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IN THE<br />
COURT OF APPEALS<br />
FIFTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS AT DALLAS<br />
NO. 05-11-01507-CV<br />
JOSEPH FABIANI,<br />
Appellant<br />
v.<br />
ADOLPH R. HERRERA, JR.,<br />
Appellee<br />
On Appeal from the 298th Judicial District <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> Dallas County, Texas<br />
Trial <strong>Court</strong> Cause No. DC-10-06883<br />
BRIEF OF APPELLANT IN SUPPORT OF APPEAL<br />
January 18, 2012<br />
Ellen Cook Sacco<br />
Tex. State Bar No. 24029491<br />
Donald M. Kaiser, Jr.<br />
Tex. State Bar No. 24025466<br />
Hulse + Stucki, PLLC<br />
2912 W. Story Road<br />
Irving, TX 75038<br />
214-441-3000<br />
214-441-3001 fax<br />
Oral Argument Requested<br />
5th <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Appeals</strong><br />
FILED: 01/18/2012<br />
14:00<br />
Lisa Matz, Clerk
IN THE<br />
COURT OF APPEALS<br />
FIFTH DISTRICT OF TEXAS AT DALLAS<br />
NO. 05-11-01507-CV<br />
JOSEPH FABIANI,<br />
Appellant<br />
v.<br />
ADOLPH R. HERRERA, JR.,<br />
Appellee<br />
On Appeal from the 298th Judicial District <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> Dallas County, Texas<br />
Trial <strong>Court</strong> Cause No. DC-10-06883<br />
BRIEF OF APPELLANT IN SUPPORT OF APPEAL<br />
January 18, 2012<br />
Ellen Cook Sacco<br />
Tex. State Bar No. 24029491<br />
Donald M. Kaiser, Jr.<br />
Tex. State Bar No. 24025466<br />
Hulse + Stucki, PLLC<br />
2912 W. Story Road<br />
Irving, TX 75038<br />
214-441-3000<br />
214-441-3001 fax<br />
Oral Argument Requested
APPELLANT:<br />
JOSEPH FABIANI<br />
APPELLEE:<br />
IDENTITY OF PARTIES AND COUNSEL<br />
APPELLANT'S ATTORNEYS:<br />
Ellen Cook Sacco<br />
Donald M. Kaiser, Jr.<br />
Hulse + Stucki, PLLC<br />
2912 W. Story Road<br />
Irving, TX 75038<br />
214-441-3000<br />
214-441-3001 fax<br />
ESacco@AttorneysF orBusiness.com<br />
DKaiser@AttorneysF orBusiness.com<br />
ADOLPH R. HERRERA, JR.<br />
APPELLEE'S ATTORNEYS:<br />
Ryan C. Gentry<br />
Novak & Stauch, LLP<br />
4144 N. Central Expressway, Suite 300<br />
Dallas, TX 75204<br />
214-823-2006<br />
214-823-2007 fax<br />
rgentry@ns-law .net<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
IDENTITY OF THE PARTIES AND COUNSEL ....................................... 2<br />
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................. 3-4<br />
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES .............................................................. 5-7<br />
STATEMENT OF THE CASE .......................................................... 7-8<br />
ISSUES PRESENTED ..................................................................... 8-9<br />
STATEMENT OF FACTS .............................................................. 9-12<br />
STANDARD OF REVIEW ............................................................... 12<br />
SUMMARY OF ARGUMENT ....................................................... 12-13<br />
ARGUMENT ........................................................................... 14-34<br />
ISSUE ONE<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against Appellant for<br />
fraud ....................................................................................... 14-20<br />
ISSUE TWO<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against Appellant for<br />
under an alter ego theory ............................................................... 20-22<br />
ISSUE THREE<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against Appellant for<br />
fraudulent transfer under the UFTA .................................................. 22-27<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 3
ISSUE FOUR<br />
Whether the damages awarded for fraudulent transfer are erroneous under the<br />
UFTA and result in an improper double recovery for Appellee .................. 27-29<br />
ISSUE FIVE<br />
Whether the trial court erred when it awarded $61,848.47 in trial attorney's fees<br />
and $25,000.00 and $15,000.00 in appellate attorney's fees under the Uniform<br />
Fraudulent Transfer Act ............................................................... 29-33<br />
ISSUE SIX<br />
Whether prejudgment interest was calculated using an incorrect rate <strong>of</strong><br />
prejudgment and postjudgment interest. ............................................ .33-34<br />
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER ...................................................... 34-35<br />
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ............................................................ .3 7<br />
APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................. .38<br />
TAB 1 JUDGMENT DATED AUGUST 5, 2011<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
4
INDEX OF AUTHORITIES<br />
CASES<br />
Black v. Victoria Lloyds Ins. Co., ............................................ .... 14, 15, 16<br />
797 S.W.2d 20 (Tex. 1990).<br />
Burns v. Thomas, ........................................................................... 12<br />
786 S.W.2d 266 (Tex. 1990).<br />
Castleberry v. Branscum, .................................................................. 21<br />
721 S.W.2d 270 (Tex. 1986).<br />
City <strong>of</strong> Houston v. Clear Creek Basin Authority, .................................. 15, 24<br />
589 S.W.2d 671 (Tex. 1979).<br />
Cox v. Southern Garrett, L.L.C., .......................................................... 21<br />
245 S.WJd 574 (Tex. App.-Houston 2007, no pet.)<br />
Dillard Dept. Stores, Inc. v. Gonzales, .................................................. .31<br />
72 S.W.3d 398 (Tex. App.-El Paso 2002, pet. denied).<br />
Farr v. Sun World Sav. Ass'n, ............................................................. 21<br />
810 S.W.2d 294 (Tex. App.--El Paso 1991, no writ).<br />
Gallagher v. Bintli.fj', .......................................... .............................. 21<br />
740 S.W.2d 118 (Tex. App.--Austin 1987, writ denied).<br />
General Motors Corp. v. Bloyed, ..................................................... 30, 32<br />
916 S.W.2d 949 (Tex. 1996).<br />
In Re FirstMerit Bank, ..................................................................... 18<br />
52 S.W.3d 749 (Tex. 2001).<br />
Insurance Co. <strong>of</strong>N Am. v. Morris, ................................................... .... 17<br />
981 S.W.2d 667 (Tex. 1998).<br />
Jacobs v. Satterwhite, ...................................................................... 14<br />
65 S.WJd 653 (Tex. 2001).<br />
Limestone Prods. Distrib., Inc. v. McNamara, Inc., .................................... 20<br />
71 S.WJd 308 (Tex. 2002).<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 5
Lucas v. Texas Indus., Inc., ................................................................ 21<br />
696 S.W.2d 372 (Tex. 1984).<br />
MD. Anderson Hosp. & Tumor Ins. v. Willrich, ....................................... 24<br />
28 S.W.3d 22 (Tex. 2000).<br />
Mid-Century Ins. Co. v. Ademaj, ......................................................... 12<br />
243 S.W.3d 618 (Tex. 2007).<br />
Morgan v. Anthony, ........................................................................ 15<br />
27 S.W.3d 928 (Tex. 2000).<br />
Nixon v. Mr. Property Mgmt. Co., ........................................................ 12<br />
690 S.W.2d 546<br />
Ortega-Carter v. American International Adjustment Co., ....................... 12, 15<br />
834 S. W.2d 439 (Tex. App.-Dallas 1992, writ denied).<br />
Phillips v. United Heritage Corp., ........................................................ 21<br />
319 S.W.3d 156, 158 (Tex. App.--Waco 2010, no pet.);<br />
Pleasant Hills Children's Home v. Nida, ............................................... .31<br />
596 S.W.2d 947 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 1980, no writ)<br />
Provident Life & Ace. Ins. Co. v. Knott, ................................................. 20<br />
128 S.W.3d 211 (Tex. 2003).<br />
Siegler v. Williams, ......................................................................... 31<br />
658 S.W.2d 236 (Tex. App.-Houston 1983, no writ).<br />
