Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00581/USCOURTS-caed-2_05-cv-00581-1/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 195
Nature of Suit: Contract Product Liability
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity-Breach of Contract

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

----oo0oo----

LEBLANC NUTRITIONS, INC.,

NO. CIV. S-05-0581 FCD-JFM

Plaintiff,

v. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

ADVANCED NUTRA, LLC,

Defendant.

____________________________

ADVANCED NUTRA, LLC aka

ADVANCED LABORATORIES

INTERNATIONAL, LLC, a Nevada

LLC, dba ADVANCED NUTRA,

Third Party Plaintiff,

v.

GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION, INC.,

Third Party Defendant.

----oo0oo----

This matter is before the court on Hardy Erich Brown &

Wilson’s motion to withdraw as attorney of record for third party

defendant, Global Distribution, Inc.. Counsel brings this motion

on the grounds that by its refusal to pay future litigation

Case 2:05-cv-00581-FCD-JFM Document 22 Filed 08/08/06 Page 1 of 4
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expenses, defendant has rendered it impossible for counsel to

continue the employment effectively. Global Distribution, Inc.

does not oppose the motion. 

Local Rule 83-182(d) requires that attorneys may not

withdraw from an action in which they have appeared without leave

of the court upon noticed Motion. The Local Rule incorporates

the requirements for withdrawal and the Rules of Professional

Conduct of the State Bar of California. The Rules of

Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California provide in

pertinent part:

A member shall not withdraw from employment until the

member has taken reasonable steps to avoid reasonably

foreseeable prejudice to the rights of the client,

including giving due notice to the client, allowing

time for employment of other counsel, complying with

rule 3-700(D), and complying with applicable laws and

rules. 

California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3-700(A)(2). 

Counsel has complied with these requirements by providing

defendant notice of its intent to bring the instant motion on or

about July 21, 2006 and by providing the court with defendant’s

last known address. Third party defendant did not file an

opposition to the instant motion.

Pursuant to California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule

3-700(C), withdrawal is permitted in certain specified

circumstances. Counsel contends that withdrawal is warranted

under Rule 3-700(C)(1)(d), where the client’s conduct renders it

unreasonably difficult for the attorney to carry out the

employment effectively, and Rule 3-700(C)(1)(f), where the client

breaches an agreement or obligation to the attorney as to

expenses or fees.

Case 2:05-cv-00581-FCD-JFM Document 22 Filed 08/08/06 Page 2 of 4
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28 1 Matt McDonnell appeared at the hearing via telephone.

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In his declaration, L. Kent Wyatt, an attorney with Hardy

Erich Brown & Wilson, represents that defendant is in breach of

the fee agreement between counsel and defendant, and that such

breach adversely affects his ability to fully and properly

represent defendant. Mr. Wyatt states that the owner of Global

Distribution, Inc., has informed him that he does not intend to

pay current or future legal expenses. Mr. Wyatt further states

that he has advised the owner of defendant Global Distribution,

Inc., of his intent to withdraw.

Pursuant to E.D. Cal. L.R. 83-183(a), a corporation may not

appear in propria persona. Thus, Global Distribution, Inc. must

obtain counsel to avoid having a default judgment entered against

it. The court advised Matt McDonnell, a representative of Global

Distribution Inc., of the serious legal consequences of failing

to find substitute representation at the motion hearing held on

July 21, 2006.1 The court also stated that it would defer

issuing the order granting the motion to withdraw for two weeks

in order to allow Global Distribution, Inc. to obtain new

counsel. 

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Case 2:05-cv-00581-FCD-JFM Document 22 Filed 08/08/06 Page 3 of 4
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Based upon the materials submitted by counsel, Hardy Erich

Brown & Wilson’s motion to withdraw as attorney of record is

GRANTED. Hardy Erich Brown & Wilson shall comply with the

requirements of California Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3-

700(D).

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

DATED: August 4, 2006

/s/ Frank C. Damrell Jr. 

FRANK C. DAMRELL, Jr.

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 2:05-cv-00581-FCD-JFM Document 22 Filed 08/08/06 Page 4 of 4