UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR CIVIL
JUSTICE,
Plaintiff,
Civil Action No. 09-0233
v. PLF/DAR
JOSHUA M. AMBUSH,
Defendant.
MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER
Plaintiff commenced this action for declaratory relief, disgorgement of fees, and damages
by filing a complaint against Defendant in this district more than two years ago. Plaintiff’s
claims arise from Defendant’s alleged actions with respect to plaintiffs in litigation styled
Franqui, et al. v. Syria, Civil Action No. 06-734 (hereinafter “the Franqui Claimants”), which
proceeded to conclusion in this court.
Since the instant action was commenced by Plaintiff, the often contentious litigation of
this action has proceeded apace. The litigation activity initiated by Plaintiff, in addition to the
filing of the complaint by which this action was commenced, includes – but is not limited to –
the filing of an amended complaint (see Document No. 11); moving for a preliminary injunction
(see Document No. 12); filing a second amended complaint (see Document No. 25); agreeing
with Defendant to conduct discovery in two phases (see Document No. 31 at 8; 04/13/2010
Minute Entry); moving for judgment on the pleadings with respect to Defendant’s counterclaim
(see Document No. 39); moving for recusal of the undersigned (see Document No. 45); moving
to compel discovery (see Document No. 47), and filing an answer to Defendant’s amended
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counterclaim (see Document No. 94).
In April, 2010, Plaintiff advised this court that in January, 2010, certain of the Franqui
Claimants (termed “the Berganzo Plaintiffs”) filed a lawsuit against Defendant in the United
States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Notice of Subsequent Developments
(Document No. 69) at 2. Plaintiff asserted that the action in Puerto Rico brought by the
Berganzo Plaintiffs “is directly relevant to the [Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
(Document No. 39) and Motion for Leave to File An Amended Counterclaim (Document No.
40)] currently pending before this Court[.]” Notice of Subsequent Developments at 2; see also
id. at 3 (“[Plaintiff] provides notice of these events because it believes these events are likely to
bear on the Court’s resolution of the pending motions.”). Plaintiff maintained that the District of
Puerto Rico action is “directly relevant” to the motions then pending for two reasons: (1) “[the
plaintiffs in the Puerto Rico action] allege that [Defendant] wrongfully demanded that they enter
into retainer agreements with [Defendant] ex post facto, in which they were obligated to pay
[Defendant] ‘an additional 10% in fees over the 20% agreed upon’ according to the Claimant and
Center Agreements[,]” and (2) “[Defendant’s] Counterclaim against [Plaintiff] seeks
compensation from [Plaintiff] above and beyond the hourly fees already paid to him by [Plaintiff]
for his work on the Franqui Litigation.” Id. at 2-3.
In September, 2010, the undersigned denied Plaintiff/Counterclaim Defendant’s motion
for judgment on the pleadings without prejudice, and granted Defendant/Counterclaim Plaintiff’s
motion for leave to file an amended counterclaim. See 09/30/2010 Minute Order.
Plaintiff/Counterclaim Defendant filed an answer to the amended counterclaim on December 29,
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2010. Answer to Amended Counterclaim (Document No. 94).1
Six days later, Plaintiff filed the pending motion to stay this proceeding, or, in the
alternative, to transfer it to the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a). Plaintiff’s Motion for Stay, or in the Alternative, for Transfer
to the United States District Court for the for Puerto Rico (“Motion for Stay or for Transfer”)
(Document No. 95/96). As grounds, Plaintiff, relying on the declaration of a lawyer for the
Berganzo Plaintiffs, states that discovery is proceeding in that case, and that a subpoena to testify
at a deposition had been served upon a member of Plaintiff’s board of directors. Motion for Stay
or for Transfer at 2-3. More broadly, Plaintiff asserts that “[t]he matters alleged in the [action
pending in Puerto Rico] are inextricably intertwined with the allegations in the Second Amended
Complaint (Dkt. No. 25) and the Amended Answer and Counterclaim in this action. (Dkt. Nos.
87 and 94). All of the witnesses to [Defendant’s] activities that are involved in the [action
pending in Puerto Rico] are located in Puerto Rico.” Id. at 3.2 Plaintiff asks that this action be
stayed “until the claims in [the action pending in Puerto Rico] are resolved,” or alternatively,
transferred to that district, “in order to avoid potential contradictory and conflicting resolution of
the claims . . . and duplicative costly discovery[.]” Id.; see also Plaintiff’s Memorandum in
Support of the Motion for Stay, or in the Alternative, for Transfer to the United States District
Court for Puerto Rico (“Plaintiff’s Reply”) (Document No. 103) at 2-12.
