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DUENAS}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 \par Plaintiff-Appellant \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 v. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 LEO BRADY dba ISLAND ELEVATOR}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10560932\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 and DOES 1-10 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 Defendant-Appellee \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 Supreme Court Case No. CVA07-003 \par Superior Court Case No. CV2042-98}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 OPINION}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1146619 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1146619\charrsid1146619 Filed: December 31, 2008 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Cite as: 2008 Guam }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14559834\charrsid747388 27}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam \par Argued and }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ubmitted }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 on }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 October 17, 2007 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\dxfrtext240\dfrmtxtx240\dfrmtxty240\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph120\trleft0\trkeep\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblind120\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clpadl120\clpadt120\clpadb58\clpadr120\clpadfl3\clpadft3\clpadfb3\clpadfr3\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clpadl120\clpadt120\clpadb58\clpadr120\clpadfl3\clpadft3\clpadfb3\clpadfr3\clshdrawnil \cellx9360\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid747388 { \ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 For Plaintiff-Appellant:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par Wayson W.S. Wong, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Esq}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 . \par 142 Seaton Blvd., Ste. 101 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, G}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 U}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 96910 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 \par \par \cell }{\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 For Defendant-Appellee:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par Thomas C. Sterling, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Esq}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 . \par Blair Sterling Johnson Martinez }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 & Leon Guerrero, PC \par 1008 DNA Bldg. \par 238 Archbishop F.C. Flores St. \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, G}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3280891\charrsid747388 U}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 { \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph120\trleft0\trkeep\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl120\trpaddr120\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3\tblind120\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clpadl120\clpadt120\clpadb58\clpadr120\clpadfl3\clpadft3\clpadfb3\clpadfr3\clshdrawnil \cellx4680\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr \brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4680\clpadl120\clpadt120\clpadb58\clpadr120\clpadfl3\clpadft3\clpadfb3\clpadfr3\clshdrawnil \cellx9360\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par BEFORE:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Chief Justice; ROBERT J. TORRES, Associate Justice;}{ \cs45\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6432213\charrsid747388 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s46\qj \li0\ri0\sa240\widctlpar \tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6432213 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9249272 \chftn }{ \fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 After oral argument in this matter, but prior to the issuance of this opinion, Justice Robert J. Torres was sworn in as Chief Justice and Justice F. Philip Carbullido assumed the role of Associate Justice.}}}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 RICHARD H. BENSON, Justice }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Pro Tempore}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 . \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par TORRES, J.:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11301329\charrsid747388 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab Plaintiff-Appellant}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4011817\charrsid747388 ,}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Evelyn R. Duenas, appeals the Decision and Order of the Superior Court of Guam denying her motion to set aside a dismissal for failure to prosecute and granting Defendant-Appellee Leo Brady dba Island Elevator\rquote s motion s for summary judgment and dismissal of the First Amended Complaint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 We hold that the }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 C}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ourt did not abuse its discretion in denying Duenas\rquote motion to set aside the prior dismissal for failure to prosecute.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Accordingly, we do not need to reach the issue of whether the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 court properly granted summary judgment and dismissal with prejudice of the First Amended Complaint filed by Duenas.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11301329\charrsid747388 [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4991641\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The law Offices of Hogan and Bronze, on behalf of Duenas, filed a complaint in the Superior Court of Guam on August 20, 1998.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The complaint asserted that on October 8, 1997, Duenas was injured while utilizing an elevator allegedly maintained by Island Elevator.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Record on Appeal (\'93RA\'94), tab 3 (Compl., Aug. 20, 1998).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Island Elevator was not served with the complaint.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 12}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 (Dec. & Order, April 7, 2004); Transcripts (\'93Tr.\'94) at 3 (Hr\rquote g Mot. Dismiss, Oct. 2, 2002); Appellant\rquote s Excerpts of Record (\'93ER\'94), tab 7}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2976931\charrsid747388 , Ex. A}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 (Hogan Decl., June 25, 2002). \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11301329\charrsid747388 [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab Nearly a month later, attorney Jerry Hogan, who signed the complaint, suffered a massive heart attack.