EFTA01107639.pdf

JEFFREY EPSTEIN, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND Plaintiff, FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA vs. CASE NO.: 502009CA040800XXXXMBAG SCOTT ROTHSTEIN, individually, and BRADLEY J. EDWARDS, JUDGE: CROW individually. Defendants. PLAINTIFF/COUNTER-DEFENDANT JEFFREY EPSTEIN'S MEMORANDUM OF LAW IN OPPOSITION TO DEFENDANT/COUNTER-PLAINTIFF BRADLEY EDWARDS'S MOTION FOR A PROTECTIVE ORDER Plaintiff/Counter-Defendant Jeffrey Epstein ("Epstein"), by and through his undersigned counsel, hereby files his Memorandum of Law in Opposition to Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff Bradley Edwards's ("Edwards") legally and factually deficient Motion for Protective Order. In support thereof, Epstein states: INTRODUCTION On or about January 9, 2013, Edwards filed his Fourth Amended Counterclaim against Epstein, asserting therein that he suffered the following damages: "a) injury to his reputation; b) mental anguish, embarrassment, and anxiety; c) fear of physical injury to himself and members of his family; d) the loss of the value of his time required to be diverted from his professional responsibilities; e) the cost of defending against Epstein's [allegedly] spurious and baseless claims." Edwards likewise claims an entitlement to punitive damages. See Edwards's Fourth Amended Counterclaim. On April 23, 2013 Epstein, in defending this action, served upon Edwards an Amended Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum. Attached thereto was a "Schedule A," delineating specific and narrowly-tailored requests for copies of items directly related 1 EFTA01107639  to Edwards's allegations of damages in his Fourth Amended Counterclaim. A true and correct copy of the Amended Notice and "Schedule A" are attached hereto as "Exhibit On April 25, 2013, Edwards served upon Epstein a one-sentence, factually and legally deficient Motion for Protective Order, alleging in its totality that the production requested by Epstein is "overly broad, irrelevant, immaterial, not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence, and is unnecessarily intrusive into the financial privacy of BRADLEY EDWARDS." See Edwards's Motion for Protective Order, attached hereto as "Exhibit B." Edwards's Motion, therefore, not only fails to comport with the rudimentary requisites delineated in Rule 1.280(c) of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, but also blatantly disregards the threshold standard to assert entitlement to his requested relief. Accordingly, and as demonstrated more fully below, denial of Edwards's Motion for Protective Order is mandated. MEMORANDUM OF LAW Rule I .280(c) of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure affords the Court discretion to grant protective orders "for good cause shown" and "to protect a party from annoyance embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense that justice requires." FI.A. R.Civ. P. 1.280(c) (2012) (emphasis added); Orlando Sports Stadium, Inc. v. Sentinel Star Company, 316 So. 2d 607, 610 (Fla. 4th DCA 1975); Gross v. Security Trust Company, 453 So. 2d 944, 945 (Fla. 4th DCA 1984). The moving party, therefore, bears the burden of showing the requisite "good cause," as well as the alleged "annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden." See Sabol v. Bennett 672 So.2d 93 (Fla. 3d DCA 1996). 2 EFTA01107640  Here, Edwards fails to present any good cause in his Motion for Protective Order. and wholly disregards the requirement that he properly establish the alleged annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden. Edwards asserts impermissible one-word. conclusory objections in support of his claim for a protective order: to wit: "overly broad, irrelevant, immaterial, not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence." See Exhibit B. These legal conclusions, which are actually objections plead without any factual basis, are not grounds for a protective order, as they fail in their entirety to establish annoyance. embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden. Likewise, it is well-established law that "blanket" objections, such as "relevance," "overbroad," and "not likely to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence" are legally impermissible. See Christie v. Hixson, 358 So. 2d 859 (Fla. 4th DCA 1978). Discovery responses containing bare-boned objections, without more, are stricken as a matter of course. Id. As such, as discussed in more detail below, they cannot form the basis for good cause for a protective order. First, with respect to Edwards's allegation that the Schedule A requests are "overbroad," the law is clear that a party may not assert such an allegation