Overview
Matthew Smartnick and Joseph Stefanko obtained a favorable court order in the Northern District of Ohio on behalf of their municipal client, severing the plaintiff’s distinct claims against an unrelated government entity. The court agreed with their arguments regarding improper joinder, holding that the plaintiff’s newly-added claims did not arise out of the same transaction or occurrence as the claims against their client. The duo's advocacy ensured that the plaintiff’s respective claims would proceed separately, eliminating potential juror confusion.