Idalie Munoz Munoz v. Matthew J. Bean ( 2016 )

IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
IDALIE MUNOZ MUNOZ,
DIVISION ONE
Appellant,
No. 72794-0-1
v.
UNPUBLISHED OPINION
MATTHEW J. BEAN,
Respondent. FILED: March 7, 2016
Dwyer, J. — Idalie Munoz Munoz, acting pro se, instituted this legal
malpractice action against her former attorney Matthew Bean arising out of
Bean's work on an employment discrimination lawsuit brought by Munoz against
the federal government. After Munoz failed to respond to Bean's motion for
summary judgment, Munoz belatedly filed a motion for a continuance stating that
she could not respond to the motion due to an illness. When Munoz failed to
attend the summary judgment hearing, the trial court denied her motion for a
continuance and granted summary judgment in Bean's favor. Munoz appeals the
trial court's orders denying her motion for a continuance, granting summary
judgment in favor of Bean as to all of her claims, and denying her motions for
reconsideration. Finding no error, we affirm.
I
Munoz was hired as a media specialist with the United States Census
Bureau under a two-year contract on February 4, 2008. She was terminated on
February 2, 2009, less than one year later. Asserting that the basis of her
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termination was discriminatory, Munoz hired attorney Patricia Rose and sued the
United States Department of Commerce (DOC) in the United States District
Court for the Western District of Washington. Munoz later fired Rose and, acting
pro se, filed an amended complaint. She subsequently retained Bean as counsel
in December 2010.
During the course of Bean's representation, he began to believe that some
ofthe claims pleaded in Munoz's amended complaint were without merit. After
extensive conversations, Munoz and Bean disagreed as to which claims were
meritorious and which should be dismissed. Bean advised Munoz to seek a
second opinion regarding the merit of her claims. Munoz did not do so.
Ultimately, Bean informed Munoz that if he, as her attorney, believed certain
claims to be frivolous, Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11 prohibited him from
asserting them. Bean further advised Munoz that if she insisted on bringing
claims that Bean believed to be frivolous, he would be required to withdraw as
her attorney. When Munoz continued to insist that Bean prosecute all of the
claims set forth in her amended complaint, Bean filed a motion to withdraw as
Munoz's attorney.1 On May 10, 2011, the district court authorized Bean's
withdrawal.
During the five months that Bean represented Munoz, no discovery was
conducted, no pleadings were amended, no deadlines had passed, and none of
Munoz's claims were dismissed. After Bean withdrew, Munoz prosecuted her
1 In his motion to withdraw as Munoz's counsel, Bean astutely indicated that there was a
"potential conflict between attorney and client that, if the attorney-client relationship were to
continue, could result in a violation of RPC 1.2(c) and/or FRCP 11."
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lawsuit against the DOC pro se. On March 21, 2012, more than 10 months after
Bean's withdrawal, the DOC filed a motion to dismiss and/or for summary
judgment. In response, Mufioz filed a second amended complaint. The district
court denied the DOC's motion. The parties engaged in additional discovery,
after which the DOC again moved to dismiss and/or for summary judgment. This
motion was granted, in part. On February 19, 2013, the DOC moved for
summary judgment dismissal of Munoz's remaining claims. The district court
granted summary judgment in the DOC's favor, dismissing Munoz's suit with
prejudice. On December 15, 2015, the Ninth Circuit Court ofAppeals affirmed.
Munoz v. Locke, 2015 WL 8732518 (9th Cir. Dec. 15, 2015).
On March 3, 2014, Munoz filed this legal malpractice action against Bean
in King County Superior Court. Her complaint also included claims for
misrepresentation, breach of contract, intentional and negligent infliction of
emotional distress, breach of fiduciary duties, and violation of the Washington
Consumer Protection Act (CPA).2 Attorney Joel E. Wright from the law firm of
Lee Smart, P.S., Inc. (Lee Smart) filed a notice of appearance on Bean's behalf.
Munoz proceeded pro se.
The parties then engaged in discovery, exchanging several sets of
interrogatories and requests for production. After determining that Munoz did not
meaningful respond to the discovery requests, Bean's counsel sent a letter
notifying Munoz of the deficient responses and setting a CR 26(i) conference.
When Munoz refused to participate in the conference via telephone, instead
2Ch. 19.86 RCW.
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insisting that the conference take place at a library in Federal Way, Bean's
counsel objected and cancelled the discovery conference. Bean's counsel
advised Munoz that he did not intend to engage in further discovery but, rather,
planned to file a motion for summary judgment as to all of her claims.
Throughout the discovery process, Munoz served 10 sets of discovery
requests on Bean. Bean initially informed Munoz that the responsive documents
would be prepared electronically and sent to her on a compact disc. However,
upon learning that Munoz's discovery requests required the responsive
documents to be made available to Munoz at Bean's attorney's office for
inspection, no such disc was sent. Consistent with these instructions, Bean's
counsel made the responsive documents available at Lee Smart's office for
Munoz's inspection. Ultimately, Munoz never inspected the documents.
On September 26, 2014, Bean moved for summary judgment, challenging
the sufficiency ofthe evidence supporting Munoz's claims. The summary
judgment motion was noted for hearing on October 24. Munoz's reply was due
on October 13. See CR 56(c). However, Munoz did not file a reply by the
October 13 deadline. Rather, on October 20, four days before the summary
judgment hearing, shefiled a request for an extension of time to respond to
Bean's motion.3 In her request, Munoz claimed that she had been unable to
timely respond to Bean's motion for summary judgment due to her suffering from
an illness that required medical attention. Bean filed a reply pleading noting that
Munoz had failed to file a pleading in response to his motion for summary
3Muftoz simultaneously filed a motion to shorten time for filing the motion to continue.
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judgment and notifying Munoz of Bean's intent to present his proposed order for
entry at the October 24 summary judgment hearing.
