Burns Charest client, HSB Solomon Associates LLC (“Solomon”), secured a summary judgment victory for its breach of contract claim against Patriotic Energies and Technologies Co. Ltd. and its parent organization, The Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (“OWTU”). Solomon sued both Patriotic and OWTU for nonpayment of fees for consulting services which Solomon provided over a period of years concerning the potential acquisition of an oil refinery located in Pointe-à-Pierre, Trinidad.

Solomon, whose global headquarters are in Dallas, provided pre-acquisition due diligence consulting services related to the defendants’ potential acquisition of the Petrotrin refinery. Ultimately, when defendants failed to compensate Solomon as agreed, Solomon retained Burns Charest to protect the company’s rights and enforce the contracts.

The Burns Charest team, including Managing Partner Daniel Charest and Associate Kyle Oxford, developed a strategy to seek an early summary judgment. The team adopted a limited but fast-paced discovery approach to embody that strategy. Following a series of procedural hurdles, including a fight over personal jurisdiction and a challenge for forum non conveniens, Burns Charest secured victory. Presiding Judge Martin Hoffman of the 68th Dallas District Court found in Solomon’s favor and entered final judgment against defendants in the amount of $1,502,879.24 plus 18% post-judgment interest.

“Texas courts enforce contracts. And we are happy to guide our clients through that process, whether against local defendants or those who are far away,” said Charest. “We are very happy to have achieved this result for the client efficiently.”

The case is HSB Solomon Associates LLC v. Patriotic Energies and Technologies Co. Ltd, et al., Cause No. DC-21-06593, in the 68th District Court of Dallas County, Texas.