Specialty Retailers, Inc. v. Fuqua, ........................................................ 22<br />
29 S.W.3d 140 (Tex. App.-Houston 2000, pet. denied).<br />
Tony Gullo Motors I, L.P. v. Chapa, .................................................... .33<br />
212 S.W.299 (Tex. 2006).<br />
Travelers lndem. Co. v. Mayfield, ....................................................... .31<br />
923 S.W.2d 590 (Tex. 1996).<br />
Wilson v. Davis, 305 S.W.3d 57 .......................................................... 21<br />
(Tex. App.-Houston 2009, no pet.);<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 6
T.R.C.P. 166a(c)<br />
Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code§ 21.223(a)(2)<br />
STATUTES AND RULES<br />
Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.008, § 24.009<br />
Texas Finance Code§ 304.002, § 304.003(c)(l), § 304.102<br />
Nature <strong>of</strong> the Case:<br />
STATEMENT OF THE CASE<br />
This case arises from a $100,000.00 loan from Appellee to Invictus Partners, LLC<br />
("lnvictus") that resulted in a Judgment <strong>of</strong> $600,794.33 for Appellee and against<br />
Appellant for fraud and violations <strong>of</strong> the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act<br />
("UFTA"). CR 192-193.<br />
Course <strong>of</strong> Proceedings:<br />
Appellee filed a Motion for Partial Summary Judgment. CR 15.<br />
Trial <strong>Court</strong>:<br />
95th Judicial District <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> Dallas County, Texas, Hon. Emily Tobolowsky<br />
presiding<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
7
Disposition:<br />
The trial court granted Appellee's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment. The<br />
Judgment found for Appellee and against Appellant on the basis <strong>of</strong> fraud and<br />
violations <strong>of</strong> the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act codified at Tex. Bus. & Comm.<br />
Code§ 24.005. CR 192-193.<br />
Statement Regarding Oral Argument<br />
Appellant requests oral argument. While the standard <strong>of</strong> review for an appeal<br />
from a summary judgment order is not a difficult burden, undersigned counsel<br />
believes that oral argument could aid the <strong>Court</strong> in its review <strong>of</strong> this case.<br />
ISSUE ONE<br />
ISSUES PRESENTED<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against Appellant for<br />
fraud.<br />
ISSUE TWO<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against Appellant for<br />
under an alter ego theory.<br />
ISSUE THREE<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against Appellant for<br />
fraudulent transfer under the UFTA.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
8
ISSUE FOUR<br />
Whether the damages awarded for fraudulent transfer are erroneous under the<br />
UFTA and result in an improper double recovery for Appellee.<br />
ISSUE FIVE<br />
Whether the trial court erred when it awarded $61,848.47 in trial attorney's fees<br />
and $25,000.00 and $15,000.00 in appellate attorney's fees under the Uniform<br />
Fraudulent Transfer Act.<br />
ISSUE SIX<br />
Whether interest was calculated using an incorrect interest rate.<br />
STATEMENT OF FACTS<br />
Appellant Fabiani, Albert Guardado ("Guardado"), Karen Herrera<br />
(Appellee's daughter), Kendrick Toussaint, and Tiffany Vanek worked for<br />
Invictus. CR. 183-184. Karen Herrera's father, the Appellee, invested<br />
$100,000.00 in Invictus in the form <strong>of</strong> a loan. The money loaned from Appellee to<br />
Invictus was used to pay salaries and fund the start-up <strong>of</strong> Solace Supplier<br />
Screening, LLC, which included payments to employees Karen Herrera, Kendrick<br />
Toussaint, and Tiffany Vanek. CR. 185.<br />
On July 1, 2009, Appellee and Invictus entered into the Bridge Note (the<br />
"Note"). CR 33-36. The Note was for $100,000.00, accrued 12% interest per<br />
annum, and was due on June 30, 2010. CR. 33-36. The Note, Section 1,<br />
references a Bridge Loan "Agreement;" however, this document does not exist.<br />
CR. 33.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 9
The Note was not personally guaranteed by Appellant or anyone else. CR<br />
33-36. The Note was secured by 215,000 shares <strong>of</strong> GRED stock controlled by<br />
Kendrick Toussaint and two partnership units <strong>of</strong> Compliance Depot, Inc. owned<br />
by Invictus. CR. 34. The Appellee made no efforts to perfect a security interest<br />
on any collateral referenced in the Note (either the stock owned by Kendrick<br />
Toussaint and or the Compliance Depot units).<br />
Appellant did not make any representations to Appellee before the Note<br />
was executed and funded. The Appellee did not present any summary judgment<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> regarding any fraudulent or false representations that Appellant supposedly<br />
made to Appellee. CR. 70.<br />
In or about September 2009, after the proceeds from the Bridge Note were<br />
exhausted, Kendrick Toussaint, Karen Herrera, and another Invictus former<br />
employee named Cassie Struck began competing directly with Invictus/Solace<br />
Supplier Screening, LLC. CR 183-185. These individuals formed a separate<br />
competing company called Assurance Screening, LLC. CR. 183-185. Karen<br />
Herrera and Toussaint began soliciting clients, investors, and contacts <strong>of</strong> Solace<br />
Supplier Screening, LLC under the name <strong>of</strong> their new company. CR. 183-184.<br />
Around the same time, Karen Herrera and the Appellee began demanding<br />
payment <strong>of</strong> the Note in full (prior to its maturity date <strong>of</strong> June 30, 20 10). On<br />
October 29, 2009, Appellee sent a demand letter via its attorney to Appellant. CR.<br />
46. The letter incorrectly stated that Appellant had personally guaranteed the<br />
Note. CR. 41. The letter also wrongly stated that Appellant and/or Invictus was<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 10
somehow in violation <strong>of</strong> the Note by failing to produce written consents from<br />
Compliance Depot's Board <strong>of</strong> Managers. CR. 41. The obligation to produce<br />
consents was never part <strong>of</strong> the Note or any agreement. CR. 33-36. Further,<br />
Appellee wrongly attempted to accelerate the payments on the Note and demand<br />
payment in full on November 12, 2009. CR. 46.<br />
Interestingly, in the demand letters, Appellee never accused Toussaint <strong>of</strong><br />
being in violation <strong>of</strong> the Note, although Toussaint had agreed to pledge 215,000<br />
shares <strong>of</strong> stock owned in a separate company by Toussaint as security for the<br />
Note. CR. 41 and CR. 46.<br />
With Karen Herrera and Kendrick Toussaint working together to form a<br />
competing company, Appellant and Solace Supplier Screening, LLC were left<br />
with little prospect <strong>of</strong> success and suffered several failed investments and business<br />
ventures. CR. 183-185.<br />
Appellee sued Invictus and Appellant in June 2010. CR. 228. Invictus<br />
filed a third-party petition against Kendrick Toussaint. CR. 229.<br />
Invictus sold a total <strong>of</strong> seven Compliance Depot units for $50,000.00 per<br />
unit or a total <strong>of</strong>$350,000.00. CR. 184. The units were sold on July 2, 2009. CR.<br />
184.<br />
On August 5, 20 11, the <strong>Court</strong> granted Plaintiff's Motion for Partial<br />
Summary Judgment for $600,794.33. CR. 192-193. The <strong>Court</strong> found<br />
$175,000.00 in damages based on Appellant's alleged "actual fraud and fraudulent<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 11
transfer."). CR. 192. The Judgment also awarded exemplary damages against<br />
Appellant on the "actual fraud" claim and attorney's fees. CR. 192.<br />
STANDARD OF REVIEW<br />
A traditional motion for summary judgment is reviewed on appeal de novo.<br />
Mid-Century Ins. Co. v. Ademaj, 243 S.W.3d 618, 621 (Tex. 2007).<br />
A party moving for summary judgment has the burden <strong>of</strong> establishing that<br />