On October 21, Munoz filed a response to Bean's reply in support of his
motion for summary judgment. In this pleading, she requested that the trial court
grant her motion for a continuance. The next day, Bean responded to Munoz's
motion for a continuance, opposing the motion on the basis that Munoz had not
complied with the requirements of CR 56(f) or CR 6 and that no substantive basis
for a continuance existed.
The trial court heard Bean's motion for summary judgment as scheduled.
Christopher Winstanley, a member of the Washington State Bar Association and
an associate attorney at Lee Smart, appeared on behalfof Bean. Munoz was not
present. The trial court waited approximately 20 minutes for Munoz to appear
before commencing the proceeding. Munoz never arrived. The trial court then
granted Munoz's motion to shorten time, denied Munoz's motion for a
continuance, and granted Bean's motion for summary judgment.
On October 29, Munoz filed motions for reconsideration of both the trial
court's order denying Munoz's continuance request and its order granting
summary judgment. Munoz filed medical documentation accompanying both
motions. With regard to reconsideration of her request for a continuance, Munoz
filed a doctor's note dated September 24, 2014 excusing her from work for 1-2
days, a doctor's note releasing her to full duty work effective September 29, and
attendant chart notes. With regard to reconsideration of the trial court's order
granting summary judgment, Munoz attached a doctor's note dated October 24,
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2014 excusing her from work and releasing her to full duty effective October 27,
the following Monday. Additionally, Munoz submitted a document purporting to
be an "un-finished response" to Bean's motion for summary judgment. The trial
court denied Munoz's motions for reconsideration without oral argument.
After the trial court disposed of Munoz's claims, Bean moved for an award
ofattorney fees and costs pursuant to RCW 4.84.1854 and CR 11.5 The trial
court denied Bean's request, explaining that, "[ajlthough plaintiff's lawsuit lacked
merit, it did not rise to the level of being a frivolous lawsuit." Munoz now appeals.
II
Munoz first contends that the trial court erred by denying her motion for a
continuance. This is so, she asserts, because the statements contained in her
motion, that she was too ill to timely file a responsive pleading to Bean's
summary judgment motion, provide a sufficient ground for a continuance. We
disagree.
4RCW 4.84.185 provides that, "In any civil action, the court having jurisdiction may, upon
written findings by the judge that the action . .. was frivolous and advanced without reasonable
cause, require the nonprevailing party to pay the prevailing party the reasonable expenses,
including fees of attorneys, incurred in opposing such action."
5CR 11(a) provides that,
The signature ofa party or ofan attorney constitutes a certificate by the party or
attorney that the party or attorney has read the pleading, motion, or legal
memorandum, and that to the best of the party's or attorney's knowledge,
information, and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the
circumstances: (1) it is well grounded in fact; (2) it is warranted by existing law or
a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal ofexisting law
or the establishment of new law; (3) it is not interposed for any improper purpose,
such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the
cost of litigation; and (4) the denials offactual contentions are warranted on the
evidence or, if specifically so identified, are reasonably based on a lack of
information or belief.... If a pleading, motion, or legal memorandum is signed in
violation of this rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, may impose
upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate
sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the
amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the
pleading, motion, or legal memorandum, including a reasonable attorney fee.
No. 72794-0-1/7
In her motion for a continuance, Munoz does not identify which procedural
rule provides a basis for a continuance. Thus, we will analyze her request for a
continuance under both CR 56(f) and CR 6(b).
A
"Whether a motion for continuance should be granted or denied is a
matter of discretion with the trial court, reviewable on appeal for manifest abuse
of discretion." Trummel v. Mitchell, 156 Wn.2d 653, 670, 131 P.3d 305 (2006)
(citing Balandzich v. Demeroto, 10 Wn. App. 718, 720, 519 P.2d 994 (1974)); see
also Turner v. Kohler, 54 Wn. App. 688, 693, 775 P.2d 474 (1989) (reviewing CR
56 motion for continuance for abuse of discretion); Davies v. Holv Family Hosp.,
144 Wn. App. 483, 500, 183 P.3d 283 (2008) (reviewing CR 6 motion for
continuance for abuse of discretion). "Abuse of discretion is not shown unless
the discretion has been exercised upon a ground, or to an extent, clearly
untenable or manifestly unreasonable." Friedlander v. Friedlander, 80 Wn.2d
293, 298, 494 P.2d 208 (1972).
CR 56(f) governs motions for a continuance of summary judgment. It
provides,
Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion
that, for reasons stated, the party cannot present by affidavit facts
essential to justify the party's opposition, the court may refuse the
application for judgment or may order a continuance to permit
affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to
be had or may make such other order as is just.
CR 56(f).
The purpose of CR 56(f) is to "allow[] a party to move for a continuance so
that it may gather evidence relevant to a summary judgment proceeding." Old
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No. 72794-0-1/8
City Hall LLC v. Pierce County AIDS Found., 181 Wn. App. 1,15, 329 P.3d 83(2014). Thus, a remedy is provided "for a party who knows of the existence ofa
material witness and shows good reason why he cannot obtain the affidavit of the
witness in time for the summary judgment proceeding." Lewis v. Bell, 45 Wn.
App. 192, 196, 724 P.2d 425 (1986). Accordingly, a trial court's decision to deny
a motion for a continuance is not an abuse of discretion where "(1) the requesting
party does not offer a good reason for the delay in obtaining the desired
evidence; (2) the requesting party does not state what evidence would be
established through the additional discovery; or (3) the desired evidence will not
raise a genuine issue of material fact." Turner, 54 Wn. App. at 693 (citing Lewis,
45 Wn. App. at 196; Sternoff Metals Corp. v. Vertecs Corp., 39 Wn. App. 333,
341-42, 693 P.2d 175(1984)).
Munoz offered no justification supporting her motion for a continuance
other than that she "experienced unavoidable delays in preparing her filings" due
to a viral illness which required medical attention. In requesting a three week
continuance one week after her reply to Bean's motion for summary judgment
was due, Munoz provided no medical documentation supporting her request.
Indeed, Munoz has cited no authority to support the proposition that an
unspecified illness, standing alone, is a proper ground for granting a continuance
pursuant to CR 56(f).