Defendant opposes the motion. Defendant observes that “pursuant to the Court’s
1
In its answer to the amended counterclaim, Plaintiff “admits that venue is proper in this judicial district[.]” Answer
to Amended Counterclaim ¶ 4. While not responsive to a corresponding allegation of the amended counterclaim, Plaintiff “also
admits that venue would be proper in the judicial district in Puerto Rico[.]” Id.
2
Plaintiff does not suggest that it is a party to the action pending in Puerto Rico.
American Center for Civil Justice v. Ambush
Scheduling and Case Management Order[,]” the parties “are now obligated to participate in
mediation[.]” Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff’s Opposition to Plaintiff/Counter-Defendant’s
Motion for Stay, or in the Alternative, for Transfer to the United States District Court for Puerto
Rico (“Defendant’s Opposition”) (Document No. 101) at 1; see also id. at 6. Defendant submits
that Plaintiff’s motion “should also be denied as it is untimely and unsupported by any
compelling reason or any relevant change in circumstance which would justify a transfer of
venue away from the forum of Plaintiff’s choosing[,]” and that “the balance of interests weighs
against transfer[.]” Id.; see also id. at 7-11.
The undersigned heard the arguments of counsel at a hearing on February 2, 2011. See
02/02/2011 Minute Entry. As a consequence of the undersigned’s concern that Plaintiff had
offered no authority in support of its motion in the circumstances presented here – i.e., a motion
for a stay pending the conclusion of an action in another district, or for transfer to the other
district, where the movant (1) commenced the case in its chosen forum, (2) concedes that venue
of the counterclaim against it is proper, and (3) is not a party to the action in the other district –
the undersigned directed Plaintiff to file a supplemental memorandum in which such authority is
cited. See 02/02/2011 Minute Order. Plaintiff filed a supplemental memorandum, and
Defendant, a response thereto, in accordance with the undersigned’s order. See Supplemental
Memorandum in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for Stay, or in the Alternative, for Transfer tot he
United States District Court for Puerto Rico (“Plaintiff’s Supplemental Memorandum”)
(Document No. 104); Response to Plaintiff’s Supplemental Memorandum in Support of
Plaintiff’s Motion for Stay, or in the Alternative, for Transfer to the United States District Court
for Puerto Rico (“Defendant’s Response”) (Document No. 105).
American Center for Civil Justice v. Ambush
Upon consideration of the parties’ written submissions, their proffers and arguments
during the hearing on the motion and the entire record herein, Plaintiff’s motion will be denied.
DISCUSSION
Plaintiff has identified no ground warranting a stay of this action
Plaintiff commenced the instant action by filing a complaint in this district more than two
years ago. Plaintiff continues to assert that venue is proper in this district; Plaintiff moved for
injunctive and other relief in this district; Plaintiff completed the first phase of discovery in this
district. While Plaintiff maintains that “[t]he matters alleged [in the action pending in Puerto
Rico” are “inextricably intertwined” with the allegations pled in the instant action, Plaintiff has
failed to offer any support for that proposition. Plaintiff is not a party to the action pending in
Puerto Rico, and none of the Berganzo Plaintiffs is a party to the action pending in this district.
The only relationship between the two actions which the undersigned is able to discern is that
Defendant is the defendant in both cases. Defendant – the only party who possibly could be
prejudiced by the litigation of two action against him in two different districts – opposes a stay.
Even assuming, arguendo, that the two actions are indeed “inextricably intertwined[,]”
Plaintiff has failed to demonstrate how that fact serves to prejudice, or in any way disadvantage,
Plaintiff. While the action pending in Puerto Rico is clearly of more than passing interest to
Plaintiff, such interest is not a basis upon which to stay an action for an indeterminate period to
await the resolution of the action pending there.
Plaintiff cites no authority in support of its request for a stay, and relies on the court’s
“inherent authority[.]” However, Plaintiff’s request that the court exercise its inherent authority
American Center for Civil Justice v. Ambush
is devoid of any basis warranting such action. Plaintiff has made no effort to demonstrate that a
stay of this action would further the court’s case management objectives, or otherwise ensure a
more fair and just resolution of this action. Nor has Plaintiff shown that its concern that one of
its officers could be deposed in the case pending in Puerto Rico (see, e.g., Plaintiff’s Reply at 5)
is a basis upon which this action should be stayed: to the extent which Plaintiff, or one of its
officers, objects to the proposed discovery in the action pending in Puerto Rico, a judge in that
district is empowered to rule with respect to the appropriate limits of discovery.
Plaintiff has not satisfied the requirements for transfer
District courts “[are] afforded broad discretion to decide whether transfer from one
jurisdiction to another is proper under 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a).” Malveaux v. Christian Brothers
Services, 2010 WL 4870734, No. 10-587, at *4 (D.D.C. November 30, 2010) (citation omitted).
