Cases

The trial court struck $12 million from a $14 million arbitration award, concluding that the parties did not submit to arbitration the issue that resulted in those damages. The court reached that conclusion by interpreting a series of contracts de novo and then using that interpretation as a starting place to understand the scope of the arbitration demand.

Representing plaintiff on appeal, GMSR argued that the trial court had no power to conduct that type of analysis and that the submission was broad enough to uphold the award. GMSR also defended against a cross-appeal, which sought to vacate the award for the arbitrator’s failure to consider one of defendants’ arguments and on the basis that the award was not timely. The Court of Appeal reversed and instructed the trial court to confirm the award in full.

Case Briefs

• California Court of Appeal Opinion - View Document