Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-cand-3_05-cv-02016/USCOURTS-cand-3_05-cv-02016-10/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 840
Nature of Suit: Trademark
Cause of Action: 15:1125 Trademark Infringement (Lanham Act)

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

LIFESCAN, INC.,

Plaintiff,

 v.

 AMERICAN HEALTHCARE, INC., et al.,

Defendants.

 /

No. C 05-02016 JSW

ORDER CONDITIONALLY

GRANTING ELETICH’S MOTION

TO WITHDRAW AS COUNSEL

This matter comes before the Court upon consideration of Derek A. Eletich, Esq.’s

motion to withdraw as counsel for Defendant American Healthcare, Inc. (“AIH”). AIH has not

submitted an opposition to the motion. The Court has reviewed the parties’ papers and relevant

legal authority and has had the benefit of oral argument. 

The Court finds that good cause exists to warrant Eletich’s request to withdraw from

representing AIH based on its failure to pay his attorneys’ fees. However, AIH is a corporation

and cannot represent itself. See Rowland v. California Men’s Colony, 506 U.S. 194, 201-02

(1993); Civil Local Rule 3-9(b). Nor has AIH filed a substitution of counsel, despite having

notice of Eletich’s motion to withdraw. 

Where, as here, withdrawal by an attorney from an action is not accompanied by

simultaneous appearance of substitute counsel, leave to withdraw may be subject to the

condition that papers continue to be served on counsel unless and until the client appears by

other counsel. See Civ. L.R. 11-5(b) (stating that when withdrawal by an attorney from an

action is not accompanied by simultaneous appearance of substitute counsel . . . leave to

Case 3:05-cv-02016-JSW Document 74 Filed 01/23/07 Page 1 of 2
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withdraw may be subject to the condition that papers may continue to be served on counsel for

forwarding purposes, unless and until the client appears by other counsel). 

Therefore, the Court conditionally GRANTS Eletich’s motion to withdraw with respect

to AIH upon the condition that the withdrawal will not be effective until November 8, 2006, or

until substitute counsel makes an appearance, whichever occurs sooner. Any documents

pertaining to this action will continue to be served on Eletich for forwarding purposes until

November 8, 2006, or until substitute counsel has entered an appearance. 

Because a corporation cannot represent itself, AIH must file a substitution of attorney by

no later than November 8, 2006. AIH is admonished that failure to retain substitute counsel

may result in the Court entering a judgment against it. 

Eletich is HEREBY ORDERED to serve this Order upon AIH, by no later than October

6, 2006, and file proof of such service with the Court by October 11, 2006.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: October 3, 2006 

JEFFREY S. WHITE

UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE

Case 3:05-cv-02016-JSW Document 74 Filed 01/23/07 Page 2 of 2