bridging the gap presented by kcba young lawyers division
TRANSCRIPT
BRIDGING THE GAP Presented by KCBA Young Lawyers Division
March 7, 2014 Table of Contents
Chapter 5
1:45-2:45pm
Litigating For Small Business Clients—Realities & Strategies Aric Bomsztyk, Barokas Martin & Tomlinson PowerPoint distributed at the program and also available for download in electronic format:
1. Litigating For Small Business Clients—Realities & Strategies
Electronic format only: 1. Example – Confession of Judgment 2. Example – Judicial Subpoena Duces Tecum
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LitigatingForSmallBusinessClients
AricBomsztyk
“Realities&Strategies”
March7,2014BarokasMartin&Tomlinson
(206)621‐1871– [email protected]
SmallBusinessLitigationRealities
•Youknowtheowners,notaninstitution•Tangiblepersonalrisk•Notnecessarilysophisticatedlegalconsumer•Sizeofdispute•Sizeofbudget•Emotions
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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SmallBusinessLitigationRealities
•Everyaction:• Isiteconomical?• Willitbeeffective?
•PeopleSkills‐BuildingTrust&Rapport• Understanding• Explanation• Responsiveness• Communication• Advocacy
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
TwoParables
•TheBoiler‐Efficiency
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
•TheSurgery‐Economy
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CanClientRecoupAttorneyFees?• ByContract‐RCW4.84.330
• “InanyactiononacontractorleaseenteredintoafterSeptember21,1977,wheresuchcontractorleasespecificallyprovidesthatattorneys'feesandcosts,whichareincurredtoenforcetheprovisionsofsuchcontractorlease,shallbeawardedtooneoftheparties,theprevailingparty,whetherheorsheisthepartyspecifiedinthecontractorleaseornot,shallbeentitledtoreasonableattorneys'feesinadditiontocostsandnecessarydisbursements.”
• Under$10,000‐RCW4.84.250• “Notwithstandinganyotherprovisionsofchapter4.84RCWandRCW12.20.060,inanyactionfordamageswheretheamountpleadedbytheprevailingpartyashereinafterdefined,exclusiveofcosts,isseventhousandfivehundreddollarsorless,thereshallbetaxedandallowedtotheprevailingpartyasapartofthecostsoftheactionareasonableamounttobefixedbythecourtasattorneys'fees.AfterJuly1,1985,themaximumamountofthepleadingunderthissectionshallbetenthousanddollars.”
• SpecificCausesOfAction‐ReviewRCW18,19&60• TradeSecrets‐RCW19.108.040• BusinessOpportunityFraudAct‐RCW19.110.130• Liens‐RCWTitle60
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
CanClientRecoupAttorneyFees?• ConsumerProtectionAct‐RCW19.86
• Canbeusedbybusinesses:Sign‐O‐LiteSignsInc.v.DeLaurentiFloristsInc.,64Wash.App.553,825P.2d714(1992)• PrevailingPlaintiffOnly:Satov.Century21OceanShoresRealEstate, 101Wash.2d599,681P.2d242(1984)
• KeepInMindOtherPrevailingPartyOnlyStatutes• WageClaims‐RCW49.52.070• DiscriminationClaims
• Insurance• Propertydamage• Businessinterruption/lostprofits• Harassment/discrimination
• IndemnityRelationshipsAric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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BeforeYouDraftTheComplaint
•Howmuchnegotiationhasoccurred?•Howunreasonableistheothersidebeing?•Doestheothersidehaveanattorney?•Timing•Pickingupthephone•Clientsthankfulforsolvingwithoutasuit
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
WhatVenue…DistrictCourt?
• ExpeditedDiscovery‐CRLJ26• LimitsonamountsofInterrogatories• FarLessRFP’s(8)&RFA’s(15)• Depositions
• (1)Apartymaytakethedepositionofanyotherparty,unlessthecourtordersotherwise.• (2)Eachpartymaytakethedepositionoftwoadditionalpersonswithoutpriorpermissionofthecourt.ThedepositionshallconformtotheprovisionsofCR30.
• TimeforDiscovery‐CRLJ26(g)• Twenty‐onedaysaftertheserviceofthesummonsandcomplaint,orcounterclaim,orcross‐complaint,theservedpartymaydemandthediscoverysetforthinsections(a)‐‐(d)ofthisrule,orrequestadditionaldiscoverypursuanttosection(e)ofthisrule.Unlessagreedbythepartiesandwiththepermissionofthecourt,alldiscoveryshallbecompletedwithin60daysofthedemand,or90daysofserviceofthesummonsandcomplaint,orcounterclaim,orcrosscomplaint,whicheverislonger.
• HowDiscoverytoBeConducted‐CRLJ26(f)• AnydiscoveryauthorizedpursuanttothisruleshallbeconductedinaccordancewithSuperiorCourtCivilRules26through37,asgovernedbyCRLJ26.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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WhatVenue…DistrictCourt?
• JurisdictionalLimitations‐‐ RCW3.66.020• $75,000• Notcleariftheycanissuedeclaratoryjudgments• OtherstatuesrequireclaimstobebroughtinSuperiorCourt
•SummonsIsDifferent
•Don’thavetechnologyorresourcesofSuperiorCtAric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
WhatVenue…SuperiorCourt<$50K?• TheHeartofMAR5.3
• (c)RulesofEvidence,Generally. TheextenttowhichtheRulesofEvidencewillbeappliedshallbedeterminedintheexerciseofdiscretionofthearbitrator.TheRulesofEvidence,totheextentdeterminedbythearbitratortobeapplicable,shouldbeliberallyconstruedinordertopromotejustice.Thepartiesshouldstipulatetotheadmissionofevidencewhenthereisnogenuineissueastoitsrelevanceorauthenticity.
• (d)CertainDocumentsPresumedAdmissible. Thedocumentslistedbelow,ifrelevant,arepresumedadmissibleatanarbitrationhearing,butonlyif(1)thepartyofferingthedocumentservesonallpartiesanotice,accompaniedbyacopyof thedocumentandthename,addressandtelephonenumberofitsauthorormaker,atleast14dayspriortothehearinginaccordancewithMAR5.2;and(2)thepartyofferingthedocumentsimilarlyfurnishesallotherrelateddocumentsfromthesameauthorormaker.Thisruledoesnotrestrictargumentorproofrelatingtotheweightoftheevidenceadmitted,nordoesitrestrictthearbitrator'sauthoritytodeterminetheweightoftheevidenceafterhearingalloftheevidenceandtheargumentsofopposingparties.Thedocumentspresumedadmissibleunderthisruleare:
• (1)Abill,report,chart,orrecordofahospital,doctor,dentist,registerednurse,licensedpracticalnurse,physicaltherapist,psychologistorotherhealthcareprovider,onaletterheadorbillhead;
• (2)Abillfordrugs,medicalappliancesorotherrelatedexpensesonaletterheadorbillhead;• (3)Abillfor,oranestimateof,propertydamageonaletterheadorbillhead.Inthecaseofanestimate,thepartyintendingtooffertheestimateshallforwardwiththenoticetotheadversepartyastatementindicatingwhetherornotthepropertywasrepaired,andifitwas,whethertheestimatedrepairsweremadeinfullorinpart,attachingacopyofthereceiptedbillshowingtheitemsofrepairandtheamountpaid;
• (4)Apolice,weather,wageloss,ortrafficsignalreport,orstandardUnitedStatesgovernmentlifeexpectancytabletotheextentitisadmissibleundertheRulesofEvidence,butwithouttheneedforformalproofofauthenticationoridentification;
• (5)Aphotograph,videotape,x‐ray,drawing,map,blueprintorsimilardocumentaryevidence,totheextentitisadmissibleundertheRulesofEvidence,butwithouttheneedforformalproofofauthenticationoridentification;
• (6)Thewrittenstatementofanyotherwitness,includingthewrittenreportofanexpertwitness,andincludingastatementofopinionwhichthewitnesswouldbeallowedtoexpressiftestifyinginperson,ifitismadebyaffidavitorbydeclarationunderpenaltyofperjury;
• (7)Adocumentnotspecificallycoveredbyanyoftheforegoingprovisionsbuthavingequivalentcircumstantialguarantiesoftrustworthiness,theadmissionofwhichwouldservetheinterestsofjustice.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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WhatVenue…SuperiorCourt<$50K?
•MAR“DeNovo”Appeals• MAR7.1(a)ServiceandFiling.
