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Case TitleRyan LLC v. U.S. Department of the InteriorCASE ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSED
DistrictSouthern District of Texas
CityHouston
Case Number4:2019cv04305
Date Filed2019-11-01
Date Closed2022-09-21
JudgeJudge Charles Eskridge
PlaintiffRyan LLC
Case DescriptionThe law firm of Ryan LLC, specializing in tax services, submitted a FOIA request to the Department of Interior for records concerning communications from the Office of Natural Resources relating to Ryan LLC from 2014 to the present. The agency acknowledged receipt of the request but after hearing nothing further from the agency, Ryan LLC filed suit.
Complaint issues: Failure to respond within statutory time limit, Litigation - Attorney's fees

DefendantU.S. Department of the Interior
Documents
Docket
Complaint
Complaint attachment 1
User-contributed Documents
 
Docket Events (Hide)
Date FiledDoc #Docket Text

2019-11-011COMPLAINT against U.S. Department of the Interior (Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0541-23482838) filed by RYAN LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Civil Cover Sheet)(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 11/01/2019)
2019-11-05Summons Issued as to U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. Attorney. Issued summons returned to plaintiff in person, filed.(thanniable, 4) (Entered: 11/05/2019)
2019-11-062RETURN of Service of SUMMONS Executed as to U.S. Department of the Interior served on 11/5/2019, answer due 1/6/2020, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 11/06/2019)
2019-11-153ORDER for Initial Pretrial and Scheduling Conference and Order to Disclose Interested Persons. Initial Conference set for 2/21/2020 at 01:30 PM in Courtroom 8A before Judge Charles Eskridge. (Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(hcarradi, 4) (Entered: 11/15/2019)
2019-11-274CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 11/27/2019)
2019-11-275Amended CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 11/27/2019)
2019-12-036ANSWER to 1 Complaint by U.S. Department of the Interior, filed.(Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/03/2019)
2020-02-067CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES by U.S. Department of the Interior, filed.(Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 02/06/2020)
2020-02-078JOINT DISCOVERY/CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 02/07/2020)
2020-02-21Minute Entry for proceedings held before Judge Charles Eskridge. STATUS CONFERENCE held on 02/21/2020. Parties present. The parties discussed their progress on gathering information under Plaintiffs FOIA request. The Court ordered the parties to provide joint status reports on the 15th of every month, or the Monday thereafter if falling on a weekend. Appearances: Bryan Dumesnil, Shannon Glen f/ Plaintiff; Elizabeth Karpati f/ Defendant(ERO:used), filed.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 02/25/2020)
2020-03-169STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/16/2020)
2020-04-1510STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 04/15/2020)
2020-05-1511STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 05/15/2020)
2020-05-21MINUTE ENTRY re: The Court has reviewed 9 10 11 the parties joint status reports and commends the diligence and cooperation evident in those submissions., filed. (jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 05/21/2020)
2020-06-1512STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 06/15/2020)
2020-06-17MINUTE ENTRY Re: The Court reviewed 12 the further joint status report by the parties., filed. (rguerrero, 4) (Entered: 06/17/2020)
2020-06-2913MOTION for Leave to File First Amended Complaint by Ryan LLC, filed. Motion Docket Date 7/20/2020. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Proposed Order)(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 06/29/2020)
2020-07-0114***WITHDRAWN***ORDER granting 13 MOTION for Leave to File First Amended Complaint. Plaintiff's deadline to file the amended complaint is 07/10/2020. (Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) Modified on 7/8/2020 (jengonzalez, 4). (Entered: 07/01/2020)
2020-07-08MINUTE ENTRY re: The Court is informed by counsel to plaintiff that the certificate of conference on 13 motion for leave to file an amended complaint incorrectly noted no opposition. The order 14 granting that motion is withdrawn. Defendant should proceed to file a response to the motion., filed. (jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 07/08/2020)
2020-07-1515STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 07/15/2020)
