PAUL G. GARDEPHE, District Judge.
Plaintiff Gary Walpert brings this action against Defendants Syed Jaffrey, Wingate Capital, Inc., a/k/a Wingate Capital New York ("Wingate"), and United States Defense Fund Management LLC ("USDFM"), alleging claims of (1) breach of contract against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate; (2) quantum meruit against all Defendants; (3) unjust enrichment against all Defendants; (4) violation of New York Labor Law § 193 against all Defendants; and (5) conversion against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate. (Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19)) Plaintiff has moved for a default judgment and a turnover order — or in the alternative, a pre-judgment attachment — against Defendants. (Dkt. No. 53) Defendants have moved to dismiss the Amended Complaint for lack of subject matter jurisdiction, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(1). (Dkt. No. 72) Plaintiff has cross-moved to drop USDFM as a defendant pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 21. (Dkt. No. 69)
For the reasons stated below, (1) Defendants' motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint will be denied; (2) Plaintiff's Rule 21 motion to dismiss all claims against Defendant USDFM will be granted; and (3) Plaintiff's motion for a default judgment against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate will be granted.
Plaintiff Gary Walpert is a practicing lawyer who received a J.D. from Harvard
Plaintiff met Defendant Jaffrey in 2006 or 2007, while Plaintiff was working at Wilmer Hale. (Id. at 18-19) Jaffrey was a client of the firm and retained Walpert to work on issues relating to the intellectual property of Delta Search Labs, a company Jaffrey controls. (Id. at 18) Walpert performed legal work for Jaffrey on Delta Search Labs until about 2010. (Id. at 19) At the beginning of 2010, Jaffrey "asked [Plaintiff] whether [he] would be interested in working for him on a new [private equity] startup that [Jaffrey] was going to create." (Id.) Jaffrey wanted Plaintiff to become the general counsel of Wingate Capital, Inc. — one of Jaffrey's companies — and a second entity that Jaffrey was planning to form, which became United States Defense Fund Management. (Id.) Plaintiff and Jaffrey agreed that Plaintiff would be paid $900,000 a year to serve in these positions. (Id. at 20)
In 2010, Plaintiff arranged for an employment agreement to be prepared that memorialized his agreement to work at Wingate (the "Employment Agreement"). (Id. at 20-21; PX 1) Plaintiff and Jaffrey signed the Employment Agreement in July of 2010.
With respect to Plaintiff's duties, the Employment Agreement states that Plaintiff "will devote all of his business time, attention, skill and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties under this Agreement, including activities and duties directed by the CEO." (Id.) As to compensation, the Employment Agreement provides that "Employer will pay Executive a salary of not less than $900,000 per year," which "will be payable in accordance with the customary payroll practices of Employer but not less often than on a pro rata basis, monthly." (Id. at 2)
While employed at Wingate, Plaintiff had an office at Wingate's offices, which were located at 601 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr.
Plaintiff testified that his "primary work" for Wingate "was the formation of [two] [limited liability companies], USDFM and Collingwood." (Id. at 26) "Collingwood was created by Mr. Jaffrey" and lawyers at Kaye Scholer. (Id. at 43) Plaintiff testified that Collingwood "was another investment company that was supposed to make a huge amount of money." "It didn't have a parent ... [b]ut it was controlled by Mr. Jaffrey." (Id. at 43-44) "[I]n addition to [doing work for USDFM and Collingwood], [Plaintiff did] work relating to other investment targets that Mr. Jaffrey came up with[,][a]nd there were dealings with the lawyers who helped Wingate get its space[, who] were not paid...." (Id. at 26)
Plaintiff also worked on personal matters for Jaffrey and his wife, including a lawsuit "by [the law firm] Quinn Emanuel against Mr. Jaffrey personally in connection with [$6 million in lost fees] that were [allegedly] owed by him to the law firm," as well as a "dispute [Jaffrey] had with an interior decorator relating to work done by the decorator that he did not pay for, or refused to pay for." (Id. at 25-26, 29) Plaintiff also performed services for Jaffrey's other companies, including Delta Search Labs and Ovalia Resorts. (Id. at 25) Plaintiff's work for Delta Search Labs "related to a claim that Delta had for losses as a result of flooding in [its] space." (Id. at 27) Plaintiff's work for Ovalia Resorts related to "a suit that Jaffrey [had] brought against HSBC for HSBC's failure to perform in a contractual arrangement," under which HSBC was "going to help raise ... money" to "create a casino and resort in Gulfport, Mississippi." (Id. at 30) Plaintiff also performed work in connection with a lawsuit that Hussain al-Shibib — Ovalia Resort's sole employee — brought against Jaffrey "for non-payment under his employment with Ovalia Resorts." (Id. at 30-31)
During the time period that Plaintiff worked for Wingate, he also worked "part time" for the law firm Byrne Poh. Plaintiff spent "under an hour a day[,] maybe [two]... to three ... hours a week" on Byrne Poh-related work. (Id. at 46) Plaintiff was "able to work for Byrne Poh while [he] was under [the] contract with Wingate" because he and Jaffrey "agreed that [Plaintiff] could keep some of [his old practice] ... as long as there wasn't a conflict of interest." (Id. at 46-47) The Employment Agreement memorializes this understanding: "Employer agrees that Executive may continue to practice law for outside clients as Of Counsel to a private law firm of his choosing, as long as such representation does not unreasonably interfere with, or create a conflict of interest with respect to, the performance of his duties for Employer." (PX 1 at 2)
Plaintiff testified that Jaffrey was "the CEO of Wingate Capital"; "the CEO and president of Ovalia"; "the managing partner" of USDFM; the "managing partner" of Collingwood; and he "may have been CEO" and "a board director" at Delta Search Labs. (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 32) Plaintiff's "understanding is that all the funds [to operate these companies] came from Mr. Jaffrey, whether it was Wingate or any of the other companies," because "when anyone needed money, they asked ... Mr. Jaffrey for it, whether it was for petty cash or
In October 2010, Plaintiff and Jaffrey executed another employment agreement in connection with Plaintiff's work for USDFM.
For approximately the first two years that Plaintiff worked at Wingate, Plaintiff received no "compensation at all." (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 46) Over the entire three years that he worked for Jaffrey, Plaintiff received a total of only $65,500.00. On or about August 31, 2012, a $50,000 deposit was made in Plaintiff's bank account. (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 22, 41; Dec. 2, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 67) at 32; DX E at 3) Plaintiff testified that this money "came from Jaffrey, but it came through Delta Search [Lab] funds."
Plaintiff received two other payments from Mr. Jaffrey during his employment at Wingate. First, Plaintiff received "a check for $500 that Mr. Jaffrey gave [him] to reimburse [him] for the cost of a so-called virtual office [in New York] for Collingwood." (Id. at 43; PX 4) This check is signed by Jaffrey, and Plaintiff testified that Jaffrey gave it to him. (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 43; see PX 4) Second, Plaintiff received "a gift of $15,000 from Mr. Jaffrey" as "a present for helping him out in connection with [an] insurance claim that [Jaffrey] had against Chubb [Corporation]" relating to "damages
Plaintiff testified that, to "secure payment of any funds under the contract between [him] and Wingate," he would "[b]asically ask[] Mr. Jaffrey for the money, for payments," and Jaffrey "would always say it was coming." (Id.) Plaintiff testified that Jaffrey "would have [a] story as to why it hadn't come," and "it was ... usually [done] orally, when [Plaintiff] was seeing him, either socially or for lunch or in the office." (Id. at 44-45) Plaintiff testified that he believed Jaffrey because he "trusted him. [Plaintiff] had seen him make payments of very large amounts of money. He bought his home in New Jersey for cash, for $9 million. He had a number of cars, including Bentleys." (Id. at 45) Plaintiff had also "seen him pay money when he had to make payments, whether it was to lawyers or to others. And [Plaintiff] believed that [Jaffrey] was going to make ... those payments to [him]." (Id.)
Plaintiff's tenure with Wingate ended after "Mr. Jaffrey did not pay the landlord for [the] offices [of Wingate Capital at 601 Lexington Avenue] and was evicted. Upon eviction, Mr. Jaffrey removed all the goods and property in [Plaintiff's] office. And that was the point in time whe[n] [Plaintiff] lost contact with [Jaffrey]." (Id. at 23) Plaintiff testified that, "[a]s far as [he] know[s], [the contents of his office] were put into a storage locker at the time" by "the chauffeur ... [f]or Mr. Jaffrey." (Id. at 36-37) The chauffeur told Plaintiff that he "gave the key and the so-called code [for the storage locker] to Mr. Jaffrey."
