Shankar
Shankar v. Shoffner CA2/5
Opinion
Opinion
Kriegler, J.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
On September 6, 2007, attorney Phillip K. Fife filed a complaint on behalf of Jeffrey Chu, M.D., Chu Sarang Medical, Inc. (CSM), and Magnolia Medical Group, against several defendants, including Shankar and Simon Hong, for causes of action arising out of the operation of a medical clinic. On October 9, 2007, Shanker, acting in propria persona, filed a cross-complaint against Chu and CSM for damages and indemnity. Shankar alleged CSM was the alter ego of Chu.
1 SLAPP is an acronym for “Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation.” (Equilon Enterprises, LLC v. Consumer Cause, Inc. (2002) 29 Cal.4th 53, 57, fn. 1.) All further statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure, unless otherwise stated.
2 In July 2008, attorney Fife asked attorney Shoffner to assist with appearances in the case. Shoffner associated in as co-counsel. Shoffner filed a notice of disassociation of counsel in 2010. Fife filed a motion to be relieved as counsel of record for Chu and CSM, which was granted on August 4, 2010. Represented by new counsel in September 2012, Chu executed a settlement agreement with Hong and another defendant. As part of the agreement,…