The Comedy Store v. Moss Adams CA2/4

BACKGROUND

A. Factual Background The following facts are taken from the Store’s complaint. The Store is a stand-up comedy venue in Los Angeles. COVID-19 social distancing restrictions forced it to close for more than a year beginning in March 2020. In July 2021, the Store engaged Moss Adams, an accounting firm that held itself out as having expertise in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, 15 U.S.C., §§ 9001, et seq.), to assist it in applying for a Shuttered Venue Operator Grant from the United States Small Business Administration. The parties signed a Master Services Agreement and Statement of Work (together, the agreement). Relevant to this appeal, the parties agreed that, if a dispute arose from or related to the agreement and could not be settled by mediation, “each Party hereby irrevocably (a) consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the appropriate state or federal court located in King County, state of Washington, in connection with any dispute hereunder or the enforcement of any right or obligation hereunder, and (b) WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL.” The Store worked with Moss Adams to assemble documentation needed for a…