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ABI Journal

California

There’s Reciprocal Fee-Shifting in California When a Contract Has Unilateral Fee-Shifting

In California, bringing litigation with a marginal possibility of success could be a bad bet whenever a contract permits one side to recover attorneys’ fees.

In Sub V, No Compensation for a Rehearing Motion Contrary to Circuit Authority

After the court had denied contract assumption, there was no compensation for keeping assumption alive pending appeal.

In Pari Delicto Defense Doesn’t Apply to a Trustee Exercising Avoidance Powers

Because a trustee suing to recover a fraudulent transfer is acting in the interest of creditors, not the debtor, the in pari delicto defense does not apply, says Bankruptcy Judge Scott Clarkson.

Sex Abuse Victims to Have a Private Conference with the Judge and the Catholic Bishop

Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Klein said it was ‘nonsense’ to argue that ‘a Bankruptcy Court lacks authority to permit survivor statements to be made to the Court and to the Bishop.’

Judge Christopher Klein Writes ‘Cliffs Notes’ on Transferring Venue of Related Cases

In transferring venue of a related case under Rule 1014(b), the bankruptcy court can move sua sponte and need not await a venue motion by a creditor or party in interest.

Circuits Are Split on Assuming a Franchise Agreement when the Franchisor Objects

Once affirmed in the Ninth Circuit, the debtor could file a petition for certiorari to resolve an important circuit split on assumption of intellectual property contracts.

Owning a Marijuana Business Doesn’t Disqualify the Owner from Being in Chapter 7

Bankruptcy Judge Montali didn’t toss an individual out of chapter 7 just because he owned two LLCs that sold marijuana at retail.

Federal Government Doesn’t Have Sovereign Immunity to Avoid Contempt Sanctions

Bankruptcy Judge Scott Clarkson nailed the government with $38,000 in sanctions for a ‘willful’ violation of a discovery order shown by ‘clear and convincing evidence.’

May a Trustee Attach a Preference Defendant’s Property Before Judgment?

If the requisites for a preliminary injunction are met, a trustee might be able to freeze some of a preference defendant’s assets when a prejudgment attachment is not available.

Cursing the Debtor by Itself Isn’t a Violation of the Automatic Stay

A vulgarity directed at the debtor wasn’t a stay violation absent an act designed to collect a debt.