2020-07-2316RESPONSE in Opposition to 13 MOTION for Leave to File First Amended Complaint, filed by U.S. Department of the Interior. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit Exhibit 4)(Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 07/23/2020)
2020-07-2917REPLY in Support of 13 MOTION for Leave to File First Amended Complaint, filed by Ryan LLC. (Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 07/29/2020)
2020-08-1718STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 08/17/2020)
2020-08-2019Opposed MOTION to Dismiss ( Motion Docket Date 9/10/2020.), Opposed MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by U.S. Department of the Interior, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 08/20/2020)
2020-09-1020RESPONSE in Opposition to 19 Opposed MOTION to Dismiss Opposed MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM , filed by Ryan LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A, # 2 Exhibit B, # 3 Exhibit C, # 4 Exhibit D, # 5 Exhibit E, # 6 Exhibit F, # 7 Exhibit G, # 8 Exhibit H, # 9 Exhibit I, # 10 Exhibit J, # 11 Exhibit K, # 12 Exhibit L, # 13 Proposed Order)(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 09/10/2020)
2020-09-1521STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 09/15/2020)
2020-10-1522STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 10/15/2020)
2020-11-1623STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 11/16/2020)
2020-12-1524STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 12/15/2020)
2021-01-1925STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 01/19/2021)
2021-02-1926STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 02/19/2021)
2021-02-2427NOTICE of Setting. Parties notified. Motion Hearing re: 13 Motion for Leave, and 19 Motion to Dsmiss set for 3/10/2021 at 02:30 PM in by video before Judge Charles Eskridge, filed. (jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 02/24/2021)
2021-03-0928MOTION for Taylor M. Stuart to Appear Pro Hac Vice by Ryan LLC, filed. Motion Docket Date 3/30/2021. (Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/09/2021)
2021-03-0929ORDER granting 28 Motion for Taylor M. Stuart to Appear Pro Hac Vice.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 03/09/2021)
2021-03-10Minute entry for proceedings before Judge Charles Eskridge. MOTION HEARING. Parties present by videoconference. The Court addressed 13 the motion for leave to amend by Plaintiff Ryan LLC. The motion was GRANTED for reasons stated on the record. Ryan LLC must file its amended complaint by 03/12/2021. The Court also addressed 19 the motion to dismiss by Defendant the United States Department of the Interior. The motion was DENIED AS MOOT for reasons stated on the record, without prejudice to reassertion against the amended complaint. The parties were instructed to confer and propose a briefing schedule for subsequent motion to dismiss by the Department of the Interior. Appearances: Bryan S Dumesnil, Taylor Stuart f/ Plaintiff; Elizabeth Frances Karpati, Kasie Durkit f/ Defendant.(Court Reporter: Johnny Sanchez), filed.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 03/10/2021)
2021-03-1230First AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants filed by Ryan LLC.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/12/2021)
2021-03-2231STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/22/2021)
2021-03-2432AO 435 TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Elizabeth F. Karpati for Transcript of Motion Hearing, 03/10/2021, Judge Charles Eskridge. 14-Day turnaround requested. Court Reporter/Transcriber: Johnny Sanchez, filed. (Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 03/24/2021)
2021-03-2433AO 435 TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Bryan S. Dumesnil for Transcript of Motion Hearing on 3/10/2021 before Judge Eskridge. 14-Day turnaround requested. Court Reporter/Transcriber: Johnny Sanchez, filed. (Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/24/2021)
2021-03-2434JOINT DISCOVERY/CASE MANAGEMENT PLAN by Ryan LLC, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order - Briefing Schedule)(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/24/2021)
2021-03-2635BRIEFING SCHEDULE re: Defendant's motion to dismiss due by 05/11/2021. Plaintiff's response to Defendant's motion to dismiss by 06/08/2021. Defendant's reply to Plaintiff's response to Defendant's motion to dismiss due by 06/22/2021.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 03/26/2021)
2021-04-1636STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 04/16/2021)