The Complaint was filed on July 18, 2014, and asserted claims against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate. (Dkt. No. 1) An Amended Complaint filed on January 8, 2014, added claims against Defendant USDFM. (Dkt. No. 19) In the Amended Complaint, Plaintiff asserts claims for (1) breach of contract against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate based on the Employment Agreement with Wingate; (2) quantum meruit against all Defendants based on services Plaintiff performed for Defendants; (3) unjust enrichment against all Defendants based on their failure to pay Plaintiff for services he rendered to them; (4) violation of New York Labor Law § 193 against all Defendants based on their failure to pay Plaintiff wages to which he is entitled; and (5) conversion against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate based on their removal of, and exercise of control over, Plaintiff's office furnishings and papers that were maintained in his Wingate office. (Id.) Plaintiff seeks damages of at least $2,612,500 on each of the first three causes of action; $2,275,000 plus liquidated damages equal to 100% of wages unlawfully withheld on the fourth cause of action; and $20,000 on the fifth cause of action. (Id. at 10-11)
Defendants filed an Answer to the Amended Complaint on January 21, 2014, including a counterclaim by Defendant Wingate against Plaintiff for unjust enrichment.
Between September 2013 and August 2014, Defendant Jaffrey effectively derailed these proceedings by (1) repeatedly refusing to pay his lawyers agreed upon fees, causing the lawyers to file motions to withdraw; (2) on four occasions, disobeying court orders to retain new counsel by a specific date; and (3) preventing Plaintiff from taking his deposition, by leaving the United States twelve days before the deposition was scheduled to take place. Jaffrey has also attempted to ensure that Plaintiff cannot enforce any judgment against him, selling his $7.5 million New Jersey home and its contents weeks before his scheduled deposition. See Phillips Affirmation (Dkt. No. 55), Ex. 4.
On August 23, 2013, Defendants' first lawyer — Dominic Picca — requested permission to withdraw "because the defendants have not paid half of the retainer they agreed to pay, despite many requests by [counsel] and promises from defendants to do so, and because the defendants have ceased communicating with counsel." (Dkt. No. 11) On September 12, 2013, this Court ordered Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate to appear at an October 11, 2013 conference, and to ensure the presence of new counsel at the conference if Defendants no longer wished to be represented by Picca. (Dkt. No. 12) Defendants appeared at the October 11 conference without new counsel, however (see Phillips Affirmation (Dkt. No. 55) ¶ 2), and this Court granted Picca's motion to withdraw. (Dkt. No. 13) This Court also directed Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate to retain counsel and appear at a conference on November 14, 2013. (Id.) Defendants' second lawyer — Michael Freeman — appeared at the November 14, 2013 conference. See Dkt. No. 14.
On November 15, 2013, this Court entered a Rule 16 scheduling order. (Dkt. No. 15) The scheduling order required the parties to complete all discovery by March 14, 2014. (Id. at 2) On February 18, 2014, the parties jointly requested an extension of the discovery deadline. (Dkt. No. 24) On March 7, 2014, this Court issued an order extending the discovery deadline to May 2, 2014. (Dkt. No. 25)
On April 3, 2014, Defendants' second lawyer — Michael Freeman — moved to withdraw, citing "defendants' failure, despite repeated requests, to pay our invoices for legal services...." (Dkt. No. 30) This Court then ordered the parties to appear at a conference on April 23, 2014, and directed Defendants to "ensure that new counsel is present at the conference" if Defendants no longer wished to be represented by Freeman. (Dkt. No. 33) Defendants appeared at the April 23, 2014 conference without new counsel. This Court granted Freeman's motion to withdraw and ordered Defendants to retain counsel by a May 22, 2014 conference. (Dkt. No. 34) This Court stated that "[i]f Defendants do not retain counsel by that time, [the Court] is likely to enter an order of default as to [Wingate] and [USDFM], and Jaffrey will proceed pro se." (Id.) Defendants appeared at the May 22, 2014 conference without new counsel. See Phillips Affirmation (Dkt. No. 55) ¶ 4. Accordingly, on May 28, 2014, this Court issued an order warning that it would enter an
On June 17, 2014, this Court directed the parties to submit a joint letter by June 20, 2014, proposing a revised discovery schedule and addressing any remaining discovery disputes. (Dkt. No. 40) On June 20, 2014, the parties submitted a joint letter proposing that all discovery be completed by September 26, 2014. (Dkt. No. 41) The parties informed the Court that Defendant Jaffrey's deposition would take place on August 8, 2014, and that a schedule had also been set for the depositions of five other witnesses. (Id. at 1)
In a June 20, 2014 letter, Plaintiff informed the Court that "there are serious issues with the responsiveness, scope, and volume of the production by Defendants," and asked that an order be entered "compelling Defendants to produce the missing documents as soon as practicable." (Dkt. No. 42) Plaintiff noted that Defendants had produced only 203 pages of discovery as of that date, and that their "production is so paltry that there are deficiencies in their responses to almost all of Walpert's requests." (Id. at 1) Defendants responded that they were "unable to respond to the issues raised by plaintiff's counsel" because new counsel had "only recently filed a notice of appearance and [did] not yet have the file from the outgoing counsel." (Id. at 4)
On July 7, 2014, this Court modified the original case management plan, directing the parties to complete all discovery, including depositions of fact witnesses, by September 26, 2014. (Dkt. No. 44)
Between July 16, 2014 and late July 2014, Plaintiff's counsel wrote to defense counsel a number of times to confirm Jaffrey's August 8, 2014 deposition, but Defendants never responded. (Phillips Affirmation (Dkt. No. 55) ¶ 8, Ex. 1-2) On July 24, 2014, Plaintiff learned that Jaffrey had auctioned off the contents of his New Jersey estate on June 6 and 7, 2014, and that he had sold his $7.5 million home on June 28, 2014.
On August 18, 2014, Plaintiff's counsel submitted a letter to this Court requesting that it "award a default judgment and all other appropriate sanctions against Jaffrey, his companies, and his counsel for his intentional and repeated refusal to participate in discovery and for this pretense of doing so while liquidating assets and moving the assets and himself offshore." (Dkt. No. 45 at 2) Defense counsel submitted a letter in response, stating that Jaffrey "has not `fled' the country," but rather "had to leave the country in order to remain in compliance with immigration laws." (Dkt. No. 46 at 1) Defense counsel stated that Jaffrey "is staying in London while his immigration attorney, Matthew Maiona, ... completes the application process for a new Visa," and that counsel "spoke with Mr. Maiona [that day] and he has confirmed that his firm has been retained to renew the Visa." (Id.) Defense counsel also stated that "the reason for the adjournment of the August 8th deposition date[] was ... a request by [defense counsel]," and that it "had nothing to do with S. Jaffrey." (Id. at 2) Finally, defense counsel stated that, "[o]n August 15th, when this office learned that S. Jaffrey's Visa may not come through by [the] August 21 deposition date, we immediately notified plaintiff's counsel," and that counsel has "confirmed through discussions with S. Jaffrey and communications with his immigration counsel that he is in the process of applying and fully expects to obtain a new Visa." (Id.)
