Client’s interests in real estate entities vindicated on appeal to Texas Supreme Court

Partners Eileen O’Neill and Michelle R. Meriam Blair succeeded in securing a reversal of a declaratory judgment against their clients, Osama Abdullatif and Ali Mokarm. The case involved disputed ownership interests in two closely held entities organized and owned by Abdullatif and Mokaram, a limited partnership and a limited liability company. The trial court declared that plaintiff, Ali Choudhri, acquired Mokaram’s interests in both entities and was a member and manager of the LLC. The court of appeals reversed, holding that Choudhri never acquired any interest in the LLC and clarifying that although he obtained an interest in the limited partnership, he was a mere assignee with limited rights. The court also reversed the trial court’s award of over $600,000 in attorneys’ fees, remanding the issue for reconsideration in light of its decision. Choudhri sought review in the Texas Supreme Court, but his petition was denied.