2008 Glenn J. Solomon v. Ronald C. Hatfield

In the 127th Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas, Judge Sharolyn Wood presiding. The firm represented Solomon (initially the Defendant, later the Plaintiff after the parties agreed to realignment before trial), an investor and manager of real estate, in a lawsuit against Hatfield alleging breach of contract, fraudulent inducement, and breach of fiduciary duties and defending against Hatfield’s declaratory judgment actions and usury and breach of contract claims. Solomon alleged that he and Hatfield entered into a partnership to acquire a “Casita” in the luxury resort of Villas del Mar in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Hatfield disputed the existence of a partnership. After an 8-day trial, the Court determined as a matter of law that the parties formed a joint venture to acquire the Casita. The jury unanimously found against Hatfield on breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties. The jury also found fraudulent inducement by Hatfield and awarded the following damages on Solomon’s claims against Hatfield: breach of fiduciary duties, $4,512,500; punitive damages, $462,500; breach of contract $4,168,500.