RJO Attorneys Win Breach of Contract Case for Contractor Against California State Agency

After a two-week jury trial in California state court, RJO Shareholders Lauren B. Kramer and Aaron P. Silberman were successful in winning a breach of contract case representing a services contractor against a California state agency.

At the heart of the case was a question of contract interpretation: Was the Agency required to pay the Contractor for its services on a firm fixed price basis, or – as the State suddenly claimed after two years of service and dozens of monthly flat fee payments – on an hourly time and materials basis.

The case was ultimately won via a directed verdict. The Court found, as a matter of law, that the contract between the parties required the State to pay on a firm fixed basis and that the Agency had breached that contract by refusing to pay. A judgment was entered for over $2.2 million plus costs, the full amount sought. The trial team was supported by associates Suhani Kamdar and Josh Dietz and paralegal Jon Holland.