We are proud to announce a significant victory for our client in a complex family business dispute involving the control and management of a valuable Los Angeles real estate asset.
Our client, a longtime officer and property manager of the family corporation, was wrongfully terminated after his aunt seized control of the company. She then initiated litigation against him, seeking to exclude him from the business and its benefits. We responded aggressively, securing a series of discovery sanctions—including striking the cross-complaint, monetary penalties, and evidentiary sanctions—due to the opposing party’s egregious discovery violations.
At trial, we pursued four causes of action:
- Malicious Prosecution: The court found that the aunt initiated prior litigation without authority, probable cause, or a legitimate purpose, and did so with malice. The court awarded our client damages, including attorneys’ fees.
- Unjust Enrichment: The court concluded that our client was entitled to compensation for his role in managing and renovating the property, awarding him 15% of the renovation costs.
- Intentional Interference with Contractual Relations: The evidence showed that the aunt’s actions intentionally disrupted valid agreements, causing direct harm to our client.
- Intentional Interference with Prospective Economic Relations: The court found that the aunt’s conduct also interfered with our client’s future business opportunities.
The court’s decision was resounding: we prevailed on all claims. The judge found substantial evidence of fraudulent and malicious conduct by the opposing party, justifying a punitive damages award. The court also ordered prejudgment interest and included outstanding monetary sanctions in the judgment.
This result underscores our commitment to protecting clients’ rights in high-stakes family and business disputes. We are grateful for the trust placed in us and proud to have delivered justice for our client.
Turner Law Firm 