Judge: Teresa A. Beaudet, Case: 24STCV18192, Date: 2025-02-25 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 24STCV18192    Hearing Date: February 25, 2025    Dept: 50

Superior Court of California

County of Los Angeles

Department 50

Defendants GELCO Fleet Trust and Johnson Controls Fire Protection LP (f/k/a SimplexGrinnell LP) (herein, “GELCO and Johnson”) apply for an order permitting the pro hac vice admission of Martin L. Vedder.

The Court notes a few defects with the application.

First, pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 9.40, subdivision (a)(3), no person is eligible to appear as counsel pro hac vice if the person is “[r]egularly engaged in substantial business, professional, or other activities in the State of California.” Although Mr. Vedder states that he is not “engaged in business in the State of California” (Vedder Decl., ¶ 11), he does not expressly state that all of the circumstances set forth in California Rules of Court, rule 9.40, subdivision (a)(3) do not apply to him.  

Second, pursuant to California Rules of Court, rule 9.40, subdivision (d)(2), the application must state “[t]he courts to which the applicant has been admitted to practice and the dates of admission.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.40, subd. (d)(2).) Mr. Vedder states that “I am admitted to practice law in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and have been an active member in good standing of the Maryland Bar since December 12, 2001, and the Washington, D.C. Bar since September 8, 2003.” (Vedder Decl., ¶ 12.) However, Mr. Vedder does not appear to indicate the courts to which he has been admitted to practice or the dates of admission.

Based on the foregoing, GELCO and Johnson’s application is denied without prejudice.  

GELCO and Johnson are ordered to provide notice of this ruling.  

DATED:  February 25, 2025             

                                                                        ________________________________

Hon. Teresa A. Beaudet

Judge, Los Angeles Superior Court