Task Force BPO, LLC v. Ava Consulting, LLC and Remko Bloemhard

Summary

The court grants defense counsel’s motion to withdraw because the defendants allegedly failed to communicate, participate meaningfully in the defense, and pay legal fees. Ava Consulting, LLC is ordered to obtain substitute counsel by December 12, 2025, while Remko Bloemhard is deemed to be proceeding pro se unless he obtains new counsel. The court warns that Ava Consulting’s failure to retain counsel could result in default and default judgment.

Holdings

1. Counsel satisfied the requirements of E.D. Tenn. L.R. 83.4(g), including filing a motion, providing Defendants' contact information, and serving the motion on Defendants.
2. Extraordinary circumstances permitted counsel to withdraw even though Ava Consulting, LLC had not yet obtained substitute counsel.
3. The court granted the motion to withdraw and relieved David P. Pierce and Coolidge Wall Co., LPA of their duties in the case.
4. Ava Consulting, LLC may not appear in federal court without licensed counsel and was ordered to retain counsel by December 12, 2025.
5. Bloemhard was deemed to be proceeding pro se and was responsible for monitoring the case, complying with court deadlines, and responding to requests for relief if he elected to proceed without counsel.

Questions Presented

1. Whether defense counsel satisfied the requirements of E.D. Tenn. L.R. 83.4(g) for withdrawal.
2. Whether extraordinary circumstances permitted counsel to withdraw before Ava Consulting, LLC obtained substitute counsel.
3. What obligations and consequences applied to Ava Consulting, LLC and Remko Bloemhard after counsel's withdrawal.

Disposition

other