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 On the advice of his doctor, Hogan left the private practice of law and subsequently terminated his law firm, Hogan and Bronze. }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Hogan advised Duenas to seek new legal representation and believed Duenas picked up her file and began to look for other counsel. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ; ER, tab 7 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2976931\charrsid747388 , Ex. A}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 (Duenas Decl., June 22, 2002).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab In March 2001, approximately 26 months after picking up her file, Duenas retained Wayson Wong as legal counsel.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ER, tab 7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2976931\charrsid747388 , Ex. 2}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 (Wong Decl., June 25, 2002).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Although aware of the civil action, attorney Wong and Duenas decided instead to focus on a retirement disability claim.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 12}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 at 1 (Dec. & Order). }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab On November 6, 2001, the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 C}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ourt issued notice of a status hearing scheduled for December 28, 2001.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 RA, tab 6 (Notice of Status Hr\rquote g}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658771\charrsid747388 , }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 Nov. 6, 2001}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 A substitution of counsel had not been filed and the notice was served on Hogan\rquote s former partner, Jacques-Alain G. Bronze.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 RA, tab 18 (Aff}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658771\charrsid747388 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 of Serv}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5658771\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 on J. Bronze, Nov. 8, 2001).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab On a }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 sua sponte }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 motion, the Superior Court dismissed the complaint for failure to prosecute pursuant to Rule 41(b) of the Guam Rules of Civil Procedure (GRCP).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 RA, tab 8 (Order for Dismissal, Mar}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid221060\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 28, 2002).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Subsequently, Duenas, through attorney Wong, filed a First Amended Complaint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 RA, tab 13 (Amended Compl., April 29, 2002).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In response to the amended complaint, Brady filed a Motion to Dismiss and for Summary Judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The grounds alleged were that the First Amended Complaint could not properly be filed under GRCP 5(c) because of the earlier dismissal of the complaint, and that the claims set forth in the First Amended Complaint were barred by the two-year statute of limitations contained in 7 GCA \'a7}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16660521\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 11306 applicable to personal injury claims.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 RA, tab 21 (Mot. Dismiss and for Summ. J., Aug. 5, 2002).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab Duenas then filed a Rule 60(b) Motion to Set Aside the dismissal of the complaint.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 7}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 (Mot. to Set Aside, June 26, 2002).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 After a hearing on the motions, the Superior Court issued its Decision and Order denying Duenas\rquote motion to set aside the dismissal and granting Brady\rquote s motion to dismiss and motion for summary judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 12}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 (Dec. & Order).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Summary Judgment was subsequently entered and Duenas filed a timely Notice of Appeal. RA, tab 39 (Not. Appeal, Mar}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16660521\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 8, 2007).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 II. JURISDICTION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab This court has jurisdiction over this appeal from a final judgment pursuant to 48 U.S.C. \'a7 1424-1(a)(2) (Westlaw through Pub. L. 110-176 (2008)) and 7 GCA \'a7\'a7 3107(b), 3108(a), 25102 (2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 III. STANDARD OF REVIEW}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3546841\charrsid747388 [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab A trial court\rquote s denial of a }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16660521\charrsid747388 Rule }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 60(b) motion is reviewed for an abuse of discretion.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea Indus., Inc. v. HK Eng\rquote g Ltd.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1998 Guam 14 \'b6 4.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 This standard of review affords \'93broad latitude to trial courts.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 A trial court\rquote s decision will not be reversed unless we are left with \'93 a definite and firm conviction that the court below committed a clear error of judgment in the conclusion it reached upon weighing of the relevant factors.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Santos v. Carney}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1997 Guam 4 \'b6 2}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 (citing}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Lynn v. Chin Heung Int\rquote l., Inc.\~ }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 852 F.2d 1221\~(9th Cir. 1988)). \'93 A trial court abuses its discretion when its decision is based on an erroneous conclusion of law or where the record contains no evidence on which the judge could have rationally based the decision.\'94 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Town House Dep\rquote t Stores, Inc., v. Ahn}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2003 Guam 6 \'b627.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93A trial court\rquote s decision granting a motion for summary judgment is reviewed de novo.