Sven Grasshoff vs. Aaron Etra – Index No. 650832/2012

Lax, Neville & Intelisano, LLP successfully defends the appeal of a motion to dismiss a New York Supreme Court decision in a case involving Plaintiff Sven Grasshoff’s (“Grasshoff’s” or “Plaintiff’s”) investment in a business venture in which Defendant Aaron Etra (“Etra” or Defendant”) allegedly provided “Paymaster services” for the investment. Plaintiff alleged that Defendant violated his contractual and fiduciary obligations by disbursing funds from an escrow account contrary to the terms of the contract, and without authority. The Complaint alleged breach of contract, promissory estoppel, breach of fiduciary relationship, negligent misrepresentation, and conversion, none of which were dismissed by the Supreme Court. Defendant appealed the Supreme Court’s decision, and Lax, Neville & Intelisano, LLP represented the Plaintiff before the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, First Department, which unanimously affirmed Judge Eileen Bransten’s decision denying the Defendant’s motion to dismiss the Complaint.