Washington case law on the matter is clear. "CR 56(f) provides a remedy
for parties who know of the existence of a material witness and show good
reason why they cannot obtain the witness' affidavits in time for the summary
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No. 72794-0-1/9
judgment proceeding." Turner, 54 Wn. App. at 693 (footnote omitted). Munoz
did not demonstrate, or even assert facts in support of her contention, that she
was entitled to a continuance pursuant to CR 56(f). Accordingly, the trial court
did not abuse its discretion in denying Munoz's motion for a continuance
pursuant to CR 56(f).
B
A motion for a continuance may also be brought pursuant to CR 6. CR
6(b) provides,
When by these rules or by a notice given thereunder or by order of
court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a
specified time, the court for cause shown may at any time in its
discretion: (1) with or without motion or notice, order the period
enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the
period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order or,
(2) upon motion made after the expiration of the specified period,
permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of
excusable neglect; but it may not extend the time for taking any
action under rules 50(b), 52(b), 59(b), 59(d), and 60(b).
Because Munoz did not file her motion for a continuance prior to the expiration of
the allotted time for herto reply to Bean's motion for summary judgment, Munoz
bears the burden of proving that her failure to file a reply was the result of
excusable neglect.6
Several factors may be considered in order to determine whether the
delay at issue resulted from excusable neglect:
6The civil rules prescribe the timeline for summary judgment procedure. When a motion
for summary judgment is filed, "[t]he adverse party may file and serve opposing affidavits,
memoranda oflaw orother documentation not later than 11 calendar days before the hearing."
CR 56(c). Here, Muftoz filed her motion for a continuance on October 20, 2014, only four days
before the hearing on the summary judgment motion was noted, October 24, 2014. Because
Muftoz did not file her motion for a continuance before her response was due, CR 6(b)(1) is
inapplicable.
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"(1) The prejudice to the opponent; (2) the length of the delay and
its potential impact on the course of judicial proceedings; (3) the
cause for the delay, and whether those causes were within the
reasonable control of the moving party; (4) the moving party's good
faith; (5) whether the omission reflected professional incompetence,
such as an ignorance of the procedural rules; (6) whether the
omission reflected an easily manufactured excuse that the court
could not verify; (7) whether the moving party had failed to provide
for a consequence that was readily foreseeable; and (8) whether
the omission constituted a complete lack of diligence."
Keck v. Collins, 181 Wn. App. 67, 84, 325 P.3d 306 (2014) (quoting 15 Karl B.
Tegland, Washington Practice: Civil Procedure § 48:9, at 346 (2d ed. 2009)),
aff'd, 184 Wn.2d 358, 357 P.3d 1080 (2015).
Here, Munoz's illness was not the result of excusable neglect. In denying
Munoz's motion for a continuance, the trial court indicated that "Plaintiff did not
provide any evidence to support her claim that she is ill. No declaration from any
physician or any medical authority."7 Indeed, Munoz provided no evidence
documenting her illness either at the time her motion for a continuance was filed
or heard.
Applying the eight factors outlined above, only the first factor, prejudice to
the opponent, can be said to weigh in Munoz's favor. Presumably, Bean's case
would not have been significantly affected had the trial court granted Munoz's
motion for a continuance because Munoz never indicated that she intended to
7 In Munoz's motion for reconsideration of the trial court's order denying her motion for a
continuance, Muftoz claims thatshe "stated under oath [in her motion for a continuance] thatshe
had 'experienced unavoidable delays in preparing her filings due to Plaintiff's illness from a virus
which required medical attention.'" Muftoz contends that this statement alone provided a
sufficient basis for the trial court to granta continuance. To the contrary, the trial court acted
within its discretion by expecting Mufioz to, at minimum, provide authenticated documentation or
sworn testimony from a physician corroborating her illness at the time her motion for a
continuance was made. Without this, the trial court had no way to verify the legitimacy of
Muftoz's claimed illness.
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No. 72794-0-1/11
compile additional evidence in support of her response. However, a delay of
three weeks, giving Munoz well over the allotted time to file her reply to Bean's
motion for summary judgment, could have significantly disrupted the course of
judicial proceedings.
The remaining factors all weigh in Bean's favor. As discussed, Munoz
filed her motion for a continuance seven days after her response was due. In her
motion, Munoz stated merely that she was unable to complete the reply because
she had required medical attention for an illness. Munoz submitted no evidence
from which the trial court could confirm that Munoz had actually been ill, or
whether this was a "manufactured excuse." Keck, 181 Wn. App. at 84.
Moreover, had Munoz experienced health issues, she should have alerted the
court as to her difficulties before the responsive pleading deadline had passed.8
Her failure to do so supports the conclusion that the delay was due solely to her
lack of diligence, lack of good faith, or both.
Accordingly, Munoz has not demonstrated that herfailure to meet the
October 13 filing deadline was a result of "excusable neglect." Thus, the trial
court did not abuse its discretion in denying her motion for a continuance
pursuant to CR 6.
Ill
Munoz next contends that the trial court erred by granting summary
judgment dismissal of her claims against Bean. This is so, she asserts, because
8Indeed, Mufioz's first medical visit for health problems was later shown to have been on
September 24. Thus, at the time it became reasonably foreseeable that Muftoz would not meet
the October 13 deadline, she should have alerted the court to thateffect rather than waiting until
four days before the summary judgment hearing to file her motion for a continuance.
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No. 72794-0-1/12
the trial court did not review Munoz's exhibits and pleadings, i.e., her first
amended complaint.9 As an initial matter, Munoz confuses the existence of a
burden on her part to defeat a motion for summary judgment. We take Munoz's
argument to be that she had presented sufficient evidence to create a genuine
issue of material fact and, thus, the trial court erred when it granted summary
judgment in Bean's favor. We disagree.
When reviewing an order granting summary judgment we "perform the
same inquiry as the trial court." Owen v. Burlington N. &Santa Fe R.R., 153
Wn.2d 780, 787, 108 P.3d 1220 (2005) (citing Hisle v. Todd Pac. Shipyards
Corp., 151 Wn.2d 853, 860, 93 P.3d 108 (2004)). Summary judgment is proper if
"the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file,
together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any
material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of
law." CR 56(c); see also Owen, 153 Wn.2d at 787.
In determining whether a genuine issue of material fact exists, we must
"assume facts most favorable to the nonmoving party." Ruff v. County of King,
125 Wn.2d 697, 703, 887 P.2d 886 (1995) (citing Hartley v. State, 103 Wn.2d
768, 774, 698 P.2d 77 (1985); Braegelmann v. County of Snohomish, 53 Wn.
App. 381, 383, 766 P.2d 1137 (1989)). The nonmoving party "must set forth
9 Mufioz also contends that the "pleadingswere incomplete due to Defending Party's
sabotaging and blocking discovery after two months ofdiscovery proceedings." Br. ofAppellant
at 19. However, as the record shows, Bean did not block Mufioz from obtaining evidence to
support her claims, nor did he abruptly end the discovery process. Bean made the requested
documents available at the office of Lee Smart, pursuant to instructions in Munoz's discovery
requests. Mufioz never went to inspect the documents. Furthermore, the record shows that
Bean did not end the discovery process but, rather, determined that Mufioz had no evidence to
support her claims and moved for summary judgment. Accordingly, Munoz's contention, even if
legally cognizable, has no merit.
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No. 72794-0-1/13
specific facts that sufficiently rebut the moving party's contentions" and "may not
rely on speculation, argumentative assertions that unresolved factual issues
remain, or in having its affidavits considered at face value." Seven Gables Corp.
v. MGM/UA Entm't Co., 106Wn.2d 1, 13,721 P.2d 1 (1986) (citing Dwinnell's
Cent. Neon v. Cosmopolitan Chinook Hotel, 21 Wn. App. 929, 937, 587 P.2d 191(1978)). Where the nonmoving party fails to file a response to a motion for
summary judgment, our review is limited to consideration of only those
documents submitted by the moving party in support of the motion. Pearson v.
Gray, 90 Wn. App. 911, 915, 954 P.2d 343 (1998).
Munoz's lawsuit alleges several causes of action, including legal
malpractice, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract,
intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, breach of fiduciary
duties, and violation of the CPA. We discuss her claims in turn.
A
To establish a prima facie case for legal malpractice, the plaintiff bears the
burden of demonstrating:
(1) The existence of an attorney-client relationship which gives rise
to a duty ofcare on the part ofthe attorney to the client; (2) an act
or omission by the attorney in breach ofthe duty of care; (3)
damage to the client; and (4) proximate causation between the
attorney's breach ofthe duty and the damage incurred.
Hizev v. Carpenter, 119 Wn.2d 251, 260-61, 830 P.2d 646 (1992) (citing Hansen
v. Wightman, 14Wn. App. 78, 88, 538 P.2d 1238 (1975); Sherry v. Diercks, 29
Wn. App. 433, 437, 628 P.2d 1336 (1981)).
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No. 72794-0-1/14
"By its very nature, an action for professional negligence in the preparation
and conduct of specific litigation involves matters calling for special skill or
knowledge—proper subjects for expert testimony." Walker v. Bangs, 92 Wn.2d
854, 857-58, 601 P.2d 1279 (1979). Thus, in order to establish the standard of
care required of legal professionals, expert testimony is often required. Walker,
92 Wn.2d at 858.
Additionally, in a legal malpractice action, proximate cause is determined
using "but for" causation. Shepard Ambulance. Inc. v. Helsell. Fetterman. Martin.
Todd &Hokanson, 95 Wn. App. 231, 235-36, 974 P.2d 1275 (1999). This test
requires that the plaintiff prove that "the client's initial cause of action was lost or
compromised by the attorney's alleged negligence." Shepard Ambulance, 95
Wn. App. at 235 (citing Dauoert v. Pappas, 104 Wn.2d 254, 257, 704 P.2d 600(1985)). Additionally, the plaintiff must prove that the result of the underlying
litigation would have been better "'but for' the attorney's mishandling of the initial
cause of action." Shepard Ambulance, 95 Wn. App. at 236 (citing Daugert, 104
Wn.2d at 257).
Here, Munoz failed to reply to Bean's motion for summary judgment or to
produce any evidence establishing a prima facie case for her legal malpractice
claim. Munoz did not provide any testimony, expert or otherwise, to establish
that Bean breached a duty ofcare during his representation. Moreover, Munoz
has not established that "but for" Bean's errors, her underlying employment
discrimination claim would have been successful. Accordingly, the trial court did
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No. 72794-0-1/15
not err in granting summary judgment in favor of Bean on the legal malpractice
cause of action.
B
To establish a claim for intentional misrepresentation, a plaintiff must
establish by clear and convincing evidence:
(1) representation of an existing fact, (2) materiality, (3) falsity, (4)
the speaker's knowledge of its falsity, (5) intent of the speaker that
it should be acted upon by the plaintiff, (6) plaintiff's ignorance of its
falsity, (7) plaintiff's reliance on the truth of the representation, (8)
plaintiff's right to rely upon the representation, and (9) damages
suffered by the plaintiff.
W. Coast. Inc. v. Snohomish County, 112 Wn. App. 200, 206, 48 P.3d 997 (2002)
(citing Stilev v. Block, 130 Wn.2d 486, 505, 925 P.2d 194 (1996)); see also
Poulsbo Grp., LLC v. Talon Dev.. LLC, 155 Wn. App. 339, 345-46, 229 P.3d 906(2010).
Anegligent misrepresentation claim requires a plaintiff to show by clear
and convincing evidence that the "defendant negligently supplied false
information the defendant knew, or should have known, would guide the plaintiff
in making a business decision and that the plaintiff justifiably relied on the false
information. In addition, the plaintiff must showthat the false information was the
proximate cause of the claimed damages." Van Pinter v. Orr, 157 Wn.2d 329,
333, 138 P.3d 608 (2006) (citing Lawyers Title Ins. Corp. v. Baik, 147 Wn.2d 536,
545, 55 P.3d 619 (2002)).
