Civil Litigation,
California Courts of Appeal
May 28, 2025
Court of Appeal upholds Trellis co-founder's win over ex-partner, strikes $610K in punitive damages
The 2nd District Court of Appeal upheld Trellis co-founder Nicole Clark's trial victory over ex-partner Andrew Thaler in a contentious legal battle over control of the legal tech startup. While affirming that Thaler wrongfully interfered with company investors, the panel vacated the $610,000 punitive damages award, citing lack of evidence of Thaler's ability to pay.
A bitter legal battle between former romantic partners and Trellis co-founders Nicole Clark and Andrew Thaler ended Tuesday with a mixed appellate ruling in the 2nd District Court of Appeal, upholding Clark's trial victory while scrapping a major punitive damages award against Thaler in their years-long fight over control of the legal tech startup.
"This litigation proves the adage, 'Never go into business with friends,'" Administrative Presiding Justice Elwo...
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