Judge: Thomas D. Long, Case: 23STCV06001, Date: 2024-12-12 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 23STCV06001    Hearing Date: December 12, 2024    Dept: 48

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT

Ash Ashour, counsel of record for Plaintiff LA Exotic Rentals Inc., seeks to be relieved as counsel.  Counsel’s declaration states that the client has ceased all communications with counsel, preventing counsel from effectively representing the client’s interests in this matter.  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 mostly complies with California Rules of Court, rule 3.1362.  Plaintiff already dismissed this action, so there is no prejudice to Plaintiff.

The proposed order does not include Plaintiff’s current or last known telephone number.  Counsel must provide this information at the hearing.

Subject to the provision of Plaintiff’s telephone number, the unopposed 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 LA Exotic Rentals Inc. and all parties who have appeared.

 “[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.)  Therefore, if Plaintiff attempts to take any post-dismissal action here, it must first retain counsel.

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 12th day of December 2024