Beahringer v. Hardee's Food Systems, Inc.

Defendant, Hardee’s Food Systems, Inc. (Hardee’s), appeals the denial of its motion for substitution of judge. We reverse and remand this cause with directions.

Plaintiff, Michael Beahringer, filed a complaint against defendants, Hardee’s and two individual employees, alleging defamation stemming from the termination of his employment with Hardee’s. All three defendants are represented by the same counsel. One month after Hardee’s was served with the complaint, Hardee’s filed a motion for substitution of judge pursuant to section 2 — 1001(a)(2) of the Code of Civil Procedure (Code) (735 ILCS…