Again, because Munoz failed to respond to Bean's motion for summary
judgment, we consider only documentation submitted by Bean in support of his
motion. See Pearson, 90 Wn. App. at 915. The crux of Munoz's
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No. 72794-0-1/16
misrepresentation claim is that Bean misrepresented her eligibility under the
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).10 This allegation is unsupported by the
evidence. The record demonstrates that Bean diligently consulted with other
employment attorneys to determine Munoz's eligibility under the FMLA and
advised her to get a second opinion if she disagreed. Moreover, the district court
dismissed Munoz's FMLA claim on summary judgment, and the Ninth Circuit
affirmed. Munoz v. Locke, 2015 WL 8732518 (9th Cir. Dec. 15, 2015). Because
Munoz has adduced no evidence creating a genuine issue of material fact as to
her misrepresentation claims, the trial court correctly granted summary judgment
in favor of Bean.
C
"A breach of contract is actionable only if the contract imposes a duty, the
duty is breached, and the breach proximately causes damage to the claimant."
Nw. Indep. Forest Mfrs. v. Dep't of Labor &Indus., 78 Wn. App. 707, 712, 899
P.2d 6 (1995) (citing Larson v. Union Inv. &Loan Co., 168 Wash. 5, 10 P.2d 557(1932); Alpine Indus.. Inc. v. Gohl, 30 Wn. App. 750, 637 P.2d 998, 645 P.2d 737(1981)).
Munoz failed to establish a genuine issue of material fact that would
defeat Bean's motion for summary judgment on her breach of contract claim.
Aside from her bare allegations and conclusory statements, Munoz did not
10 Mufioz also contends that Bean misrepresented his credentials as an employment
lawyer. However, atthe outset of Bean and Mufioz's relationship, Bean informed Mufioz that he
was familiar with employment discrimination claims but had little experience in the federal equal
employment opportunity sector, and that he had contacted another attorney for advice on
Mufioz's claims. Because there is no evidence that Bean intentionally or negligently
misrepresented his qualifications to any degree, Mufioz's contention has no merit.
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No. 72794-0-1/17
produce any evidence to demonstrate that Bean breached the representation
agreement during the five months of his representation. Accordingly, the trial
court properly dismissed Munoz's breach of contract claim on summary
judgment.
D
A "plaintiff in a legal malpractice case may recover emotional distress
damages when significant emotional distress is foreseeable from the sensitive or
personal nature of representation or when the attorney's conduct is particularly
egregious. However, simple malpractice resulting in pecuniary loss that causes
emotional upset does not support emotional distress damages." Schmidt v.
Coogan. 181 Wn.2d 661, 671, 335 P.3d 424 (2014).
To establish a claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress (IIED), a
plaintiff must prove: "(1) extreme and outrageous conduct, (2) intentional or
reckless infliction of emotional distress, and (3) actual result to plaintiff of severe
emotional distress." Kloepfel v. Bokor, 149 Wn.2d 192, 195, 66 P.3d 630 (2003).
Accordingly, "any claim for [IIED] must be predicated on behavior 'so outrageous
in character, and so extreme in degree, as to go beyond all possible bounds of
decency, and to be regarded as atrocious, and utterly intolerable in a civilized
community.'" Kloepfel, 149 Wn.2d at 196 (internal quotation marks omitted)
(quoting Grimsbv v. Samson, 85 Wn.2d 52, 59-60, 530 P.2d 291 (1975)).
Munoz provided no evidence to support any element of her IIED claim.
Specifically, Munoz provided no evidence that Bean intentionally or recklessly
acted with the intent to cause Munoz's emotional reaction. Moreover, Munoz's
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No. 72794-0-1/18
unsupported assertion that she has experienced extreme emotional distress is
insufficient to establish entitlement to emotional distress damages.
Consequently, the trial court did not err in granting summary judgment in favor of
Bean on this claim.
In order to establish a claim for negligent infliction of emotional distress
(NIED), a plaintiff must prove "duty, breach, proximate cause, damage, and
'objective symptomatology.'" Kumar v. Gate Gourmet, Inc., 180 Wn.2d 481, 505,
325 P.3d 193 (2014) (quoting Strong v. Terrell. 147Wn. App. 376, 387, 195 P.3d
977 (2008)). Additionally, "a plaintiff's emotional response must be reasonable
under the circumstances." Hegel v. McMahon, 136Wn.2d 122, 132, 960 P.2d
424 (1998) (citing Hunslev v. Giard, 87 Wn.2d 424, 436, 553 P.2d 1096 (1976)).
Unlike IIED claims, a cause of action for NIED further requires a showing of
"'objective symptomology'" which is "'susceptible to medical diagnosis and
proved through medical evidence.'" Kloepfel, 149 Wn.2d at 197-98 (quoting
Hegel, 136 Wn.2d at 135).
Even assuming that Munoz had presented evidence showing duty,
breach, proximate cause, and damages, which she has not, she has not
established that her emotional distress was objectively manifested or susceptible
to a medical diagnosis. Munoz provided no medical evidence ofheremotional
distress and, thus, her claim for NIED fails.
Accordingly, the trial court did not err in granting Bean's motion for
summary judgment on Munoz's emotional distress claims.
18
No. 72794-0-1/19
It is well established that an attorney occupies a fiduciary relationship to
his or her client. See, e.g.. Liebergesell v. Evans. 93 Wn.2d 881, 890, 613 P.2d
1170 (1980). In order to establish a claim for breach of fiduciary duty, a plaintiff
must prove: "(1) existence of a duty owed, (2) breach of that duty, (3) resulting
injury, and (4) that the claimed breach proximately caused the injury." Micro
Enhancement Int'l. Inc. v. Coopers & Lvbrand. LLP. 110 Wn. App. 412, 433-34,
40 P.3d 1206 (2002) (citing Miller v. U.S. Bank of Wash., 72 Wn. App. 416, 426,
865 P.2d 536 (1994)).
We are unable to discern exactly what duty Munoz alleges Bean to have
breached.11 Other than the bare allegations in her complaint, Mufioz offered no
evidence that Bean breached any fiduciary duty during his representation or that
the breach proximately caused any injury. Because Munoz failed to file a reply to
Bean's motion for summary judgment or to produce any evidence supporting her
breach offiduciary duty cause of action, the trial court did not err in granting
summary judgment dismissal of this claim.