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Guam Top Builders v. Tanota Partners}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2006 Guam 3 \'b6 8; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 accord Bank of Guam v. Del Priore}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2007 Guam 7 \'b6 9. \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14559834\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 IV.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 DISCUSSION}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par A.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Filing of Revised Opening Brief}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab Initially, we must determine whether we should even consider the revised opening brief filed by Duenas.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 On the date Duenas\rquote opening brief was d ue, Duenas filed a motion for extension of time to file, which this court promptly denied the same day in an order stating that counsel had not shown good cause for the extension.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Duenas then timely filed an opening brief, in which \'93[Duenas\rquote ] counsel [Ways on Wong] apologize[d] to this Supreme Court for the incompleteness of this opening brief because of her counsel\rquote s efforts to file it quickly within the remaining time today.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Appellant\rquote s Br. at 1 (July 9, 2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab The next day, Duenas filed the revised opening brief, in which Wong stated that he \'93 rushed to and did file [Duenas\rquote ] opening brief, but because of lack of time, it contained numerous errors,\'94 and that \'93[t]his timely filed Revised Opening Brief has corrected those errors, and Ms. Duenas asks th at it be accepted in lieu of her opening brief filed earlier today.\'94 Appellant\rquote s Revised Br. at 1 (July 10, 2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Duenas did not submit a formal request for acceptance of the revised opening brief. However, Brady\rquote s brief was responsive to Duenas\rquote revised opening brief.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [12]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab The court recognizes that the revised opening brief in this case was not timely filed.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 If the court does not accept Duenas\rquote revised opening brief containing corrections and additions, then this court would seemingly not be able to consider arguments and authorities addressed in Brady\rquote s opposition brief. The Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure (GRAP) provide that }{ \cs47\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93[i]n the interest of justice or of expediting a decision }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 . . . the Supreme Court may . . . suspend the requirements or provisions of any of these rules in a particular case on application of a party or on its own motion . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5393099\charrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Guam R. App. P. 2.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The circumstances here sufficiently establish that the interest of justice warrants acceptance of the revised opening brief so that we may entertain the corrections and additions contained in Duenas\rquote revised brief and addressed in Brady\rquote s opposition brief.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Therefore, pursuant to GRAP 2 and in the interest of expediting a decision, the court will discuss whether the judge abused his discretion in denying Duenas\rquote motion for relief pursuant to GRAP 60(b)(1) or GRAP 60(b)(6) of the GRCP from the order dismissing the complaint for failure to prosecute.}{\cs45\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s46\qj \li0\ri0\sa240\widctlpar\tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720 \wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3546841 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9249272 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Counsel is cautioned that any further failure on his part to comply with GRAP will not be so generously excused.}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 B. \tab Relief Pursuant}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 to Rule 60(b)}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [13]\tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Rule 60(b) provides that \'93[o]n motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or a party \rquote s legal representative from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: (1) mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect. . . . (6) any other reason justifying relief from the operation of judgment.\'94 GRCP 60(b)(1),(6).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Our rule was modeled after Federal Rule of Civil Procedure (\'93FRCP\'94) 60(b).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown v. Eastman Kodak Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 30 \'b6 14. \tab \'93 The subsections of [Rule 60(b)] are mutually exclusive\'94 and \'93[t]hus, if the circumstances alleged fall into any of the other subsections allowing set aside, then relief under subsection (6) can not be had.\'94 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 30 \'b6 14.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 We stated in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 that when the failure to comply with a deadline is due to reasons beyond a party's control, the appropriate mechanism for relief would be GRCP 60(b)(6), as such reasons do not constitute excusable neglect within GRCP 60(b)(1). }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'b6 32. \'93Rule 60(b)(6) provides for extraordinary relief and}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 requires a showing of exceptional circumstances}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Parkland Dev., Inc. v. Anderson}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 8 \'b6 6, quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Kagan v. Caterpillar Tractor Co.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 795 F.2d 601, 609 (7th Cir. 1986) (emphasis added); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 see Tri-World v. K-Son}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1987 WL 109888, at *4 (D. Guam App. Div. 1987).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 makes clear that a party must show extraordinary circumstances suggesting that a party is faultless in the delay in order to obtain relief under subsection (6).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 2000 Guam 30}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'b6 32. (citations omitted).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [14]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab A court will deny a Rule 60(b) motion to set aside a default judgment if it is shown that (1) a defendant\rquote s culpable conduct led to the default, (2) the defendant has no meritorious defense, or (3) the plaintiff would be prejudiced if the judgment is set aside. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1998 Guam 14 \'b6 5; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 see First Commercial Bank,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 1996 WL 254334, at *2.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 This case presents a motion to set aside a dismissal for failure to prosecute, not a motion to set aside a default judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Although we have not had a}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1474528\charrsid747388 n}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 opportunity to speak }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1474528\charrsid747388 on}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 this issue, other jurisdictions have stated that the s tandards for evaluating a motion to set aside a dismissal for failure to prosecute should be the same as the standards for deciding a motion to set aside a default judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The Tennessee Supreme Court reasoned that a \'93dismissal for failure to prosecute is analogous to a default judgment\'94 in that both are judgments without a hearing on the merits.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Henry v. Goins}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 104 S.W.3d 475, 481 (Tenn. 2003).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In evaluating an appeal from a default judgment, the Seventh Circuit came to the same conclusion, explaining that a \'93 default judgment is the mirror image of a dismissal of a suit for failure to prosecute.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Philips Med. Sys. Int\rquote l B.V. v. Bruetman}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 8 F.3d 600, 602 (7th Cir. 1993).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 That court further articulated that:}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Default is failure to defend; failure to prosecut e is a plaintiff's default; both a default judgment and a dismissal for failure to prosecute are sanctions for disruptive or dilatory conduct in litigation. The standard for whether to impose them should, therefore, be the same, and a comparison of decisi ons articulating the standard for the entry of a default judgment with the standard set forth . . . for dismissals for failure to prosecute indicates that they are the same.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [15]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab The Sixth Circuit, in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Buck v. U.S. Dep\rquote t of Agric.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 similarly analogized defaults and dismissals for want of prosecution.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 960 F.2d 603, 607 (6th Cir. 1992).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The Sixth Circuit did, however, make a cautionary distinction in the identical treatment of the two situations, stating the three-part test for considering a request to set aside a default judgment}{ \cs45\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s46\qj \li0\ri0\sa240\widctlpar \tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720 \wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3546841 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9249272 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 The three-part test adopted by the Sixth Circuit in }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 United Coin Meter v. Seaboard Coastline Railroad}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 705 F}{\fs20\insrsid9249272 .}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 2d 839, 845 (6th Cir. 1983), which lists the factors that should be considered by a court when requested to set aside a default judgment, is identical to the test we enunciated in }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Midsea}{ \fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 .}}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 is not \'93followed precisely in cases of dismissal for failure to prosecute.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Judge Lively explained that a \'93 default occurs at the very beginning of a case,\'94 while dismissals for want of prosecution typically have \'93proceeded beyond the initial pleading stage and the i ssues have been joined, and there is less risk of dismissal being based upon an unstated meritorious claim or defense.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Thus, in dismissals for want of prosecution, there does not have to be a \'93 separate inquiry as to the existence of a meritorious claim.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [16]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Here, the case did not proceed beyond the initial pleading stage and we see no reason why we should not apply the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 factors for reviewing a 60(b) motion to set aside a default judgment to Duenas\rquote 60(b) motion to set aside the Superior Court\rquote s dismissal for failure to prosecute.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Therefore, we must determine whether: (1) Duenas\rquote culpable conduct led to the dismissal; (2) Duenas has no meritorious claim, or (3) Brady would be prejudiced if the dismissal were to be set aside.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [17]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 we held that \'93[a] finding of but one of the three elements is sufficient to deny vacation of a }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 default judgment}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .\'94 1998 Guam 14 \'b6 5 (emphasis added).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Once a court determines that a party\rquote s culpable conduct led to the default, the ruling may be upheld witho ut inquiring into any meritorious defenses or possible prejudices to the plaintiff.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Polymer Plastics Co. v. AME Matex Corp.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1996 WL 875783, *1 (D. Guam App. Div. 1996), citing }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Meadows v. Dominican Republic}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 817 F.2d 517, 521 (9th Cir. 1987).}{\cs45\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \s46\qj \li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar \tx-1440\tx-720\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tx9360\tx10080\tx10800\tx11520\tx12240\tx12960\tx13680\tx14400\tx15120\tx15840\tx16560\tx17280\tx18000\tx18720 \wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3546841 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\super\insrsid9249272 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 The Ninth Circuit adopted the three-factor test in }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Falk v. Allen}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 739 F.2d 461, 463 (9th Cir.1984) (adopting factors from the Third Circuit). Since then, the Ninth Circuit has treated the test disjunctively. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 See}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 }{ \i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Pena v. Seguros La }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid7303205 Comercial}{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , S.A.}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 770 F.2d 811, 815 (9th Cir. 1985); }{ \i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Meadows v. {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}{\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname country-region}}Dominican Republic}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 {\*\xmlclose}{\*\xmlclose} , 817 F.2d 517, 521 (9th Cir. 1987); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Benny v. Pipes}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 799 F.2d 489, 494 (9th Cir. 1986); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Cassidy v. Tenorio}{ \fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 856 F.2d 1412, 1415 (9th Cir. 1988); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 In re Hammer}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 940 F.2d 524, 526 (9th Cir. 1991). \par Despite the convincing case law from the Ninth Circuit, the majority of the circuits employ a balancing test \endash weighing all three factors rather than applying the test disjunctively. The Federal Circuit noted the differing applicat ion of the factors before eventually opting to employ the majority\rquote s balancing test. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Information Systems and Networks Corp. v. U.S.}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 994 F.2d 792, 796 (Fed. Cir. 1993). }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 See Meehan v. Snow}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 652 F.2d 274 (2d Cir. 1981); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Zawadski de Bueno v. Bueno Castro}{ \fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 822 F.2d 416, 419-}{\strike\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid4011817 4}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 20 (3d Cir. 1987); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Seven Elves, Inc. v. Eskenazi}{ \fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 635 F.2d 396 (5th Cir. 1981);}{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Bethelsen v. Kane}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 907 F.2d 617, 622 (6th Cir. 1990); }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Jackson v. Beech}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , 636 F.2d 831, 836 (D.C. Cir. 1980). \par Guam precedent is to employ the relevant test disjunctively rather than as a balancing test, and Duenas has not advanced any reason why we should depart from this precedent. As the California Supreme Court expressed: \par }\pard\plain \qj \li720\ri720\sa120\widctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid1852425 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 It is, of course, a fundamental jurisprudential policy that prior applicable prece dent usually must be followed even though the case, if considered anew, might be decided differently by the current justices. This policy, known as the doctrine of stare decisis, is based on the assumption that certainty, predictability and stability in t h e law are the major objectives of the legal system; i.e., that parties should be able to regulate their conduct and enter into relationships with reasonable assurance of the governing rules of law. It is likewise well established, however, that the forego ing policy is a flexible one which permits this court to reconsider, and ultimately to depart from, our own prior precedent in an appropriate case. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15535794 {\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Moradi-Shalal v. Fireman\rquote s Fund Ins. Cos., }{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 758 P.2d 58, cited approvingly in }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 Sierra Club v. San Joaquin Local Agency Formation Comm\rquote n., }{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 981 P.2d 543, 552 (Cal. 1999) (internal citatio}{\fs20\insrsid9249272 ns and quotation marks omitted);}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272 s}{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid7410650 ee also }{\i\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 People v. Quenga}{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 , that \'93 [w]hile we note our authority to modify pre-existing interpretations of our laws that have been determined by federal tribunals . . .}{\fs20\insrsid9249272 }{\fs20\insrsid9249272\charrsid3546841 [w]e will not divert from such precedents unless reason supports such deviation.\'94 1997 {\*\xmlopen\xmlns1{\factoidname place}}Guam{\*\xmlclose} 6 at \'b6 13 n.4.}{\fs20\insrsid9249272 \par }}}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [18]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Du enas contends that she should not be denied her day in court for the errors attributed to previous and present counsel. \'93 [E]ach party is deemed bound by the acts of his lawyer-agent and is considered to have notice of all facts, notice of which can be charged upon the attorney.\'94}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Link v. Wabash}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 370 U.S. 626, 634 (1962) (internal quotes and citations omitted); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 see also Pigford v. Veneman}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 292 F.3d 918, 926 (D.C. Cir. 2002) (stating there is a presumption of client accountability for attorney conduct, which i s less easily overcome when the client has freely chosen his attorney); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Garcia v. I.N.S.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 222 F.3d 1208, 1209 (9th Cir. 2000) (\'93In our system of representative litigation . . . each party is deemed bound by the acts of his lawyer-agent and is considered to have notice of all facts, notice of which can be charged upon the attorney.\'94); } {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Capital Dredge and Dock Corp. v. City of Detroit,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 800 F.2d 525, 533 (6th Cir. 1986) (\'93 The client is generally responsible for attorney}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15535794\charrsid747388 \rquote }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 s actions . . .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15535794\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .\'94).