Krantz & Berman LLP v. Dalal
472 F. App'x 76
2d Cir.2012Background
- Dalal hired K&B for legal services under a retainer with an enforceable arbitration clause.
- K&B sued for unpaid fees; arbitration provision governs disputes arising under the retainer.
- The district court granted a motion to compel arbitration and later denied Dalal’s reconsideration.
- The district court also entered a partial judgment confirming the arbitration award in K&B’s favor.
- Dalal, appearing pro se, challenges both the arbitration order and the award.”
- The Second Circuit reviews orders compelling arbitration de novo and awards for deference.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the district court properly compelled arbitration | Dalal argues against arbitration | K&B contends FAA governs and arbitration proper | Arbitration ordered; district court proper |
| Waiver/prejudice defenses to arbitration | Dalal claims waiver by late request | K&B showed no prejudice from brief delay | No waiver due to lack of prejudice |
| FAA nexus to interstate commerce | Dalal challenges interstate commerce link | Retainer involved services for a NY firm and DC resident | FAA applicable; broad commerce nexus satisfied |
| Service of process adequacy | Dalal challenges service | Affidavits show proper service | Service adequate |
| Timeliness of claims for statute of limitations | Dalal argues court should decide timeliness | Arbitrator determines timeliness per retainer clause | Timeliness for arbitration to determine; court affirmed |
Key Cases Cited
- Citizens Bank v. Alafabco, Inc., 539 U.S. 52 (U.S. 2003) (broad FAA scope and commerce connection)
- Diamond Waterproofing Sys., Inc. v. 55 Liberty Owners Corp., 4 N.Y.3d 247 (N.Y. 2005) (timeliness and arbitrator determination principles)
- Martens v. Thomann, 273 F.3d 159 (2d Cir. 2001) (arbitration timeliness delegated to arbitrator)
- Duferco Int'l Steel Trading v. T. Klaveness Shipping A/S, 333 F.3d 383 (2d Cir. 2003) (deference to arbitration panel; heavy burden to vacate)
- 187 Concourse Assocs. v. Fishman, 399 F.3d 524 (2d Cir. 2005) (de novo review of arbitration awards; factual reviews limited)
- Thyssen, Inc. v. Calypso Shipping Corp., 310 F.3d 102 (2d Cir. 2002) (waiver requires prejudice)