This Court held a conference on September 4, 2014. This Court stated that it was "concerned that [Jaffrey's departure] is part of a deliberate strategy to derail this case," and asked defense counsel to address "why, if there was a possibility that Mr. Jaffrey was going to have to leave the country because of a visa problem[,] that wasn't disclosed long before that issue came to a head." (Sept. 4, 2014 Conf. Tr. (Dkt. No. 49) at 3) Defense counsel did not answer the question, but instead stated that "Mr. Jaffrey left the country because he had to and presumed he was going to get a new visa in two weeks." (Id. at 4-6) With respect to Jaffrey's sale of assets, defense counsel stated that, although Jaffrey "sold his house" in New Jersey, "[a]ll his assets remain in the United States," "[h]is business remains in the United States, his brothers are residents of Massachusetts and are U.S. citizens, so all of his assets remain in the United States." (Id. at 10) She also stated that it is "just a coincidence" that Jaffrey sold his New Jersey house at the end of June and then left because of an immigration problem in early August. (Id. at 13)
This Court held a hearing on Plaintiff's motion for a default judgment on December 1 and 2, 2014. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Court notified the parties that it was "concerned, based on the testimony [at the hearing], as to whether" "there [is] complete diversity [of citizenship] between the plaintiff and all the defendants." (Dec. 2, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 67) at 99) This Court noted that Plaintiff testified that he is a member of the limited liability company USDFM, and that USDFM is a defendant in the case. (Id. at 98-99) This Court gave the parties an opportunity to brief this issue. (Id. at 99)
On December 9, 2014, Defendants filed a brief in which they "request that the Court dismiss the matter pursuant to [Federal Rule of Civil Procedure] 12(b)(1)" because there is not complete diversity of citizenship between Plaintiff and Defendants. (Def. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 72) at 1) Plaintiff filed a brief on December 16, 2014, in which he opposes Defendants' Rule 12(b)(1) motion to dismiss, moves to drop USDFM as a defendant pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 21, and provides further support for his default judgment motion. (Pltf. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 69))
"[A] federal court generally may not rule on the merits of a case without first determining that it has jurisdiction over the category of claim in suit ([i.e.,] subject-matter jurisdiction)[.]" Sinochem Intern. Co. Ltd. v. Malaysia Intern. Shipping Corp., 549 U.S. 422, 430-31, 127 S.Ct. 1184, 167 L.Ed.2d 15 (2007) (citation omitted). "A case is properly dismissed for lack of subject matter jurisdiction under [Federal] Rule [of Civil Procedure] 12(b)(1) when the district court lacks the statutory or constitutional power to adjudicate it." Makarova v. United States, 201 F.3d 110, 113 (2d Cir.2000). When subject matter jurisdiction is challenged, a plaintiff "bear[s] the burden of `showing by a preponderance of the evidence that subject matter jurisdiction exists.'" APWU v. Potter, 343 F.3d 619, 623 (2d Cir.2003) (quoting Lunney v. United States, 319 F.3d 550, 554 (2d Cir.2003)). "In resolving a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction under Rule 12(b)(1) a district court may consider evidence outside the pleadings." Morrison v. Nat'l Australia Bank Ltd., 547 F.3d 167, 170 (2d Cir.2008) (citing Makarova, 201 F.3d at 113).
Defendants assert that this Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction because there is not complete diversity between the parties. (Def. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 72) at 1)
Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1), "[t]he district courts shall have original jurisdiction of all civil actions where the matter in controversy exceeds the sum or value of $75,000, exclusive of interest and costs, and is between ... citizens of different States[.]" 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a)(1). "`[A] case falls within the federal district court's original diversity jurisdiction only if diversity of citizenship among the parties is complete, i.e., only if
Plaintiff alleges in the Amended Complaint that this Court has subject matter jurisdiction based on diversity of citizenship. (Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶ 3) Plaintiff further alleges that (1) the amount in controversy exceeds $2 million; (2) Plaintiff resides in Massachusetts; (3) Defendant Jaffrey resides in New Jersey; and (4) Defendants Wingate and USDFM are Delaware corporations doing business in New York. (Id. ¶¶ 6-9, p. 10-11) At the default judgment hearing, however, Plaintiff testified that he is a member of USDFM, a limited liability company. (Dec. 2, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 67) at 45) Because Plaintiff is a citizen of Massachusetts,
Plaintiff argues, however, that "[t]his Court should preserve jurisdiction by dismissing USDFM from the case" pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 21. (Pltf. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 69) at 4)
"[Federal Rule of Civil Procedure] 21 `allows a court to drop a nondiverse party at any time to preserve diversity jurisdiction, provided the nondiverse party is not `indispensable' under Rule 19(b).'" Quantlab Financial, LLC, Quantlab Techs. Ltd. (BVI) v. Tower Research Capital, LLC, 715 F.Supp.2d 542, 549-50 (S.D.N.Y.2010) (quoting CP Solutions PTE, Ltd. v. Gen. Elec. Co., 553 F.3d 156, 159 (2d Cir.2009) (citations omitted)); see also Fed.R.Civ.P. 21 ("On motion or on its own, the court may at any time, on just
To determine whether a party is "indispensable" under Rule 19(b), a court must consider the following factors:
CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 159 (citing Fed.R.Civ.P. 19(b)). "`Whether a person is "indispensable," that is, whether a particular lawsuit must be dismissed in the absence of that person, can only be determined in the context of a particular litigation.'" Quantlab Financial, LLC, 715 F.Supp.2d at 550 (quoting Curley v. Brignoli, Curley & Roberts Assocs., 915 F.2d 81, 90 (2d Cir.1990) (citation omitted)).
Here, Defendants argue that USDFM is an indispensable party because (1) "Plaintiff himself ... testified that USDFM, LLC was the company for which he was supposed to be performing services"; (2) "Plaintiff also testified that he primarily worked on the formation of the `LLCs, [including] USDFM' ... and `had a contract with USDFM'"; (3) "Plaintiff is suing for payment of alleged services that he provided, in major part, for alleged work that he performed for USDFM, LLC"; and (4) "Plaintiff clearly wanted USDFM, LLC to be a part of his lawsuit, an integral party, [because he] ... specifically sought the leave of the Court to add USDFM, LLC as a party." (Def. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 72) at 7 (citing Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 25-26, 32))
The first two factors under Rule 19(b) require this Court to consider whether any prejudice would result to USDFM or any other defendant as a result of USDFM's dismissal, and if so, the extent to which such prejudice can be alleviated. Fed. R.Civ.P. 19(b). Defendants have not argued that they would be prejudiced by USDFM's dismissal. Moreover, "[g]iven the absence from the [Amended Complaint] of any action attributable only to [USDFM], the chance that [USDFM]'s actions were the sole or primary cause of [Plaintiff s] damages appears remote." CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 159; see also Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19). Indeed, Plaintiff asserts that he added USDFM as a defendant because it is "just another Jaffrey-controlled shell," and it had "[become] increasingly clear that Jaffrey and Wingate intended to evade this litigation." (Pltf. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 69) at 9) And even if Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate believe that USDFM contributed to any liability they might incur in this case, they "could seek to bring a claim against [USDFM]." CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 159.
"As to the third Rule 19(b) factor, `adequacy refers to the "public stake in settling disputes by wholes, whenever possible."'" Quantlab Financial, LLC, 715 F.Supp.2d at 551 (quoting CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 160 (quoting Republic of Philippines v. Pimentel, 553 U.S. 851, 870, 128 S.Ct. 2180, 171 L.Ed.2d 131 (2008))). "`Thus, this factor concerns the social interest in the efficient administration of justice and the avoidance of multiple litigation.'" Id. (quoting CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 160 (citation omitted)). Here, "[t]he absence of [USDFM] will not prevent [Plaintiff] from being granted the full... legal relief sought in the [Amended Complaint]." Id. Although Plaintiff asserts three claims against USDFM — (1) quantum meruit; (2) unjust enrichment; and (3) violation of New York Labor Law § 193 (see Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶¶ 38-59) — all three of these claims are also asserted against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate. See id. And although Plaintiff "had a contract with USDFM" (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 32), he has not sued to enforce that contract. Instead, Plaintiff has asserted a breach of contract claim only against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate, based on an employment agreement he entered into with those Defendants. See Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶¶ 14, 32-37. Moreover, Plaintiff asserts that "[t]he Court can provide complete relief to [him] in each cause of action without USDFM in the case," because "Jaffrey [— the controlling person of both Wingate and USDFM —] remains a Defendant." (Def. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 69) at 9) Accordingly, because none of the allegations in the Amended Complaint are attributable only to USDFM, and because Plaintiff acknowledges that he can obtain complete relief without USDFM in the case, "piecemeal litigation is improbable." CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 160.
Moreover, "[i]n evaluating [the third] factor, `[courts] are influenced by the procedural posture [of the case].'" Id. (quoting Merrill Lynch & Co. v. Allegheny Energy, Inc., 500 F.3d 171, 180 (2d Cir.2007)). "Although the case has not yet been tried, the parties have litigated for over two years, including conducting discovery. It would make little sense to require them to start over in state court simply because [USDFM] ... cannot be joined in federal court." Id. (citing Newman-Green, Inc. v. Alfonzo-Larrain, 490 U.S. 826, 836, 109 S.Ct. 2218, 104 L.Ed.2d 893 (1989)).
Finally, "[a]s to the fourth Rule 19(b) factor, it does not appear that [Plaintiff] would be deprived of an adequate remedy were this action dismissed. [Plaintiff] [is] able to bring an action against [Defendants] in state court." Quantlab Financial, LLC, 715 F.Supp.2d at 551. "But, "`when federal diversity jurisdiction will exist if nondiverse parties are dropped, the bare fact that a state court forum is available does not, by itself, make it appropriate to dismiss the federal action."'" Id. (quoting CP Solutions, 553 F.3d at 161 (quoting Samaha v. Presbyterian Hosp. in City of N.Y., 757 F.2d 529, 531 (2d Cir. 1985) (per curiam))).
