Ahmadi

Discussion 25 “An attorney may not withdraw as counsel except by leave of court.” Darby v. 26 City of Torrance, 810 F. Supp. 275, 276 (C.D. Cal. 1992). The trial court has discretion 27 whether to grant or deny an attorney’s motion to withdraw in a civil case. See La Grand 28 v. Stewart, 133 F.3d 1253, 1269 (9th Cir. 1998); Stewart v. Boeing Co., No. CV 12-5621 RSWL(AGRx), 2013 WL 3168269, at *1 (C.D. Cal. June 19, 2013). Courts should consider the following factors when ruling upon a motion to withdraw as counsel: (1) the reasons why withdrawal is sought; (2) the prejudice withdrawal may cause to other litigants; (3) the harm withdrawal might cause to the administration of justice; and (4) the degree to which withdrawal will delay the resolution of the case. Curtis v. Illumination Arts, Inc., No. C12-0991JLR, 2014 WL 556010, at *4 (W.D. Wash. Feb. 12, 2014); Deal v. Countrywide Home Loans, No. C09-01643 SBA, 2010 WL 3702459, at *2 (N.D. Cal. Sept. 15, 2010). Rule 3-700 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar of California provides that an attorney may request a withdrawal if it is unreasonably difficult for…