Black Hills Surgical Physicians v. Steliff

Dr. Rueben C. Setliff, III filed a derivative action against several Managers individually and in their capacities as members of the management committee of Black Hills Surgical Physicians, LLC (BHSP), alleging that the Managers breached their fiduciary duties under BHSP’s operating agreement. The circuit court ruled that the dispute was subject to arbitration. The arbitrator ordered that Setliff recover attorney’s fees and costs against the Managers and ruled that the Managers were entitled to be indemnified by BHSP under the operating agreement. The circuit court concluded that the arbitrator did not exceed her authority in making the award of fees and costs and confirmed Setliff’s award. The Supreme Court reversed the circuit court’s order affirming the award, holding that the arbitrator exceeded her powers in awarding Setliff his attorney’s fees and expenses in direct violation of BHSP’s operating agreement. View "Black Hills Surgical Physicians v. Steliff" on Justia Law