Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_05-cv-04525/USCOURTS-cand-3_05-cv-04525-31/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 410
Nature of Suit: Antitrust
Cause of Action: 15:1 Antitrust Litigation

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United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ANDRE FLEURY, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

RICHEMONT NORTH AMERICA, INC.,

Defendant.

___________________________________/

No. C-05-4525 EMC

ORDER GRANTING COUNSEL’S

MOTION TO WITHDRAW AS

COUNSEL FOR PLAINTIFF FLEURY

(Docket No. 122)

The law firms representing Plaintiff Andre Fleury have filed a motion to withdraw as

counsel. Having considered the parties’ briefs and accompanying submissions, as well as the oral

argument of counsel and Mr. Fleury, the Court hereby GRANTS the motion.

“In the Northern District of California, the conduct of counsel is governed by the standards

of professional conduct required of members of the State Bar of California, including the Rules of

Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California.” Hill Design Group v. Wang, No. C 04-521 JF

(RS), 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 93449, at *11 (N.D. Cal. Dec. 11, 2006). Under California Rule of

Professional Conduct 3-700, counsel may withdraw from representation if, inter alia, the client’s

“conduct renders it unreasonably difficult for the [attorney] to carry out the employment

effectively.” Cal. R. Prof. Conduct 3-700(C)(1)(d). In the instant case, the Court finds that the

breakdown of relations between counsel and Mr. Fleury is irreparable such that counsel can no

longer represent Mr. Fleury effectively. See id. at *12-13 (granting motion to withdraw as counsel

where clients “have been unwilling or unable to communicate or to cooperate with [counsel]”). Mr.

Case 3:05-cv-04525-EMC Document 143 Filed 08/27/07 Page 1 of 3
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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 The Court also notes that Mr. Fleury has not indicated that he wants his attorneys to continue

to represent him. In fact, in his letter of August 16, 2007, Mr. Fleury states that he “accept[s]” the

motion to withdraw “with the understanding that I bear no liability or obligation toward [counsel].”

Fleury letter of 8/16/07. In granting counsel’s motion to withdraw, the Court does not make any

conclusions about what obligations Mr. Fleury may have to his (now former) attorneys.

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 The tension between Mr. Fleury and counsel has been apparent for several weeks. He has been

aware of the intent of counsel to file the motion to withdraw weeks ago and participated in a court

ordered mediation to resolve their differences -- without success. 

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Fleury has made a number of seriously disparaging remarks about counsel and has indicated his lack

of trust.1

 Accordingly, counsel’s motion to withdraw is granted.

Effective immediately,2

 Mr. Fleury shall proceed as a pro se litigant unless he finds counsel

to represent him and counsel makes an appearance with this Court. All papers and pleadings shall

be served on Mr. Fleury at the following address unless Mr. Fleury notifies the Court that a different

address should be used: 523 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901.

This order disposes of Docket No. 122.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: August 27, 2007

_________________________ EDWARD M. CHEN

United States Magistrate Judge

Case 3:05-cv-04525-EMC Document 143 Filed 08/27/07 Page 2 of 3
United States District Court

For the Northern District of California

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

ANDRE FLEURY, et al.,

Plaintiffs,

v.

RICHEMONT NORTH AMERICA, INC.,

Defendant.

___________________________________/

No. C-05-4525 EMC

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

I, the undersigned, hereby certify that I am an employee in the U.S. District Court, Northern

District of California. On the below date, I served a true and correct copy of the attached, by placing

said copy/copies in a postage-paid envelope addressed to the person(s) listed below, by depositing

said envelope in the U.S. Mail; or by placing said copy/copies into an inter-office delivery

receptacle located in the Office of the Clerk.

Andre Fleury

523 Fourth Street

San Rafael, CA 94901

Dated: August 27, 2007 RICHARD W. WIEKING, CLERK

By: /s/ 

Leni Doyle

Deputy Clerk

Case 3:05-cv-04525-EMC Document 143 Filed 08/27/07 Page 3 of 3