• Anyaggrievedpartynothavingwaivedtherighttoappealmayrequestatrialdenovointhesuperiorcourt.
• MAR7.2(b)(1)• Thetrialdenovoshallbeconductedasthoughnoarbitrationproceedinghadoccurred.Noreferenceshallbemadetothearbitrationaward,inanypleading,brief,orotherwrittenororalstatementtothetrialcourtorjuryeitherbeforeorduringthetrial,nor,inajurytrial,shallthejurybeinformedthattherehasbeenanarbitrationproceeding.
• MAR7.3• Thecourtshallassesscostsandreasonableattorneyfeesagainstapartywhoappealstheawardandfailstoimprovetheparty'spositiononthetrialdenovo.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
WhatVenue…SmallClaimsCourt?
•SmallClaimsCourt• Suitsunder$5,000• Mustbearesidentofthecounty• Cancollectattorneyfees‐RCW12.40.105
• Ifthelosingpartyfailstopaythejudgmentwithinthirtydaysorwithintheperiodotherwiseorderedbythecourt,thejudgmentshallbeincreasedby:(1)AnamountsufficienttocovercostsofcertificationofthejudgmentunderRCW12.40.110;(2)theamountspecifiedinRCW36.18.012(2);and(3)anyothercostsincurredbytheprevailingpartytoenforcethejudgment,includingbutnotlimitedtoreasonableattorneys'fees,withoutregardtothejurisdictionallimitsonthesmallclaimsdepartment.
• TransfertoSuperiorCourtforenforcement‐RCW12.40.110(3)• Transcriptsofsuchjudgmentsmaybefiledandenteredinjudgmentliendocketsinsuperiorcourtswithlikeeffectasinothercases.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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The“Pocket”Serve
•Servewithoutfiling•Gettheirattention,possiblenegotiations•Couplewithademandletter
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Complaints
• NoticePleadingState• Washingtonisanoticepleadingstate.UnderCR8(a),theonlyrequirementforacomplaintorotherclaimforrelief(counterclaim,crossclaim,orthirdpartyclaim)isthatitmustcontain(1)ashortandplainstatementoftheclaimshowingthatthepleaderisentitledtorelief,and(2)ademandforjudgmentforthereliefclaimed.
• Pleadingsaretobeconstruedliberally;ifacomplaintstatesfactsentitlingtheplaintifftosomereliefitisimmaterialbywhatnametheactioniscalled. Simpsonv.State,26Wash.App.687,615P.2d1297(1980).
• PleadInTheAlternative• Reliefinthealternative,orofseveraldifferenttypes,maybedemanded.
• Alwayseasiertopleadthantoadd• CPA,IndividualLiability
• BoilerPlate• Endyourpleadingsthesamewayeverytimewithaprayerforrelief• Remembertoplead—prejudgmentandpostjudgmentinterest,attorneyfeesandcosts
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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You’veBeenServed
• Firstthing,veryfirstthing,sendanemail• “Myclient,AcmeInc.,hasreceivedyourcomplaint. Iwillbefilingmynoticeofappearanceincourtintheaboveaction. Inthemeantime,pleaseconsiderthismynoticeofappearanceandserveallfuturepleadingsonme.”
• Morinv.Burris,160Wash.2d745,161P.3d956(2007)• Pre‐litigationcontactsareinsufficienttoestablishanappearanceentitlingdefendanttonoticeofmotionfordefault.
• Itappearstousthatmereintenttodefend,whethershownbeforeorafteracaseisfiled,isnotenough;thedefendantmustgobeyondmerelyacknowledgingthatadispute existsandinsteadacknowledgethatadisputeexistsincourt.
• FiletheNoticeofAppearance
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
TheNoticeOfAppearance
•Pickupthephone…
• ifvoicemail,setupatimetospeak…Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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AnsweringtheComplaint
• Admitnothing.• Repeatwhatyouwould“admit”inyourownwords.Denytherest.
• Mr.SmithlivesinSeattle,WA.Unlessspecificallyadmittedabove,DefendantsdenythereallegationsandincorporationcontainedinParagraphs1.1
• Usethefollowingstockphrases• DefendantsarewithoutsufficientinformationtoadmitordenytheallegationscontainedinParagraph1.1ofPlaintiff ’sComplaintandthereforedenythesame.
