On 05/29/2019 ALFREDO NORIEGA filed a Personal Injury - Motor Vehicle lawsuit against RENUKA GENGANI SENAVIRATHNA. This case was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Courts, Spring Street Courthouse located in Los Angeles, California. The Judge overseeing this case is JAMES E. BLANCARTE. The case status is Pending - Other Pending.
*******5173
05/29/2019
Pending - Other Pending
Los Angeles County Superior Courts
Spring Street Courthouse
Los Angeles, California
JAMES E. BLANCARTE
NORIEGA ALFREDO
MENDEZ PERLA SELENA ROMAN
SENAVIRATHNA RENUKA GENGANI
ZIMMERMAN WILLIAM
ADEM STEPHANIE N.
1/21/2020: Motion to Compel Discovery (not Further Discovery) - 1 moving party, 1 motion - Motion to Compel Discovery (not Further Discovery) - 1 moving party, 1 motion
2/13/2020: Declaration (name extension) - Declaration Declaration of William M. Zimmerman in opposition to defendant's motion to compel Plaintiff Alfedo Noriega
2/13/2020: Declaration (name extension) - Declaration Declaration of William M. Zimmerman in opposition to defendant's motion to compel Selena R. Mendez
2/13/2020: Proof of Service by Mail - Proof of Service by Mail
3/23/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Court Order Re: Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "F...)
4/21/2020: Certificate of Mailing for - Certificate of Mailing for (Court Order Re: Continuance of Hearing) of 04/21/2020
4/21/2020: Certificate of Mailing for - Certificate of Mailing for (Court Order Re: Continuance of Hearing) of 04/21/2020
4/21/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Court Order Re: Continuance of Hearing)
7/13/2020: Notice of Ruling - Notice of Ruling
7/28/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Hearing on Motion to be Relieved as Counsel; Hearing on Motio...)
7/28/2020: Order Granting Attorney's Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel-Civil - Order Granting Attorney's Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel-Civil
9/1/2020: Minute Order - Minute Order (Court Order)
9/1/2020: Certificate of Mailing for - Certificate of Mailing for (Court Order) of 09/01/2020
10/15/2020: Proof of Personal Service - Proof of Personal Service
11/12/2020: Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order - Notice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order
12/10/2019: Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel - Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel
8/7/2019: Notice of Posting of Jury Fees - Notice of Posting of Jury Fees
5/29/2019: Civil Case Cover Sheet - Civil Case Cover Sheet
Hearing07/07/2021 at 08:30 AM in Department 25 at 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012; Jury Trial
DocketNotice of Ruling; Filed by: Renuka Gengani Senavirathna (Defendant)
DocketNotice Re: Continuance of Hearing and Order; Filed by: Clerk
DocketUpdated -- Event scheduled for 11/25/2020 at 08:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 Type changed from Non-Jury Trial to Jury Trial
DocketOrder to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service scheduled for 06/01/2022 at 10:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 Not Held - Vacated by Court on 11/12/2020
DocketOn the Court's own motion, Jury Trial scheduled for 11/25/2020 at 08:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 Not Held - Advanced and Continued - by Court was rescheduled to 07/07/2021 08:30 AM
DocketMinute Order (Hearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery...)
DocketHearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery") scheduled for 11/10/2020 at 10:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 updated: Result Date to 11/10/2020; Result Type to Held - Motion Granted
DocketHearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery") scheduled for 11/10/2020 at 10:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 updated: Result Date to 11/10/2020; Result Type to Held - Motion Granted
DocketHearing on Motion to Compel Discovery (not "Further Discovery") scheduled for 11/10/2020 at 10:30 AM in Spring Street Courthouse at Department 25 updated: Result Date to 11/10/2020; Result Type to Held - Motion Granted
DocketDemand for Jury Trial; Filed by: Renuka Gengani Senavirathna (Defendant)
DocketAnswer; Filed by: Renuka Gengani Senavirathna (Defendant); As to: Alfredo Noriega (Plaintiff); Perla Selena Roman Mendez (Plaintiff)
DocketNon-Jury Trial scheduled for 11/25/2020 at 08:30 AM in Stanley Mosk Courthouse at Department 94
DocketOrder to Show Cause Re: Failure to File Proof of Service scheduled for 06/01/2022 at 08:30 AM in Stanley Mosk Courthouse at Department 94
DocketComplaint; Filed by: Alfredo Noriega (Plaintiff); Perla Selena Roman Mendez (Plaintiff); As to: Renuka Gengani Senavirathna (Defendant)
DocketCivil Case Cover Sheet; Filed by: Alfredo Noriega (Plaintiff); Perla Selena Roman Mendez (Plaintiff); As to: Renuka Gengani Senavirathna (Defendant)
DocketSummons on Complaint; Issued and Filed by: Alfredo Noriega (Plaintiff); Perla Selena Roman Mendez (Plaintiff); As to: Renuka Gengani Senavirathna (Defendant)
DocketNotice of Case Assignment - Limited Civil Case; Filed by: Clerk
DocketFirst Amended Standing Order; Filed by: Clerk
