Judge: Thomas D. Long, Case: 24STCV09315, Date: 2024-10-15 Tentative Ruling

Case Number: 24STCV09315    Hearing Date: October 15, 2024    Dept: 48

 

                                                                                                  

 

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES - CENTRAL DISTRICT

 

REVEL MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC, et al.,

                        Plaintiffs,

            vs.

 

PICA PICA TEXAS SNACKS, INC., et al.,

 

                        Defendants.

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      CASE NO.: 24STCV09315

 

[TENTATIVE] ORDER GRANTING MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL

 

Dept. 48

8:30 a.m.

October 15, 2024

 

GRANT | SHENON, A Professional Law Corporation (counsel of record for Defendants Amanda Castillo, Eusebio Salazar, and Pica Pica Texas Snacks Inc.) seeks to be relieved as counsel.  Counsel’s declaration states that there has been a total breakdown in communication and the attorney-client relationship that prevents counsel from effectively representing Defendants, and Defendants have expressed their inability to fulfill obligations under the agreement as to fees and expenses.  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.  Trial is not until March 16, 2026, and there is no prejudice to Defendants.

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 Amanda Castillo, Eusebio Salazar, Pica Pica Texas Snacks Inc., 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.)  Therefore, an Order to Show Cause Re: Failure to Retain New Counsel for Pica Pica Texas Snacks Inc. is scheduled for January 17, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in Department 48 at Stanley Mosk Courthouse.

Pica Pica Texas Snacks Inc. must retain new counsel by 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 15th day of October 2024

 

 

 

 

Hon. Thomas D. Long

Judge of the Superior Court