Moe v. Wise

989 P.2d 1148 (1999)

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Moe v. Wise

Washington Court of Appeals
989 P.2d 1148 (1999)

Facts

After purchasing a boat-manufacturing company, the new owner soon faced serious financial problems and retained attorney Arnold Robbins (defendant) to prepare a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition. Following the petition’s filing, Robbins helped the company’s chief executive officer, Joseph Wise (defendant), draft a letter that was then circulated to the company’s creditors, vendors, and a newspaper reporter. The letter explained the company’s need for creditor cooperation, sought the cancellation of certain contracts, and blamed the company’s financial collapse on its former owner, Howard Moe (plaintiff). Specifically, the letter alleged that Moe had misrepresented the company’s projected profit margins, leading to worker layoffs. Moe filed a defamation action against Robbins and Wise, contending that the letter’s accusations were false. Robbins moved to dismiss, arguing that his statements were protected by the common-interest qualified privilege. The trial court agreed and dismissed Moe’s action against Robbins.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Seinfeld, J.)

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