DocketCase assigned to Hon. James E. Blancarte in Department 94 Stanley Mosk Courthouse
Case Number: 19STLC05173 Hearing Date: November 10, 2020 Dept: 25
HEARING DATE: Tue., November 10, 2020 JUDGE /DEPT: Blancarte/25
CASE NAME: Noriega, et al. v. Senavirathna COMPL. FILED: 05-29-19
CASE NUMBER: 19STLC05173 DISC. C/O: 10-26-20
NOTICE: OK DISC. MOT. C/O: 11-10-20
TRIAL DATE: 11-25-20
PROCEEDINGS: (1) MOTION FOR ORDER COMPELLING PLAINTIFF ALFREDO NORIEGA TO ANSWER FORM INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
(2) MOTION FOR ORDER COMPELLING PLAINTIFF ALFREDO NORIEGA TO PROVIDE VERIFIED RESPONSES TO SPECIAL INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
MOVING PARTY: Defendant Renuka G. Senavirathna
RESP. PARTY: Plaintiffs’ Former Counsel William M. Zimmerman
MOTION TO COMPEL RESPONSES TO INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS; REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
(CCP §§ 2030.290; 2031.300)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Defendant Renuka G. Senavirathna’s motions to compel responses to Form Interrogatories, Set One, Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, are GRANTED. Plaintiff Noriega is ordered to provide responses to Defendant’s discovery requests within thirty (30) days of notice of this order. Defendant’s request for sanctions is also GRANTED in the amount of $523.30 to be paid to Defendant’s counsel within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: Filed on February 13, 2020 [ ] Late [ ] None
REPLY: None filed as of November 6, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background
On May 29, 2019, Plaintiffs Alfredo Noriega (“Noriega”) and Perla Selena Roman Mendez (“Mendez”) (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) filed an action for negligence against Renuka Gangani Senavirathna (“Defendant”). On August 7, 2019, Defendant filed an Answer.
On January 21, 2020, Defendant filed the instant (1) Motion for Order Compelling Plaintiff Alfredo Noriega to Answer Form Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Sanctions and (2) Motion for Order Compelling Plaintiff Alfredo Noriega to Provide Verified Responses to Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, and Request for Sanctions (collectively, the “Motions”). On February 13, 2020, Plaintiffs’ former counsel filed a declaration in opposition. No reply was filed.
On July 28, 2020, the Court granted Plaintiffs’ counsel’s motion to be relieved as counsel. (7/28/20 Minute Order.) On August 7, 2020, Plaintiffs’ former counsel filed proofs of service demonstrating the Court’s July 28th order was served on Plaintiffs. (8/7/20 Notice of Ruling on Motion to Withdraw & Proofs of Service.)
On September 1, 2020, the Court, on its own motion, continued the hearing on the discovery Motions to September 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (9/1/20 Minute Order.) The clerk gave notice to Plaintiffs’ former counsel and Defendant’s counsel. (9/1/20 Certificate of Mailing.) However, Defendant did not file a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff Noriega himself was given notice of the Court’s continuance.
At the September 22, 2020 hearing, the Court stated it was inclined to grant the Motion but did not do so because Defendant did not file a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff Noriega was served with notice of the September 1st continuance. (9/22/20 Minute Order.) Defendant thereafter filed a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiffs were served with a notice of ruling on September 29, 2020. (9/29/20 Notice of Ruling.) Defendant also personally served a copy of the Notice of Ruling and reserved Plaintiffs with the discovery Motions on October 8, 2020. (10/15/20 Proof of Service.)
Legal Standard & Discussion
A. Request for Production & Interrogatories
A party must respond to interrogatories and requests for production of documents within 30 days after service. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.260, subd. (a); Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.260, subd. (a).) If a party to whom interrogatories or requests for production of documents are directed does not provide timely responses, the requesting party may move for an order compelling responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (b); Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300, subd. (c).) The party also waives the right to make any objections, including one based on privilege or work-product protection. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (a); Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300, subd. (a).) There is no time limit for a motion to compel responses to interrogatories or production of documents other than the cut-off on hearing discovery motions 15 days before trial. (Code Civ. Proc., §§ 2024.020, subd. (a), 2030.290; Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300.) No meet and confer efforts are required before filing a motion to compel responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290; Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300; Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting, Inc. v. Pacific Healthcare Consultants (2007) 148 Cal.App.4th 390, 411.)