• TheallegationsincontainedwithinParagraph1.1ofPlaintiff ’sComplaintcallforlegalconclusionsthataredeniedtotheextentthatlegalconclusionsrequireanyresponseatall.
• DefendantsdenytheallegationscontainedinParagraph1.1ofPlaintiff ’sComplaint.
• Unlessspecificallyadmittedabove,DefendantsdenythereallegationsandincorporationcontainedinParagraphs1.1
• ThetermsofanydocumentsreferencedbyPlaintiffspeakforthemselves.Exceptasspecificallyadmittedherein,DefendantsdenytheremainingallegationsofParagraph1.1ofPlaintiffs’Complaint.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Top“110”AffirmativeDefenses• Accord&Satisfaction
• ActofGod
• ActionPrematurelyBrought
• Active&PassiveNegligence
• AdvancePayments
• AdversePossession
• AnotherActionPending
• Arbitration(andAward)
• AssumptionofRisk– ExpressConsent
• AssumptionofRisk– WillfulandWanton
• BreachofConditionSubsequent
• BreachofContract
• BreachofContractbyPlaintiff&SubsequentAgreement
• BreachofWarrantyofHabitability
• CapacityofRightofPartytoSueorbeSued
• CircuityofAction
• ClaimofTitle
• ClaimPre‐EmptedbyFederalLaw
• CollateralEstoppel
• ContributoryFault
• ContributoryGrossNegligence
• ContributoryNegligence
• ContributoryNegligence– Intoxication
• ContributoryWantonandWillfulMisconduct
• DeceptionDoctrine
• DefamationLitigationDefenses
• DefectofParties
• DefectiveAcknowledgment
• DefenseofThirdPerson
• NonperformanceofConditionPrecedent
• DelaybyPlaintiff
• DischargedinBankruptcy
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Top“110”AffirmativeDefenses• Disclaimer
• Discrimination
• Duress
• ElectionofAlternativeRemedies
• Estoppel
• ExceptionalCircumstances
• ExtensionofTimeforPayment
• FailureofConsideration
• FailureofthePlaintifftoMitigateDamages
• FailuretoComplywithStatutoryProvisions
• FailuretoExhaustAdministrativeRemedies
• FailuretoFileaClaim
• FailuretoJoinaPartyUnderRule9
• FailuretoMitigateDamages
• FailuretoPerformaConditionPrecedent
• FailuretoRaiseaCompulsoryCounterclaiminanEarlierAction
• FailuretoStateaClaim
• FailuretoSubmitProofofLoss
• FairEmploymentandHousing
• FaultofaNonparty
• FleeingandForciblyResistingArrest
• ForeignLaw
• Fraud
• Illegality
• Immunity
• Impossibility
• ImproperCourt
• ImproperServiceofThePre‐evictionNotice
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Top“110”AffirmativeDefenses• ImproperVenue
• IncompetencyofDefendant
• IndustrialInsuranceAct
• InjurybyFellowServant
• InsufficiencyofProcess
• InsufficiencyofServiceofProcess
• InsuranceDefense
• Justification
• Laches
• LackofAuthority
• LackofJurisdictionOverthePerson
• LackofJurisdictionOvertheSubjectMatter
• License
• LiquidationDamages
• MistakeofFact
• MistakeofLaw
• NoLandlord‐ TenantRelationship• Novation• MisuseofProduct• PatentLitigationDefenses• Payment• PossessionNotatIssue• PreventionofPerformancebyPlaintiff• Privilege• PrivilegedCommunications• ProductsLiability• PublicDutyDoctrine• Ratification• Rescission• Release• ResJudicata• Retaliation
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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Top“110”AffirmativeDefenses• Setoff
• SpecialAgreement
• SpecificPerformance
• StatuteofFrauds
• StatuteofLimitations
• SuddenEmergency
• UltraIllness
• UltraVires
• UnavoidableorInevitableCircumstances
• UncleanHands
• Unconscionability
• UnenforceableServicesContract
• Usury
• Waiver
• Worker’sCompensation
• Other…..Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Counterclaim/Crossclaim/3rdComplaint
•Easiertopleadnow,thentoamendyourpleading•Don’twait…
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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InitialStepsForFactIntensiveCase
•PutyourClientstowork•Clientsmakeatimeline•Clientsgatherkeydocuments
