Rippey

MEMORANDUM *

Michael Rippey appeals the district court’s dismissal of his action against Herbert Smith, an English firm of solicitors, and A.J.T. Willoughby, one of its former partners, for lack of personal jurisdiction. We agree with the district court that even if the defendants’ allegedly fraudulent conduct constitutes purposeful availment of California jurisdiction, it would not be reasonable to exercise personal jurisdiction in the circumstances of this case.

Due process requires that in order for a defendant to be subject to personal jurisdiction in a forum, that defendant must have “certain minimum contacts with it such that the maintenance of the suit does not offend ‘traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.’ ” Int’l Shoe Co. v. Washington, 326 U.S. 310, 316 , 66 S.Ct. 154 , 90 L.Ed. 95 (1945) (citations omitted).

Rippey contends that the defendants are subject to specific jurisdiction, which is “personal jurisdiction over a defendant in a suit arising out of or related to the defendant’s contacts with the forum.” Helicopteros Nacionales de Colombia, S.A. v. Hall, 466 U.S. 408 , 414 n. 8, 104 S.Ct. 1868 , 80 L.Ed.2d 404 (1984). This court applies the…