Yankwitt LLP Wins Pre-Trial Motions and Secures Favorable Settlement in High-Stakes Breach of Contract Case on Eve of Trial

On the eve of a scheduled bench trial in the Southern District of New York, a Yankwitt LLP litigation team led by partners Cassandra Vogel and Ben Allee secured a favorable settlement for a woman-led, early-stage lithium battery technology company. The settlement resolved a high-stakes breach-of-contract case, avoiding the risks and costs of trial.

The dispute stemmed from a financial services agreement under which the plaintiff agreed to raise capital for Yankwitt LLP’s client from a specified list of investors. After an investor — not included on that list — made a substantial investment, the finance company sued, asserting breach of contract and alternative claims for breach of implied contract, unjust enrichment, and quantum meruit.

After completing discovery, the parties submitted extensive pretrial briefing, which included Daubert motions and motions in limine, in preparation for the bench trial.

At a pretrial conference, the judge issued rulings in favor of Yankwitt LLP’s client on the pending motions in limine, favorably positioning us for settlement. After Yankwitt LLP prepared and submitted additional court-ordered pre-trial briefing, the plaintiff reinitiated settlement discussions, and Yankwitt LLP ultimately secured a resolution for a fraction of the amount the plaintiff sought at trial.

This outcome highlights Yankwitt LLP’s dual reputation as high-stakes litigators and fierce advocates who are ready and willing to take cases to trial while also aggressively negotiating for optimal settlements, where, as here, settlement is in our client’s best interest.