Hoffman

INTRODUCTION

Advantage Medical Services, LLC (AMS), Glenn Weissman, Elliot Lander, and Scott Yun’s (collectively plaintiffs) and Deborah Hoffman and Detech Medical Project Management, LLC’s (collectively defendants) claims against each other were referred to binding arbitration through the American Arbitration Association (AAA) and a hearing was held. The arbitrator issued an interim award in favor of plaintiffs.

Shortly thereafter, Hoffman learned that the arbitrator and his law firm represented several protection and indemnity clubs (P&I Clubs) which provided insurance and other business services to shipowners and others involved in the maritime industry. The P&I Clubs procured reinsurance support from syndicates of Lloyd’s of London (Lloyd’s). AMS was insured through Lloyd’s syndicates, and a representative from Lloyd’s was present throughout the arbitration.

The AAA rejected Hoffman’s requests to disqualify the arbitrator. Hoffman filed a petition in trial court seeking an order (1) disqualifying the arbitrator for his failure to disclose his and his law firm’s ties to Lloyd’s, and (2) vacating the interim award, under provisions of the California Arbitration Act…