F
"For a private individual to initiate an action under the [CPA], 'the conduct
complained of must: (1) be unfair or deceptive; (2) be within the sphere of trade
or commerce; and (3) impact the public interest.'" McRae v. Bolstad. 101 Wn.2d
161, 165, 676 P.2d 496 (1984) (quoting Anhold v. Daniels, 94 Wn.2d 40, 45, 614
11 In her first amended complaint, Mufioz alleges "unfair modification of a fee agreement
after representation began," and failure to disclose a conflict ofinterest. Mufioz provided no
evidence to support these claims.
19
No. 72794-0-1/20
P.2d 184 (1980)). In an action for legal malpractice and/or negligence where the
"claims are not chiefly concerned with the entrepreneurial aspects of legal
practice," but with the "actual practice of law," the CPA does not apply. Short v.
Demopolis, 103 Wn.2d 52, 61, 691 P.2d 163 (1984). The entrepreneurial
aspects of law subject to the CPA include "how the price of legal services is
determined, billed, and collected and the way a law firm obtains, retains, and
dismisses clients. These business aspects of the legal profession are legitimate
concerns of the public which are properly subject to the CPA." Short, 103 Wn.2d
at 61.
Munoz's claim of legal malpractice is directed at Bean's competency as an
attorney and trial strategy, not the entrepreneurial aspects of his practice.
Accordingly, the CPA is inapplicable and Munoz's CPA claim fails as a matter of
law.
Because Munoz has not raised a genuine issue of material fact with
respect to any of her claims, the trial court did not err in granting summary
judgment in Bean's favor.
IV
Munoz further contends that the trial court erred in denying her motions for
reconsideration of the trial court's orders denying her request for a continuance
and granting summary judgment in favor of Bean. This is so, she asserts,
because the production of additional medical documentation supporting her
illness provided a sufficient ground for the trial court to grant her motions for
reconsideration. This contention is unavailing.
20
No. 72794-0-1/21
A ruling on motion for reconsideration is a decision within the sound
discretion of the trial court and "will be overturned only if the court abused its
discretion." Rivers v. Wash. State Conference of Mason Contractors. 145 Wn.2d
674, 685, 41 P.3d 1175 (2002) (citing Rummer v. Throop, 38 Wn.2d 624, 231
P.2d 313 (1951); Kennedy v. Sundown Speed Marine. Inc.. 97 Wn.2d 544, 647
P.2d 30 (1982); Lilly v. Lynch. 88 Wn. App. 306, 321, 945 P.2d 727 (1997)). "We
review a trial court's denial of a motion for reconsideration and its decision to
consider new or additional evidence presented with the motion to determine if the
trial court's decision is manifestly unreasonable or based on untenable grounds."
Martini v. Post, 178 Wn. App. 153, 161, 313 P.3d 473 (2013) (citing
Weyerhaeuser Co. v. Commercial Union Ins. Co., 142 Wn.2d 654, 683, 15 P.3d
115 (2000); Chen v. State. 86 Wn. App. 183, 192, 937 P.2d 612 (1997)).
CR 59(a) provides the grounds for which a motion for reconsideration may
be granted. These grounds include:
(1) Irregularity in the proceedings of the court, jury or
adverse party, or any order ofthe court, or abuse of discretion, by
which such party was prevented from having a fair trial;
(2) Misconduct of prevailing party or jury; and whenever any
one or more of the jurors shall have been induced to assent to any
general or special verdict or to a finding on any question or
questions submitted to the jury by the court, other and different
from the juror's own conclusions, and arrived at by a resort to the
determination of chance or lot, such misconduct may be proved by
the affidavits of one or more of the jurors;
(3) Accident or surprise which ordinary prudence could not
have guarded against;
(4) Newly discovered evidence, material for the party
making the application, which the party could not with reasonable
diligence have discovered and produced at the trial;
(5) Damages so excessive or inadequate as unmistakably
to indicate that the verdict must have been the result of passion or
prejudice;
21
No. 72794-0-1/22
(6) Error in the assessment of the amount of recovery
whether too large or too small, when the action is upon a contract,
or for the injury or detention of property;
(7) That there is no evidence or reasonable inference from
the evidence to justify the verdict or the decision, or that it is
contrary to law;
(8) Error in law occurring at the trial and objected to at the
time by the party making the application; or
(9) That substantial justice has not been done.
CR 59(a).
In Munoz's motion for reconsideration of the trial court's order denying her
motion for a continuance, Munoz contended that "[i]n Plaintiff's motion requesting
an extension of time, which was served and filed on 10/20/14, Plaintiff stated
under oath that she had 'experienced unavoidable delays in preparing herfilings
due to Plaintiffs illness from a virus which required medical attention.'"
Additionally, Munoz submitted medical chart notes as supporting
documentation.12
Munoz's motion for reconsideration of the trial court's order granting
Bean's motion for summary judgment advanced similar arguments, namely, that
"Plaintiff is a disabled senior with multiple disabilities" and was unable to attend
the summary judgment hearing "due to illness." With this motion, Munoz
provided medical documentation indicating that she visited a doctor on the date
of the hearing13 and attached a draft of her unfinished response to Bean's motion
12 -[-ne relevant medical documentation provided includes: (1) a note from Gilberg J.
Aguilar, PA-C, on September 24, 2014 excusing Mufioz from work for 1-2 days; (2) a summary of
Mufioz's urgent care visit on September 24, 2014; and (3) a note from Robert R. Haynes, MD, on
September 25, 2014 releasing Mufioz for full duty effective September 29, 2014.