The determination of a motion to transfer “is made by an ‘individualized, case-by-case
consideration of convenience and fairness . . . .” Id. (citation omitted); see also Chauhan v.
Napolitano, No. 10-491, 2010 WL 4258963, at *2 (D.D.C. October 25, 2010) (citation omitted).
“The moving party ‘bear[s] a heavy burden of establishing that plaintiff[’s] choice of forum is
appropriate.’” Id. (citation omitted).
The undersigned observes that while Plaintiff discusses the requirements of Section
1404(a) of Title 28, pursuant to which he asks that this action be transferred to the District of
Puerto Rico (see, e.g., Plaintiff’s Reply at 6-12), it has failed to carry its burden to show that the
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court should exercise its discretion to do so.3
The undersigned finds that Plaintiff has failed to show that the governing considerations
support its request. More troublesome, however, is the absence from Plaintiff’s argument of the
context in which the request arises: (1) Plaintiff filed this action in this district more than two
years ago; (2) Plaintiff advised the court in April, 2010 that the action in Puerto Rico was filed in
January, 2010; (3) Plaintiff made no effort at that time to request that this action be transferred to
the District of Puerto Rico, and instead, advised only that the action pending in Puerto Rico was
relevant to the motions then pending in this court; (4) only after those motions were denied, and
mediation was the next scheduled activity in this court, did Plaintiff suggest that the action
pending in Puerto Rico was actually relevant to the amended complaint and Defendant’s
counterclaim; and (5) Plaintiff admits that venue of Defendant’s counterclaim is proper in this
district. See Joint Status Report (Document No. 97) at 1-2 (“Pursuant to Paragraph 1 of the
Scheduling and Case Management Order[,] . . . the parties have completed the first phase of
discovery. On September 30, 2010, Magistrate Judge Deborah A. Robinson with the consent of
all counsel, denied without prejudice Plaintiff’s Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings . . . ;
granted Defendant leave to file an Amended Counterclaim . . . ; and ordered
Plaintiff/Counterclaim Defendant to either file a responsive pleading to the Amended
3
“For the convenience of parties and witnesses, in the interest of justice, a district court may transfer any civil action
to any other district or division where it may have been brought.” Sibley v. Sibley, 681 F. Supp. 2d 38, 40 (D.D.C. 2010)
(citation omitted). “To assess whether transfer is appropriate, the court will ‘balance a number of case-specific factors which
include the private interests of the parties as well as public interests such as efficiency and fairness.’” Id. (citation omitted).
“The private interest factors include: (1) plaintiff’s choice of forum, (2) defendant’s choice of forum, (3) whether the claim arose
elsewhere, (4) convenience of the parties, (5) the convenience of the witnesses, and (6) the ease of access to sources of proof.”
Id. “The public interest factors include: (1) the transferee district’s familiarity with the governing law, (2) the relative congestion
of both the transferor and transferee courts, and (3) the local interest in deciding local controversies at home.” Id. “The party
seeking transfer bears the burden of demonstrating that the ‘balance of convenience of the parties and witnesses and the interest
of justice are in [its] favor.’” Id. (citation omitted).
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Counterclaim or supplement the memorandum in support of its Motion for Judgment on the
Pleadings. On December 29, 2010, Plaintiff/Counterclaim Defendant filed its answer to the
Amended Counterclaim[.]”).4
The undersigned finds that in these circumstances, transfer would frustrate the interest of
justice by effectively allowing a party to opt out of the court’s scheduling order. Plaintiff has
vigorously litigated this action in this district, and has offered no reason that it cannot continue to
do so. In sum, Plaintiff has failed to carry its burden to show that transfer is warranted.5
CONCLUSION
For all of the foregoing reasons, it is, this 21st day of March, 2011,
ORDERED that Plaintiff’s Motion for Stay, or in the Alternative, for Transfer to the
United States District Court for Puerto Rico (Document No. 95/96) is DENIED.
____________/s/_____________________
DEBORAH A. ROBINSON
United States Magistrate Judge
4
See also n.1, supra.
5
The undersigned finds that all of the authorities on which Plaintiff relies in support of its motion to transfer pursuant
to Section 1404(a) are distinguishable. See Defendant’s Response at 2-4. While no judge of this district has expressly so held,
Section 1404(a) appears to contemplate that transfer pursuant to that section is to be considered largely as an alternative to
dismissal, and not simply as a device by which to ease a party’s discovery and other litigation obligations. Cf. Gordon v.
Gutierrez, No. 05-1926, 2006 WL 1876944, at * 3 (D.D.C. July 6, 2006) (case transferred “[b]ecause the Court concludes that it
is in the interest of justice to transfer this action as oppose to dismissing it[.]”).