Facts

Claimant Gerald Trebesch filed suit against his former employer Fall Line Capital LLC, and Co-Founders and Managing Directors Clay Mitchell and Eric O'Brien.

CLAIMANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Claimant alleged respondents fraudulently induced claimant to work for the company to take advantage of his network, skillset and work ethic. Claimant alleged that he was cheated out of a substantial amount in earned compensation and equity in the Fall Line firm.

Claimant asserted causes of action for fraud, negligent misrepresentation, breach of contract, and breach of an implied contract not to terminate without good cause, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair business practices, and conversion.

RESPONDENTS' CONTENTIONS:
Respondents contended that claimant filed suit in response to respondents' decision to terminate his employment. Respondents denied claimant's allegations and argued that he was an at-will employee.

Respondents further contended that they had good cause to terminate his employment.

Damages

Claimant sought a 25 percent ownership stake in Fall Line Capital, $10 million in compensatory damages, and unspecified punitive damages.

Result

The arbitrator denied all of claimant's claims, ruling that respondents' decision to terminate claimant's employment was lawful and that they had good cause to terminate him.

Other Information

FILING DATE: Jan. 10, 2014.