no genuine issue <strong>of</strong> material fact exists and that it is entitled to judgment as a<br />
matter <strong>of</strong> law. Burns v. Thomas, 786 S.W.2d 266, 267 (Tex. 1990); Nixon v. Mr.<br />
Property Mgmt. Co., 690 S.W.2d 546, 548-49 (Tex. 1985). In deciding whether<br />
disputed material fact issues preclude summary judgment, evidence favorable to<br />
the non-movant is taken as true, every reasonable inference from the evidence is<br />
indulged in favor <strong>of</strong> the non-movant, and any doubt is resolved in its favor. Nixon,<br />
690 S.W.2d at 548-49.<br />
When the party with the burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> seeks summary judgment, that<br />
party must conclusively prove its entitlement to prevail on each element <strong>of</strong> its<br />
cause <strong>of</strong> action as a matter <strong>of</strong> law. Ortega-Carter v. American International<br />
Adjustment Co., 834 S.W.2d 439, 441 (Tex. App.-Dallas 1992, writ denied).<br />
SUMMARY OF THE ARGUMENT<br />
The Judgment is erroneous, because it awards actual and exemplary<br />
damages for fraud, although fraud was not pled as a basis <strong>of</strong> recovery in<br />
Appellee's Motion for Summary Judgment.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
12
If the Judgment is somehow interpreted to include a finding against<br />
Appellant for the company debts <strong>of</strong> Invictus on an alter ego theory, that finding<br />
would be erroneous and immaterial, as pleading and pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> an actual fraud is a<br />
prerequisite to an alter ego finding. The Judgment also made no findings against<br />
the Invictus corporate entity. Therefore, without an underlying cause <strong>of</strong> action<br />
creating corporate liability, evidence <strong>of</strong> an abuse <strong>of</strong> the corporate form is<br />
immaterial.<br />
The Judgment is also erroneous, because the Appellee failed to prove the<br />
required elements under the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, including pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
an actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud a creditor. At a minimum, Appellee's<br />
summary judgment evidence created a fact issue.<br />
Appellee has no evidence <strong>of</strong> the $175,000.00 in "actual damages" awarded<br />
in the Judgment for the alleged fraudulent transfer. Appellee's maximum damages<br />
claim at all times was, at most, for the amount <strong>of</strong> the Note ($100,000.00) plus 12%<br />
interest. Appellee's alleged damages for fraudulent transfer are statutorily limited<br />
to the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor's claim or $112,000.00.<br />
The Judgment contains an incorrect interest rate <strong>of</strong> 12%, when 5% is the<br />
correct rate under the is the Texas Finance Code.<br />
Finally, Appellee failed to present evidence <strong>of</strong> a lodestar analysis <strong>of</strong><br />
attorney's fees claimed, failed to segregate attorney's fees, and presented zero<br />
evidence <strong>of</strong> anticipated appellate attorney's fees. Therefore, the attorney's fees<br />
award was improper.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 13
ISSUE ONE<br />
ARGUMENT<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against<br />
Appellant for fraud.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> the Argument<br />
Appellee failed to plead fraud as a theory <strong>of</strong> recovery in his Motion for<br />
Partial Summary Judgment, set forth the elements <strong>of</strong> fraud, or prove the elements<br />
<strong>of</strong> fraud. Appellee did not plead or prove fraud by Appellant as a theory <strong>of</strong><br />
recovery within his Motion for Partial Summary Judgment. CR. 15-28. However,<br />
the August 5, 2011 Judgment erroneously contains a finding <strong>of</strong> actual fraud and<br />
awards $175,000.00 in "actual damages" to Appellee and against Appellant and<br />
Invictus, jointly and severally, and exemplary damages <strong>of</strong> $350,000.00 against<br />
Appellant for "actual fraud." CR. 192-193.<br />
The Judgment also erroneously finds that Appellant acted with "false<br />
pretenses, false representations, and actual fraud, other than a statement respecting<br />
the debtor's or an insider's financial condition (Plaintiff's claims <strong>of</strong> actual fraud<br />
and fraudulent transfer)," despite no pro<strong>of</strong> in the record. CR. 192.<br />
Law<br />
The Texas Supreme <strong>Court</strong> has long held that a summary judgment movant<br />
may absolutely not be granted judgment as a matter <strong>of</strong> law on a cause <strong>of</strong> action not<br />
addressed in a summary judgment proceeding. Jacobs v. Satterwhite, 65 S.WJd<br />
653, 655 (Tex. 2001) citing Black v. Victoria Lloyds Ins. Co., 797 S.W.2d 20, 27<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 14
(Tex. 1990) (" ... the motion must identify or address the cause <strong>of</strong> action or<br />
defense and its elements ... "). A movant must establish his entitlement to a<br />
summary judgment on the issues expressly presented to the trial court by<br />
conclusively establishing all essential elements <strong>of</strong> his cause <strong>of</strong> action or defense as<br />
a matter <strong>of</strong> law. 1 In order to conclusively establish the requisite essential element<br />
or elements, the motion must identify or address the cause <strong>of</strong> action or defense and<br />
its elements. Black at 27. The burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> for a summary judgment movant is<br />
to show that there is no genuine issue <strong>of</strong> material fact and that the movant is<br />
entitled to judgment as a matter <strong>of</strong> law. 2 Even if the non-movant does not file a<br />
response, the movant still carries the burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong>.<br />
When the party with the burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> seeks summary judgment, that<br />
party must conclusively prove its entitlement to prevail on each element <strong>of</strong> its<br />
cause <strong>of</strong> action as a matter <strong>of</strong> law. Ortega-Carter v. American International<br />
Adjustment Co., 834 S.W.2d 439, 441 (Tex. App.-Dallas 1992, writ denied). The<br />
evidence is reviewed in the light most favorable to the non-movant and the<br />
appellate court must disregard all contrary evidence and inferences. See Morgan<br />
v. Anthony, 27 S.W.3d 928, 929 (Tex. 2000).<br />
1 See, for e.g., City <strong>of</strong> Houston v. Clear Creek Basin Authority, 589 S.W.2d 671,<br />
678 (Tex. 1979).<br />
2 T.R.C.P. 166a(c)<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
15
Argument<br />
Appellee's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment did not request relief based on<br />
fraud, so the Judgment erroneously awarded actual and exemplary damages for<br />
fraud.<br />
Appellee's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment does not plead fraud as a<br />
theory <strong>of</strong> recovery or identify the elements <strong>of</strong> fraud whatsoever. CR. 15-28. The<br />
cause <strong>of</strong> action must be identified in the Motion for Summary Judgment or a<br />
Judgment cannot be awarded as a matter <strong>of</strong> law. Black at 27. Because the Motion<br />
does not request fraud damages, the Judgment cannot award damages for fraud or<br />
fraud through false pretenses/false representations.<br />
Plaintiffs Third Amended Petition filed on June 17, 2011 alleged various<br />
causes <strong>of</strong> action against Appellant, including common law fraud, fraud in the<br />
inducement, fraud by non-disclosure, negligent misrepresentation, conversion,<br />
money had and received, fraudulent transfer, constructive trust, alter ego, and<br />
injunctive relief. CR. 5-14.<br />
That same day, June 17, 2011, Plaintiff filed a Motion for Partial Summary<br />
Judgment. CR. 15-28. The Motion requested a judgment against Fabiani based<br />
