Salinas vs. Bazoft Automotive

2. Salinas vs. Bazoft Automotive

23-01352644

Motion to Be Relieved as Counsel of Record

The motions by Anthony Chavos, Laurie Rau, Chavos & Rau APLC, to withdraw as counsel for defendants Bazoft Automotive d/b/a South Coast Mitsubishi, Nissan Extended Service Corporation, Inc., and Sentry Select Insurance Company, are DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

The original hearings on the instant motions were continued on 3-19- 26, as moving counsel’s original declarations did not sufficiently state grounds for withdrawal, and the originally provided proposed orders were blank. (ROA 130 [3-19-26 minute order].) Moving counsel were ordered to file and serve any supplemental papers by 5-1-26, including supplemental declarations and “completed proposed orders.” (Id.) The supplemental papers were eventually filed and served on 5- 4-26.

Moving counsel’s supplemental declarations (ROA 136, 137, 139) now sufficiently state grounds for withdrawal. However, the new proposed orders (ROA 141, 142, 143) are still incomplete; ¶¶ 2, 3, 5, and 6 are still blank. In particular, ¶ 6 is necessary in order for the parties to have proper addresses for service on the clients in the future, if withdrawal is granted. (Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 3.1362, subds. (d), (e) [proposed order required].)

As moving counsel failed to timely and properly comply with the court’s prior order, the motions are DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.

Clerk shall give notice.

3. Guzman-Leal vs. General Motors, LLC

23-01357484

Motion for Attorney Fees

Plaintiff’s Motion for Attorney fees is GRANTED.

Defendant General Motors, LLC shall pay $36,671.50 in reasonable attorney fees and $4,298.15 in costs and expenses to Plaintiff. (See Code Civ. Proc., §1033.5, subd. (a)(10)(B) [statutory attorney fees]; Civ. Code §1794, subd. (d) [Song-Beverly attorney fees]; PLCM Group, Inc. v. Drexler (2000) 22 Cal.4th 1084, 1095-1096 [lodestar; trial court’s discretion]; Reynolds v. Ford Motor Company (2020) 47 Cal.App.5th 1105, 1112 [same]; Wood Decl. ¶¶ 7-11 [description of services performed]; 12-20 [justification for hourly rates sought], 22- 23 [timekeeping procedures]; and Ex. 6 [timekeeping records].)