Analysis of the four Rule 19(b) factors demonstrates that USDFM is not an indispensable party. Accordingly, Plaintiff's motion to drop USDFM as a defendant pursuant to Fed.R.Civ.P. 21 will be granted, and Defendants' Rule 12(b)(1) motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction will be denied.
Fed.R.Civ.P. 37(b)(2)(A)(ii)-(vii) authorizes courts to impose a variety of sanctions — including "striking pleadings in whole or in part" and "rendering a default judgment against [a] disobedient party" — where a party has "fail[ed] to obey an order to provide or permit discovery." Fed.R.Civ.P. 37(b)(2)(A)(ii)-(vii). Fed. R.Civ.P. 16(f) authorizes courts to "issue any just orders, including those authorized by Rule 37(b)(2)(A)(ii)-(vii)," where a party or his attorney has "fail[ed] to appear at a scheduling or other pretrial conference" or has "fail[ed] to obey a scheduling or other pretrial order." Fed.R.Civ.P. 16(f).
While these rules provide for a range of sanctions, "the most severe in the spectrum of sanctions provided by statute or rule must be available to the district court in appropriate cases, not merely to penalize those whose conduct may be deemed to warrant such a sanction, but to deter those who might be tempted to such conduct in the absence of such a deterrent." Sieck v. Russo, 869 F.2d 131, 134 (2d Cir.1989) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). The imposition of a severe sanction is necessary to avoid a situation where courts "encourage dilatory tactics, and compliance with discovery orders... come[s] only when the backs of counsel and the litigants [are] against the wall." Id. (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
The Second Circuit has identified a number of factors that courts should consider in imposing sanctions under the Federal Rules. "These include: `(1) the willfulness of the noncompliant party or the reason for noncompliance; (2) the efficacy of lesser sanctions; (3) the duration of the period of noncompliance, and (4) whether the non-compliant party had been warned of the consequences of ... noncompliance.'" Agiwal v. Mid Island Mortg. Corp., 555 F.3d 298, 302-03 (2d Cir.2009) (quoting Nieves v. City of New York, 208 F.R.D. 531, 535 (S.D.N.Y.2002) (citing Bambu Sales, Inc. v. Ozak Trading Inc., 58 F.3d 849, 852-54 (2d Cir.1995))).
In addition to the sanctions authorized under the Federal Rules, federal courts have the inherent power to sanction a party for conduct that constitutes an abuse of the judicial process. See Chambers v. NASCO, Inc., 501 U.S. 32, 46, 111 S.Ct. 2123, 115 L.Ed.2d 27 (1991) ("[A court has] the inherent power to impose sanctions for ... bad-faith conduct."). The Second Circuit has recognized that "[a] court has the inherent power to supervise and control its own proceedings and to sanction ... a litigant for bad-faith conduct." Sussman v. Bank of Israel, 56 F.3d 450, 459 (2d Cir.1995) (citing Chambers, 501 U.S. at 43-50, 111 S.Ct. 2123). However, the court must use "restraint and discretion" when ordering sanctions against a party pursuant to its inherent powers, because the court exercises its inherent powers free from legislative oversight. See Chambers, 501 U.S. at 43-44, 111 S.Ct. 2123.
Courts' inherent powers include the power to dismiss a party's claims and to strike a party's pleadings for failure to obey court orders. See, e.g., Fonar Corp. v. Magnetic Resonance Plus, Inc., 935 F.Supp. 443, 448 (S.D.N.Y.1996) ("under this court's inherent authority ... the court [may in its discretion] ... impose the particularly severe sanction of dismissal of a suit for improper litigation conduct") (internal quotation marks and citation omitted). A court's decision to strike a defendant's pleadings is tantamount to
Cases in which courts have struck pleadings, or entered judgment against a party, have generally involved intentional misconduct that has materially and negatively affected the resolution of an action. See Sieck, 869 F.2d at 134-35 (upholding default judgment where defendants failed to appear for deposition); Cerruti 1881 S.A. v. Cerruti, Inc., 169 F.R.D. 573, 583-84 (S.D.N.Y.1996) (striking defendants' answer and counterclaims, and entering judgment for plaintiff's on the merits, where defendants produced fraudulent records in response to discovery demands); Lediju v. New York City Department of Sanitation, 173 F.R.D. 105, 106 (S.D.N.Y. 1997) (dismissing complaint for willful failure to obey pretrial scheduling orders); Hall v. Flynn, 829 F.Supp. 1401, 1403 (N.D.N.Y.1993) (dismissing complaint for plaintiff's failure to appear at discovery conference); Galt G/S v. Sealand Services, Inc., No. 87-CV-1038, 1989 WL 69907, at *1 (N.D.N.Y. June 13, 1989) (entering default judgment against defendant for its failure to comply with court order to obtain new counsel within certain time period).
The Second Circuit has cautioned that "`"dismissal is `a harsh remedy to be utilized only in extreme situations.'"'" Marfia, 100 F.3d at 249 (quoting Colon v. Mack, 56 F.3d 5, 7 (2d Cir.1995) (quoting Jackson v. City of New York, 22 F.3d 71, 75 (2d Cir.1994) (quoting Harding v. Federal Reserve Bank of New York, 707 F.2d 46, 50 (2d Cir.1983) (quoting Theilmann v. Rutland Hosp., Inc., 455 F.2d 853, 855 (2d Cir.1972))))). The Circuit has also observed that "default judgments a[re] "`the most severe sanction which the court may apply."'" Id. (quoting Sec. & Exchange Comm'n v. Mgmt. Dynamics, Inc., 515 F.2d 801, 814 (2d Cir.1975) (quoting Trans World Airlines, Inc. v. Hughes, 332 F.2d 602, 614 (2d Cir.1964))).
The Second Circuit has acknowledged, however, that dismissal or default may be an appropriate remedy where "there is a showing of willfulness, bad faith, or fault." West v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., 167 F.3d 776, 779 (2d Cir. 1999); see also Jones v. NFTA, 836 F.2d 731, 734-35 (2d Cir.1987) (applying "willfulness, bad faith, or fault" test; upholding district court order dismissing action based on failure to comply with pre-trial production order). Because a default judgment "is a `drastic remedy,' it `should be imposed only in extreme circumstances, usually after consideration of alternative, less drastic sanctions.'" West, 167 F.3d at 779-80 (quoting John B. Hull, Inc. v. Waterbury Petroleum Prods., Inc., 845 F.2d 1172, 1176 (2d Cir.1988)); Dodson v. Runyon, 86 F.3d 37, 39 (2d Cir.1996) ("we have repeatedly noted that one of the factors that should inform a trial court's decision is the suitability of lesser sanctions"); Chira v. Lockheed Aircraft Corp., 634 F.2d 664, 665 (2d Cir.1980) (a judge should impose extreme sanctions "only when he is sure of the impotence of lesser sanctions").
In determining an appropriate sanction for Jaffrey and Wingate's misconduct, the Court has considered, inter alia, whether the misconduct was willful, the reasons for noncompliance, the duration of the misconduct, whether the Defendants were warned about the consequences of their misconduct, and the likely efficacy of sanctions less severe than a default judgment.
As discussed above, Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate — over a period of nearly a year — have engaged in a variety of misconduct which appears to have been calculated to derail this litigation and frustrate any judgment that Plaintiff might obtain. Defendants first engaged in a pattern of retaining counsel but then not paying their fees. This misconduct led Defendants' first two attorneys — Picca and Freeman — to move to withdraw. (Dkt. Nos. 11, 30) The repeated changes in counsel made it impossible for discovery to proceed. Indeed, no depositions were taken between this Court's initial case management plan — issued on November 15, 2013 (Dkt. No. 15) — and August 2014.
After Defendants finally retained their present counsel, their efforts to delay and obstruct this litigation continued. As discussed above, after Defendants had agreed on or about June 20, 2014 that Defendant Jaffrey's deposition would take place on August 8, 2014 (see Dkt. No. 41), Jaffrey left the United States on July 27, 2014, knowing that he could not return to this country due to an expired visa. While defense counsel has argued that Jaffrey left this country believing that he could quickly obtain another visa (Sept. 4, 2014 Conf. Tr. (Dkt. No. 49) at 4-6), an affidavit submitted by Matthew Maiona — Jaffrey's immigration attorney — makes clear that Jaffrey could not quickly obtain another visa.
