A law firm brought a motion seeking removal as counsel of record for the plaintiff shortly before trial, together with a sealing order for supporting affidavits and an adjournment of the scheduled trial.
The plaintiff opposed the withdrawal and insisted counsel be required to represent him at trial.
The court found the solicitor-client relationship had irretrievably broken down, citing the plaintiff’s loss of confidence in counsel, accusatory statements, and evidence of distrust.
With the defendants consenting to a trial adjournment, the court held it appropriate to permit counsel to withdraw.
The affidavits supporting the motion were ordered sealed and the trial was adjourned to permit the plaintiff to obtain new counsel or proceed self‑represented.