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [19]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Parkland}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , after finding that \'93 parties who may freely choose their attorneys should not be allowed to later avoid the ramification of the acts or omissions of their chosen counsel,\'94 this court cautioned that it is \'93a dangerous policy to allow a party to distance himse lf from the acts of his representative.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Parkland}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 8 \'b6 15.} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 But we have also recognized a reluctance to hold parties responsible for the errors of their legal representatives when the parties were \'93} {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 not being personally negligent themselves in the pursuit or defense of their case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'94}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Adams v. Duenas}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1998 Guam 15 \'b6 9 n.2, quoting }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Barber v. Tuberville,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 218 F.2d 34, 36 (D.C. Cir. 1954)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303205\charrsid747388 (emphasis added)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15535794\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Similarly, in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , we recognized that \'93although a party who chooses an attorney takes the risk of suffering from the attorney\rquote s incompetence,\'94 a record may exhibit \'93circumstances in which a client should [not] suffer the ultimate sanction of losing his case without any consideration of the merits because of his }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 attorney\rquote s neglect and inattention}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1998 Guam 14 \'b6 8 (citations omitted) (emphasis added). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [20]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Neither carelessness nor ignorance, ascribed to the party or party\rquote s attorney, may supply grounds for relief under 60(b)(1).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Engles on v. Burlington Northern R.R. Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 972 F.2d 1038, 1043 (9th Cir. 1992).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 A \'93plaintiff\rquote s entire lack of diligence and attention to the matter\'94 does not constitute excusable neglect.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Martella v. Marine Cooks Stewards Union, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 448 F.2d 729, 729 (9th Cir. 1971). }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [21]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , we found \'93a pattern of inexcusable neglect,\'94 where an attorney did not defend against an initial motion for summary judgment even though he was the counsel hired, where the attorney gave repeated assurances to his client that his case was proceeding forward when it was not, and where the attorney claimed the need for additional preparation time when another lawyer worked on the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 30 \'b6 21.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 It has also been stated that \'93[a]lthough attorney carelessness }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 can}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 constitute \lquote excusable neglect\rquote under Rule 60(b)(1), attorney inattentiveness to litigation is not excusable, no matter what the resulting consequences the attorney\rquote s somnolent behavior may have on a litigant.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Harrington}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 v. City of Chicago}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 433 F.3d 542, 546 (7th Cir. 2006) (internal quotation marks omitted) (emphasis added). }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [22]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93 Rule 60(b) is liberally applied in the default judgment context only in the exceptional circumstances where the events contributing to the default judgment have not been within the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 meaningful control}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 of the defaulting party, or its attorney.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 North Cent. Ill. Laborers\rquote Dist. Counsel v. S.J. Groves}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 842 F.2d 164, 167 (11th Cir. 1988) (internal citation and quotation marks omitted) (emphasis in original).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In reviewing a default after a failure to respond to a complaint, we determined in }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 that \'93it was within the trial court\rquote s discretion to grant relief when failure to meet a deadline could be attributed to the party\rquote s attorney.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 1998 Guam 14 \'b6\'b6 7,} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3364180\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 9, cited in }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Brown}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 30 \'b6 30.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 In a Rule 60(b)(1) context, a trial judge is afforded much discretion in evaluating an attorney\rquote s neglect.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Harrington}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 433 F.3d at 546.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Thus, our review is highly deferential.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [23]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The Superior Court noted that Duenas picked up her file from Hogan in December 1998 and did not attempt to litigate this case until April 29, 2002, when Wong filed the amended complaint. }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER} {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 12}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 at 3 (Dec. & Order). Wong did not enter an appearance in this case when he was retained in March 2001, and more than a year passed before he filed the amended complaint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Duenas had also not appeared }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 pro se }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 between December 1998 and March 2001, when she was without representation.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Moreover, Duenas offered no evidence as to her efforts to locate and retain counsel other than the statements that she could not get counsel to represent her.