upon two theories <strong>of</strong> recovery only: fraudulent transfer and alter ego. CR. 23-25.<br />
The Motion also requested a judgment against Invictus based upon one theory <strong>of</strong><br />
recovery only: breach <strong>of</strong> contract. CR. 22.<br />
The Judgment does not address any claim <strong>of</strong> breach <strong>of</strong> contract or award<br />
any damages for breach <strong>of</strong> contract. CR. 192-193. The Judgment also does not<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
16
address the claim <strong>of</strong> alter ego. Cr. 192-193. The resulting Judgment wrongly<br />
awarded actual and exemplary damages allegedly based on a fraud cause <strong>of</strong> action<br />
that was not proved or even pled in the Motion for Partial Summary Judgment.<br />
Therefore, the Judgment's award <strong>of</strong> $175,000.00 in actual damages for<br />
fraud against Appellant is erroneous, because fraud was not properly pled as a<br />
basis for relief in Appellee's Partial Motion for Summary Judgment. Likewise,<br />
the Judgment's award <strong>of</strong> $350,000.00 in exemplary damages for the claim <strong>of</strong><br />
"actual fraud" against Appellant is likewise erroneous, because fraud was not pled<br />
as a basis for relief in Appellee's Motion.<br />
Appellee did not present pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the essential elements <strong>of</strong> fraud in his partial<br />
Summary Judgment Motion, so the Judgment erroneously awarded damages for<br />
fraud.<br />
Appellee also failed to set forth the elements <strong>of</strong> fraud or present pro<strong>of</strong> on<br />
each required element. Fraud requires pro<strong>of</strong> that: ( 1) Defendant made a<br />
representation to the Plaintiff; (2) The representation was material; (3) The<br />
representation was false; ( 4) Defendant knew the representation was false at that<br />
time it was made or made the representation recklessly without knowledge <strong>of</strong> its<br />
truth; ( 5) Defendant intended that Plaintiff act on the representation; ( 6) Plaintiff<br />
relied on the representation; and (7) The representation caused the Plaintiff injury.<br />
Insurance Co. <strong>of</strong>N Am. v. Morris, 981 S.W.2d 667, 674 (Tex. 1998).<br />
Appellee completely failed to address or prove the following elements <strong>of</strong><br />
fraud in his Motion for Partial Summary Judgment:<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
17
• No evidence <strong>of</strong> any representation made by Appellant to Appellee;<br />
• No evidence that any alleged representation made by Appellant was<br />
material, false, or that Appellant knew the representation was false at<br />
the time it was made; 3<br />
• No evidence that Appellant intended that Appellee act on any such<br />
alleged representation; and<br />
• No pro<strong>of</strong> that Appellee relied upon any representation, causing injury.<br />
In fact, the Appellee's Affidavit states only that he made a demand upon<br />
Appellant for payment <strong>of</strong> the Note. CR 70. Appellee's Affidavit is completely<br />
devoid <strong>of</strong> any mention <strong>of</strong> a false statement made by Fabiani or any representations<br />
from Fabiani whatsoever. CR. 70. A review <strong>of</strong> Appellee's Affidavit and the<br />
summary judgment evidence reveal a complete lack <strong>of</strong> any assertion by Appellee<br />
that he relied on anything that was represented to him by Appellant. CR. 70.<br />
There is not any mention <strong>of</strong> any statement made by Appellant to Appellee<br />
whatsoever. CR. 70.<br />
Nowhere in Appellee's Motion is there any evidence that the Note itself<br />
was somehow obtained through fraud, fraudulent inducement, false pretenses, or<br />
false representations. Appellee has just inserted this language into the Judgment<br />
with no back-up evidence or pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the same.<br />
3 To prove fraud, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant made a false material<br />
representation to the plaintiff, when the defendant knew the representation was<br />
false at the time it was made or made the representation recklessly, reliance by the<br />
plaintiff, and injury. In Re FirstMerit Bank, 52 S.W.3d 749, 758 (Tex. 2001).<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 18
'io<br />
i,<br />
Appellee did not prove the elements <strong>of</strong> fraud or even attempt to present<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> fraud in his Motion for Partial Summary Judgment. Therefore, the<br />
Judgment's award <strong>of</strong> actual damages and exemplary damages based upon fraud is<br />
erroneous.<br />
The Judgment awards $350,000.00 in exemplary damages against<br />
Appellant for "actual fraud." The Judgment does not award any exemplary<br />
damages based upon Appellee's statutory claim <strong>of</strong> fraudulent transfer under the<br />
Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act. As shown hereinabove, the $350,000.00<br />
punitive damages award is without any basis, because fraud was not pled as a<br />
theory <strong>of</strong> recovery in the Motion for Partial Summary Judgment and the elements<br />
<strong>of</strong> common-law fraud or "actual fraud" were not even addressed or set forth in the<br />
Motion. Texas law is very clear that a plaintiff cannot be granted judgment as a<br />
matter <strong>of</strong> law on a cause <strong>of</strong> action not addressed in a summary judgment<br />
proceeding. Therefore, the award <strong>of</strong> $350,000.00 in exemplary damages for<br />
"actual fraud" is baseless and erroneous.<br />
Appellant presented summary judgment pro<strong>of</strong> sufficient to create a fact issue<br />
regarding fraud.<br />
Appellant timely filed a response to Appellee's Motion for Summary<br />
Judgment and filed supporting affidavits. CR. 233.<br />
Appellant's response and accompanying affidavit was sufficient to prevent<br />
summary judgment. CR. 183-186. Assuming all <strong>of</strong> Appellant's pro<strong>of</strong> is true and<br />
making every reasonable inference in favor <strong>of</strong> the non-movant, the Judgment for<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 19
fraud was erroneous. Limestone Prods. Distrib., Inc. v. McNamara, Inc., 71<br />
S.W.3d 308, 311 (Tex. 2002); Provident Life & Ace. Ins. Co. v. Knott, 128<br />
S.W.3d 211, 215 (Tex. 2003).<br />
ISSUE TWO<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against<br />
Appellant for under an alter ego theory.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> the Argument<br />
Appellee failed to prove the required elements <strong>of</strong> an alter ego claim.<br />
However, even if the Judgment is somehow interpreted to include a finding<br />
against Appellant for the debts <strong>of</strong> Invictus on an alter ego theory, that finding<br />
would be erroneous and immaterial, as the Judgment did not award Appellee any<br />
damages for the debts <strong>of</strong> Invictus. The Judgment does not address any claim <strong>of</strong><br />
breach <strong>of</strong> contract or award any damages for breach <strong>of</strong> contract against any party.<br />
Law<br />
In order to pierce the corporate veil on an alter ego theory, a plaintiff must<br />
prove that the defendant: 1) caused the corporation to be used for the purpose <strong>of</strong><br />
perpetrating an actual fraud; and 2) an actual fraud was perpetrated on the plaintiff<br />
primarily for the defendant's direct personal benefit. Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code §<br />
21.223(b ). This proposition generally is referred to as piercing the corporate veil.<br />
See Castleberry v. Branscum, 721 S.W.2d 270, 278 (Tex. 1986), superseded in<br />
part by Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 21.223(a)(2) (previously codified at Tex. Bus.<br />
Corp. Act art. 2.21, § A). A contract claimant must prove actual fraud to utilize<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 20
