WT Wins: Arbitration Win Defends Developer Against Failed Broker Claim and Awards Attorneys’ Fees to Developer

In January 2021, Weintraub attorney Jessica Corpuz won a total defense verdict for a real estate development client, including an award of attorney’s fees against the plaintiff.

The Firm’s client hoped to develop a vacant lot into a successful commercial building.  The client retained the services of a commercial real estate broker and consultant to locate a tenant and supervise the construction of a suitable building.  After several years, the broker was unable to locate a suitable tenant and the property remained an empty lot, so the client decided to put the lot up for sale.  The broker filed an arbitration claim, arguing that he was entitled to the full amount of his contractual fee as if he had obtained a tenant and the property had been developed into a fully working commercial property.

The arbitration hearing was conducted entirely via Zoom, with all witnesses testifying remotely and all exhibits shared electronically.  The Arbitrator found that the Firm’s client did not owe the broker any fees at all, and awarded the Firm’s client its attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in the case.