• Investinknowingthecontracts• Documents/emailsinathree‐ringbinder
•Clientsmakeawitnesslist• Commitflakeywitnessestodeclarations
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
DiscoveryWinningByAttrition
at·tri·tion \ə‐ˈtri‐shən,a‐\theactorprocessofweakeningandgraduallydefeatinganenemythroughconstantattacksandcontinuedpressureoveralongperiodoftime
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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RequestforProduction
• "Document” isusedinitsbroadestpermissiblesenseconsistentwiththeCivilRulesandreferstoeverywritingorrecordorcomputermemoryofeverytypeanddescriptionthatisorhasbeeninthepossession,controlorcomputermemoryofeverytypeanddescriptionthatisorhasbeeninthepossession,control,orcustodyofYou,ofwhichYouhaveknowledgeortowhichYouhaveaccess,includingwithoutlimitation,contracts,agreements,correspondence,memoranda,stenographicorhandwrittennotes,e‐mail,sreports,records,telegrams,schedules,diaries,notebooks,logbooks,invoices,accountingrecords,worksheets,charts,notes,drafts,minutesofmeetings,tabulations,computations,summaries,inventories,andwritingsregardingconferences,conversationsortelephoneconversation,audioandvisualrecords,visualdisplays,photographs,microfilm,microfiche,computerrecordsandallothertaped,recorded,computerized,written,printed,ortypedmattersofanykindordescription,everycopyofanyoftheforegoing,regardlessofwhethersuchcopyisacopyidenticaltoanoriginalandregardlessofwhethersuchcopycontainsanycommentaryornotationwhatsoeverthatdoesnotappearontheoriginal.
• REQUESTFORPRODUCTIONNO.1: ProduceallDocumentsandcorrespondencethatYoucontendsupport,relate,orrefertoanydenial,demuroraffirmativedefenseinyourAnswer.
• REQUESTFORPRODUCTIONNO.2: ProduceallDocumentsandcorrespondencethatYoucontendsupportsany(counter)claimthatYouhavemade.
• REQUESTFORPRODUCTIONNO.3: Totheextentnotalreadyproduced,produceeachandeveryDocumentorcorrespondencewhichrefersto,isinanywayrelatedto,formsthebasisof,orsupports/substantiatesinanyway,inwholeorinpartYouranswerstotheprecedingInterrogatories.
• REQUESTFORPRODUCTIONNO.4: ProduceallDocuments,correspondenceand/oranyotherevidence,notpreviouslyproducedthatrelate,referarerelevantinanywaytothislawsuit.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Interrogatories
• INTERROGATORYNO.6: Priortothislawsuit,haveYoueverbeeninvolvedasapartyorawitnesstoanylawsuit,administrativeproceeding,orlegalproceedingofanytype?Ifyouranswerisanythingotherthananunqualifiedno,pleaseDescribethenatureofeachsuchlawsuitandyourroleinthelawsuitincluding(i)thenamesofplaintiffsanddefendantsin thelawsuit(ii)thenameofthecourtinwhichthelawsuitwasfiledandthecausenumber(iii)thenatureoftheclaiminvolved and(iv)themannerinwhichthelawsuitwasresolved.
• INTERROGATORYNO.7: InParagraph10.4ofYourAnswer,attachedtotheseinterrogatoriesandrequestsforproduction,Youassertthefollowingallegations(10.4‐Allegations)towit…….Foreach10.4‐AllegationpleaseDescribe(i)anyandallfactsthatrelate,pertainorwouldsubstantiateeachsuch10.4‐Allegationand(ii)anyandallindividualswithanyknowledgeofthefactsrelatingtoeach10.4‐Allegation(includingadescriptionofeachsuchindividual’sknowledgeand/orthesubstanceoftheknowledgeyoubelievesuchindividualmayhave)and(iii)theamountofmonetarydamagesYouareclaimingYousufferedattributedtothatspecific10.4‐ Allegation.
• INTERROGATORYNO.9: FortheAffirmativeDefensesYouhaveasserted(¶8.1through¶8.11ofYourAnswer)pleaseidentifythefollowingseparatelyastoeachaffirmativedefense(i)anyandallfactsthatrelate,pertainorwouldsubstantiateeachsuchaffirmativedefenseand(ii)anyandallindividualswithanyknowledgeofthefactsrelatingtoeachdefense(includingadescriptionofeachsuchindividual’sknowledgeand/orthesubstanceoftheknowledgeyoubelievesuchindividualmayhave.)