the alter ego doctrine. Lucas v. Texas Indus., Inc., 696 S.W.2d 372, 376 (Tex.<br />
1984).<br />
An attempt to pierce the corporate veil is not, <strong>of</strong> itself, a substantive cause<br />
<strong>of</strong> action. Instead, it is a means <strong>of</strong> imposing liability in connection with an<br />
underlying cause <strong>of</strong> action such as a tort or breach <strong>of</strong> contract. Phillips v. United<br />
Heritage Corp., 319 S.W.3d 156, 158 (Tex. App.--Waco 2010, no pet.); Wilson v.<br />
Davis, 305 S.WJd 57, 68 (Tex. App.-Houston 2009, no pet.); Gallagher v.<br />
Bintliff, 740 S.W.2d 118, 119 (Tex. App.-Austin 1987, writ denied); Farr v. Sun<br />
World Sav. Ass'n, 810 S.W.2d 294, 297 (Tex. App.--El Paso 1991, no writ); see<br />
Cox v. Southern Garrett, L.L.C., 245 S.W.3d 574, 582 (Tex. App.-Houston 2007,<br />
no pet.)(without underlying cause <strong>of</strong> action creating corporate liability, evidence<br />
<strong>of</strong> abuse <strong>of</strong> corporate form is immaterial).<br />
Argument<br />
Because Appellee failed to pled or prove an actual fraud, Appellee cannot prevail<br />
under the alter ego doctrine.<br />
To pierce the corporate veil, Appellee must necessarily prove an actual<br />
fraud. Tex. Bus. Orgs. Code § 21.223(b ). As shown hereinabove, Appellee failed<br />
to plead or prove an actual fraud. The Appellee's Summary Judgment Motion<br />
only contained a conclusory statement that there was actual fraud and Appellant<br />
should be personally liable. The Motion and the evidence attached thereto do not<br />
prove the required elements <strong>of</strong> actual fraud under a traditional summary judgment<br />
motion standard. Therefore, the finding against Appellant under an alter ego<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 21
i I,<br />
theory <strong>of</strong> liability for actual fraud is erroneous. The Judgment does not award<br />
Appellee any damages under a breach <strong>of</strong> contract theory, so Appellee cannot<br />
prevail on an alter ego claim.<br />
There was no finding against Invictus for a breach <strong>of</strong> contract claim, so<br />
there is no debt <strong>of</strong> Invictus that Appellant would be liable for under an alter ego<br />
theory. Without an underlying cause <strong>of</strong> action creating corporate liability,<br />
evidence <strong>of</strong> an abuse <strong>of</strong> the corporate fonn is immaterial. See Specialty Retailers,<br />
Inc. v. Fuqua, 29 S.W.3d 140, 147 (Tex. App.-Houston 2000, pet. denied).<br />
The Judgment does not even address Appellee's claim <strong>of</strong> breach <strong>of</strong> contract<br />
against Invictus. CR. 92-193. The Judgment also does not address the claim <strong>of</strong><br />
alter ego against Fabiani for the debts <strong>of</strong> Invictus. CR. 192-193. Therefore, the<br />
Judgment cannot find Appellant personally liable for any award <strong>of</strong> damages<br />
premised on the debts <strong>of</strong> lnvictus.<br />
ISSUE THREE<br />
Whether the trial court erred in granting summary judgment against<br />
Appellant for fraudulent transfer under the UFT A.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> Argument<br />
Fraudulent transfer under the UFTA requires pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> different elements<br />
than common law fraud, and Appellee failed to prove the required elements under<br />
the UFTA against Appellant, including proving an actual intent to hinder, delay, or<br />
defraud a creditor. Furthermore, Appellee's summary judgment evidence created<br />
a fact issue.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
22
In Appellee's Motion for Summary Judgment, Appellee seems to confuse<br />
the elements <strong>of</strong> common-law fraud and fraud in the inducement with a statutory<br />
claim for alleged violations <strong>of</strong> the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act codified at<br />
Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.005.<br />
To prove a violation <strong>of</strong>the UFTA, a plaintiff must prove certain actions and<br />
certain intent <strong>of</strong> the defendant:<br />
"A transfer made or obligation incurred by a debtor is fraudulent as to a<br />
creditor, whether the creditor's claim arose before or within a<br />
reasonable time after the transfer was made or the obligation was<br />
incurred, if the debtor made the transfer or incurred the obligation:<br />
(1) with actual intent to hinder, delay, or defraud any creditor <strong>of</strong> the<br />
debtor; or<br />
(2) without receiving a reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the<br />
transfer or obligation, and the debtor: A) was engaged or was about to<br />
engage in a business or a transaction for which the remaining assets <strong>of</strong><br />
the debtor were unreasonably small in relation to the business or<br />
transaction; or (B) intended to incur, or believed or reasonably should<br />
have believed that the debtor would incur, debts beyond the debtor's<br />
ability to pay as they became due. " 4<br />
Appellee filed a traditional summary judgment motion, so the burden is on<br />
Appellee to prove all elements <strong>of</strong> his causes <strong>of</strong> action. The burden is clearly on<br />
the summary judgment movant to show: ( 1) there is no genuine issue <strong>of</strong> material<br />
fact; and (2) the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter <strong>of</strong> law. T.R.C.P.<br />
166a( c). Even if the non-movant does not file a response and the motion for<br />
summary judgment is uncontroverted, the movant still carries the burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong>.<br />
4 See Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code§ 24.005, Transfers Fraudulent as to Present and<br />
Future Creditors<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 23
,.<br />
City <strong>of</strong> Houston v. Clear Creek Basin Auth., 589 S.W.2d 671, 678 (Tex. 1979).<br />
When the movant fails to meet its burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> to conclusively establish it is<br />
entitled to judgment as a matter <strong>of</strong> law, the burden does not shift to the non<br />
movant. MD. Anderson Hosp. & Tumor Ins. v. Willrich, 28 S.W.3d 22, 23 (Tex.<br />
2000).<br />
Argument<br />
Appellee failed to present evidence <strong>of</strong> Appellant's actual intent, and therefore,<br />
failed to prove a violation <strong>of</strong> the UFTA. At a minimum, the Appellant's summary<br />
judgment pro<strong>of</strong> created a fact issue regarding intent.<br />
Appellee failed to present evidence <strong>of</strong> Appellant's actual intent, required<br />
under the UFTA. Further, Appellant filed an Affidavit contained in his Response<br />
to the Motion for Summary Judgment, which further controverts the inadequate<br />
evidence put forth by Appellee. CR. 183-186.<br />
In determining intent under the UFT A, the <strong>Court</strong> may consider several<br />
factors. 5 Furthermore, the factors related to intent weigh in favor <strong>of</strong> Appellant.<br />
Appellant's summary judgment pro<strong>of</strong> included Appellant's Affidavit and the<br />
Affidavit <strong>of</strong> Kelly H. Zinser, Appellant's bankruptcy counsel. The following<br />
statements contained in the Appellant's summary judgment pro<strong>of</strong> establish that<br />
there was no intent to defraud Appellee when Invictus sold the Compliance Depot<br />
Units back to Compliance Depot at same price that they were purchased.<br />
5 Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.008.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
24
'I,<br />
Appellant presented controverting summary judgment pro<strong>of</strong> on each <strong>of</strong> the factors<br />
under Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.008:<br />
(1) the transfer or obligation was to an insider;<br />
(Compliance Depot is not an insider <strong>of</strong> Invictus and there is no allegation<br />
or pro<strong>of</strong> that it is.)<br />
