J. R. Simplot Company v. Washington Potato Company et al

Filing 60

MINUTE ORDER directing parties to file briefing no later than 3/20/17 at 12pm re 57 MOTION to Disqualify filed by National Frozen Food Corporation by Judge Ricardo S Martinez. (RS)

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
WESTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON
AT SEATTLE

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J.R. SIMPLOT COMPANY, et al.,

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Plaintiffs,

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Case No. C16-1851 RSM

v.

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MINUTE ORDER

WASHINGTON POTATO CO., et al.,

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Defendants.
The following MINUTE ORDER is made by direction of the Court, the Honorable
Ricardo S. Martinez, Chief United States District Judge:
On March 16, 2017, National Frozen Food Corporation (“NFF”), which is co-owned by
Plaintiff J.R. Simplot Company and Defendant Washington Potato Company, filed a motion to

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disqualify the law firm Davis Wright Tremaine as Defendants’ counsel in this matter.

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Dkt. #57. Although NFF’s motion to disqualify is noted for March 31, 2017, NFF now

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requests a telephonic motion under Local Civil Rule 7(i). NFF explains that a telephonic

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motion is necessary because NFF is scheduled to appear for a 30(b)(6) deposition conducted by

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Plaintiff on March 22, 2017. NFF is not opposed to Plaintiff conducting its deposition on
March 22, 2017, however, NFF opposes Davis Wright Tremaine’s presence at that deposition.

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MINUTE ORDER - 1

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Before the Court determines whether it will hold a telephonic motion, the Court

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DIRECTS the parties to file briefing no later than Monday, March 20, 2017, 12:00 P.M.

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addressing the following:

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a) the extent of the relationship between NFF and Davis Wright Tremaine; and

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b) given that relationship, whether NFF must provide informed consent, confirmed in

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writing, pursuant to Rule of Professional Conduct 1.7 and/or 1.9, before Davis Wright

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Tremaine may represent Defendants.

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DATED this 17th day of March 2017.

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WILLIAM McCOOL, Clerk

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By: /s/ Rhonda Stiles
Deputy Clerk

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MINUTE ORDER - 2