• INTERROGATORYNO.10: Listthename,addressandtelephonenumberofeachexpertyouintendtocallasawitnessattrial.Foreachexpert,statethesubjectmatteronwhichtheexpertisexpectedtotestify.Statethesubstanceofthefactsandopinionstowhichtheexpertisexpectedtotestifyandasummaryofthegroundsforeachopinion.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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RequestForAdmissions
• DocumentAuthentication/Signatures• AffirmativeDefenses‐ServiceofProcess,StatuteofLimitations• Simplequestions• Rememberyour30Daytimelimit‐CR36(a)• Rememberyourclientdoesnotneedtosign• CR37(c)attorneyfees
• ExpensesonFailuretoAdmit.Ifapartyfailstoadmitthegenuinenessofanydocumentorthetruthofanymatterasrequestedunderrule36,andifthepartyrequestingtheadmissionsthereafterprovesthegenuinenessofthedocumentorthetruthofthematter,hemayapplytothecourtforanorderrequiringtheotherpartytopayhimthereasonableexpensesincurredinmakingthatproof,includingreasonableattorneyfees.Thecourtshallmaketheorderunlessitfindsthat(1)therequestwasheldobjectionablepursuanttorule36(a),or(2)theadmissionsoughtwasofnosubstantialimportance,or(3)thepartyfailingtoadmithadreasonablegroundtobelievethefactwasnottrueorthedocumentwasnotgenuine,or(4)therewasothergoodreasonforthefailuretoadmit.
•Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Depositions
•Expensive,makethemworththeirwhile•Goals—writethemout—sendtoclient•Mandatoryclientpresence• InformalGoals
• Getasenseofwitness• Getasenseofotherattorney• Lettheotherattorneygetasenseofyou
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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Depositions
•DepositionOutlines• Putthematease• Getwitnesstalking,ramblingtoanextentiso.k.• Getasmuchimpeachablestatementsaspossible
•Thenmultiple“PerryMasonMoments”•Savebitingquestionsfortheend
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Depositions
•WhattoBring• Copyofhighlightedpleadings• Copyofhighlighteddiscoveryresponses• Keyhighlighteddocuments
• Contracts• Emails• Prepareddeclarations
•TakeCLE’sondepositionstrategy
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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The30(b)(6)Deposition
•Getthe“Correct”Person•CR30(b)(6)states:
• “Apartymayinhisnoticeandinasubpoenanameasthedeponentapublicorprivatecorporationorapartnershiporassociationorgovernmentalagencyanddesignatewithreasonableparticularitythemattersonwhichexaminationisrequested.”
• “Asubpoenashalladviseanonpartyorganizationofitsdutytomakesuchadesignation.Thepersonssodesignatedshalltestifyastothemattersknownorreasonablyavailabletotheorganization.” Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
TheExpert
•ProfessionalExpert• Expensive• Knowsthedrill• Evidentiaryadvantages• Bringsindustryinsight
•“Infrequent”Expert• Inexpensive• There’san“authentic”appeal• Evidentiaryadvantages• Bringsindustryinsight
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
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Experts’EvidentiaryAdvantages
• ER703• Thefactsordataintheparticularcaseuponwhichanexpertbasesanopinionorinferencemaybethoseperceivedbyormadeknowntotheexpertatorbeforethehearing.Ifofatypereasonablyrelieduponbyexpertsintheparticularfieldinformingopinionsorinferencesuponthesubject,thefactsordataneednotbeadmissibleinevidence.
• Applicationtopermitexpertopinionbaseduponhearsay• InGroupHealthCo‐op.v.DOR,106Wash.2d391(1986)
• AnactioninwhichGroupHealthsoughtarefundofbusinessandoccupationtaxes,thetrialcourtproperlyallowedanexpertintheareaofwageandsalarystudiestotestifythatGroupHealthexecutiveswerepaidsalariescomparabletosalariespaidtolikepositionsinpublicservice,wheretheexpert'stestimonywasbaseduponhisownstudies,whichinturnwerebaseduponGroupHealth'sorganizationalcharts,jobdescriptions,andsalaryrecords,anduponinterviewsconductedbytheexpert'sassistants.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
MotionPractice
•Eventhesimplestmotionscanbeexpensive…•Askyourselffourquestions….
