Avalon Land Co. v. Lee CA2/2

BACKGROUND

This is one of a number of consolidated lawsuits arising out of a failed business relationship formed to develop a parcel of commercial property in Glendale. Plaintiffs— Cho, Avalon, and Los Feliz—filed suit against Dae Yong Lee, aka David Lee (Lee), in November 2011. Following the filing of a demurrer by Lee, plaintiffs filed a first amended complaint. Lee again filed a demurrer, which was sustained by the trial court with leave to amend. Plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint. Lee’s demurrer to the second amended complaint was sustained, again with leave to amend. Plaintiffs then filed the third amended complaint (TAC), the subject of this appeal. The TAC, which is largely vague and disjointed, alleged that Lee hired Coldwell Banker Commercial Wilshire Properties (Coldwell Banker) to represent him in the acquisition of a promissory note secured by undeveloped land, and that Robin Yi, a broker with Coldwell Banker, signed the representation agreement with Lee. Lee was personally liable for payment to Coldwell Banker for all services rendered to him. Yi had formed Avalon and Lee purchased membership interests in the limited liability company. Neither Lee nor…