Valtierra

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY

Holzer is an attorney who represented Weng in the underlying case for approximately two years. On October 28, 2014, roughly four months before trial, Weng sent Holzer a letter terminating his representation and instructing Holzer to immediately stop all work and transfer his files to Weng’s new counsel, WHGC, P.L.C. On November 12, 2014, Weng filed a substitution of attorney form showing WHGC replaced Holzer as its attorney of record. During the remainder of October and much of November 2014, Holzer and WHGC exchanged numerous communications about transferring the files Holzer created while representing Weng. WHGC repeatedly insisted that Holzer immediately provide

1 All statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure.

2 these files and identify any pending deadlines. Holzer acknowledged his obligation to transfer the files, but explained he would not transfer them until he had an opportunity to review the files and remove his work product. He further explained he was a busy solo practitioner and would conduct the review when he had the opportunity. As the tension between the two continued to escalate, Holzer eventually agreed to transfer…