• WhatamItryingtoaccomplish?• WhathappensifIdon’tdoanything?• Whatarethechancesofsuccess?• DoIhavemyclient’sinformedbuy‐in?
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
2/27/2014
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DiscoveryMotions
• Beoverlyreasonablewithtiming• Puteverythinginwriting• RememberyourCR26(i)conferenceandwrittensummary• “Lastchance”emailwhenCR26(i)deadlinespass• “Pre‐warn”aboutterms• Seektermsfordraftingthemotion
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
SummaryJudgment
• Remembertoreserveit• Makesureyourevidenceis“tight”
• Bereadyfora“CR56(l)”
• Explaintoyourclient• Savethemmoneyattrial• Increaseleverageinnegotiations• Meetthejudge,butrememberjudgesswitch
• Toserveearly/nottoserveearly?• Pagelimitsbylocalrule• Client’spresenceisamust
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
2/27/2014
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SummaryJudgment‐Facts
• Iliketobecreative,getthejudge’s/attorney’sattention• Ifyou’redealingwithinsurance/largecompany
• Theadjuster/clientwilllikelyreaditaswell
• Pleadingpaperisboring• Usegraphicsandillustrations
• Tellastory,makeitinteresting• Buildsympathyandequity
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
SummaryJudgment‐Movant’sArgument
• Don’twastetimeonlengthydiscussionson“lawofSJ”• Explain yourkeycases• Use“directquotes”ratherthanparaphrase• Ifit’sagreatquote,andrepeated,stringcitesappropriate• Ifyouknowwhatthedefenseis‐‐absolutelydrawthesting
• Thenyoucanrefineonyourreply
• Whitev.KentMedicalCenter,61Wash.App.163,810P.2d4(1991)• Summaryjudgmentmovant'sinitialburdenofshowingabsenceofissueofmaterialfactcanbemetbyshowingthereisabsenceofevidencesupportingnonmovant'scase,andmovantisnotrequiredtosupportsuchmotionbyaffidavitsorothermaterialsnegatingnonmovant'scase.
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SummaryJudgment‐Nonmovant
• Klinkev.FamousRecipeFriedChicken,94Wash.2d255(1980)• Agenuineissueoffactexists,thusprecludingsummaryjudgment,whenreasonablemindscouldreachdifferentfactualconclusionsafterconsideringtheevidence.Whenreasonablemindscoulddiffer,themotionshouldbedeniedandthecaseshouldgototrial.Reviewtheirdeclarations
• CR56(e)• Personalknowledge.Declarationbasedupon“informationandbelief”isinsufficient.• Declarationmustbelimitedto“suchfactsaswouldbeadmissibleinevidence.
• CR56(f),“buyingtime”• Turnthetables,moveforSJinyourresponse
• Rubenserv.Felice,58Wash.2d862,365P.2d320(1961)
• Don’tignoreanargumentAric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
SummaryJudgmentOralArgument
• Yourclientneedstobethere• Twobinders
• Oneargumentoutline• Onewithpleadings,thenkeycases
• Roadmapforthejudge• Byoralargument,issuesshouldberefined
• Useyourtimewisely• Iftheyignoredargument(s),oralargumentisyourtimetoemphasize• Visualaids
• Arriveearly,observejudgesupervisingcourtroom/argument
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
2/27/2014
21
Mediation
• Mediator• Crediblemediator,gowiththeirpick• Toughandhardworkingmediator
• Prepareatrialbudgetforyourclient• Evidentiaryorganization‐ER904,WitnessPrep,ExaminationPrep,Motions/Briefs• Conferences,Misc.• DailyTrialFee
• Organizationv.Solo• MediationLetter
• Insurance,Banks,detailed&exchange,theycomewithauthority• Smallbusinesses,short&donotexchange,theycanmakeauthority
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
SettlementAgreements
• Recitals&Incorporatethem• TheRecitalssetforthaboveareherebyincorporatedinthisAgreementbyreference.
