News

The Daily Journal today named a $65 million win by Ellis George to its list of the Top 10 Verdicts of 2013. In the case, Ellis George represents Fantasy Springs Acquisition, LLC, the holder of a note issued by the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the trustee under an indenture related to the note. The Band ceased debt service on the note, claiming economic hardship, and its casino commenced monthly distributions of $668,000 directly to the Band rather than through Wells Fargo. Fantasy Springs Acquisition retained Ellis George to sue the Band for breach of contract and to obtain an injunction requiring the casino’s distributions to the Band to be made through Wells Fargo. The Band defended on the ground that a judgment would violate federal Indian law and that the note requires unenforceable liquidated damages. Ellis George obtained summary adjudication of its breach of contract claim – securing the right to a judgment for more than $65 million (including principal of over $62 million and prejudgment interest). Eric M. George and Ira Bibbero are the lead Ellis George attorneys on the case.