Goodwyn v. Wallop

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Malcolm and French Wallop created an estate plan with the intention of owning and operating the Canyon Ranch and establishing a means of transferring its ownership and operation to their respective children. The estate plan led to the formation of the Wallop Family Limited Partnership (WFLP), which owned and operated the Canyon Ranch. Malcolm and French also formed Wallop Canyon Ranch, LLC (WCR) to serve as the general partner of the WFLP. Scott Goodwyn, individually, as a limited member in the WFLP and derivatively on behalf of the WFLP, sued Malcolm Wallop, WCR, the WFLP, and other Wallop family members, alleging breaches in the ownership, operation, and management of the WFLP. The district court (1) found generally in favor of Goodwyn on his claims relating to gifts made to him and other limited partners; (2) found generally against Goodwyn on his claims of breach of fiduciary duties by certain defendants; and (3) determined that the gifting issues upon which Goodwyn prevailed were derivative claims and that Goodwyn was entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees relating to the derivative claims. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding that the district court did not err in (1) awarding attorney’s fees; and (2) denying Goodwyn’s claims of breach of fiduciary duties by certain defendants. View "Goodwyn v. Wallop" on Justia Law