Karen Roberts vs Geoff Hasler et al
Case No: 1439656
Hearing Date: Fri Mar 23, 2018 9:30

Nature of Proceedings: Motion to be Relieved as Counsel

Tentative Ruling: The court grants John B. Richards’ motion to be relieved as counsel for defendant/cross-complainant Geoff Hasler.

Background: Plaintiff Karen Roberts filed this unlawful detainer action against defendants Geoff Hasler and Deborah Helm. Prior to the trial, defendants surrendered possession of the premises to plaintiff. With leave of court, Hasler and Helm filed a cross-complaint against Roberts, individually and as trustee of the Karen M. Roberts Living Trust and then a first amended cross-complaint, adding Village Properties as a cross-defendant. The operative cross-complaint is the second amended cross-complaint, to which the court sustained Village Properties’ demurrer to the first four causes of action.

Motion: Counsel for Hasler and Helm moves to be relieved as counsel for Hasler only. The motion has been properly served.

In the declaration accompanying the motion, counsel states there is a conflict of interest between Hasler and Helm that has become a major impediment to making progress on the case; the two clients do not speak to each other; Helm testified at her deposition that Hasler is not trustworthy; the clients cannot agree on a potential split of proceeds from settlement or judgment; Hasler refuses to follow counsel’s advice; and Hasler has asked counsel to withdraw from the case.

The court finds good cause for the motion and grants John B. Richards’ motion to be relieved as counsel for defendant/cross-complainant Geoff Hasler.