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Duenas had not even served Brady with notice of her complaint until after the complaint was dismissed, \'93some two and a half years after the statute of limitations would have run and over three and a half years after the action was filed.\'94 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The judge also found that Duenas failed to establish inadvertence or excusable neglect warranting Rule 60(b)(1) relief.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Id.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [24]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Whil e at least one court has found excusable neglect where a failure to prosecute was attributed to the withdrawal from the practice of law of an attorney, who overlooked the case at issue while terminating other cases, }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 De Chabert v. Wheatley}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 392 F.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3364180\charrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Supp 62, 63 (D.V.I. 1975), the facts here indicate that Hogan informed Duenas that he was leaving his practice and would not be able to continue handling the original complaint, and that Duenas picked up her file.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Although Attorney Hogan did not file a withdrawal of counsel, the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 C}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ourt attributes some of the inaction in this case to Duenas herself, noting her failure to enter a }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 pro se }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 appearance and to serve Brady with notice of her complaint, despite her awareness that she was without counsel for her pending complaint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The judge further observed that \'93[b]oth Ms. Duenas and Mr. Wong were aware of the pendency of this action but focused their efforts on obtaining disability retirement benefits.\'94 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2976931\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 12}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2976931\charrsid747388 at 1 (Dec. & Order).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 While both of the plaintiff\rquote s attorneys may have faltered, Duenas also failed to take steps to protect her interests.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [25]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93Rule 60(b) is not to be invoked to give relief to a party who has chosen a course of action which in retrospect appears unfortunate.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Edens v. Edens}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 109 P.3d 295, 302 (N.M. Ct. App. 2005) (internal quotation marks omitted)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303205\charrsid747388 ;}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9649200\charrsid747388 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303205\charrsid747388 Smith v. Widman Trucking & Excavating, Inc.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303205\charrsid747388 ,}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 627 F.2d 792}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7303205\charrsid747388 , 796}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93 Rule 60(b) cannot be used to relieve a party from the duty to take legal steps to protect his interests.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Edens, }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 109 P.3d at 302.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93Rule 60 does not relieve parties from strategic mistakes. \'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Tareco Properties v. Morriss}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 321 F.3d 545, 549 (6th Cir. 2003).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The de liberate decision of Duenas and Wong to focus on her claim for disability retirement benefits and not prosecute the complaint properly filed in the Superior Court does not afford her relief under Rule 60(b).}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [26]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The judge apparently found that the events contributing to the dismissal of the original complaint were within the \'93meaningful control\'94 of Duenas and Wong and that Duenas\rquote culpability was not excusable.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 See North Cent.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 842 F.2d at 167.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 There is sufficient evidence in the record to support the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 C}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ourt\rquote s findings that Duenas\rquote culpable acts led to the eventual dismissal of her claim for failure to prosecute.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ER, tab 7, Ex}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8258545\charrsid747388 .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 A (Duenas Decl.); ER, tab 7, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8258545\charrsid747388 Ex.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 2 (Wong Decl.).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8258545\charrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 We therefore cannot say that the judge abused his discretion in denying reconsideration of the grant of Brady\rquote s motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 60(b)(1). The extraordinary circumstances warranting Rule 60(b)(6) relief also do not exist in the present ca se because the judge apparently found that the dismissal of the original complaint resulted, at least partially, from conduct that was within Duenas\rquote control.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Duenas was not entirely faultless in her failure to prosecute her claims.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Therefore the judge\rquote s decision to deny the motion to set aside the prior dismissal was not an abuse of discretion based on an erroneous conclusion of law because Rule 60(b)(6) also does not provide Duenas with the relief sought. }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [27]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Due to the disjunctive nature of the }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 test and after finding Duenas\rquote culpable conduct led to the eventual dismissal of her claim, we need not reach the other }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Midsea}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 factors.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8258545\charrsid747388 Superior Court }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 did not abuse}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8258545\charrsid747388 its}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 discretion because }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749689\charrsid747388 its}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 conclusions of law were not erroneous and the record contains evidence providing reasonable support for its decision.