BRIDGING THE GAP Presented by KCBA Young Lawyers Division

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


TwoParables

•TheBoiler‐Efficiency


•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


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


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.


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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.


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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.


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.


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The“Pocket”Serve

•Servewithoutfiling•Gettheirattention,possiblenegotiations•Couplewithademandletter


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


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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


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.


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


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


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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…


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InitialStepsForFactIntensiveCase

•PutyourClientstowork•Clientsmakeatimeline•Clientsgatherkeydocuments

• Investinknowingthecontracts• Documents/emailsinathree‐ringbinder

•Clientsmakeawitnesslist• Commitflakeywitnessestodeclarations


DiscoveryWinningByAttrition

at·tri·tion \ə‐ˈtri‐shən,a‐\theactorprocessofweakeningandgraduallydefeatinganenemythroughconstantattacksandcontinuedpressureoveralongperiodoftime


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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.


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.


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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


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Depositions

•DepositionOutlines• Putthematease• Getwitnesstalking,ramblingtoanextentiso.k.• Getasmuchimpeachablestatementsaspossible

•Thenmultiple“PerryMasonMoments”•Savebitingquestionsfortheend


Depositions

•WhattoBring• Copyofhighlightedpleadings• Copyofhighlighteddiscoveryresponses• Keyhighlighteddocuments

• Contracts• Emails• Prepareddeclarations

•TakeCLE’sondepositionstrategy


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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


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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.


MotionPractice

•Eventhesimplestmotionscanbeexpensive…•Askyourselffourquestions….

• WhatamItryingtoaccomplish?• WhathappensifIdon’tdoanything?• Whatarethechancesofsuccess?• DoIhavemyclient’sinformedbuy‐in?


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DiscoveryMotions

• Beoverlyreasonablewithtiming• Puteverythinginwriting• RememberyourCR26(i)conferenceandwrittensummary• “Lastchance”emailwhenCR26(i)deadlinespass• “Pre‐warn”aboutterms• Seektermsfordraftingthemotion


SummaryJudgment

• Remembertoreserveit• Makesureyourevidenceis“tight”

• Bereadyfora“CR56(l)”

• Explaintoyourclient• Savethemmoneyattrial• Increaseleverageinnegotiations• Meetthejudge,butrememberjudgesswitch

• Toserveearly/nottoserveearly?• Pagelimitsbylocalrule• Client’spresenceisamust


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SummaryJudgment‐Facts

• Iliketobecreative,getthejudge’s/attorney’sattention• Ifyou’redealingwithinsurance/largecompany

• Theadjuster/clientwilllikelyreaditaswell

• Pleadingpaperisboring• Usegraphicsandillustrations

• Tellastory,makeitinteresting• Buildsympathyandequity


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


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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


SettlementAgreements

• Recitals&Incorporatethem• TheRecitalssetforthaboveareherebyincorporatedinthisAgreementbyreference.

• Dismissthelawsuit,withprejudice&withoutfeesorcosts• PaymentPlanSecurity

• ConfessionofJudgment• LiquidatedDamages• Deedoftrust• ESDSubpoena

• Representations/Warranties?Disclaimers?Covenants/Guarantees?• Indemnificationfromthirdpartyclaims


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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.


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.


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SettlementAgreements‐Boilerplate

• ThePartiestothisAgreementmayexecutethisAgreementincounterparts,eachofwhich,whenexecutedanddelivered,willbeanoriginal;butallsuchcounterpartswillconstituteoneandthesameinstrument. Facsimiletransmittalofanoriginalsignature,photocopyoforiginalsignature,orfacsimiletransmittalofphotocopyoforiginalsignatureisbindingandeffective.

• CaptionscontainedinthisAgreementareforreferencepurposeonly,andarenotintendedbyeitherpartytobroadenorlimitthescopeorintentoftheAgreementoranyofitsprovisions.

• TheprovisionsofthisAgreementwillbebindinguponandinuretothebenefitofthePartiesheretoandtheirrespectivesuccessors,assigns,heirsandadministrators.

• Thefailureofnon‐breachingPartytoseekreliefforthebreachingParty’sbreachofanydutyunderAgreement,willnotwaiveanyrightofthenon‐breachingPartytoseekreliefforanysubsequentbreach.

• ThePartieswilltakeallnecessaryandreasonablefurtheractsandexecuteallreasonablefurtherandnecessarydocumentsandinstrumentstoaffecttheintentofthisAgreement.


Trial/ArbitrationPrep

• Outlineevery“fact”andhowyouaregoingtogetitin• Oraltestimony,document,photograph,otherexhibit

• Seewhatstipulationsyoucanreachwithcounsel• Friendlywitnesses

• Callgetstory• Preparedirect• MeetFaceToFace,gooverdirect

• Reviewdepositions,emailslookforcrossmaterial• Mycrossexamination,Ijustwriteoutsentences

• Involveyourclient,makesuretheyknowtheyneedtobethere


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ThankYou

BRIDGING THE GAP Presented by KCBA Young Lawyers Division

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Transcript of BRIDGING THE GAP Presented by KCBA Young Lawyers Division