Ansell, Grimm & Aaron v. High Times Holding, Adam Levin Unpaid Attorney Fees Lawsuit 2019
Ansell, Grimm & Aaron v. High Times Holding, Adam Levin Unpaid Attorney Fees Lawsuit 2019
Ansell, Grimm & Aaron v. High Times Holding, Adam Levin Unpaid Attorney Fees Lawsuit 2019
158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
EXHIBIT A
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 1 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
Plaintiff, Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C. (“Plaintiff”), by and through its undersigned
counsel, for its Verified Complaint against Defendants, Hightimes Holding Corp. (“Hightimes”),
alleges as follows:
THE PARTIES
1. Plaintiff is a law firm and a New Jersey professional corporation with its principal
2. Plaintiff also has an office location at 365 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland Park, New
Jersey 07424, from which all work on behalf of Defendants was performed.
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 2 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
5. Defendant Levin is the principal and CEO of Hightimes and Trans-High with an
6. The basis of venue in Passaic County Superior Court is Plaintiff’s office location
in Woodland Park, New Jersey and the venue clause of the Promissory Note between Plaintiff,
7. As set forth in more detail below, the causes of action being asserted against
Defendants are: (1) breach of contract; (2) breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing;
BACKGROUND FACTS
legal services to Hightimes and Trans-High in regard to corporate governance, the sale/purchase
employee.
Trans-High.
11. On or about February 15, 2018, Levin agreed to execute a Promissory Note on
behalf of Hightimes and Trans-High in the amount of $87,088.46 (the “Payment Amount”). A
true and accurate copy of the Promissory Note is annexed hereto as Exhibit A.
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 3 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
12. At the time Levin promised to execute the Promissory Note, Levin knew that
13. Levin made this false promise to induce Plaintiff to release the Client Files.
14. Plaintiff reasonably relied upon Levin’s false promise and released the Client Files
15. Pursuant to the Promissory note, Hightimes and Trans-High are the “Makers” and
16. Hightimes and Trans-High were to make payment to Plaintiff in the amount of
$87,088.46 “by the earlier of (i) June 30, 2018 or (ii) five days after the closing of [Hightimes’]
Initial Public Offering currently scheduled for April 20, 2018” (the “Payment Date”). See Exhibit
A at ¶ 1.
17. The Promissory Note establishes an “Event of Default” if Hightimes and Trans-
High fail to pay Plaintiff the amount of $87,088.46 by the Payment Date. See Exhibit A at ¶ 3(a).
18. Following the Event of Default resulting from Hightimes and Trans-High’s failure
to make payment by June 30, 2018, Plaintiff attempted to contact Levin, on behalf of Hightimes
19. Levin repeatedly promised to satisfy Defendants’ obligations under the Note. A
21. To date, neither Hightimes nor Trans-High have made any payments whatsoever of
22. Pursuant to the Promissory Note, upon an Event of Default, the entire Payment
Amount is immediately due and owing in addition to a late fee of $5,000.00 and interest at the rate
3
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 4 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
of 16% per year from the date of Event of Default until the Payment Amount, late fees, and all
23. Pursuant to the Promissory Note, in the Event of Default, Hightimes and Trans-
High are obligated to “pay any and all reasonable costs incurred by [Plaintiff] in enforcing the
terms of this Promissory Note and/or in collecting sums payable under this Promissory Note,
including reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs, in addition to all other amounts due
COUNT I
(Breach of Contract Against Hightimes and Trans-High)
24. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation contained in the preceding
25. Plaintiff and Hightimes and Trans-High entered into a written contract in the form
26. Hightimes and Trans-High covenanted to pay Plaintiff the Payment Amount on or
27. Hightimes and Trans-High breached the Promissory Note by failing to pay Plaintiff
28. By virtue of Hightimes and Trans-High’s failure to timely pay Plaintiff, Plaintiff is
29. By virtue of Hightimes and Trans-High’s failure to timely pay Plaintiff, Plaintiff is
30. As a result of said breaches, Plaintiff has been damaged by Hightimes and Trans-
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 5 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
COUNT II
(Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing
Against Hightimes and Trans-High)
31. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation contained in the preceding
32. The Promissory Note constitutes a written contract between Plaintiff and Hightimes
33. Hightimes and Trans-High had a duty to discharge their obligations under the
34. Hightimes and Trans-High had reason to believe at the time of execution of the
Promissory Note that payment of the Payment Amount would not be made in the specified time
period.