Maiona's affidavit states that on June 17, 2013, Jaffrey's immigration visa petition was denied, and thus Jaffrey began to accrue unlawful presence in the United States as of that date. (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57), Ex. D ("Maiona Aff.") ¶¶ 5-8) Although Jaffrey filed a motion for reconsideration on July 22, 2013, his motion was denied on October 30, 2013. (Id. ¶ 6) Jaffrey "had no status or right to remain in the United States [after October 30, 2013] and was obligated to depart the country or face detention and removal." (Id. ¶ 8) Under Section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, once Jaffrey accrued one year of unlawful presence in the United States, "he would be barred from returning to the United States for a period of 10 years once he departed the country." (Id. ¶ 9) Maiona further states that "it is [his] opinion that the Defendant is barred from returning to the United States for a period ... of 10 years ... without the issuance of a waiver from the U.S. Department of State [or] U.S. Consulate." (Id. ¶ 11) "The issuance of the waiver would be subject to the discretion of the Consular Office and is not easily obtained," however. (Id. ¶ 12) Unless Jaffrey is able to secure a waiver, he will "not be able to return to the United States until August 2024." (Id. ¶ 13)
Given that Jaffrey has known since at least June 17, 2013, that he has a significant visa problem, it is not plausible that Jaffrey believed that his visa issue could be resolved between July 27, 2014 — the date he left the United States (see Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57), Ex. B ¶ 13) — and his scheduled deposition on August 8, 2014, or the adjourned date of August 21, 2014. It is likewise implausible that Jaffrey had not made his travel plans by July 24, 2014, when his lawyer told Plaintiff's counsel that she had spoken to Jaffrey, that he was in the United States, and that his deposition would go forward on August 8, 2014. See Phillips Decl. (Dkt. No. 55) ¶ 12. Moreover, assuming arguendo that the rescheduling of the August 8, 2014 deposition was due to defense counsel's ailing mother — and was unrelated to Jaffrey's inability to attend — Defendants provide no explanation for defense counsel's statement to Plaintiff's counsel on August 6, 2014, that she had "confirmed the [August 21, 2014 re-scheduled date]" of Jaffrey's deposition
Defense counsel did not tell Plaintiff's counsel that Jaffrey had left the country until August 15, 2014 — six days before Jaffrey's re-scheduled deposition date. (Id. ¶ 16; Dkt. No. 45 at 1) Even assuming that defense counsel "immediately informed Plaintiff's counsel of Jaffrey's immigration status and inability to attend his deposition" as soon as she learned of these developments (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 10-11), Jaffrey knew at least by October 30, 2013 — when his reconsideration motion was denied — that he had no lawful basis to remain in the United States. See Maiona Aff. (Dkt. No. 57) 5-7. Nothing in Jaffrey's affidavit is to the contrary. See Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57), Ex. B. In sum, it is abundantly clear that Jaffrey intentionally withheld information concerning his immigration status and thereby caused his lawyer to mislead Plaintiff's counsel concerning Jaffrey's availability for an August deposition.
Defense counsel's statements at the September 4, 2014 conference that Jaffrey had "applied for [a visa]" and that Maiona "is working on it on an expedited basis" were likewise misleading. See Sept. 4, 2014 Conf. Tr. (Dkt. No. 49) at 7. Nothing in Maiona's affidavit suggests that Jaffrey has "applied" for a visa. Indeed, as of October 2, 2014, Jaffrey had not even requested a waiver of inadmissibility from the U.S. Consulate. And even if he had requested such a waiver, he was not likely to obtain one. (Maiona Aff. (Dkt. No. 57) ¶¶ 11-12) In sum, Jaffrey had no prospect of being able to re-enter the United States, and counsel's representations to the contrary misled the Court.
Jaffrey's bad faith is also apparent from his sale of his New Jersey estate and its contents. In his affidavit, Jaffrey states that he sold his New Jersey home on July 23, 2014 — four days before he left the United States — and about two weeks before his scheduled deposition. (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57), Ex. B ("Jaffrey Aff.") ¶ 5) While Jaffrey asserts that it is merely a coincidence that he sold these assets a few weeks before his scheduled deposition and his departure from this country (see id. ¶ 5; Sept. 4, 2014 Conf. Tr. (Dkt. No. 49) at 13), that assertion is not plausible given the surrounding circumstances. Similarly, while defense counsel has repeatedly represented to this Court that "all of [Jaffrey's] assets remain in the United States" (Dkt. No. 46 at n. 1; Sept. 4, 2014 Conf. Tr. (Dkt. No. 49) at 10), no evidence supporting this assertion has been submitted to this Court.
Defendants argue that Jaffrey's conduct does not warrant sanctions because Jaffrey's immigration status provided a legitimate reason for his non-attendance at his deposition. (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 10-11) Defendants cite Rosario v. Anson, No. 9:12-cv-1506 (GLS/CFH), 2014 WL 4418052 (N.D.N.Y. Sept. 8, 2014), where plaintiff — who did not appear for his deposition — "presented reasons for his noncompliance, namely that he lacks the economic means to travel to [the location of the deposition] as well as a leg injury that he sustained." Rosario, 2014 WL 4418052, at *4. The court declined to sanction the plaintiff, noting that "defendants never directly responded to [plaintiff's] letter motion [seeking to be deposed remotely]," and citing plaintiff's pro se status. Id.
The willfulness of Jaffrey's misconduct here stands in sharp contrast to Rosario.
In sum, this Court concludes that Jaffrey and Wingate's misconduct has been willful, that it has continued since at least September 2013, that no valid reason for the conduct has been offered, and that Jaffrey and Wingate were repeatedly warned about the consequences of further delaying this litigation. Given the duration of Jaffrey and Wingate's misconduct, the fact that it continued even after the Court warned these defendants that no further delay of the proceedings would be tolerated, and that prior orders threatening a default judgment were not sufficient to coerce Jaffrey and Wingate into obeying court orders to retain counsel by specific
"Having determined that [Defendants'] noncompliance warrants an entry of default judgment pursuant to Rule 37, the Court must `follow the procedure for entry of a default judgment as set forth in [Rule 55].'" Coach, Inc. v. O'Brien, No. 10 Civ. 6071(JPO)(JLC), 2011 WL 6122265, at *5 (S.D.N.Y. Nov. 28, 2011) (quoting Kuruwa v. Meyers, 823 F.Supp.2d 253, 256 (S.D.N.Y.2011)), report and recommendation adopted as modified, No. 10 Civ. 6071(JPO)(JLC), 2012 WL 1255276 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 13, 2012). "Where, as here, the defendant has defaulted, `the factual allegations of the complaint, except those relating to the amount of damages, will be taken as true.'" Montblanc-Simplo GmbH v. Colibri Corp., 692 F.Supp.2d 245, 253 (E.D.N.Y.2010) (quoting Geddes v. United Fin. Group, 559 F.2d 557, 560 (9th Cir.1977) (citing Pope v. United States, 323 U.S. 1, 12, 65 S.Ct. 16, 89 L.Ed. 3 (1944)); see also D.H. Blair & Co., Inc. v. Gottdiener, 462 F.3d 95, 107 (2d Cir.2006) (`"[A] default is an admission of all well-pleaded allegations against the defaulting party.'") (quoting Vt. Teddy Bear Co. v. 1-800 Beargram Co., 373 F.3d 241, 246 (2d Cir.2004)). "This principle applies regardless of whether default is entered as a discovery sanction or for failure to defend." Montblanc-Simplo GmbH, 692 F.Supp.2d at 253 (citing Bambu, 58 F.3d at 854)). "Accordingly, the factual allegations contained in [Plaintiff's] [Amended] Complaint, except as to the amount of damages claimed, must be taken as true." Coach, Inc., 2011 WL 6122265, at *5.
In evaluating liability, this Court must also consider "whether [Defendants] can assert a meritorious defense" to each cause of action. Loop Prod. v. Capital Connections LLC, 797 F.Supp.2d 338, 346 (S.D.N.Y.2011) (citing Green, 420 F.3d at 109). "To satisfy the criterion of a `meritorious defense,' the defense need not be ultimately persuasive at this stage. `A defense is meritorious if it is good at law so as to give the factfinder some determination to make.'" Am. Alliance Ins. Co. v. Eagle Ins. Co., 92 F.3d 57, 61 (2d Cir. 1996) (quoting Anilina Fabrique de Colorants v. Aakash Chemicals and Dyestuffs, Inc., 856 F.2d 873, 879 (7th Cir.1988)). "`[A] defendant must present more than conclusory denials when attempting to show the existence of a meritorious defense,'" however. Green, 420 F.3d at 110 (quoting Pecarsky v. Galaxiworld.com, Ltd., 249 F.3d 167, 173 (2d Cir.2001)).
