James and McEntyre Secure Appellate Win for Out-of-State Financial Institution

Paul M. James, Jr. and Katie Marie McEntyre received a unanimous verdict from the Alabama Supreme Court on the issue of specific personal jurisdiction involving a California-based financial institution.  Specifically, the Plaintiff sued the out-of-state bank claiming that his unilateral wiring of money to that institution and the bank’s “advertisements on the internet” subjected them to specific jurisdiction here in Alabama.  The Plaintiff filed suit in Jefferson County Circuit Court after the company to whom he wired $60,000 absconded with the money and closed their account.

In a unanimous opinion, the Alabama Supreme Court granted James and McEntyre’s client’s request for a Writ of Mandamus and ordered the Trial Court to dismiss the case with prejudice.  The Court’s Opinion adopted all arguments raised by the defense and reiterated the strong legal principle regarding specific jurisdiction over an out-of-state Defendant with limited contacts with the State of Alabama.