Reicker Pfau partner Robert Forouzandeh earned a resounding victory for his clients after a 13-day bench trial before Santa Barbara Superior Court Judge Anderle.
The case involved a self-described “dream team” who had sought to lease a custom build indoor cannabis cultivation space from Reicker Pfau’s developer/landlord client. Through rampant misrepresentations, the tenant fraudulently induced the developer into leasing the space and selling a portion of the company that owned the building to the tenant. The “dream team” sought in excess of eight million dollars in damages from the developer client.
The Court found Reicker Pfau’s evidence presentation clear and convincing, finding for our clients on multiple Cross-Complaints which resulted in three separate agreements being rescinded, including a Commercial Lease, Operating Agreement, and Settlement Agreement. This resulted in the “dream team” receiving nothing and having their ownership interest in the property rescinded.
Judge Anderle specifically commended Reicker Pfau’s trial team of Robert B. Forouzandeh and Andrew W. Hazlett as being “able, candid and credible.” He noted that counsel had been “very well prepared, worked hard and did everything the Court asked.”
Judge Anderle’s judgment was subsequently appealed by the tenants. On appeal, Robert B. Forouzandeh again represented the developer and prevailed resulting in not only the trial judgment being affirmed but the Appellate Court also ordered that the trial court should have awarded Reicker Pfau’s attorneys fees as well. On remand, the trial court awarded Reicker Pfau’s client in excess of $1,160,000 in attorney’s fees and costs.