Opinion
12254-20
09-10-2021
Veterans Medical Advisor, Inc. Petitioner v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue Respondent
ORDER
David Gustafson Judge
This case will be tried during the Court's Washington, D.C., session beginning at 10:00 a.m., on December 13, 2021, pursuant to notice previously given. On August 27, 2021, petitioners' counsel Gerald W. Kelly and Daniel S. Heller, filed a motion (Doc. 8) seeking to withdraw as counsel of record for petitioners Veterans Medical Advisor, Inc. By order served September 2, 2021, the Court directed counsel to supplement the motion. On September 7, 2021, petitioners' counsel made a filing (Doc. 10) that gave the information we sought. The motion, as supplemented, states that "Petitioner informed its counsel that their representation was terminated." The motion, as supplemented, states that respondent does not object. For the reasons stated in the motion, it is
ORDERED that the motion to withdraw as counsel (Doc. 8), as supplemented (Doc. 10), is granted, and that Gerald W. Kelly and Daniel S. Heller are hereby withdrawn as counsel of record in this case. Hereafter, petitioner Veterans Medical Advisor, Inc. (through its officer, Dr. Craig N. Bash), shall: (1) represent itself, (2) be responsible for preparing its case for trial and for cooperating with its opponent (counsel for the Commissioner), and (3) be responsible for complying with this Court's rules and orders. If petitioner intends to hire new counsel, it should do so immediately. We note that a majority of Tax Court petitioners represent themselves, and petitioner in this case is free to do so. It is further
ORDERED that the parties shall take note of the Court's prior Notice (Doc. 6) setting this case for trial at the Court's Washington, D.C., trial session beginning December 13, 2021, and the instructions in its Standing Pretrial Order (Doc. 7) served July 15, 2021--in particular the deadlines enumerated in paragraphs 1-6. If petitioner is unsure how to proceed, it should promptly initiate a telephone conference with the Court and the Commissioner by placing a call to the Chambers Administrator of the undersigned judge (at 202-521-0850). It is further
ORDERED that the Clerk of the Court shall, along with service of a copy of this order, serve on petitioner copies of the notice of trial (Doc. 6) and the standing pretrial order (Doc. 7) previously served July 15, 2021. Petitioner should review these document to assure its readiness for trial.
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