(2) the debtor retained possession or control <strong>of</strong> the property transferred<br />
(lnvictus did not retain possession or control <strong>of</strong> the Compliance Depot Units./<br />
(3) the transfer or obligation was concealed;<br />
(The sale <strong>of</strong> the Compliance Dq;ot Units was not concealed and the units<br />
were always available for sale.)<br />
(4) before the transfer was made or obligation was incurred, the debtor had<br />
been sued or threatened with suit;<br />
(Appellee had threatened suit based on a nonexistent "Agreement" and<br />
manufactured breach three months after the Note was executed and<br />
eight months before its maturity date at the same time that Appellee's<br />
daughter, Karen Herrera, and other former employees were forming a<br />
competzng . company. )8<br />
(5) the transfer was <strong>of</strong> substantially all the debtor's assets;<br />
(lnvictus has been in business since 2007 and continues to pursue other<br />
assets and receivables, including the Spartan Equity receivable, referenced<br />
in the Note./<br />
( 6) the debtor absconded;<br />
(lnvictus did not abscond. In fact, many times Invictus attempted to settle<br />
with Appellee and pay the Note. Furthermore, Appellant's Chapter 13 Plan<br />
confirmed on May 23, 2011 proposes to pay 100% <strong>of</strong> allowed claims to<br />
d<br />
. ) 10<br />
ere ztors . .<br />
(7) the debtor removed or concealed assets;<br />
(lnvictus has not concealed assets. The sale <strong>of</strong> the Compliance Depot Units<br />
ll<br />
was not conceale d .).<br />
6 CR. 184-185<br />
7 See CR. 44.<br />
8 CR 183-185.<br />
9 See CR. 184-185.<br />
10 See CR. 184 and CR. 164-165.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
25
(8) the value <strong>of</strong> the consideration received by the debtor was reasonably<br />
equivalent to the value <strong>of</strong> the asset transferred or the amount <strong>of</strong> the obligation;<br />
(It is uncontested that the Compliance Depot Units were sold for<br />
$50,000.00 per unit, the same as the original purchase price./ 2<br />
(9) the debtor was insolvent or became insolvent shortly after the transfer<br />
(Invictus had many pre-existing debts prior to the Note and was admittedly<br />
struggling, in part due to the sabotage by Karen Herrera and others).<br />
(1 0) the transfer occurred shortly before or shortly after a substantial debt<br />
was incurred;<br />
(The sale <strong>of</strong> the Compliance Depot Units occurred July 2, 2010. There was<br />
no substantial debt incurred shortly before or after the sale. The Note was<br />
entered into in July <strong>of</strong> 2009. Invictus had pre-existing debts and<br />
obligations incurred prior to the Note/ 3<br />
(11) the debtor transferred the essential assets <strong>of</strong> the business to a lienor<br />
(This situation does not apply).<br />
Appellee failed to present evidence <strong>of</strong> intent under the UFT A factors<br />
sufficient to meet a traditional summary judgment motion burden <strong>of</strong> pro<strong>of</strong> or even<br />
address these factors. Further, the Affidavit <strong>of</strong> Appellant and the Affidavit <strong>of</strong><br />
Kelly H. Zinser address the factors and create a fact issue. Appellee was not<br />
entitled to judgment as a matter <strong>of</strong> law, and Appellee failed to prove intent as<br />
required under the UFT A.<br />
Appellee also failed to present evidence that Invictus did not receive reasonable<br />
value for the alleged fraudulent transfers.<br />
11 CR. 44<br />
12 SeeCR.184-185.<br />
13 See CR. 184.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 26
lo<br />
In Appellee's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment, Appellee makes a<br />
bare assertion that " ... Invictus did not receive any value for the transfers to<br />
Fabiani and Guardado." CR. 23. However, there is no evidence cited for this<br />
proposition. CR. 23-24.<br />
On the other hand, Appellant presented pro<strong>of</strong> that Invictus did receive value<br />
for the transfers. Appellant Fabiani's Affidavit in his Response to the Motion for<br />
Summary Judgment states that Invictus was paying back other outstanding loans<br />
with the funds from the sale <strong>of</strong>the Compliance Depot units. CR. 184-185.<br />
Appellee failed to present pro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the required elements under the UFTA.<br />
ISSUE FOUR<br />
Whether the damages awarded for fraudulent transfer are erroneous under<br />
the UFT A and result in an improper double recovery for Appellee.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> Argument<br />
Even if Appellee had pled and proved fraudulent transfer, the $175,000.00<br />
damages awarded are improper under the UFTA and result in a double recovery<br />
for Appellee.<br />
Law<br />
The UFT A provides specific statutory remedies for creditors. The UFT A §<br />
24.008 specifies that: "(a) In an action for relief against a transfer or obligation<br />
under this chapter, a creditor, subject to the limitations in Section 24.009 <strong>of</strong> this<br />
code, may obtain: (1) avoidance <strong>of</strong> the transfer or obligation to the extent<br />
necessary to satisfy the creditor's claim; (emphasis added).<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
27
A creditor may also recover a money judgment for the value <strong>of</strong> the asset<br />
transferred or in amount necessary to satisfy the creditor's claim, whichever is<br />
less:<br />
§ 24.009. Defenses, Liability, and Protection <strong>of</strong> Transferee<br />
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, to the extent a<br />
transfer is voidable in an action by a creditor under Section<br />
24.008(a)(l) <strong>of</strong> this code, the creditor may recover judgment for<br />
the value <strong>of</strong> the asset transferred, as adjusted under Subsection (c)<br />
<strong>of</strong> this section, or the amount necessary to satisfY the creditor's<br />
claim, whichever is less. (emphasis added)<br />
Therefore, a creditor, if he has proved the elements <strong>of</strong> fraudulent transfer,<br />
may recover the only the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor's underlying<br />
claim.<br />
Argument<br />
In the case at bar, it is uncontested that the total amount <strong>of</strong> Appellee's<br />
underlying claim against Invictus is $100,000.00 (original amount <strong>of</strong> the Note)<br />
plus 12% interest per annum. CR. 33-36.<br />
Therefore, Appellee has no evidence <strong>of</strong> the $175,000.00 in "actual<br />
damages" awarded in the Judgment. Appellee's maximum claim at all times was,<br />
at most, for the amount <strong>of</strong> the Note plus 12% interest. CR. 33-36. Within his own<br />
evidence, Appellee admits that the amount due and owing under the Note was<br />
$112,000.00 and that this was the amount <strong>of</strong> his demand from lnvictus. CR. 70.<br />
The Judgment erroneously awarded $175,000.00 in "actual damages" with<br />
no basis whatsoever. Appellee did not have actual damages <strong>of</strong> $175,000.00.<br />
Appellee's damages are statutorily limited under Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code §<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
28
llo<br />
1,-j<br />
24.009 to the amount necessary to satisfy the creditor's claim or $112,000.00.<br />
Appellee's own pleadings admit that the amount due and owing under the Note<br />
was $112,000.00. CR. 70. Even with additional interest at 12%, the amount under<br />
the Note could not be anywhere close to $175,000.00.<br />
There is some indication that the "actual damages" award may have<br />
included Appellee's claim for the later incurred attorney's fees (total amount<br />
alleged for attorney's fees is $61,848.47). However, the Judgment also separately<br />
awarded $61,848.47 in attorney's fees under Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.013.<br />
Therefore, the Judgment award <strong>of</strong> $175,000.00 in "actual damages" is in direct<br />
contravention to the UFT A and results in a windfall to Appellee, as he has<br />
