Tentative Ruling on Motion for Assignment Order

Ruth Haller as Trustee of the Haller Family Trust v. Seward, et al., Case No. 2012-098069 November 30, 2018, 1:30 p.m., Dept. 72

1. Overview and Procedural Posture.

This is an action by plaintiff Ruth Haller as Trustee of the Haller Family Trust (plaintiff), filed May 29, 2012, seeking damages exceeding $1 million regarding the fraudulent sale of securities and for recovery of funds related to fraudulent representations concerning such transactions. ROA 1. The action was originally assigned to Judge Vargas. ROA 5. Judge Vargas' former department was closed due to budget cuts imposed on the court by the other branches of government. The case was reassigned to Dept. 72 effective December 1, 2012. ROA 29.

Counsel for defendant Protege Financial & Insurance Services, Inc. [Vincent H. Chieffo and the Greenberg Traurig, LLP law firm] sought leave to withdraw as counsel for defendant. ROA 53. The motion was filed July 5, 2013 and provided Ju