Here, Defendant served Form Interrogatories, Set One, Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production and Inspection of Documents, Set One, on Plaintiff Noriega’s former counsel on August 6, 2019 via regular mail. (Motions, Adem Decl., ¶ 3, Exh. A.) Defendant’s counsel submits evidence demonstrating that her office and Plaintiffs’ counsel’s office exchanged several emails regarding the lack of discovery responses. (Id. at ¶ 4, Exh. B.) The lack of discovery responses appears to result from Plaintiff Noriega’s failure to cooperate with his former attorney. (Id.) To date, Plaintiff Noriega has not provided any responses to Defendant’s discovery requests. (Id. at ¶ 5.) Thus, Defendant is entitled to an order compelling Plaintiff Noriega to provide verified responses without objections. (Code Civ. Proc., §§ 2030.290, 2031.300.)
B. Sanctions
Code of Civil Procedure section 2023.030, subdivision (a) provides, in pertinent part, that the court may impose a monetary sanction on a party engaging in the misuse of the discovery process to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by anyone as a result of that conduct. A misuse of the discovery process includes failing to respond or submit to an authorized method of discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2023.010, subd. (d).)
The Court finds Plaintiff Noriega’s failure to respond to Defendant’s discovery requests a misuse of the discovery process.
Defendant’s counsel seeks a total of $923.30 in sanctions, based on four hours of attorney time billed at $200.00 per hour and two filing fees of $61.65. (Motions, Adem Decl., ¶ 7.) However, the amount sought is excessive given the simplicity of these nearly identical motions and lack of reply. The Court finds $523.30, based on two hours of attorney time and two filing fees, to be reasonable.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Defendant Renuka G. Senavirathna’s motions to compel responses to Form Interrogatories, Set One, Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, are GRANTED. Plaintiff Noriega is ordered to provide responses to Defendant’s discovery requests within thirty (30) days of notice of this order. Defendant’s requests for sanctions are also GRANTED in the amount of $523.30 to be paid to Defendant’s counsel within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Moving party is ordered to give notice.
Case Number: 19STLC05173 Hearing Date: September 22, 2020 Dept: 25
HEARING DATE: Tue., September 22, 2020 JUDGE /DEPT: Blancarte/25
CASE NAME: Noriega, et al. v. Senavirathna COMPL. FILED: 05-29-19
CASE NUMBER: 19STLC05173 DISC. C/O: 10-26-20
NOTICE: OK DISC. MOT. C/O: 11-10-20
TRIAL DATE: 11-25-20
PROCEEDINGS: (1) MOTION FOR ORDER COMPELLING PLAINTIFF ALFREDO NORIEGA TO ANSWER FORM INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
(2) MOTION FOR ORDER COMPELLING PLAINTIFF ALFREDO NORIEGA TO PROVIDE VERIFIED RESPONSES TO SPECIAL INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS AND REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
MOVING PARTY: Defendant Renuka G. Senavirathna
RESP. PARTY: Plaintiffs’ Former Counsel William M. Zimmerman
MOTION TO COMPEL RESPONSES TO INTERROGATORIES AND REQUEST FOR PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS; REQUEST FOR SANCTIONS
(CCP §§ 2030.290; 2031.300)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Defendant Renuka G. Senavirathna’s motions to compel responses to Form Interrogatories, Set One, Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, are GRANTED ON THE CONDITION THAT, before the hearing, Defendant’s counsel files a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff was served with notice of the Court’s September 1st continuance. If granted, Plaintiff Noriega will be ordered to provide responses to Defendant’s discovery requests within thirty (30) days of notice of this order. Defendant’s request for sanctions will also be GRANTED in the amount of $523.30 to be paid to Defendant’s counsel within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Otherwise, the hearing on these Motions will be CONTINUED TO NOVEMBER 10, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. in Department 25 at the SPRING STREET COURTHOUSE. If continued, at least 16 court days before the next scheduled hearing, Defendant must file and serve supplemental papers addressing the deficiencies noted herein. Failure to do so may result in the Motions being placed off calendar or denied.
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: Filed on February 13, 2020 [ ] Late [ ] None
REPLY: None filed as of September 18, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background
On May 29, 2019, Plaintiffs Alfredo Noriega (“Noriega”) and Perla Selena Roman Mendez (“Mendez”) (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) filed an action for negligence against Renuka Gangani Senavirathna (“Defendant”). On August 7, 2019, Defendant filed an Answer.
