Practice point: The Appellate Division found that the motion court improvidently exercised its discretion in declining to dismiss the claim for a declaratory judgment against defendant since there is another action pending between the parties for the same cause of action. Defendant's choice of a Federal forum for its earlier-filed legal malpractice action is entitled to comity. Plaintiff's use of a declaratory judgment action to determine the viability of its defense, or the existence of merit, suggests forum shopping, and does not warrant a deviation from the first-to-file rule.
Case: Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz v. CVR Energy, Inc., NY Slip Op 07091 (1st Dep't October 27, 2016)
Here is the decision.
Tomorrow's issue: Moving for a discretionary change of venue.
