Nsaka Kaninda, and Arthur S. Black, Esq., Real Party in Interest v. State Farm Life Insurance Co.

35 F.3d 571 NOTICE: Ninth Circuit Rule 36-3 provides that dispositions other than opinions or orders designated for publication are not precedential and should not be cited except when relevant under the doctrines of law of the case, res judicata, or collateral estoppel. Nsaka KANINDA, Plaintiff, and Arthur S. Black, Esq., Real Party in Interest, Appellant, v. STATE FARM LIFE INSURANCE CO., Defendant-Appellee. No. 92-55938. United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Argued and Submitted Feb. 3, 1994. Decided Sept. 7, 1994. Before: D.W. NELSON, REINHARDT and BRUNETTI, Circuit Judges. 1 MEMORANDUM * 2 Attorney Arthur S. Black appeals the district court's order imposing Rule 11 sanctions in the amount of $49,030.90, following the dismissal of the lawsuit of Black's client, Nsaka Kaninda, against State Farm. Black contends that the district court's finding that he failed adequately to investigate the factual basis of Kaninda's claim violates the "reasonable inquiry" test for determining when Rule 11 sanctions are appropriate. See Cooter & Gell v. Hartmarx Corp., 496 U.S. 384 (1990). 3 We agree, and reverse the district court's order imposing Rule 11 sanctions. I. 4 This case…