Judge: Thomas D. Long, Case: 22STCV38317, Date: 2024-08-08 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 22STCV38317    Hearing Date: August 8, 2024    Dept: 48

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT

Vip Bhola, counsel of record for Defendant Sahara Construction Co. Inc., seeks to be relieved as counsel.  Counsel’s declaration states that there has been a complete breakdown of the attorney-client relationship, making further representation difficult and/or impossible.  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.)  Counsel’s motion complies with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1362.

“[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 Final Status Conference is scheduled for September 3, 2024, and trial is scheduled for September 16, 2024.  Leaving Defendant without counsel and unable to defend this action on the eve of trial is prejudicial to Defendant.  However, the Court recognizes that no oppositions were filed.

The parties are ordered to appear for this hearing.  No further tentative ruling will be issued.

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 8th day of August 2024