• Dismissthelawsuit,withprejudice&withoutfeesorcosts• PaymentPlanSecurity
• ConfessionofJudgment• LiquidatedDamages• Deedoftrust• ESDSubpoena
• Representations/Warranties?Disclaimers?Covenants/Guarantees?• Indemnificationfromthirdpartyclaims
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
2/27/2014
22
SettlementAgreements
• ThePartiesshallreleaseandforeverdischargeoneanother,andeachoftheotherParties’pastandpresentagents,attorneys,employees,shareholders,members,owners,consultants,directors,officers,parentcorporations,subsidiarycorporations,affiliatedcorporations,andsuccessorsandassignsfromandagainstanyandallclaims,actions,liabilities,causesofaction,suits,proceedings,accounts,contractsanddemands(collectively“Claims”)ofanykindornaturetheanyPartyhad,nowhas,ormayatanytimeinthefuturehave,knownorunknown,vestedorcontingent,againstoneanotherthatare,directlyorindirectly,basedupon,relatedtoorarisingoutof,facts,circumstancesorrelationshipsofanykindornature,whatsoeverthatoccurredpriortothedateofthisAgreement.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
SettlementAgreements‐Boilerplate
• EachPartyhashadtheopportunitytoconsultwiththeirownindependentcounsel.ThisAgreementwasdraftedbybothParties.Therulesofcontraproferentem shallnotapplytotheinterpretationorconstructionofthisAgreementandincaseofadisputethetermsoftheAgreementshouldbeconstruedneutrallyandnotagainstthedrafter.
• Intheeventofanydisputeover,relatingorreferringtothisAgreement,includingbutnotlimitedtocollectionsactions,breachofAgreementactions,declaratoryjudgmentactionsorequitableinjunctionactionstheprevailingpartywillbeentitledtoitsreasonablelegalcosts,expertfees,andattorneys’fees.
• Theconstruction,validityandperformanceofthisAgreementwillbegovernedby,andconstruedinaccordancewith,thelawsofthestateofWashington.AllpartiesherebysubmittothejurisdictionofWashingtonstatecourts.ThevenueforalldisputesshallexclusivelyresideinthecourtsofKingCounty,Washington.
• Ifanyterm,clauseorprovisionofAgreementisheldinvalidorunenforceablebyacourtofcompetentjurisdiction,suchinvaliditywillnotaffectthevalidityoroperationofanyotherterm,clauseorprovisionandsuchinvalidterm,clauseorprovisionwillbedeemedtobeseveredfromtheAgreement.
• ThisAgreementconstitutestheentireunderstandingoftheParties,andsupersedesallpriorAgreementsbetweentheParties,andwillnotbemodifiedoramendedexceptinwritingsignedbybothParties.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
2/27/2014
23
SettlementAgreements‐Boilerplate
• ThePartiestothisAgreementmayexecutethisAgreementincounterparts,eachofwhich,whenexecutedanddelivered,willbeanoriginal;butallsuchcounterpartswillconstituteoneandthesameinstrument. Facsimiletransmittalofanoriginalsignature,photocopyoforiginalsignature,orfacsimiletransmittalofphotocopyoforiginalsignatureisbindingandeffective.
• CaptionscontainedinthisAgreementareforreferencepurposeonly,andarenotintendedbyeitherpartytobroadenorlimitthescopeorintentoftheAgreementoranyofitsprovisions.
• TheprovisionsofthisAgreementwillbebindinguponandinuretothebenefitofthePartiesheretoandtheirrespectivesuccessors,assigns,heirsandadministrators.
• Thefailureofnon‐breachingPartytoseekreliefforthebreachingParty’sbreachofanydutyunderAgreement,willnotwaiveanyrightofthenon‐breachingPartytoseekreliefforanysubsequentbreach.
• ThePartieswilltakeallnecessaryandreasonablefurtheractsandexecuteallreasonablefurtherandnecessarydocumentsandinstrumentstoaffecttheintentofthisAgreement.
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]
Trial/ArbitrationPrep
• Outlineevery“fact”andhowyouaregoingtogetitin• Oraltestimony,document,photograph,otherexhibit
• Seewhatstipulationsyoucanreachwithcounsel• Friendlywitnesses
• Callgetstory• Preparedirect• MeetFaceToFace,gooverdirect
• Reviewdepositions,emailslookforcrossmaterial• Mycrossexamination,Ijustwriteoutsentences
• Involveyourclient,makesuretheyknowtheyneedtobethere
Aric Bomsztyk, Esq. ∙ (206) 621‐1871 ∙ [email protected]