Plaintiff's first cause of action alleges that Defendants breached the Employment Agreement by failing to pay Plaintiff wages for his labor and services over a 35-month period. (Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶¶ 32-37) "`Under New York law, `the essential elements of a cause of action to recover damages for breach of contract[ are]: the existence of a contract, the plaintiff's performance under the contract, the defendant's breach of that contract, and resulting damages.'" Serdarevic v. Centex Homes, LLC, 760 F.Supp.2d 322, 330-31 (S.D.N.Y.2010) (quoting JP Morgan Chase v. J.H. Electric of N.Y. Inc., 69 A.D.3d 802, 803, 893 N.Y.S.2d 237 (2010)). Here, Plaintiff alleges that (1) the "Employment Agreement is a valid and binding contract" under which Defendants were "obligated to pay [Plaintiff] an annual salary of not less than $900,000 and [Plaintiff] was supposed to be paid his wages monthly"; (2) "[Plaintiff] has duly performed all of his obligations under the Employment Agreement" by "work[ing] as
Plaintiff asserts this breach of contract claim against both Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate, even though Defendant Jaffrey is not a party to the Employment Agreement. See PX 1 at 1 (stating that the Employment Agreement is "by and between Wingate Capital, Inc.... and Gary A. Walpert"). Although "[o]rdinarily, a non-party to a contract cannot be bound by the contract ... a plaintiff may state a claim for breach of contract against a non-signatory where the plaintiff adequately alleges that the non-signatory was the `alter ego' of one or more of the signatories to the contract." Physicians Mut. Ins. Co. v. Greystone Servicing Corp., Inc., No. 07 Civ. 10490(NRB), 2009 WL 855648, at *3 (citations omitted). "New York law... allows piercing the corporate veil [and holding an individual liable] `when the corporation [h]as been so dominated by an individual ... and its separate identity so disregarded, that it primarily transacted the dominator's business rather than its own and can be called the other's alter ego.'" Mazzola v. Roomster Corp., 849 F.Supp.2d 395, 411 (S.D.N.Y.2012) (quoting Network Enters., Inc. v. APBA Offshore Prods., Inc., No. 01 Civ. 11765, 2002 WL 31050846, at *3 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 12, 2002)).
Here, Plaintiff alleges, inter alia, that "Wingate is completely influenced and governed by Jaffrey"; that the "assets of Wingate were intermingled with the assets of Jaffrey, or transferred without consideration, to Jaffrey in disregard of the purported separate corporate form ... of Wingate"; and "Wingate never was intended to have and never had any true existence as a limited corporation." (Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶ 31) Moreover, Plaintiff testified that Jaffrey was the CEO or managing member of each of his corporate entities; that Jaffrey was the sole source of funding for all of these corporate entities; that "Jaffrey didn't really recognize corporate bounds and ... was the sole controlling entity ... of all of the companies that he was involved in"; and that those who worked for Jaffrey serviced all of his corporate entities: "[Jaffrey] didn't really separate who worked on what." (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 32, 40-41, 47-48) Defendants have not offered evidence demonstrating that Wingate has a separate identity from Jaffrey, or any assets apart from Jaffrey's assets. Accordingly, Plaintiff has offered a sufficient evidentiary basis for piercing the corporate veil, and has stated a breach of contract claim against both Wingate and Jaffrey.
Defendants argue, however, that Plaintiff's breach of contract claim fails, because "Plaintiff has not produced — and even admits [he] cannot produce — the original contract." (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 13) Although the "best evidence rule requires generally that `[t]o prove the content of a writing, ... the original ... is required,'" Carroll v. LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae, L.L.P., 614 F.Supp.2d 481, 484 (S.D.N.Y.2009) (quoting Fed. R.Evid. 1002) (alterations in original), Plaintiff testified at the default judgment hearing that he "[does not] know where [the original Employment Agreement] is right now," but that it "was [last] in [his] office" at "the Wingate offices," and that "Jaffrey removed all the goods and property
"A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as the original unless a genuine question is raised about the original's authenticity or the circumstances make it unfair to admit the duplicate." Fed. R.Evid. 1003. Here, Jaffrey and Wingate have provided no basis for this Court to doubt the authenticity of the original or find that the copy does not contain the same provisions as the original. Moreover, Plaintiff's unrebutted testimony establishes that the original of the Employment Agreement is unavailable due to Defendants' misconduct. Accordingly, Jaffrey and Wingate's argument that Plaintiff's breach of contract claim fails because he has not produced the original Employment Agreement is not persuasive.
Defendants also argue that the Employment Agreement is unenforceable because (1) Jaffrey's signature on the document is forged, and (2) Jaffrey did not authorize its creation. (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 15-17) As to the signature, Defendants' brief asserts that "Jaffrey denies placing his signature on the Employment Agreement." (Id. at 16). Arguments in a brief do not constitute evidence, however, see Giannullo v. City of New York, 322 F.3d 139, 142 (2d Cir.2003) ("defendants' memorandum of law ... is not evidence at all"); MMAriz. Holdings LLC v. Bonanno, 658 F.Supp.2d 589, 594 (S.D.N.Y.2009) ("A brief is not evidence"), and Defendants have offered no evidence that Jaffrey's signature on the Employment Agreement is forged. Jaffrey did not testify concerning this issue at the default judgment hearing, and in his affidavit Jaffrey does not deny that he signed the Employment Agreement. See Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57), Ex. B.
Defendants' argument that Jaffrey did not authorize the creation of the Employment Agreement is likewise baseless. Although Jaffrey and Wingate assert in their brief that the "Employment Agreement was wholly drafted and executed — in its entirety — by Plaintiff, Gary Walpert" (id. at 16), there is no evidence supporting this assertion. Although Jaffrey and Wingate need not prove at this time that Plaintiff forged Jaffrey's signature, or that Jaffrey did not agree to the creation of the Employment Agreement, Defendants "must present some evidence beyond conclusory denials to support [their] defense." Enron Oil Corp. v. Diakuhara, 10 F.3d 90, 98 (2d Cir.1993). They have not done so. Accordingly, there is no reason for this Court to doubt the validity of the Employment Agreement.
Defendants further argue that the Employment Agreement is "unenforceable due to unconscionability." (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 17) "`Under New York law, a contract is unconscionable when it is so grossly unreasonable or unconscionable in the light of the mores and business practices of the time and place as to be unenforceable ... according to its literal terms.'" Ragone v. Atl. Video at Manhattan Ctr., 595 F.3d 115, 121 (2d Cir.2010) (quoting Nayal v. HIP Network Servs. IPA, Inc., 620 F.Supp.2d 566, 571 (S.D.N.Y.2009) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). "Generally, there must be a showing that such a contract is both procedurally and substantially unconscionable.... The procedural element of unconscionability concerns the contract formation process and the alleged lack of meaningful choice; the substantive element
Defendants argue that the Employment Agreement is unconscionable because (1) "Plaintiff did not actually provide any legal services to Defendants"; (2) "Plaintiff did not provide Defendants with the opportunity to assent to the Employment Agreement"; and (3) "Plaintiff failed to obtain an authentic signature from Jaffrey or an individual authorized to act on behalf of Wingate Capital, Inc." (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 18-19) As discussed above, however, Defendants have offered no evidence suggesting either that Jaffrey's signature on the Employment Agreement is forged or that he did not agree to the terms of the Employment Agreement. Defendants have likewise offered no evidence that they had no "meaningful choice" as to whether to enter into the Employment Agreement. Ragone, 595 F.3d at 122 (internal quotation marks and citations omitted). Accordingly, there is no indication that the Employment Agreement is procedurally unconscionable.
There is likewise no evidence of substantive unconscionability. "A contract is substantively unconscionable where its terms are unreasonably favorable to the party against whom unconscionability is claimed." Brennan v. Bally Total Fitness, 198 F.Supp.2d 377, 382 (S.D.N.Y.2002) (citing Desiderio v. Nat'l Ass'n of Securities Dealers, Inc., 191 F.3d 198, 207 (2d Cir. 1999)). Defendants do not argue that the terms of the Employment Agreement are unconscionable or unfair, however. Rather, they argue that Plaintiff did not perform as required under the contract. See Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 17-19. Because Defendants have not demonstrated that any provision of the Employment Agreement is unreasonably favorable to Walpert, there is no basis to find that the Employment Agreement is substantively unconscionable.
Defendants' argument that they "are unaware of any legal services provided to any of the Defendants by Plaintiff for the benefit of Wingate Capital, Inc." (see Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 18) also is meritless. At the default judgment hearing, Plaintiff testified at length about the work he performed for Wingate, Jaffrey, and Jaffrey's other companies between 2010 and 2013. Plaintiff testified that his "primary work" for Wingate was the formation of USDFM and Collingwood, and that he also performed work "relating to other investment targets that Mr. Jaffrey came up with" and "deal[t] with the lawyers who helped Wingate get its [office] space." (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 26, 44) Plaintiff also testified that he performed legal work on individual matters for Jaffrey and his wife (id. at 25-26, 29), and that — at Jaffrey's direction — he performed legal work for Jaffrey's other companies, including Delta Search Labs and Ovalia Resorts. (Id. at 25-31) Defendants have not offered any evidence rebutting Plaintiff's testimony.
