Judge: Thomas D. Long, Case: 20STCV04731, Date: 2024-03-21 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 20STCV04731    Hearing Date: March 21, 2024    Dept: 48

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT

Jeffrey H. Reeves, counsel of record for Defendant Fuga Inc., seeks to be relieved as counsel.  Counsel’s declaration states only, “Our client does not oppose us withdrawing as counsel.”  No party opposed the motion.

Absent a showing of resulting prejudice, an attorney’s request for withdrawal should be granted.  (People v. Prince (1968) 268 Cal.App.2d 398, 406.)  Here, however, counsel has not provided a valid reason for withdrawal.  Additionally, with the upcoming June 24, 2024 trial date, Defendant would be prejudiced because “a corporation cannot represent itself in a court of record either in propria persona or through an officer or agent who is not an attorney.”  (Caressa Camille, Inc. v. Alcoholic Beverage Control Appeals Bd. (2002) 99 Cal.App.4th 1094, 1101.) 

The motion is DENIED without prejudice.

Moving party to give notice.

Parties who intend to submit on this tentative must send an email to the Court at SMCDEPT48@lacourt.org indicating intention to submit.  If all parties in the case submit on the tentative ruling, no appearances before the Court are required unless a companion hearing (for example, a Case Management Conference) is also on calendar.

         Dated this 21st day of March 2024