848 F. Supp. 2d 1
D.D.C.2012Background
- Hussain sues Kathleen Lewis, the D.C. Bar defendants, and Dawn Martin alleging due process violations and seeking arbitration before the ACAB.
- A fee dispute between Hussain and Martin led to a Dec. 23, 2010 arbitration petition and a Jan. 3, 2011 Maryland state court suit on related issues.
- ACAB informed Hussain that arbitration would be suspended while a same-issue Maryland suit is pending, delaying opening of arbitration.
- The D.C. Bar defendants move to dismiss or stay pending arbitration; Martin moves to dismiss or for summary judgment.
- The court stays the case to await resolution of the Maryland litigation and the ACAB arbitral proceedings; motions to dismiss denied without prejudice.
- Court cites the discretion to stay proceedings pending independent related actions and the ACAB’s preliminary review of arbitral jurisdiction.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Should the action be stayed pending arbitration? | Hussain argues arbitration should proceed and relief should be granted. | Bar defendants contend stay pending resolution of related proceedings is appropriate. | Case stayed pending arbitration proceedings. |
| Are the motions to dismiss appropriate at this stage? | Hussain seeks adjudication of his underlying claims and access to arbitration. | Defendants argue dismissal is warranted or the matter should be dismissed without prejudice. | Motions to dismiss denied without prejudice. |
Key Cases Cited
- Hisler v. Gallaudet Univ., 344 F. Supp. 2d 29 (D.D.C. 2004) (stay/abeyance pending related proceedings permissible)
- Landis v. North Am. Co., 299 U.S. 248 (1936) (stay orders may be used to economize judicial proceedings)
- Air Line Pilots Ass'n v. Miller, 523 U.S. 866 (Supreme Court 1998) (stay power is inherent to courts to manage docket)
- Leyva v. Certified Grocers of California, Ltd., 593 F.2d 857 (9th Cir. 1979) (stay/abeyance principles in arbitration context)
- Nederlandse Erts-Tankersmaatschappij, N.V. v. Isbrandtsen Co., 339 F.2d 440 (2d Cir. 1964) (arbitration-related stays when matters are ongoing)
- Sea Spray Holdings, Ltd. v. Pali Fin. Group, Inc., 269 F. Supp. 2d 356 (S.D.N.Y. 2003) (stay while arbitration proceeds in other jurisdiction)
- Roe v. Gray, 165 F. Supp. 2d 1164 (D. Colo. 2001) (stay when arbitration is pending)