On January 21, 2020, Defendant filed the instant (1) Motion for Order Compelling Plaintiff Alfredo Noriega to Answer Form Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Sanctions and (2) Motion for Order Compelling Plaintiff Alfredo Noriega to Provide Verified Responses to Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, and Request for Sanctions (collectively, the “Motions”). On February 13, 2020, Plaintiffs’ former counsel filed a declaration in opposition. No reply was filed.
On July 28, 2020, the Court granted Plaintiffs’ counsel’s motion to be relieved as counsel. (7/28/20 Minute Order.) On August 7, 2020, Plaintiffs’ former counsel filed proofs of service demonstrating the Court’s July 28th order was served on Plaintiffs. (8/7/20 Notice of Ruling on Motion to Withdraw & Proofs of Service.)
On September 1, 2020, the Court, on its own Motion, continued the hearing to September 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. (9/1/20 Minute Order.) The clerk gave notice to Plaintiffs’ former counsel and Defendant’s counsel. (9/1/20 Certificate of Mailing.) However, Defendant did not file a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff Noriega himself was given notice of the Court’s continuance.
Legal Standard & Discussion
A. Request for Production & Interrogatories
A party must respond to interrogatories and requests for production of documents within 30 days after service. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.260, subd. (a); Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.260, subd. (a).) If a party to whom interrogatories or requests for production of documents are directed does not provide timely responses, the requesting party may move for an order compelling responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (b); Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300, subd. (c).) The party also waives the right to make any objections, including one based on privilege or work-product protection. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290, subd. (a); Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300, subd. (a).) There is no time limit for a motion to compel responses to interrogatories or production of documents other than the cut-off on hearing discovery motions 15 days before trial. (Code Civ. Proc., §§ 2024.020, subd. (a), 2030.290; Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300.) No meet and confer efforts are required before filing a motion to compel responses to the discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2030.290; Code Civ. Proc., § 2031.300; Sinaiko Healthcare Consulting, Inc. v. Pacific Healthcare Consultants (2007) 148 Cal.App.4th 390, 411.)
Here, Defendant served Form Interrogatories, Set One, Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production and Inspection of Documents, Set One, on Plaintiff Noriega’s former counsel on August 6, 2019 via regular mail. (Motions, Adem Decl., ¶ 3, Exh. A.) Defendant’s counsel submits evidence demonstrating that her office and Plaintiffs’ counsel’s office exchanged several emails regarding the lack of discovery responses. (Id. at ¶ 4, Exh. B.) The lack of discovery responses appears to be Plaintiff Noriega’s failure to cooperate with his attorney to provide responses. (Id.) To date, Plaintiff Noriega has not provided any responses to Defendant’s discovery requests. (Id. at ¶ 5.) Thus, Defendant is entitled to an order compelling Plaintiff Noriega to provide verified responses without objections. (Code Civ. Proc., §§ 2030.290, 2031.300.)
B. Sanctions
Code of Civil Procedure section 2023.030, subdivision (a) provides, in pertinent part, that the court may impose a monetary sanction on a party engaging in the misuse of the discovery process to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by anyone as a result of that conduct. A misuse of the discovery process includes failing to respond or submit to an authorized method of discovery. (Code Civ. Proc., § 2023.010, subd. (d).)
The Court finds Plaintiff Noriega’s failure to respond to Defendant’s discovery requests a misuse of the discovery process.
Defendant’s counsel seeks a total of $923.30 in sanctions, based on four hours of attorney time billed at $200.00 per hour and two filing fees of $61.65. (Motions, Adem Decl., ¶ 7.) However, the amount sought is excessive given the simplicity of these nearly identical motions and lack of reply. The Court finds $523.30, based on two hours of attorney time and two filing fees, to be reasonable.
Although the Court is inclined to grant the Motions, Defendant did not file a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff Noriega, who is now self-represented, was given notice of the Court’s September 1st continuance of hearing. However, in the interest of judicial economy, the Motions are GRANTED ON THE CONDITION THAT, before the hearing, Defendant’s counsel files a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff Noriega was given proper notice of the Court’s September 1st continuance. Otherwise, the hearing will be CONTINUED.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Defendant Renuka G. Senavirathna’s motions to compel responses to Form Interrogatories, Set One, Special Interrogatories, Set One, and Request for Production of Documents, Set One, are GRANTED ON THE CONDITION THAT, before the hearing, Defendant’s counsel files a proof of service demonstrating Plaintiff was served with notice of the Court’s September 1st continuance. If granted, Plaintiff Noriega will be ordered to provide responses to Defendant’s discovery requests within thirty (30) days of notice of this order. Defendant’s request for sanctions will also be GRANTED in the amount of $523.30 to be paid to Defendant’s counsel within thirty (30) days of notice of this order.
