ArticlesPaul M. Kessimian Comments on Appellate Decision in Long-Arm Statute Case

July 2, 20190
Paul M. Kessimian, Chair of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, spoke recently with Reporter Kris Olson of the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly about the recent Appellate decision in the case of von Schönau-Riedweg, et al. v. Rothschild Bank AG, et al. The question of long-arm jurisdiction over the Swiss bank hinged on whether an advisor was an actual or apparent agent of the bank and his actions in the state of Massachusetts.
At trial, the judge denied any jurisdictional discovery or evidentiary hearing on that question, concluding that the plaintiff had not made a prima facie case on agency and dismissing the claims against the bank.
But the Appellate Court disagreed. Judge Mary T. Sullivan concluded that on any theory – actual authority, ratification or apparent authority – the plaintiff had in fact made a prima facie case that the advisor was acting as the bank’s agent.
Paul commented that he “was surprised that the trial judge had denied a request for jurisdictional discovery, particularly when highly relevant documents to the advisor’s employment status were in the bank’s possession. That should not deter attorneys confronted with similar issues from demanding a hearing.”
To read the MA Lawyers Weekly article, please click here. (subscription required)

Get In Touch

    Leave a Reply

    https://www.psh.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/PSH-320x212.png

    Follow us:

    PROVIDENCE OFFICE

    40 Westminster Street
    Suite 1100
    Providence, RI  02903

    BOSTON OFFICE

    30 Federal Street
    Boston, MA  02110

    SOUTHCOAST OFFICE

    128 Union Street
    Suite 500
    New Bedford, MA  02740

    Copyright ©️ 2024 Partridge Snow & Hahn | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer