Hale v. Larry Latham Auctioneers, Inc.

After a nonjury trial, the plaintiffs, Larry Latham Auctioneers, Inc., Fortune Media Communications, Inc., and Larry Latham, obtained a substantial judgment against the defendant, Ronald E. Hale. Hale appealed, raising two issues:(1) Whether the trial court erred to reversal in permitting Hale's attorney to withdraw from the case approximately three weeks prior to the trial; and,(2) Whether the trial court erred to reversal in denying Hale's pro se motion for a continuance.

Rule 1.16(b), Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct, provides, in pertinent part, as follows:

"[A] lawyer may withdraw…