Otherwise, the hearing on these Motions will be CONTINUED TO NOVEMBER 10, 2020 10:30
Moving party is ordered to give notice.
Case Number: 19STLC05173 Hearing Date: July 28, 2020 Dept: 25
HEARING DATE: Tue., July 28, 2020 JUDGE /DEPT: Blancarte/25
CASE NAME: Noriega, et al. v. Senavirathna COMPL. FILED: 05-29-19
CASE NUMBER: 19STLC05173 DISC. C/O: 10-26-20
NOTICE: OK DISC. MOT. C/O: 11-10-20
TRIAL DATE: 11-25-20
PROCEEDINGS: MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL (X2)
MOVING PARTY: Plaintiffs’ Counsel Lori S. DeCristo
RESP. PARTY: None
MOTION TO BE RELIEVED AS COUNSEL
(CCP § 284(2); CRC rule 3.1362)
TENTATIVE RULING:
Plaintiffs’ Counsel Lori S. DeCristo’s Motions to be Relieved as Counsel are GRANTED and the proposed orders will be signed at the hearing. “After the order is signed, a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(e).) The Orders on this Motion will not be effective until proof of service of a copy of the signed orders on Plaintiffs have been filed with the court. (Id.)
SERVICE:
[X] Proof of Service Timely Filed (CRC, rule 3.1300) OK
[X] Correct Address (CCP §§ 1013, 1013a) OK
[X] 16/21 Court Days Lapsed (CCP §§ 12c, 1005(b)) OK
OPPOSITION: None filed as of July 24, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
REPLY: None filed as of July 24, 2020 [ ] Late [X] None
ANALYSIS:
Background
On May 29, 2019, Plaintiffs Alfredo Noriega (“Noriega”) and Perla Selena Roman Mendez (“Mendez”) (collectively, “Plaintiffs”) filed an action for negligence against Renuka Gangani Senavirathna (“Defendant”). On August 7, 2019, Defendant filed an Answer.
On December 10, 2019, Plaintiffs’ Counsel Lori S. DeCristo (“Counsel”) filed the instant Motions to be Relieved as Counsel (the “Motions”), which were originally set for hearing for June 10, 2020. On April 21, 2020, the Court continued the hearing to July 28, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. (4/21/20 Minute Order.) Counsel filed a proof of service demonstrating that on May 7, 2020, it mailed a notice of the continuance to Defendant and Plaintiffs. (7/13/20 Notice of Ruling, Proof of Service.)
To date, no oppositions have been filed.
Legal Standard
The court may order that an attorney be changed or substituted at any time before or after judgment or final determination upon request by either client or attorney and after notice from one to the other. (Code Civ. Proc., § 284, subd. (2).) “The determination whether to grant or deny a motion to withdraw as counsel lies within the sound discretion of the trial court.” (Manfredi & Levine v. Superior Court (1998) 66 Cal.App.4th 1128, 1133.) An application to be relieved as counsel must be made on Judicial Counsel Forms MC-051 (Notice of Motion and Motion), MC-052 (Declaration), and MC-053 (Proposed Order). (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362, subds. (a), (c), (e).)
In addition, California Rules of Court, rule 3.1362 subsection (d) requires that the notice of motion and motion, declaration, and proposed order be served on the client and all other parties who have appeared in the case by personal service, electronic service, or mail. If the notice is served by mail, it must be accompanied by a declaration stating facts showing that either:
(A) The service address is the current residence or business address of the client; or
(B) The service address is the last known residence or business address of the client and the attorney has been unable to locate a more current address after making reasonable efforts to do so within 30 days before the filing of the motion to be relieved.
(Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362, subds. (1)(A) & (2).)
Discussion
The Court is satisfied with the reasons for seeking to be relieved and finds Counsel has satisfied the requirements of California Rules of Court, rule 3.1362, subdivisions (a) and (c)-(e). Notably, a trial date has not yet been set, giving Plaintiffs sufficient time to obtain new representation should they wish to continue prosecuting this action.
Conclusion & Order
For the foregoing reasons, Plaintiffs’ Counsel Lori S. DeCristo’s Motions to be Relieved as Counsel are GRANTED and the proposed orders will be signed at the hearing. “After the order is signed, a copy of the signed order must be served on the client and on all parties that have appeared in the case.” (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 3.1362(e).) The Orders on this Motion will not be effective until proof of service of a copy of the signed orders on Plaintiffs have been filed with the court. (Id.)
Plaintiffs’ Counsel is ordered to give notice.