absent a showing—by properly asserting—that the volume of documents, hours required to compile same, or some other quantitative factor makes the request overbroad. Such an objection must be supported by "record evidence, such as an affidavit detailing the basis for claiming that the onus of supplying the information or documents is inordinate." Topp Telecom, Inc. v. Atkins, 763 So. 2d 1197, 1199 (Fla. 4th DCA 2000). See also Allstate Ins. Co. v. Boecher, 733 So. 2d 993, 994 (Fla.1999) (noting the lack of "affidavits, depositions or other sworn testimony in the record to support Allstate's 3 EFTA01107641  claims."). Here, Edwards fails to do so, and further fails to explain how these allegedly overbroad requests are intended to annoy, embarrass, oppress, or unduly burden him, requiring that his Motion be denied. Next, Edwards's assertion in support of his Motion for a Protective Order that the requested information is "irrelevant, immaterial, not reaso nably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence" is equally deficient, as "[t]he concept of relevancy is broader in the discovery context than in trial context; a party may be permitted to discover relevant evidence that would be inadmissible at trial, if it may lead to the discovery of relevant evidence." Allstate Ins. Co. v. Langston, 655 So. 2d 91, 93 (Fla. 1995). See also Murray Van & Storage, Inc. v. Murray, 343 So. 2d 61 (Fla. 4th DCA 1977) (stating that an objection to discovery claiming that the sought-after information is not reasonably calculated to lead to discovery of admissible evidence is a legally insufficient reason to prevent discovery). The party alleging the irrelevance bears the burden of establishing same. However, "[t]he purpose of mode rn discovery is to disclose items that may lead to evidence on the issues as framed by the pleadings." Caribbean Sec. Systems, Inc. v. Security Control Systems, Inc., 486 So, 2d 654, 656 (Fla. 3d DCA 1986) (emphasis added). Rule 1.280 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure memorializes this broad scope, and provides that Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, that is relevant to the subject matter of the pending action, whether it relate s to the claim or defense of the party seeking discovery or the claim or defense of any other party, including the existence, description, nature, custo dy, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangib le things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of any discoverable matter. It is not ground for objection that the information sought will be inadmissible at the trial if the information sough t appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evide nce. 4 EFTA01107642  P 1.280(1). As such, so long as the discovery requested is relevant to the cause of action as to any claim or defense, and is not otherwise subject to a privilege, it is discoverable. Here, it is Edwards's own plead ings that make each and every requested item relevant; it is he who put purported losses to his income, his reputation, and his time spent on other cases at issue. Furthermore, he speci fically claims damages for his mental anguish, embarrassment, and anxiety, and as such Epste in is entitled- indeed required- to examine all alleged damages incurred as a result thereof. Accordingly, Edwards's one- sentence assertion, which is wholly devoid of either good cause or any law in support thereof, fails to satisfy the heightened requisite showing for an order of protection, mandating denial of Edwards's Motion. Third, Edwards asserts that a protective order is warranted because the production requested "is unnecessarily intrusive into the financ ial privacy of BRADLEY EDWARDS'." See Exhibit B. However, because Edwards has put his financial status at issue by his assertion of damages, his Motion must be denie d. When a party voluntarily puts his personal and business financial information at issue, courts will compel production of personal financial information. Friedman v. Hear t Institute of Port St. Lucie, Inc., 863 So.2d 189. 194 (Ha. 2003). A party's financ es, if relevant to the disputed issues of the underlying action, are not excepted from discovery, and courts will compel production of personal financial documents and inform ation if shown to be relevant by the requesting party. Florida Gaming Corp. of Delaw are v. American Jai- Alai, Inc., 673 So. 2d 523, 524 (Fla. 4th DCA 1996) (hold ing that the financial information at issue was relevant to the calculation of damages under the cause of action and as such financial discovery was proper). In the case at hand, it is irrefutable that He does not, however, assert any privilege regarding this reques t as grounds for his Protective Order. 