Angela Johnson v. Mayo Clinic

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Minnesota grants counsel’s motion to withdraw without substitution from representing Angela Johnson based on her discharge of counsel and irreconcilable disagreements. The Court also grants a limited stay of discovery-related deadlines, addresses negotiations concerning sanctions and reasonable expenses, and directs disclosure of ex parte communications while advising Johnson of her obligations as a pro se litigant.

Holdings

1. The court may permit counsel to withdraw without substitution when the client has discharged counsel or no longer wishes counsel to serve as representative and the record establishes good cause. Good cause existed here, so withdrawal was granted.
2. The court may grant a limited stay of discovery obligations and related deadlines to account for counsel's withdrawal, but the stay does not eliminate Plaintiff's obligation to address outstanding discovery issues or comply with later court orders.
3. A pro se litigant must comply with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the District of Minnesota Local Rules, and the court's orders.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Plaintiff's counsel should be permitted to withdraw without substitution based on Plaintiff's discharge and the resulting conflicts.
2. Whether Plaintiff was entitled to a stay of discovery supplementation obligations and related deadlines while counsel withdrew.
3. Whether the court should order production of ex parte emails and voicemails sent or left by Plaintiff with chambers.

Disposition

other