Defendants also argue that "damages should be limited to the very minimal value of services Plaintiff was prepared to provide to Defendant Wingate Capital, Inc." See Def. Post-Hearing Br. (Dkt. No. 72) at 9. Defendants point to an email that Plaintiff sent to Matthew Byrne at Byrne Poh LLP on July 2, 2012, in which Plaintiff stated: "As to Wingate, one small step forward, but I am planning to do almost nothing for them and concentrate on the [Byrne Poh] patent practice until a major breakthrough, i.e., money shows up. Still not too likely." (Dec. 2, 2012 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 67) at 43-44 and DX H) Defendants argue that this email proves that "Plaintiff could not logically expect Defendant Wingate Capital, Inc. to perform under
Defendants' argument ignores Plaintiff's unrebutted testimony about the substantial amount of work he in fact performed for Wingate and other Jaffrey companies at Jaffrey's direction. Defendants also ignore the fact that by July 2, 2012, Plaintiff had been performing work for Jaffrey and Wingate for more than two years, and had received none of the compensation promised in the Employment Agreement. (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 46) In any event, Defendants have not, until now, contended that Plaintiff breached his obligations under the Employment Agreement by failing to perform under that agreement. Nor have Defendants offered any evidence that Plaintiff breached the Employment Agreement. Defendants have instead brought an unjust enrichment counterclaim against Plaintiff (Answer to Amended Complaint with Counterclaim (Dkt. No. 21) at ¶¶ 74-86) contending that he owes rent for his Wingate office because he worked on Byrne Poh matters while occupying that office. (Id.) Although Plaintiff acknowledged that he also worked "part time" with Byrne Poh during the time period he was employed at Wingate (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing. Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 46-47), Plaintiff testified that the Employment Agreement allowed him to do so "as long as there wasn't a conflict of interest." (Id.) The Employment Agreement is consistent with Plaintiff's testimony, because it expressly permits Plaintiff to "continue to practice law for outside clients as Of Counsel to a private law firm of his choosing, as long as such representation does not unreasonably interfere with, or create a conflict of interest with respect to, the performance of his duties for [Wingate]." (PX 1 at 2) There is no evidence that Plaintiff's work for Byrne Poh created a conflict of interest, or that Plaintiff was not able to complete work assigned to him by Jaffrey due to his work for Byrne Poh.
Because "`the evidence submitted [by Jaffrey and Wingate], if proven at trial, would [not] constitute a complete defense'" to Plaintiff's breach of contract claim, they have not established a meritorious defense to that claim.
The Amended Complaint also includes claims for quantum meruit and unjust enrichment. "[Claims for] quantum meruit and unjust enrichment [are analyzed] together as a single quasi contract claim." Mid-Hudson Catskill Rural Migrant Ministry, Inc. v. Fine Host Corp., 418 F.3d 168, 175 (2d Cir.2005) (citing Newman & Schwartz v. Asplundh Tree Expert Co., Inc., 102 F.3d 660, 663 (2d Cir.1996) (citation omitted)). "In order to recover in quantum meruit under New York law, a claimant must establish `(1) the performance of services in good faith, (2) the acceptance of the services by the person to whom they are rendered, (3) an expectation of compensation therefor, and (4) the reasonable value of the services.'" Id. (quoting Revson v. Cinque & Cinque, P.C., 221 F.3d 59, 69 (2d Cir.2000)). "New York law does not permit recovery in quantum meruit, however, if the parties have a valid, enforceable contract that governs the same subject matter as the quantum meruit claim." Id. (citations omitted).
Here, Plaintiff alleges that (1) he "rendered performance of certain services" at Defendants' request, including working "as directed by Jaffrey on various investment vehicle concepts and on Jaffrey's personal legal matters," and by "provid[ing] services for companies unrelated to Wingate, including but not limited to, Delta Search Labs and Ovalia Resorts"; (2) "Defendants knew that [Plaintiff] was performing the requested services and accepted such services"; (3) Defendants "knew that [Plaintiff] expected to be paid for such work"; and (4) Plaintiff has "suffered substantial damages" in an amount of at least $2,612,500. (Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶¶ 19-20, 38-42)
Defendants argue that Plaintiff has not demonstrated that he has a valid quantum meruit claim because he "failed to produce any evidence of actually performing services to Defendants." (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 14) As noted above, however, Plaintiff testified extensively at the default judgment hearing about a number of legal services he provided to Defendants between 2010 and 2013. Defendants offered no evidence contradicting Plaintiff's testimony. Because some of the work Plaintiff testified to clearly falls outside the scope of the Employment Agreement, including — for example — legal work that Plaintiff performed relating to the personal affairs of Jaffrey and his wife (see Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 25-26, 29) — this Court finds that Jaffrey is liable for quantum meruit and unjust enrichment.
Because the record is not adequate to determine the value of the legal services Plaintiff rendered to Jaffrey that fall outside the Employment Agreement, this issue will be referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge for purposes of a damages inquest.
"New York Labor Law § 193(1) prohibits employers from making `any deduction from the wages of an employee' with certain exceptions that are not applicable here." Chenensky v. New York Life Ins. Co., No. 07 Civ. 11504(WHP), 2012 WL 234374, at *4 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 10, 2012) (citing N.Y. Lab. Law § 193(1)(a-b)). New York Labor Law defines "wages" as "the earnings of the employee for labor or services rendered, regardless of whether the amount of earnings is determined on a time, piece, commission or other basis." N.Y. Lab. Law § 190(1). It defines "employee" as "any person employed for hire
Here, Plaintiff alleges that Defendants violated New York Labor Law § 193 "[b]y willfully and without justification deducting and failing to pay [Plaintiff] wages to which he was entitled." (Am. Cmplt. (Dkt. No. 19) ¶ 58) Plaintiff alleges that he was entitled to wages for (1) six months of labor or services in 2010; (2) twelve months of labor or services in 2011; (3) twelve months of labor or services in 2012, other than a $50,000 payment paid by Delta Search Labs; and (4) at least one full month of labor or services in 2013. (Id. ¶¶ 54-57) Plaintiff alleges that both Wingate and Jaffrey are "employers" as defined by the New York Labor Law, and that the Labor Law "imposes individual liability on Jaffrey as an employer with control over Wingate's employees and/or as an executive and owner of Wingate." (Id. ¶¶ 51-52)
Defendants do not dispute that both Wingate and Jaffrey constitute "employers" under the New York Labor Law. Nor do Defendants assert any particular defense to Plaintiff's New York Labor Law claim. Because "Plaintiff's cause of action under New York Labor Law is dependent upon the success of his breach of contract claim[]," Dreyfuss v. eTelecare Global Solutions-US, Inc., No. 08 Civ. 1115(RJS), 2010 WL 4058143, at *4 n. 8 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 30, 2010), this Court assumes that Defendants assert the same defenses to the New York Labor Law claim as they assert to the breach of contract claim. As discussed above, this Court finds that none of those defenses are meritorious. Accordingly, Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate are liable on Plaintiff's New York Labor Law claim.
The Amended Complaint also contains a cause of action is for conversion. Under New York law, "`[c]onversion is the unauthorized assumption and exercise of the right of ownership over goods belonging to another to the exclusion of the owner's rights.'" Thyroff v. Nationwide Mut. Ins. Co., 460 F.3d 400, 403-04 (2d Cir.2006) (quoting Vigilant Ins. Co. of Am. v. Hous. Auth., 87 N.Y.2d 36, 44, 637 N.Y.S.2d 342, 660 N.E.2d 1121 (1995) (internal quotation marks omitted)) (alteration in original). "This includes a `denial or violation of the plaintiff's dominion, rights, or possession' over her property." Id. (quoting Sporn v. MCA Records, Inc., 58 N.Y.2d 482, 487, 462 N.Y.S.2d 413, 448 N.E.2d 1324 (1983)). "It also requires that the defendant exclude the owner from exercising her rights over the goods." Id. (citing New York v. Seventh Regiment Fund, Inc., 98 N.Y.2d 249, 259, 746 N.Y.S.2d 637, 774 N.E.2d 702 (2002)).
