Document ID: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_04-cv-01813/USCOURTS-caed-2_04-cv-01813-2/pdf.json

Parties Involved:
City of Sacramento
Defendant
John Irish
Plaintiff

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1 Because oral argument will not be of material

assistance, the court orders this matter submitted on the briefs. 

E.D. Cal. L.R. 78-230(h).

1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

----oo0oo----

JOHN IRISH,

NO. CIV. S-04-1813 FCD EFB

Plaintiff,

v. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER

CITY OF SACRAMENTO,

Defendant.

____________________________/

----oo0oo----

This matter is before the court on The Law Offices of

Charles A. Bonner’s motion to withdraw as attorney of record for

plaintiff John Irish.1 Counsel brings this motion on the ground

that there has been a “total breakdown of communication” between

counsel and plaintiff. Counsel attests that plaintiff no longer

trusts him. Plaintiff, however, opposes the withdrawal and

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Case 2:04-cv-01813-FCD-EFB Document 54 Filed 11/15/06 Page 1 of 3
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2 Plaintiff did not file a written opposition to the

motion; however, he orally expressed his opposition to the motion

to counsel, which counsel describes in his declaration. 

2

refuses to select a substitute attorney.2

 (Bonner Decl., filed

Oct. 6, 2006, ¶s 3, 5.) 

Eastern District 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. 

Cal. Rules of Prof. Conduct, Rule 3-700(A)(2). Counsel has

complied with these requirements by providing plaintiff notice,

on October 5, 2006, of his intent to bring the instant motion,

urging plaintiff to retain other counsel immediately, and

providing the court with plaintiff’s last known address. (Bonner

Decl., ¶s 6, 8.)

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), which permits counsel to withdraw

where the client’s conduct “renders it unreasonably difficult for

[counsel] to carry out the employment effectively.” Here,

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3

counsel describes that plaintiff has lost trust in him, and that

there has been a complete breakdown in communication between

counsel and plaintiff. (Bonner Decl., ¶ 3.) Under the

circumstances, the court finds that withdrawal is warranted as

counsel cannot provide adequate representation to plaintiff

without plaintiff’s full trust and cooperation.

Accordingly, based upon the materials submitted by counsel,

The Law Offices of Charles A. Bonner’s motion to withdraw as

attorney of record is GRANTED. Counsel shall comply with the

requirements of California Rules of Professional Conduct, 

Rule 3-700(D) regarding return of the client’s papers and

property and the payment of fees.

As plaintiff is now proceeding in propria persona, pursuant

to Eastern District Local Rule 72-302(c)(21), the court refers

this action to Magistrate Judge Brennan for all further

proceedings. The Clerk is directed to serve the Plaintiff a copy

of this order at the following address: 1301 35th Ave.,

Sacramento, CA 95822. 

IT IS ORDERED that any hearing dates currently set before

the undersigned are VACATED.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court reassign

this case to Magistrate Judge Brennan. All future documents

filed in the above-captioned case shall reference the following

case number: CIV S-04-1813 FCD EFB PS. The Clerk shall issue an

Initial Scheduling Order for Magistrate Judge Brennan.

DATED: November 15, 2006

Case 2:04-cv-01813-FCD-EFB Document 54 Filed 11/15/06 Page 3 of 3