Hall, Goodhue, Haisley & Barker, Inc. v. Marconi Conference Center Board

Petitioner and appellant architectural firm Hall, Goodhue, Haisley and Barker, Inc., doing business as H.G.H.B., appeals an order denying its motion to amend a judgment confirming an arbitration award to add Marconi Conference Center Operating Corporation (MCCOC), alleged to be the alter ego of respondent Marconi Conference Center Board, a nonprofit organization, as an additional judgment debtor. Appellant contends (1) the arbitrator had no power to determine alter ego issues, and therefore the arbitration award could not have been timely corrected under Code of Civil Procedure sections 1284 and 1288; and (2) the trial court had jurisdiction to make an alter ego determination and amend the judgment accordingly.

Procedural History and Facts

The record before us is less than clear. Attached to appellant’s September 1992 “Petition to Confirm Arbitration Award” is a May 23, 1990, “Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect” executed by respondent as “Owner” and appellant as “Architect” for architectural services on phase two of the Marconi Conference Center. Attached to appellant’s December 1994 declaration in support of its motion to amend judgment are the face…