5 EFTA01107643  Edwards's financial information is relevant; in fact, it was he who put it at issue in his claims for damages; to wit: injury to his reputation; mental anguish, embarrassment, and anxiety; the loss of the value of his time required to be diverted from his professional responsibilities; and the cost of defending against Epste in's claims. The damages allegedly suffered by Edwards are not only a contested issue in this case but also a requisite element to each of his causes of action; actions which he brought and in which he claimed these damages. Accordingly, because Edwards put his financials, at issue, Edwards's Motion must be denied. Medel v. Republic Nat Bank ofMiami, 388 So. 2d 327 (Fla. 3d DCA 1980) (holding that trial court abused its discretion by its denial of plaintiff's motion to compel production of detailed financial data); Charlton v. Tennant, 365 So. 2d 418 (Fla. 2d DCA 1978). CONCLUSION Based on the arguments presented above and the authorities cited in support thereof, Plaintiff/Counter-Defendant Jeffrey Epstein respectfull y requests that this Court Deny Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff Bradley Edwards's Request for a Protective Order, and grant such other and further relief as deemed necessary and proper. /s/ Tonja Haddad Coleman Tonja Haddad Coleman, Esq. Fla. Bar No.: 0176737 LAW OFFICES OF TONJA HADDAD, PA 315 SE 7i' Street Suite 301 Fort Lauderdale Fl ri 3301 6 EFTA01107644  WE HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was served upon all parties listed below, via Electronic Service, this April 28, 2013. Electronic Service List Jack Scarola, Esq. Searcy Denney Scarola et al. 2139 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409 I Jack Goldberger, Esq. Atterbury, Goldberger, & Weiss, PA 250 Australian Ave. South Suite 1400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Marc Nurik, Esq. I East Broward Blvd. Suite 700 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Bradley J. Edwards, Esq. Farmer Jaffe Weissing Edwards Fistos Lehrman 425 N Andrews Avenue Suite 2 Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 Fred Haddad, Esq. 1 Financial Plaza Suite 2612 Fort Lauderdale. FL 33301 7 EFTA01107645 JEFFREY EPSTEIN, IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN Plaintiff, AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA VS. SCOTT ROTHSTEIN, individually, CASE NO.: 502009CA040800XXXXMBAG and BRADLEY J. EDWARDS, individually. JUDGE: CROW Defendants. AMENDED NOTICE OF TAKING DEPOSITION DUCES TECUM (VIDEOTAPED) PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Pursuant to Rule 1.410 of the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, the undersigned attorney will take the deposition of Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff Bradley J. Edwards on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 10:00AM at Empire Legal Support, Inc., 401 East Las Olas Boulevard, Suite 1400, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, upon oral examination before Empire Legal Support, Notaries Public, or any other notary public or officer authorized by law to take depositions in the state of Florida. The oral examination will continue all day and day to day thereafter until completed. This deposition is being taken for the purpose of discovery, for use at trial, or for such other purposes as are permitted under the rules of Court. If you fail to appear, you may be in contempt of court. You are subpoenaed to appear by the following attorney, and unless excused from this subpoena by this attorney or the court, you shall respond to this subpoena as directed. This includes bringing with you the documents listed in "Schedule A" attached hereto. We hereby certify that this date was coordinated with opposing counsel, and that a true and correct copy of this amended notice was served upon all parties listed in the service list below, via Electronic Service, this April 23, 2013. EFTA01107646  Tonia Haddad Coleman Tonja Haddad Coleman, Esq. Fla. Bar No.: 0176737 LAW OFFICES OF TONJA HADDAD, PA 315 SE t h Street Suitc 301 Fon taktdel-dal°, Florida 33301 EFTA01107647  SCHEDULE A (To Bring With You For Deposition) 1. Copies of income tax returns for the past five (5) calendar years of the Defendant/Counter-Plaintiff Bradley J. Edwards (herei nafter "Edwards") (2007-2012). 2. Income tax records for the current tax year, and income tax returns filed for the current year for copies of any estimated Edwards. 