’s Answer should not be stricken due to that defendant being a corporation but not having an attorney of record.  CLD Construction, Inc. v. City of San Ramon (2004) 120 Cal. App. 4th 1141, 1150.  The hearing is set for October 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., when the next Status Conference is set.

Counsel should submit a new proposed Order that updates the upcoming hearings in this case, and adds the law firm to who is withdrawing as counsel.

Moving counsel is ordered to give notice of the ruling.