Riaz

BACKGROUND

In an earlier case—Riaz v. Altura Centers for Health (F085852, Jul. 30, 2024 [nonpub. opn.] (Altura))—we upheld a verdict entered against Riaz where she had sued her former employer for wrongful termination. In that matter, Riaz was represented by Raoul Severo and Lawrence LaRocca—the subjects of this litigation. Severo and LaRocca, in the Altura case, filed declarations expressing doubt as to Riaz’s mental competence. Indeed, the attorneys fervently sought permission to withdraw from the case and withdrawal was ultimately granted. We concluded withdrawal was properly granted on direct appeal from that case. (Altura, supra,

F085852.)

The declarations from Severo and LaRocca in the Altura case generally form the basis for the complaint in this case. Riaz primarily complained her lawyers conspired with opposing counsel to undermine her allegations against the former employer by establishing her mental incompetence, and otherwise rendered deficient or adverse representation. Defaults were entered against both LaRocca and Severo on the bases Riaz had personally served them with a complaint and summons. LaRocca moved “to set aside the default and permit an answer to the…