On July 25, 2012, Judge Solis denied Ufot Umana and Stanley Kuan’s motion to withdraw as counsel for defendant Benzhou Vehicle Industry Group (decision available here). Movants had sought to withdraw as counsel after being discharged by Benzhou in March 2012, and movants and Benzhou could not effectively communicate nor agree on case strategy. In their motion to withdraw (available here), Attorneys Umana and Kuan noted that no counsel was to be substituted in their place at the time.
Galaxy Powersports opposed the motion to withdraw, noting that the case had been on file since 2010, and that Benzhou, as a corporate entity, could not represent itself. (Opposition available here.) Galaxy Powersports argued that the motion for withdrawal was simply a “delay tactic.”
Judge Solis’ Order noted that the motion to withdraw was filed shortly before Galaxy Powersports filed a motion for summary judgment, and that withdrawal would significantly disrupt the prosecution of the case. Judge Solis directed Benzhou’s counsel to respond to Galaxy Powersports’ motion for summary judgment, and stated that Benzhou’s counsel could re-urge their withdrawal motion once briefing on the summary judgment motion concluded.
Galaxy Powersports is represented by Krista Potter and Lu Pham, both of Cantey Hanger, L.L.P.
Benzhou Vehicle Industry Group is represented by Ufot Umana, of Munsch Hardt Kopf & Harr P.C.; and Stanley Kuan.