Judge: Thomas D. Long, Case: 20STCV45372, Date: 2023-12-05 Tentative Ruling


Case Number: 20STCV45372    Hearing Date: December 14, 2023    Dept: 48

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT

 

CARLITA HODGES, et al.,

                        Plaintiffs,

            vs.

 

6640 N ORIZABA, LLC, et al.,

 

                        Defendant.

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      CASE NO.: 20STCV45372

 

[TENTATIVE] ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL

 

Dept. 48

8:30 a.m.

December 14, 2023

 

Thomas H. Citron, counsel of record for Defendant Anza Management Company, seeks to be relieved as counsel.  Counsel’s declaration states that there has been a complete breakdown of all communication between client and counsel, making it impossible for counsel to effectively represent Defendant.

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.)  Counsel’s motion complies with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1362, and no prejudice is shown.

The proposed order does not include the correct upcoming hearing dates.  Before signing the order, the Court will amend this information.

The motion to be relieved is GRANTED and effective upon filing a proof of service showing service of the signed Form MC-053 order and this order on Anza Management Company and all parties who have appeared.

However, “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.)

An Order to Show Case Re: Failure to Retain New Counsel For Defendant Anza Management Company is scheduled for 01/15/2024 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 48 at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.  Defendant Anza Management Company must retain new counsel before that date or the Court may strike its answer and place it in default.

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 14th day of December 2023

 

 

 

 

Hon. Thomas D. Long

Judge of the Superior Court