13 Specifically, Mufioz provided: (1) a note from Robert R. Haynes, MD, on October 24,
2014 excusing Mufioz from work the same day and releasing her for work on October 27, 2014
(the following Monday); and (2) a summary of Mufioz's office visit on October 24, 2014.
22
No. 72794-0-1/23
for summary judgment. On November 7, 2014, Mufioz supplemented her motion
for reconsideration with an "updated draft" of her unfinished response to Bean's
motion for summary judgment. The trial court denied Munoz's motions for
reconsideration pursuant to CR 59.
Munoz has not identified the provision of CR 59(a) upon which she relies
in support of her motions for reconsideration. However, based on the content of
Munoz's motions, the only plausible ground supporting her motion is that her
illness constituted an "[a]ccident or surprise which ordinary prudence could not
have guarded against." CR 59(a)(3).
Here, Munoz's failure to respond to the motion and absence from the
hearing, even if based on illness, were not the type of accidents or surprises that
could not have been alleviated by ordinary prudence. Bean moved for summary
judgment on September 26, 2014, and noted his motion for hearing on October
24,2014. Munoz's response brief was due on October 13, 2014. Munoz,
however, did notfile a reply. Instead, on October 20, 2014, Munoz filed her
motion for a continuance stating she was unable to complete her response
because she was ill. No medical evidence of her illness was submitted at that
time. Because Mufioz did not demonstrate that she was entitled to a
continuance under either CR 56 or CR 6, her motion for a continuance was
properly denied.
Nonetheless, Munoz filed a motion for reconsideration of both the trial
court's orders denying her motion for a continuance and granting summary
judgment in Bean's favor. The only assertions advanced by Munoz in her
23
No. 72794-0-1/24
motions for reconsideration is that she had been ill. However, had Mufioz been
experiencing health problems, she could have and should have filed her motion
for a continuance well before the responsive pleading filing deadline expired.
Furthermore, Mufioz submitted evidence that she visited an urgent care facility
on September 24, but was cleared for work one to two days later. Instead of
alerting the court of her condition at this time, Mufioz waited until four days
before the summary judgment hearing to move the courtfor a continuance. Even
assuming that an illness of this sort was the type of"accident or surprise"
contemplated by CR 59(a), ordinary prudence on the part of Munoz could have
prevented the harm of which she now complains.
Because Mufioz did not demonstrate that an accident or surprise
warranting reconsideration of the trial court's orders occurred, the trial court did
not abuse its discretion in denying Munoz's motions for reconsideration.
V
A
Mufioz next contends that the trial court erred because it did not base its
order granting summary judgment for Bean "on the pleadings." This is so, she
asserts, because the trial court did not read or review Munoz's exhibits. This
contention is unavailing.
Mufioz confuses the basis of the trial court's summary judgment order on
the merits as a default entry of summary judgment. The order granting Bean's
motion for summary judgment was made after the court had "reviewed the
records and files." In fact, the trial court's order lists the pleadings reviewed by
24
No. 72794-0-1/25
the court, including Bean's motion for summary judgment, Bean's declaration,
attorney Joel Wright's declaration, Bean's reply in support of his motion for
summary judgment, and attorney Daniel Mooney's declaration.
As this court has recognized, "[t]he 'facts' required by CR 56(e) are
evidentiary in nature, and ultimate facts or conclusions of fact are insufficient."
Pearson. 90 Wn. App. at 915 (citing Grimwood v. Univ. of Puoet Sound. Inc.. 110
Wn.2d 355, 359, 753 P.2d 517 (1988)). Accordingly, where a party relies solely
on its complaint in contesting a motion for summary judgment, our review is
limited to considering only those documents submitted by the moving party in
support of their motion.14 Pearson, 90 Wn. App. at 915. Mufioz never filed a
responsive pleading to Bean's motion for summary judgment and relies on her
complaint alone to respond to Bean's motion for summary judgment. Thus,
because the trial court properly decided Bean's motion for summary judgment on
the pleadings before it, no entitlement to appellate relief has been demonstrated.
B
Mufioz also contends that the trial court erred by allowing Christopher
Winstanley, an associate attorney at Lee Smart, to appear on behalf of Bean at
the summary judgment hearing. This is so, she asserts, because Winstanley
was not Bean's attorney of record. Her argument misses the mark.
"When an attorney makes a formal appearance for a defendant, it is the
defendant who appears, and not the attorney." Tiffin v. Hendricks, 44 Wn.2d
14 Mufioz did reply to Bean's reply to Mufioz's failure to file a responsive pleading.
However, in her reply, Mufioz simply requested that the trial court grant her motion for a
continuance. She did not respond to the substantive arguments in Bean's motion for summary
judgment, nor did she attach additional evidence supporting her claims.
25
No. 72794-0-1/26
837, 843, 271 P.2d 683 (1954). We presume that "a voluntary appearance made
by an attorney on behalf of a party ... is authorized until the contrary appears;
and a judgment entered thereon will not be set aside except upon clear and
convincing proof that the attorney did not have authority to appear." Ashcraft v.
Powers, 22 Wash. 440, 443, 61 P. 161 (1900) (citing McEachem v. Brackett, 8
Wash. 652, 36 P. 690 (1894)). It is, in any event, the party upon whose behalf
the attorney has appeared who has the ability to challenge the attorney's
appearance, not an opposing party. See RCW 2.44.020 ("If it be alleged by a
party for whom an attorney appears, that he or she does so without authority, the
court may . . . relieve the party for whom the attorney has assumed to appear
from the consequences of his or her act.").
The Lee Smart firm initially filed a notice of appearance on behalf of Bean
through attorney Joel E. Wright. Winstanley, an associate attorney at Lee Smart,
appeared at the October 24 summary judgment hearing on Bean's behalf. Bean
has not challenged Winstanley's attendance at the hearing nor has he
challenged Lee Smart's voluntary appearance in the matter. Thus, Mufioz has
not shown that Winstanley, a licensed member of the Washington State Bar
Association, was not authorized to represent Bean at the summary judgment
hearing. Accordingly, no entitlement to appellate relief has been demonstrated.