recovered twice for his alleged attorney's fees, once for "actual damages" under<br />
the UFTA and again under the attorney's fees provision in the UFTA.<br />
ISSUE FIVE<br />
Whether the trial court erred when it awarded $61,848.47 in trial attorney's<br />
fees and $25,000.00 and $15,000.00 in appellate attorney's fees under the<br />
Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act.<br />
Summary <strong>of</strong> the Argument<br />
The Judgment awards $61,848.47 in attorney's fees, pursuant to the Tex.<br />
Bus. & Comm. Code § 24.013. CR. 193. The Judgment also awards contingent<br />
attorney's fees <strong>of</strong> $25,000.00 in the case <strong>of</strong> an unsuccessful appeal to the <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Appeals</strong> and $15,000.00 in the case <strong>of</strong> an unsuccessful appeal to the Texas<br />
Supreme <strong>Court</strong>. CR. 193.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
29
As shown herein, the UFTA claim award was improper. In the alternative,<br />
if the <strong>Court</strong> finds that the UFTA claim award was proper, then the attorney's fees<br />
awarded was erroneous.<br />
Appellee failed to present evidence <strong>of</strong> a lodestar analysis, failed to<br />
segregate attorney's fees, and presented zero evidence <strong>of</strong> anticipated appellate<br />
attorney's fees.<br />
Law<br />
To support a claim for attorney's fees, a party must prove that the fees were<br />
necessary and incurred. To do this, the party must necessarily prove the base<br />
amount requested is reasonable ("lodestar" analysis). This is accomplished by<br />
providing evidence <strong>of</strong> the hours worked, the charges per hour, descriptions <strong>of</strong> the<br />
work performed, a statement that the work was necessary to the prosecution <strong>of</strong> the<br />
case, and a statement that the fees were reasonable. General Motors Corp. v.<br />
Bloyed, 916 S.W.2d 949, 960 (Tex. 1996). The lodestar method calculates<br />
attorney's fees by multiplying the number <strong>of</strong> hours expended on an appropriate<br />
hourly rate determined by a variety <strong>of</strong> factors, such as the benefits obtained for the<br />
plaintiff, complexity <strong>of</strong> the issues involved, expertise <strong>of</strong> the attorney, the<br />
attorney's inability to accept other legal work, and the hourly rate customarily<br />
charged in the region for similar legal work. Dillard Dept. Stores, Inc. v.<br />
Gonzales, 72 S.W.3d 398, 412 (Tex. App.-El Paso 2002, pet. denied).<br />
A party also must segregate attorneis fees. When a party is entitled to<br />
attorney's fees on one cause <strong>of</strong> action but not the other, the party claiming fees<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 30
must segregate the recoverable fees from the nonrecoverable fees. Travelers<br />
Indem. Co. v. Mayfield, 923 S. W.2d 590, 594 (Tex. 1996).<br />
In order to recover appellate attorney's fees, a party must prove the<br />
anticipated fees are reasonable. Siegler v. Williams, 658 S.W.2d 236, 241 (Tex.<br />
App.-Houston 1983, no writ). There must be evidence <strong>of</strong> the reasonableness <strong>of</strong><br />
fees for appellate work to support an award <strong>of</strong> appellate attorney's fees. Pleasant<br />
Hills Children's Home v. Nida, 596 S.W.2d 947, 953 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth<br />
1980, no writ) (Attorney testified about the time it would take to appeal case to<br />
<strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Appeals</strong> and Texas Supreme <strong>Court</strong> and what a reasonable fee would be<br />
for the work).<br />
Argument<br />
Appellee does not provide any lodestar analysis for the attorney's fees requested<br />
and awarded.<br />
The only evidence <strong>of</strong> the claimed $61,848.47 in trial court attorney's fees is<br />
a one paragraph affidavit filed by attorney Ryan C. Gentry <strong>of</strong> Nowak & Stauch,<br />
LLP. CR. 78-79. The Gentry Affidavit does not contain any statement about the<br />
number <strong>of</strong> hours worked, the amount <strong>of</strong> the hourly rates charged, the description<br />
<strong>of</strong> the work performed, or state that the work performed was necessary. CR. 78-<br />
79.<br />
There are no billing records, representation agreements, invoices, fee<br />
statements, or similar documents included in the summary judgment record.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 31
The Gentry Affidavit does not contain any lodestar analysis whatsoever.<br />
CR. 78-79. The Affidavit is completely devoid <strong>of</strong> any testimony about the total<br />
number <strong>of</strong> hours worked, who performed the work, the expertise <strong>of</strong> the attorney(s)<br />
who performed the work, the amount <strong>of</strong> the hourly rates charged, descriptions <strong>of</strong><br />
the work performed, or a statement that the work performed was necessary. The<br />
Gentry Affidavit also contains no testimony about the complexity <strong>of</strong> the issues<br />
involved or the attorney's inability to accept other legal work due to this case. The<br />
only fact in the Gentry Affidavit is the bare-bones assertion that the fees are<br />
" ... related to research, pleadings, and appearances in this matter." CR. 78-79.<br />
On its face, the Affidavit is factually and legally insufficient to support an<br />
award <strong>of</strong> attorney's fees. General Motors Corp. v. Bloyed, 916 S.W.2d 949, 960<br />
(Tex. 1996).<br />
Appellee failed to segregate attorney's fees among parties or claims.<br />
The Gentry Affidavit also failed to segregate attorney's fees or make any<br />
statement that various claims were intertwined so that they need not be segregated.<br />
CR. 78-79. Appellant alleged numerous causes <strong>of</strong> action against multiple<br />
defendants (some <strong>of</strong> which allow a recovery <strong>of</strong> attorney's fees and some <strong>of</strong> which<br />
do not): breach <strong>of</strong> contract, fraud, fraud in the inducement, fraud by non<br />
disclosure, negligent misrepresentation, conversion, money had and received,<br />
fraudulent transfer, constructive trust, request for a temporary injunction, request<br />
for a permanent injunction, and alter ego.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 32
Appellee is required to segregate fees. When a party is entitled to<br />
attorney's fees on one cause <strong>of</strong> action but not the other, the party claiming fees<br />
must segregate the recoverable fees from the nonrecoverable fees. Tony Gullo<br />
Motors I, L.P. v. Chapa, 212 S.W.3d 299, 313 (Tex. 2006). Appellee's failure to<br />
segregate fees precludes amongst causes <strong>of</strong> action and parties precludes an award<br />
<strong>of</strong> attorney's fees.<br />
There is no evidence <strong>of</strong> anticipated appellate attorney's fees.<br />
Appellee presented absolutely no evidence related to appellate attorney's<br />
fees. The Gentry Affidavit does not even mention appellate attorney's fees, and<br />
fails to meet the most basic and fundamental requirement that a party present<br />
pro<strong>of</strong> that the amount <strong>of</strong> fees requested is reasonable. CR. 78-79.<br />
Therefore, the award <strong>of</strong> $25,000.00 in attorney's fees in the case <strong>of</strong> an<br />
appeal to the <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Appeals</strong> and $15,000.00 award <strong>of</strong> attorney's fees in the case<br />
<strong>of</strong> an appeal to the Texas Supreme <strong>Court</strong> is not supported by any evidence. As<br />
there is no evidence in the record to support an award <strong>of</strong> contingent attorney's fees<br />
on appeal, no such damages can be awarded in the Judgment.<br />
ISSUE SIX<br />
Whether interest was calculated using an incorrect interest rate.<br />
Appellee calculates prejudgment interest using 12%, and the Judgment<br />
