Arlene Aranes Zapanta DMD, Inc., a California Corporation vs. JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, et al.

requested amount of sanctions is reasonable based on counsel's billing rate and hours of work, the request for monetary sanctions is granted in its entirety. Defendant Ben's Asphalt & Maintenance Company, Inc.'s Motion to Deem Admitted the First Set of Requests for Admission Propounded on Plaintiff Lidia Virrueta is DENIED. Defendant's request for monetary sanctions is GRANTED in the total amount of $1,122.50 against Plaintiff and her counsel of record. Said sanctions shall be paid to counsel for Defendant within 30 days of this order.

Zapanta DMD, Inc., a California Corporation vs. JPMorgan Chase Bank National Association, a National Banking Association, et al. Application for Order Admitting Ashley Mullen Pro Hac Vice Moving Party: Defendant JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Responding Party: None Tentative Ruling: Grant BACKGROUND On May 14, 2026, Defendant JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("Defendant") moved for an order granting the application for appearance pro hac vice by Ashley Mullen ("Mullen"). No opposition was filed. ANALYSIS I.

Legal Standard

California Rules of Court, Rule 9.40 provides that an attorney in good standing in another jurisdiction may apply to appear as counsel pro hac vice in the State of California by filing a verified application together with proof of service by mail of a copy of the application and notice of hearing on all parties who have appeared in the case and on the State Bar of California at its San Francisco office, with payment of an application fee, so long as that attorney is not a resident of the State of California, and is not employed or regularly engaged in substantial business, professional, or other activities, in the State of California.

An active licensee of the State Bar of California must also be associated as attorney of record. The application must state: (1) the applicant's residence and office addresses; (2) the courts to which the applicant has been admitted to practice and the dates of admission; (3) that the applicant is a member in good standing in those courts; (4) that the applicant is not currently suspended or disbarred in any court; (5) the title of each court and cause in which the applicant has filed an application to appear as counsel pro hac vice in this state in the preceding two years, the date of each application, and whether or not it was granted; and (6) the name, address, and telephone number of the active member of the State Bar of California who is attorney of record in the local action. (Cal.

Rules of Court, rule 9.40(d).) II.

Discussion

Applications to appear as counsel pro hac vice must contain the facts specified in California Rules of Court, rule 9.40(d). Mullen's verified application contains the following information: 1. Her office and residential addresses. (Mullen Decl. P.P. 1-2.)

2. The courts to which she has been admitted: United States District Court for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and all state courts within the State of New York. (Id. P. 3.)

3. Evidence that she is a member in good standing of these courts. (Ibid.)

4. Evidence that she is not suspended or disbarred in any state. (Id. P. 4.)

5. Mullen has not submitted any pro hac vice applications in the State of California in the preceding two years. (Id. P. 5.)

6. The name, address, and telephone numbers of Julia B. Strickland and Surya Kundu, the associated California attorneys in this matter. (Id. P. 6.) In compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 9.40(a)'s eligibility requirements, Mullen's declaration further states that she resides in the State of New York and that she is not regularly employed or engaged in the practice of law or any substantial business, professional, or other activities, in the State of California. (Mullen Decl. P. 2.) In compliance with California Rules of Court, Rule 9.40(c)'s service requirements, Mullen attests that she has " paid the $600.00 fee required by the State Bar of California and served a copy of this Application and the accompanying Notice of Hearing on Application upon the State Bar of California (San Francisco office)." (Mullen Decl.

P. 8.) In addition, associated California attorney Stickland attaches to her declaration a copy of the fee payment receipt to the California State Bar for $615.00. (See Strickland Decl. P. 4, Exh. A.) Moreover, the proofs of service reflect service on the State Bar at its San Francisco office and on all remaining parties who have appeared in the action. (See Cal. Rules of Court, rule 9.40(c)(1).) Therefore, the application is granted. RULING Defendant JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.'s Application for Order Admitting Ashley Mullen Pro Hac Vice is GRANTED.

Case Number: 26NNCV03496 Hearing Date: August 28, 2026 Dept: T Khatchak Barsamian