Key v. Microsoft Corporation

Background

Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP moved to withdraw as counsel for Plaintiff Bryant Key. Key was served with the motion but did not file a response by the deadline. Counsel stated that, after a September 22, 2025 mediation, a breakdown in the attorney-client relationship made it unreasonably difficult to represent Key effectively.

Court’s analysis

The court explained that counsel may withdraw only after giving written notice to the client and other appearing parties and obtaining the court’s permission. The court also considered the reasons for withdrawal, possible prejudice to the parties, harm to the administration of justice, and delay. California professional-conduct rules allow withdrawal when a client makes effective representation unreasonably difficult, provided counsel takes reasonable steps to avoid foreseeable prejudice to the client.

The court found good cause based on counsel’s statement about the relationship breakdown and found that Key had received notice. Because the motion was not accompanied by substitute counsel and Key had not agreed to represent himself, counsel must continue to receive papers for forwarding until Key appears through other counsel or represents himself.

Ruling and deadlines

The court granted Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP’s motion to withdraw. It vacated the November 6, 2025 hearing and continued the initial case-management conference to December 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. by Zoom, to give Key more time to find replacement counsel. A joint case-management conference statement is due December 10, 2025. Counsel must notify Key of the order and the continuing service obligation and file proof of service within three days. The order disposes of Docket No. 14.