awards postjudgment interest at a rate <strong>of</strong> 12%. CR. 193. The rate for prejudgment<br />
interest is the same as for postjudgment interest. Tex. Fin. Code § 304.102. The<br />
Finance Code controls the postjudgment interest rate. Tex. Fin. Code § 304.002<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 33
I'<br />
applies to judgments on a contract (the rate specified in the contract with a<br />
maximum rate <strong>of</strong> 18% per year).<br />
Texas Finance Code§ 304.003(c)(l) applies in cases where§ 304.002 does<br />
not apply (i.e. cases other than contract cases). The Judgment in this case awards<br />
no damages for breach <strong>of</strong> contract against any party. Therefore, Texas Finance<br />
Code § 304.003(c)(l) (for non-contract cases) controls the postjudgment interest<br />
rate in this case, which is the prime rate as published on the date <strong>of</strong> computation.<br />
On August 5, 2011, the date <strong>of</strong> Judgment, the prime rate was 5%. 14<br />
Therefore, any award <strong>of</strong> interest at all should be calculated at 5% and not 12%.<br />
Appellee apparently uses 12% on the basis that the Note between lnvictus<br />
and Appellee calls for interest at 12% per annum. However, as is clear from the<br />
face <strong>of</strong> the Judgment, the Judgment does not award any damages for breach <strong>of</strong> any<br />
contract or breach <strong>of</strong> the Note. Therefore, basing a prejudgment or postjudgment<br />
interest award on the Note's 12% interest calculation is erroneous.<br />
The Judgment interest rate should be 5%, pursuant to Texas Finance Code<br />
§ 304.003( c)( 1 ).<br />
CONCLUSION AND PRAYER<br />
In conclusion, the Judgment is erroneous, because it awards damages for<br />
fraud, when fraud was not pled or proven in Appellee's Motion for Summary<br />
Judgment. Appellee also failed to prove an alter ego claim, because Appellee did<br />
14 See http://www.occc.state.tx.us/pages/int rates/lndex.html, Office <strong>of</strong> the<br />
Consumer Credit Commissioner Judgment Interest Rate publication and Texas<br />
Credit Letter<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF 34
not prove actual fraud and there were no findings <strong>of</strong> any underlying corporate<br />
liability. Appellee also failed to prove the required elements <strong>of</strong> fraudulent<br />
transfer. The attorney's fees award was improper, because Appellee failed to<br />
present evidence <strong>of</strong> a lodestar analysis <strong>of</strong> attorney's fees claimed, failed to<br />
segregate attorney's fees, and presented zero evidence <strong>of</strong> anticipated appellate<br />
attorney's fees. Finally, Judgment used the incorrect interest rate under the Texas<br />
Finance Code and also awarded more damages than allowable under the Uniform<br />
Fraudulent Transfer Act.<br />
WHEREFORE, PREMISES CONSIDERED, Appellant requests that this<br />
appeal be set for oral argument and that, upon hearing such argument, Appellant's<br />
point <strong>of</strong> error be sustained, and for such and further relief to which Appellant may<br />
be entitled.<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
35
II<br />
/,><br />
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE<br />
This certifies that a true and correct copy <strong>of</strong> Appellant's Brief has been<br />
served via certified mail, return receipt requested and via email upon the following<br />
counsel <strong>of</strong> record for Appellee, Adolph Herrera, Jr., this 18th day <strong>of</strong> January, 2012,<br />
in accordance with the Texas Rules <strong>of</strong> Appellate Procedure as follows:<br />
Mr. Ryan C. Gentry<br />
Novak & Stauch, LLP<br />
4144 N. Central Expressway, Suite 300<br />
Dallas, TX 75204<br />
rgentry@ns-law .net<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
37
,/I<br />
TAB 1<br />
APPELLANT'S BRIEF<br />
APPENDIX TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
Judgment dated August 5, 2011<br />
38
·•
.<br />
I·<br />
ADOLPH R. HERRERA, JR.,<br />
Plaintiff<br />
v.<br />
No. DC-10-06883<br />
INVICTUS PARTNERS, LLC, JOSEPH A. §<br />
FABIANI, and ALBERT GUARDADO, §<br />
v.<br />
Defendants §<br />
KENDRICK B. TOUSSAINT,<br />
Third-Party Defendant<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
§<br />
JUDGMENT<br />
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF<br />
DALLAS COUNTY TEXAS<br />
298 1 H JUDICIAL DISTRICT<br />
On July 29, 20 II, the <strong>Court</strong> considered Plaintiffs Motion for Summary Judgment in the<br />
above-styled case. The Plaintiff appeared through his attorney, Nowak & Stauch, LLP, Defendant<br />
Invictus Partners, LLC did not appear, Defendant Joseph A. Fabiani appeared via telephone, pro se,<br />
and the <strong>Court</strong> detennined that it has jurisdiction over the parties hereto and the subject matter<br />
herein. The <strong>Court</strong> having received evidence that the automatic stay that issued pursuant to Joseph<br />
A. Fabiani's bankruptcy has been lifted as to these proceedings and having detennined that the<br />
granting and entry <strong>of</strong> this judgment does not violate that automatic stay, is <strong>of</strong> the opinion that the<br />
Plaintiff's Motion should be GRANTED. Accordingly,<br />
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Adolph R. Herrera, Jr.<br />
shall recover from lnvictus Partners, LLC and Joseph A. Fabiani, jointly and severally, the sum<br />
<strong>of</strong>$175,000 in actual damages on his claim that Joseph A. Fabiani caused lnvictus Partners, LLC<br />
to transfer to money and/or property to Joseph A. Fabiani and Alberto Guardado through false<br />
pretenses, false representations, and actual fraud, other than a statement respecting the debtor's<br />
or an insider's financial condition (Plaintiffs claims <strong>of</strong> actual fraud and fraudulent transfer).<br />
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that that Adolph R. Herrera,<br />
PAGF;l<br />
192
Jr. recover from Defendants Joseph A Fabiani and Invictus Partners, LLC, jointly and sever&lly,<br />
attorneys' fees in the amount <strong>of</strong> $61,848.47 pursuant to TEX. Bus. & COM. CODE § 24.013.<br />
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that that Plaintiff Adolph R.<br />
Herrera, Jr. recover from Defendant Joseph A. Fabiani exemplary damages in the amount <strong>of</strong><br />
$350,000 on Plaintiffs claim <strong>of</strong> actual fraud.<br />
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that that Plaintiff Adolph R.<br />
Herrera, Jr. recover from Defendant Joseph A. Fabiani, and from Defendant lnvictus Partners, LLC,<br />
jointly and severally, pre-judgment interest in the total sum <strong>of</strong> $13,945.86.<br />
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that that Plaintiff Adolph R.<br />
Herrera, Jr. recover from Joseph A. Fabiani and lnvictus Partners, LLC, jointly and severally, post-<br />
judgment interest on the total sum awarded herein ($600, 794.33) at the rate <strong>of</strong> twelve percent ( 12%)<br />
per annum, compounded annually, from the date this Judgment is signed until it is paid in full.<br />
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED, ADJUDGED, and DECREED that Adolph Herrera shall be<br />
entilied to recover from lnvictus Partners, LLC and Joseph A. Fabiani, jointly and severally, an<br />
additional $25.000 in reasonable and necessary attorneys' fees in the event this Judgment is<br />
unsuccessfully challenged with a Motion to Modify Judgment, a Motion for New Trial, or is<br />
unsuccessfully appealed by any Defendant to the <strong>Court</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Appeals</strong>, plus an additional $15,000 in<br />
the event any Defendant files an unsuccessful appeal to the Texas Supreme <strong>Court</strong>.<br />
All relief requested by Plaintiff against Defendant lnvictus Partners, LLC or against<br />
Defendant Joseph A. Fabiani that is not granted herein is DENIED WITHOUT PREJUDICE.<br />
/<br />
Signed on this the !J day <strong>of</strong> August, 2011.<br />
FI. .... AL JUI>G!\HXJ' PAG[ 2<br />
193