Klinedinst - Media Press Releases

May 3, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Klinedinst Marketing

Klinedinst Attorney Kevin Gramling Wins Breach of Oral Contract Bench Trial

SANTA ANA, CA - Klinedinst attorney Kevin Gramling wins latest breach of oral contract bench trial in Orange County Superior Court.

The case arose from a dispute as to whether a "finder's fee" to procure a location for a dry cleaning business was refundable. In December of 1999, Gramling's client was looking to open a dry cleaning business in Temecula. He solicited the defendant's help in procuring a space to lease or buy, and paid the defendant a "finders fee" to locate space. The defendant found one potential location, put Gramling's client in contact with the property broker and, when the deal fell through one week later, refused to find another location and refused to return the "finder's fee".

Gramling maintained that the "finder's fee" was refundable, while the defendant maintained that the statute of frauds applied and the contract needed to be in writing. The court held that the defendant was estopped from asserting the statute of frauds as a defense and ordered judgment in favor of Gramling's client for the principal amount of the "finder's fee" and costs. The case was tried before Commissioner Buchanan in Orange County Superior Court.

Kevin J. Gramling
Klinedinst Shareholder

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gramling received his B.A. from Villanova University before earning his J.D. from California Western School of Law. From 1988 to 1995, Gramling served in the United States Navy where he attained the rank of Lieutenant. Additionally, Gramling is the managing shareholder of Klinedinst's Orange County office and is involved with the Orange County Bar Association and the U.S. Law Network.

About Klinedinst

KLINEDINST PC is a highly-rated full service law firm engaged in business transactions and litigation, employment and labor law, professional liability, environmental law, appellate law, construction and real estate, intellectual property, and international law. Klinedinst is comprised of highly skilled and experienced individuals offering a range of sophisticated legal services to corporate, institutional, and individual clients. For more information about the firm, click here.