Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Partner Robert M. Bodzin and Senior Counsel Norine Busser successfully secured a final order compelling all claims against two GRSM clients to arbitration in New York, rather than proceeding in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The plaintiff, a sophisticated businessman, sued GRSM’s clients in Los Angeles County Superior Court despite a contractual provision requiring all disputes to be arbitrated, under New York law, at an arbitration forum in New York. In response to GRSM’s motion to compel arbitration, the plaintiff argued that the entire contract should be voided and that the dispute should remain in Los Angeles and be decided under California law.
The court preliminarily granted GRSM’s motion to compel arbitration in early January 2026 but ordered extensive additional briefing before issuing its final decision. Busser served as the primary brief writer for the court-ordered briefing, while Bodzin appeared in person and handled three oral arguments between January and May 2026. Before the final hearing in May 2026, the plaintiff changed counsel, and his new attorney appeared for the final oral argument.
The court ultimately confirmed that all claims against GRSM’s clients would be compelled to arbitration in New York, to be decided under New York law. The plaintiff did not file a motion for reconsideration or seek a special writ from the California Court of Appeal, making the court’s decision final.
The outcome demonstrates the strength of GRSM’s Commercial Litigation practice in California and its ability to support clients in complex business disputes through the firm’s 50-state platform.