36. Hightimes and Trans-High misled Plaintiff about the timing of payment of the
37. As a result of said breach, Plaintiff has been damaged by Hightimes and Trans-
COUNT III
(Unjust Enrichment Against Defendants)
38. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation contained in the preceding
39. Plaintiff conferred a benefit upon Hightimes, Trans-High, and Levin by releasing
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 6 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
40. It is unjust to permit Hightimes, Trans-High, and Levin to avoid payment of the
41. Hightimes, Trans-High, and Levin have been unjustly enriched by the retention of
42. As a result of the above misconduct, Plaintiff has been damaged by Defendants in
COUNT IV
(Fraud Against Defendants)
43. Plaintiff repeats and re-alleges each and every allegation contained in the preceding
44. Levin misrepresented to Plaintiff that Hightimes and Trans-High would make
payment to Plaintiff upon the earlier of initial public offering or June 30, 2018 in order to secure
45. Levin knew that neither Hightimes nor Trans-High would ultimately make any
payment to Plaintiff.
46. Levin intended for Plaintiff to rely upon this misrepresentation and release the
Hightimes and Trans-High and release the Client Files to Levin prior to receipt of payment.
48. Plaintiff further relied on Levin’s misrepresentations to enter into the Promissory
49. As a result of the fraud, Plaintiff has been damaged by Levin in an amount which
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 7 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 8 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
I-IV of the within Verified Complaint in a sum to be determined at trial and that Plaintiff be
awarded its reasonable costs and disbursements pursuant to the Agreement and to the extent
available by law, and for such other and further relief as this Court deems fair and equitable.
I, Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq., attorney for the Plaintiff in the within action, hereby certify
that to the best of my knowledge that the matter in controversy is not the subject of any other action
pending in any court or any arbitration proceeding and no other action or arbitration proceeding is
contemplated. Further, I know of no other party who should be joined in this action.
I certify that confidential personal identifiers have been redacted from documents now
submitted to the court, and will be redacted from all documents submitted in the future in
Pursuant to R. 4:25-4, Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq., of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C. is hereby
Dated: Woodland Park, New Jersey ANSELL GRIMM & AARON, P.C.
October 18, 2018
s/Joshua S. Bauchner
Joshua S. Bauchner, Esq
s/Michael H. Ansell
Michael H. Ansell, Esq.
365 Rifle Camp Road
Woodland Park, New Jersey 07424
(973) 247-9000 Phone
(973) 247-9199 Facsimile
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018
CLERK 09/11/2019
10:36:23 AM Pg 8 10:22
of 8 Trans AM
ID: INDEX
LCV20181818265 NO. 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
VERIFICATION
JOSHUA S. BAUCHNER, being duly sworn, deposes and says that I am a partner at the
law firm of Ansell Grimm & Aaron, P.C., Plaintiff in the above captioned action; that I have read
the foregoing Summons and Complaint, and that the same is true to my own knowledge, except as
to those matters stated therein to be alleged in information and belief, and as to those matters,
a Jo ua S. c er, Esq.
A ember the Firm
Carol A.Sheridan
Notary Publio
New Jersey
Expires 2/10/2022
My Commission
089079.000000.57138612
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 1 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 5 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
EXHIBIT A
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018
CLERK 09/11/2019
10:36:23 AM Pg 2 10:22
of 5 Trans AM
ID: INDEX
LCV20181818265 NO. 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
PROMISSORY NOTE
("Holdiñgs"), having a business address at 10951 West Pico Boulevard, Suite 102, Los Angeles,
("Trans-High"
CA 90064; and TRANS-HIGHCORPORATION, a New York corporation and
Holdings are collectively referred to herein as the "Makers"), hereby individually, jointly and
severally, unconditionally and irrevocably agree and promise to pay to the order of ANSELL
GRIMM & AARON, P.C. (the "Payee"), having an address at 365 Rifle Camp Road, Woodland
Park, New Jersey 07424 (or such other place as the holder of this Note may designate in writing),
1. Payments. The Obligation under this Promissory Note shall be paid in full by
Holdings'
Makers by the earlier of (i) June 30, 2018 or (ii) five days after the closing of Initial
Date"
Public Offering currently scheduled for April 20, 2018 ("Psyñiêñ: or "Maturity Date").