2021-05-1137MOTION to Dismiss 30 Amended Complaint/Counterclaim/Crossclaim etc. or, in alternative, Motion for Summary Judgment by U.S. Department of the Interior, filed. Motion Docket Date 6/1/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Proposed Order)(Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 05/11/2021)
2021-05-1438STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 05/14/2021)
2021-06-0839RESPONSE in Opposition to 37 MOTION to Dismiss 30 Amended Complaint/Counterclaim/Crossclaim etc. or, in alternative, Motion for Summary Judgment , filed by Ryan LLC. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit Declaration of Bryan S. Dumesnil, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Exhibit D, # 6 Exhibit E, # 7 Exhibit F, # 8 Exhibit G, # 9 Exhibit H, # 10 Exhibit I, # 11 Exhibit J, # 12 Exhibit K, # 13 Exhibit L, # 14 Exhibit M, # 15 Exhibit N, # 16 Exhibit O, # 17 Exhibit P, # 18 Exhibit Q, # 19 Exhibit R, # 20 Proposed Order)(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 06/08/2021)
2021-06-1540STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 06/15/2021)
2021-07-2241STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 07/22/2021)
2021-08-1342STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 08/13/2021)
2021-09-2243STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 09/22/2021)
2021-11-1044ORDER re: Defendant must now file a reply by December 3, 2021. The Court intends to proceed towards ruling on the motion. Further status reports are unnecessary. The parties are advised to seek amicable resolution of their dispute while they still have time, if desired.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 11/10/2021)
2021-12-0145Agreed MOTION for Extension of Time Motion to Extend Time for Reply Brief by U.S. Department of the Interior, filed. Motion Docket Date 12/22/2021. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Karpati, Elizabeth) (Entered: 12/01/2021)
2021-12-0346ORDER granting 45 Agreed MOTION for Extension of Time Motion to Extend Time for Reply Brief. The deadline for Defendant to file the Reply brief is extended to December 17, 2021. (Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(JosephWells, 4) (Entered: 12/03/2021)
2021-12-1347Joint MOTION to Stay Pending Remand Agreement by Ryan LLC, filed. Motion Docket Date 1/3/2022. (Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 12/13/2021)
2021-12-1448ORDER granting 47 Joint MOTION to Stay Pending Remand Agreement , ORDER STAYING CASE granting 47 Joint MOTION to Stay Pending Remand Agreement . This matter is STAYED pending further report by the parties. All deadlines are CANCELLED. The parties must file a further joint status report by March 14, 2022 to provide an update on finalization of their remand agreement.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) Modified on 12/15/2021 (jengonzalez, 4). (Entered: 12/14/2021)
2022-03-1449Joint MOTION to Stay and Status Report by Ryan LLC, filed. Motion Docket Date 4/4/2022. (Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 03/14/2022)
2022-03-1550ORDER re: The request to extend the stay of this case pending finalization of the agreement to remand the subject FOIA request for further processing is GRANTED. See Dkt 48. This matter is STAYED sine die. The parties must file a further joint status report by June 13, 2022 to provide an update on finalization of their remand agreement. (Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(JosephWells, 4) (Entered: 03/15/2022)
2022-06-1551STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 06/15/2022)
2022-06-2152ORDER re: This matter remains STAYED sine die. The parties must file a further joint status report by July 31st to provide an update on finalization of their remand agreement. (Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 06/21/2022)
2022-08-0153STATUS REPORT by Ryan LLC, filed.(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 08/01/2022)
2022-08-0254ORDER re: This matter remains STAYED sine die.The parties must file either the finalized remand agreement or a further joint status report in that regard by August 19th.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 08/02/2022)
2022-08-1955NOTICE of Finalization of Remand Agreement by Ryan LLC, filed. (Attachments: # 1 Unredacted attachment Remand Agreement)(Dumesnil, Bryan) (Entered: 08/19/2022)
2022-09-2156ORDER re: 55 Notice of remand agreement. This matter remains STAYED sine die. It is now also ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSED pending further report by the parties. The parties are ORDERED to file a joint status report as to progress under the remand agreement by October 18, 2022. Case administratively closed on 09/21/2022.(Signed by Judge Charles Eskridge) Parties notified.(jengonzalez, 4) (Entered: 09/21/2022)
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