Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-00696/USCOURTS-caed-2_14-cv-00696-7/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
Scott Johnson
Plaintiff
Mardan, Inc.
Defendant
Saeed Zarakani
Defendant

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SCOTT JOHNSON,

Plaintiff,

v.

SAEED ZARAKANI, et al.,

Defendants.

No. 2:14-cv-0696-MCE-KJN

ORDER AND 

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE

On February 20, 2015, the undersigned issued an order setting this case for a status 

conference to address defendant’s apparent efforts to substitute out current counsel of record 

William Bernheim and substitute in attorney Bruce Nielson. (ECF No. 24.) In this order, the 

undersigned directed then-defendant Saeed Zarakani1and defendant’s purported incoming 

counsel Bruce Nielson to appear at the status conference.

The status conference set by the February 20, 2015 order was held on March 26, 2015. 

Also before the court was William Bernheim’s motion to withdraw as defendant’s attorney. (ECF 

No. 26.) Attorney Raymond Ballister appeared on behalf of plaintiff. Attorney William 

Bernheim appeared on behalf of defendant and on his own behalf. Saeed Zarakani and Bruce 

 

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Saeed Zarakani was dismissed from this case without prejudice by stipulation approved by the 

presiding district judge on March 11, 2015. (ECF Nos. 28, 30.) However, Mr. Zarakani is also 

the only known representative of the remaining defendant Mardan, Inc.

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Neilson failed to appear despite the court’s order to do so.

For the reasons discussed on the record during the conference, it is HEREBY ORDERED 

that:

1. William Bernheim’s motion to withdraw as defendant’s attorney (ECF No. 26) is 

GRANTED with the caveat that he first file a statement regarding the information he has with 

respect to the addresses of Bruce Nielson, Saeed Zarakani, and Mardan, Inc. by no later than 5:00 

p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015. Once Mr. Bernheim makes such a filing, his motion to 

withdraw is granted and he will be relieved of his duty as defendant’s counsel. Consequently, 

defendant Mardan, Inc. will then be proceeding in this matter without representation of counsel.

2. Within 14 days of this order, Saeed Zarakani shall show cause in writing why he 

failed to appear at the status conference and why he failed to provide the court with a written 

statement informing the court of defendant’s substitution of counsel efforts despite being ordered 

by the court to do so. Failure to comply with this order may result in monetary sanctions or 

any other appropriate sanctions.

3. Within 14 days of this order, Bruce Nielson shall show cause in writing why he 

failed to appear at the status conference despite being ordered by the court to do so and previously 

representing himself as defendants’ attorney in the stipulation to dismiss Saeed Zarakani from this 

case. In the same timeframe, Mr. Neilson shall also show cause in writing why defendant 

Mardan, Inc.’s answer (ECF No. 6) should not be stricken from the record.2 Failure to comply 

with this order may result in monetary sanctions or any other appropriate sanctions.

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2 As the undersigned noted on the record at the status conference, plaintiff’s counsel is 

encouraged to contact Bruce Nielson to determine whether he still is seeking to represent 

defendant in this matter and, if so, whether settlement of this action is desirable.

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4. The Clerk of Court is directed to mail this order to Saeed Zarakani, 1650 Gold 

Rush Way, Penryn, CA 95663; Mardan, Inc., 2449 Northgate Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95833;

and Bruce Nielson, 7108 North Fresno Street, Ste. #190, Fresno, CA 93720.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: March 27, 2015

Case 2:14-cv-00696-MCE-KJN Document 35 Filed 03/27/15 Page 3 of 3