C
Mufioz further contends that the trial court erred when it heard Bean's
motion for summary judgment without Mufioz being present at the hearing. This
26
No. 72794-0-1/27
is so, she asserts, because the trial court failed to wait a required hour for Munoz
to appear before commencing the proceeding.15 This contention has no merit.
In support of her argument, Mufioz cites RCW 12.04.160. However, RCW
12.04.160 governs civil procedure for Washington district courts and applies to a
party's action to recover a debt in such a court. See RCW 12.04.020. Bean's
motion for summary judgment was heard in superior court. Thus, RCW
12.04.160 did not apply. Accordingly, the trial court was not required to wait one
hour, or even the 20 minutes it did wait, for Mufioz to appear. Indeed, Munoz
offers no proof that she would have been in attendance if the hearing
commenced 40 minutes later than it did. Instead, she claims that she could not
attend due to illness. Consequently, the trial court did not err by conducting the
summary judgment hearing without Mufioz present.
D
Mufioz next contends that the trial court erred by considering Munoz's
motion to shorten time, motion for a continuance, and Bean's motion for
summary judgment in reverse order. This is so, she asserts, because her filings
were improperly listed on the court's docket. We disagree.
Munoz cites no authority holding that a reversed order of the filings on the
court's docket constitutes reversible error. The order of the filings is
15 Mufioz further asserts that the trial court applied a "double standard" by allowing
Winstanley (who she contends is a non-attorney ofrecord) to represent Bean at the summary
judgment hearing but proceeding without Mufioz. This contention is unavailing. "'[T]he law does
not distinguish between one who elects to conduct his or her own legal affairs and one who seeks
assistance of counsel—both are subject to the same procedural and substantive laws.'" In re
Marriage ofOlson, 69 Wn. App. 621, 626, 850 P.2d 527 (1993) (quoting In re Marriage of
Wherlev, 34Wn. App. 344, 349, 661 P.2d 155 (1983)). Mufioz elected to represent herself in this
matter. Therefore, she was required to appear at the hearing. Accordingly, the trial court did not
apply a "double standard."
27
No. 72794-0-1/28
inconsequential. There is no indication that the trial court was aware of, or
considered, the order of the filings in making its rulings at the hearing. Moreover,
the trial court did, in fact, consider the motions in Mufioz's desired order. First,
the trial court granted Munoz's motion to shorten time in order to consider
Munoz's motion for a continuance. The trial court next denied her motion for a
continuance because Mufioz had not provided any medical evidence of her
illness. The trial court finally considered, and granted, Bean's motion for
summary judgment on the merits. Accordingly, the trial court correctly based its
rulings on the pleadings, not on the order ofthe filings listed in the docket.
Therefore, no entitlement to appellate relief has been shown.
VI
Bean contends that he is entitled to an award of attorney fees and costs
on appeal. This is so, he asserts, because Munoz has repeatedly violated the
Rules of Appellate Procedure and has filed a frivolous appeal. While it is so that
Munoz's appeal is devoid of merit, we do not believe that sanctions are
warranted.
"RAP 18.9(a) permits an appellate court to award a party attorney fees as
sanctions, terms, or compensatory damages when the opposing party files a
frivolous appellate action." Advocates for Responsible Dev. v. W. Wash. Growth
Mamt. Hearings Bd.. 170 Wn.2d 577, 580, 245 P.3d 764 (2010) (citing Reid v.
Dalton, 124 Wn. App. 113, 128, 100 P.3d 349 (2004)). "An appeal is frivolous if,
considering the entire record, the court is convinced that the appeal presents no
debatable issues upon which reasonable minds might differ, and that the appeal
28
No. 72794-0-1/29
is so devoid of merit that there is no possibility of reversal." Advocates for
Responsible Dev.. 170 Wn.2d at 580 (citing Tiffany Family Trust Corp. v. City of
Kent, 155Wn.2d225.241, 119 P.3d 325 (2005)). In determining whether an
appeal is frivolous, the record is considered as a whole, and all doubts are
resolved in favor of the appellant. In re Marriage of Lee, 176 Wn. App. 678, 692,
310 P.3d 845 (2013).
The issues raised by Mufioz on appeal are, indeed, devoid of merit.
Moreover, it is so that Mufioz has continuously violated our rules and failed to
cite to applicable legal authority supporting her contentions on appeal. However,
considering the record as a whole, we decline to order sanctions for two reasons.
First, it is true that pro se litigants are generally held to the same rules of
procedure as are attorneys. See Patterson v. Superintendent of Pub. Instruction,
76 Wn. App. 666, 671, 887 P.2d 411 (1994) (citing In re Marriage of Olson, 69
Wn. App. 621, 626, 850 P.2d 527 (1993)). However, Munoz's pro se status is a
circumstance of this case and should be considered by us in determining
whether sanctions are appropriate.
Second, Mufioz had no notice that sanctions pursuant to RAP 18.9(a)
were a likely possibility on appeal. The trial court, denying a similar request for
sanctions pursuant to RCW 4.84.185 and CR 11, stated that, "[ajlthough
plaintiff's lawsuit lacked merit, it did not rise to the level of being a frivolous
lawsuit." While we are not bound by the trial court's decision on the matter, the
trial court's ruling (and its tendency to inform Munoz that an appeal would not
amount to a frivolous undertaking) is likewise a circumstance that this court
29
No. 72794-0-1/30
should consider. Mufioz's pro se status throughout these proceedings, in
conjunction with the lack of notice that appellate sanctions were probable (based
on the trial judge's evaluation), support the conclusion that this appeal was not
filed in bad faith or for the sole purpose of delay. Because all doubts must be
resolved in favor of the appellant, Bean's request for an award of sanctions is
denied. See In re Marriage of Lee, 176 Wn. App. at 692.
Affirmed.
We concur:
l/^kov^ ,-•*
30