3. Copies of income tax returns, distributions, sched documents related to the gross income for the past ule K-1, and any and all other four (4) calendar years of Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.L. 4. Copies of all documentation related to all settlements, jury verdict awards, and arbitration/mediati attorneys' fees awards, on income received by Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.L., and/or Bradley J. Edwards, PA. 5. Income tax records for the current tax year, and copies income tax returns filed for the current year for Farmer, of any estimated Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrman, P.L. 6. A copy of Edwards's (or Bradley J. Edwards, PA's) partne with Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Lehrm rship agreement an, P.L. 7. Copies of any and all memoranda, diaries, journals, appoi calendars, electronic mails, notes, correspondence, or other docum ntment books, ents upon which you rely in support of your allegation of lost income/valu e of time diverted from your professional responsibilities as alleged in your Counterclaim. 8. Copies of any and all memoranda, diaries, journals, appointmen calendars, electronic mails, notes, correspondence, or other docum t books, ents upon which you rely in support of your allegation of injury to your reputation as alleged in your Coun terclaim. 9. Copies of any and all receipts, reports, invoices, or other documents evidencing treatment for your mental anguish, embarrassment, and anxiety as allege d in your Counterclaim. 10. Copies of any and all receipts, reports, or invoices evidencing lost income suffered as a result of your mental anguish, embarrassment, and anxiety as alleged in your Counterclaim. 11. Copies of any and all memoranda, diaries, journals, appointment books, calendars, electronic mails, notes, correspondence or other documents upon which you rely in support of your claim for Punitive Damages. EFTA01107648  12. Copies of any and all documents you inten the allegations made by you in your d to introduce at trial in support of Fourth Amended Counterclaim you filed in this matter. EFTA01107649  SERVICE LIST CASE NO. 502009CA0408007OOOCMBAG Jack Scarola, Esq. Searcy Denney Scarola et al. 2139 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. West Palm Beach, FL 33409 Jack Goldberger, Esq. Atterbury, Goldberger, & Weiss, PA 250 Australian Ave. South Suite 1400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Marc Nurik, Esq. 1 East Broward Blvd. Suite 700 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Bradley J. Edwards, Esq. Farmer Jaffe Weissing Edwards Fistos Lehrman 425 N Andrews Avenue Suite 2 Fort Lauderdale Florida 33301 Staff. Fred Haddad, Esq. I Financial Plaza Suite 2612 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 EFTA01107650  IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE FIFTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 502009CA04080(DOCXXMBAG JEFFREY EPSTEIN, Plaintiff(s), vs. SCOTT ROTHSTEIN, individually, BRADLEY J. EDWARDS, individually, and L.M., individually, Defendant(s). MOTION FOR PROTECTIVE ORDER BRADLEY EDWARDS, by and through his undersigned attorneys, move this Honorable Court for the entry of an Order of Protection limiting the production required in response to the attached Amended Notice of Taking Deposition Duces Tecum on the grounds that production requested is overly broad, irrelevant, immaterial, not reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence, and is unnecessarily intrusive into the financial privacy of BRADLEY EDWARDS. I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct copy of the foregoing was sent via E-Serve to all Counsel on the attached list, this ftl 2 Jack S6rola Flptiecla Bar No.: 169440 iimary E-mail: Aecondary E-mai Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart 2139 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard ip ey, P.A. West Palm each • ' a 33409 Phone:I Fax: Attorneys for BRADLEY J. EDWARDS EFTA01107651 Edwards adv. Epstein Case No.: 502009CA040800XXXXMBAO Motion for Protective Order COUNSEL LIST Jack A. Goldhe er ssnuire Port Lauderdale, FL 33394 Phone: (954)-467-6767 Fax: (954)467-3599 Atterbury, Goldberger & Weiss, P.A. Attorneys for Jeffrey Epstein 250 Australian Avenue South, Suite 1400 West Palm Beach. Ft. 3 3401 Marc S. Nurik, Esquire Phone: Fax: Law Offices of Marc S. Nurik Attorneys or Jeffrey Epstein One E Broward Blvd., Suite 700 Fort Lauderdale. 301 Bradley J. Edwards, Esquire Phone: staff.efile®pathtojustice.com Fax: Farmer, Jaffe, Weissing, Edwards, Fistos & Attorneys for Scott Rothstein Lehrman, FL Tonia Haddad Coleman Esquire 425 North Andrews Avenue, Suite 2 Fort Lauderdale, FL33301 [email protected] Pho Tonja Haddad, P.A. Fax 315 SE 7th Street, Suite 301 Fort Lauderdale. 33301 Fred Haddad, Es uirc Pho • D FredH d ; Fax: Attorneys or Jeffrey Epstein Fred Haddad, P.A. One Financial Plaza, Suite 2612 EFTA01107652