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 This court therefore affirms the denial of the motion to set aside the dismissal of the original complaint for failure to prosecute.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 C.\tab Motion to Dismiss and for Summary Judgment}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [28]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The dismiss al of the original complaint for failure to prosecute was the underlying judgment that Duenas sought to set aside pursuant to Rule 60(b).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93 [A]n appeal from denial of Rule 60(b) relief does not bring up the underlying judgment for review.\'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Browder v. Director, Dep}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749689\charrsid747388 \rquote }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 t. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749689\charrsid747388 o}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 f Corrections}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 434 U.S. 257, 263 n.7 (1978); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 accord Parkland}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 2000 Guam 8 \'b6 5;}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Harman v. Harper, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 7 F.3d 1455, 1458 (9th Cir. 1993); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Kerrigan v. Gill}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 1996 WL 104517, *4.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 It would be inappropriate to consider the propriety of the underlying dismissal as part of our review of the denial of the motion to set aside. }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [29]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior C}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ourt also did not extensively address the merits of Brady\rquote s motion to dismiss the amended c omplaint and for summary judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Instead, the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9252345\charrsid747388 Superior C}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ourt concluded that Duenas failed to satisfy the requirements of Rule 60(b)(1) to set aside dismissal of the original complaint.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 ER}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13986546\charrsid747388 12}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 at 3}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11749689\charrsid747388 (Dec. & Order)}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 .}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The basis for dismissal of the amende d complaint was not the statute of limitations or failure of service, but mootness resulting from the denial of the motion to set aside based on Rule 60(b)(1).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \'93[O]nce the trial court dismissed the complaint, there was no action pending to amend.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Franklin v. State}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 488 S.E.2d 109, 110 (Ga. Ct. App. 1997); }{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 accord Madison-Hughes v. Shalala}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 , 80 F.3d 1121, 1131 (6th Cir. 1996) (where}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11867641\charrsid747388 the}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 district court had properly dismissed}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11867641\charrsid747388 the}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 case for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11867641\charrsid747388 the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 motion to amend was moot and dismissal was therefore proper).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Since the dismissal of the original complaint stands, the motions to dismiss the amended complaint and for summary judgment are moot because there is not an existing complaint on file to amend.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 V. CONCLUSION}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10355173\charrsid747388 [30]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \tab Although the court maintains its policy of deciding cases on their merits, none of the }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10564204\charrsid747388 Superior Court\rquote s}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 actions demonstrate an abuse of discretion.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 There is a clear record of delay that highlights the inattentiveness and lack of diligence of Duenas and her attorney.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 The Superior Court found that Duenas\rquote lack of diligence and inaction in prosecuting her claim for this prolonged length of time led to the dismissal of the original complaint and justified its denial of her motion to set aside the dismissal for failure to prosecute.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 We agree and therefore }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 AFFIRM}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 the }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10564204\charrsid747388 Superior Court\rquote s }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 ruling.}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388 }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 Because the dismissal of the original complaint stands, we do need to address the motions to dismiss the amended complaint or for summary judgment. \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4004557\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO \par Chief Justice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4004557\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 ROBERT J. TORRES}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4004557\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 Associate Justice}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4004557\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4004557\charrsid747388 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid747388 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 RICHARD H. BENSON}{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4004557\charrsid747388 \par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 Justice, }{\b\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid747388\charrsid747388 Pro Tempore}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626448\charrsid747388 \par }}