Here, Plaintiff alleges that (1) "[d]uring the course of his employment [he] moved various personal items into his office at [the Wingate Offices], including but not limited to a teak desk, teak credenza, leather executive chair, Tiffany picture frame, wall art, and other accessories (the `Office Furnishings')," which he owns; (2) "Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate have intentionally
Wingate can be held liable for Jaffrey's actions if Jaffrey "was acting within the scope of his employment" in removing Plaintiff's property from Wingate's offices. McGrath v. Nassau Health Care Corp., 217 F.Supp.2d 319, 334 (E.D.N.Y.2002) (citation omitted). "An employee's conduct is within the scope of his employment if the employer could have reasonably foreseen the employee's tortious conduct." Id. (citation omitted). Here, Jaffrey was acting within the scope of his employment with Wingate when he removed Plaintiff's personal property from Plaintiff's office, because he did so as a result of the fact that Wingate had been evicted as a result of Wingate's failure to pay rent. See Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 23. Accordingly, the evidence at the default judgment hearing establishes a prima facie case of liability for conversion against both Jaffrey and Wingate based on Jaffrey's removal, and exercise of control over, Plaintiff's property in Plaintiff's Wingate office.
Defendants have offered no defense to Plaintiff's conversion claim and do not address the conversion claim in their papers. See Dkt. Nos. 57, 72. Although defense counsel stated at the default judgment hearing that Defendants "dispute the eviction [from the Wingate office space] altogether" (Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 36), she neither cross-examined Plaintiff on this point nor offered evidence rebutting Plaintiff's account. Although Defendants need not establish a defense to the conversion claim at this stage, "[they] must present some evidence beyond conclusory denials to support [their] defense." Enron Oil Corp., 10 F.3d at 98. They have not done so. Accordingly, Jaffrey and Wingate are liable on Plaintiff's conversion claim.
Defendant Wingate has asserted a counterclaim against Plaintiff for unjust enrichment based on Plaintiff's occupation of an office in Wingate's space at 601 Lexington Avenue. (Answer to Am. Cmplt. with Counterclaim (Dkt. No. 21) ¶¶ 74-86) Wingate argues that it is "entitled to commercial rents of $2,000.00 plus a reasonable facilities fee per month for the thirty-six months of the [Employment Agreement]." (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 19) It is true that the Employment Agreement states that Plaintiff "may conduct his law practice at [Wingate's] offices and may use such staff assistance and equipment as may be needed to do so, and [Plaintiff] agrees to pay to [Wingate] a facilities fee of at least $2000 a month, no later than the 10th of each month, to cover the cost thereof." (PX 1 at 2) "However, the factual record regarding [this] counterclaim[] is simply too incomplete for the court to conclude one way or the other whether [it] constitute[s] [a] meritorious defense[]." State St. Bank & Trust Co. v. Inversiones Errazuriz, Limitada, 230 F.Supp.2d 313,
Plaintiff is entitled to a default judgment against Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate on all five causes of action set forth in the Amended Complaint.
For the reasons stated above, Defendants' motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint is denied; Plaintiff's motion to drop USDFM as a defendant is granted; and Plaintiff's motion for a default judgment is granted as to Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate. Defendants' Answer to the Amended Complaint is stricken as to Defendants Jaffrey and Wingate on all five causes of action in the Amended Complaint, and this opinion and order constitutes an order of default on these causes of action as to these defendants. This case will be referred to the assigned Magistrate Judge for an inquest on damages concerning Plaintiff's claims, and for a determination as to whether Wingate is entitled to an offset based on its Counterclaim.
The Clerk of the Court is directed to terminate the motion (Dkt. No. 53).
SO ORDERED.
In response, Plaintiff submitted an affidavit stating that he is a Massachusetts resident, and that he sold his Manhattan apartment in February 2013, five months before initiating this lawsuit. (Walpert Aff. (Dkt. No. 70) ¶¶ 2-4) Plaintiff also provided property records for the Manhattan apartment, which indicate that the apartment was sold in February 2013. (Id. Exs. 1-2) Accordingly, this Court concludes that Plaintiff is a Massachusetts resident.
The issue that remains is whether USDFM's citizenship defeats diversity. As noted above, "[a] limited liability company is a citizen of every state of which any of its members is a citizen." Krause, 356 F.Supp.2d at 336. Accordingly, even accepting that Plaintiff is a citizen of Massachusetts, complete diversity does not exist, because USDFM is a Massachusetts citizen by virtue of Plaintiff's citizenship, See id.
Defendants also assert that they have produced all documents "related to the labor and services [Plaintiff] provided to Jaffrey, Wingate, USDFM, Delta Search Labs, Ovalia Resorts, Collingwood, and Defendants' other business concerns at J[a]ffrey's request." (Dkt. No. 31 at 3, 5) In an April 9, 2014 letter, Plaintiff's counsel states that Defendants "produced at least one document related to each of [these individuals and entities]," but that they "have refused to produce further documents, typically objecting that they `do not understand' the request." (Id. at 3) Defense counsel responded that Defendants "have no other documents" related to Plaintiff's work for Jaffrey or any of his companies. (Id. at 5) This unsupported assertion is not plausible in light of Plaintiff's uncontradicted testimony that he did extensive work for Jaffrey, Wingate, USDFM, Delta Search Labs, Ovalia Resorts, and Collingwood between 2010 and 2013. Accordingly, Defendants have also provided no legitimate excuse for their failure to produce documents relating to Plaintiff's work for Jaffrey and his companies. On June 20, 2014-after Defendants finally retained new counsel — Plaintiff's counsel reiterated to the Court that Defendants "have produced only 203 pages of discovery" and raised the same discovery issues discussed above. (Dkt. No. 42 at 1-3) Defense counsel responded that she was "unable to respond to the issues raised by plaintiff's counsel" because she did not yet have Defendants' client file. (Id. at 4) Two months later, Defendants still had not produced any more paper or electronic discovery, and Jaffrey left the country. (Dkt. No. 45 at 1-2) Defense counsel reiterated Defendants' position that "all documents that still exist have been produced." (Dkt. No. 46 at 2)
These cases are inapposite. None involve the type of willful conduct at issue here. As discussed above, the circumstances surrounding Jaffrey's departure from the United States indicate that he intentionally misled Plaintiff about his immigration status, and about the implications of the expiration of his visa. Defendants argue that Plaintiff should have been aware of "the possibility that [Jaffrey's] L-1 Visa would expire" "due to the friendship Jaffrey and Plaintiff shared prior to this litigation." (Def. Opp. Br. (Dkt. No. 57) at 7) Defendants present no evidence, however, that Plaintiff knew that Jaffrey's departure from the United States was imminent, or that he would not be able to return. And even if Plaintiff was aware of Jaffrey's visa problems to some extent, Defendants provide no explanation for Jaffrey's sudden departure from the United States just days before his scheduled deposition. Nor do they explain why Jaffrey misled the Court and Plaintiff about whether his deposition could take place on the scheduled date. Accordingly, the instant case is distinguishable from those cited by Defendants.
Even if this Court were to permit Jaffrey's deposition to take place overseas, or by Skype, there is every reason to believe — given his record of delay, obstruction, and bad faith over a period of more than a year — that his misconduct will continue. It is for this reason that a default judgment is an appropriate sanction.
(Dec. 1, 2014 Hearing Tr. (Dkt. No. 65) at 13) Although Plaintiff did not sit for his August 20, 2014 deposition, his failure to appear did not "impede[] the discovery process" as argued by Defendants. By August 18, 2015, defense counsel had informed Plaintiff's counsel that Jaffrey had left the United States and that it was not clear when Jaffrey would be able to return. (Dkt. No. 46 at 2) Plaintiff requested that this Court enter default judgment against Defendants that same day. (Dkt. No. 45) Given the length of this litigation up to that point and the delays and costs incurred as a result of Defendants' failure to obey this Court's orders, it was reasonable for Plaintiff to conserve resources when it became clear that Jaffrey had left the country for an indeterminate period of time. In short, Plaintiff's failure to sit for his deposition — after learning that Jaffrey had left this country and would not appear for his long — scheduled deposition — does not excuse Jaffrey and Wingate's repeated violations of court orders and other misconduct.
Finally, even if Jaffrey's conduct in leaving the country before his scheduled deposition is not attributable to Wingate, Wingate's violation of multiple court orders directing it to obtain counsel supports entry of default judgment against Wingate. See Dkt. Nos. 12, 33, 34, 35. "The Second Circuit has repeatedly affirmed district court cases that granted default judgments against corporate defendants that were specifically instructed to retain counsel by a certain date, yet failed to do so." Grant v. West, No. 97 Civ. 6560(ILG), 2001 WL 1597804, at *4 (E.D.N.Y. Nov. 6, 2001) (collecting cases).