2. Refarances. This Promissory Note is entered into by Makers in accord with and in
affirmation of that certain Retainer Agreement, dated March 2, 2017, the terms of which are
Default"
3. Events of Default. Each of the following shall be an "Event of by Makers
hereunder:
a. The failure of Makers to pay the Obligation in full by the Payment Date,
properties or assets, (ii) admit in writing its inability to pay its debts as they
mature, (iii) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iv) be
089079.000001.45375763
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018
CLERK 09/11/2019
10:36:23 AM Pg 3 10:22
of 5 Trans AM
ID: INDEX
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NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
9. Miscellaneous.
notice of dishonor.
b. The rights and privileges of Payee or any holder of this Note shall inure to
Makers'
warranties and agreements of Makers made herein shall bind
c. If any provision of this Promissory Note shall for any reason be held to be
any other provision hereof, but this Pro=ñsse-y Note shall be construed as
Payee to exercise any right or remedy to which it may be entitled shall not
subsequently entitled.
with the laws of the State of New Jersey. Makers hereby consent to venue
and jurisdiction of any dispute in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Passaic
County Vicinage.
Note shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the Makers and
Payee.
g. Makers agree to pay any and all reasonable costs incurred by Payee in
attorneys'
payable under this Promissory Note, including reasonable fees
089079.000001.45375763
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018
CLERK 09/11/2019
10:36:23 AM Pg 4 10:22
of 5 Trans AM
ID: INDEX
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NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
days of entry.
4. Acceleration. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, as defined above, the
entire balance of the Obligation due under this Note shall become immediately due and payable
without further notice or demand, along with a late fee in the amount of FIVE THOUSAND
DOLLARS ($5,000.00) ("Late Fee"), together with interest at the rate of sixteen percent (16%)
per asre.m ("Interest"), from the date of the Event of Default until the Obligatiüñ together with the
Late Fee and all accrued Interest have been paid in full. In eddition to its rights and remedies
under this Promissory Note, Payee may pursue any other legal or equitable remedies available to
it.
5. Prepayments. Prepayment of all or any part of the amount due hereunder may be
pursuant to this Promissory Note shall be applied first, as applicable, on account of the Late Fee,
then on account of accrued but u=paid Interest, and then on accoüñt of the Obligation.
7. Joint and Several Obligations; Successors and Assigns. All obligations under this
Promissory Note, includiñg, but not limited to, the payment of the Obligation, Late Fee and
Interest, as applicable, are joint and several to each of the Makers and shall be binding upon each
of them and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.
8. Waiver of Right to Jury Trial. Makers hereby irrevocably waive all rights to trial
by jury in any action, proceding or counterclaim arising out of or relating to this Promissory Note
089079.000001.45375763
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018
CLERK 09/11/2019
10:36:23 AM Pg 5 10:22
of 5 Trans AM
ID: INDEX
LCV20181818265 NO. 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
Name: AA L ev in
Title: c sea
Name: A L v. o
Title: ce c
089079.000001.45375763
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 1 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 5 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
EXHIBIT B
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 2 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 5 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
From: Josh Bauchner
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2018 9:58 AM
To: 'Adam Levin' <adam@hightimes.com>
Cc: 'Maxx Abramowitz' <maxx@orevacapital.com>
Subject: RE: THC Note
Importance: High
Adam,
Having not heard from you, and with the Note still in default, we are compelled to file an action. I
am sorry it has come to this as I trusted you, personally, with regard to your representations that
you would satisfy your obligations.
Please be guided accordingly.
Regards,
Josh
Joshua S. Bauchner
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC
(973) 247-9000 ext. 418
Bio | V-Card | Website
From: Josh Bauchner
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2018 8:21 AM
To: 'Adam Levin' <adam@hightimes.com>
Cc: Maxx Abramowitz <maxx@orevacapital.com>
Subject: RE: THC Note
Adam,
The Note will be a month past due on Monday and remains in default. Please confirm payment will
be made by no later than July 30, 2018.
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 3 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 5 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
Thank you,
Josh
Joshua S. Bauchner
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC
(973) 247-9000 ext. 418
Bio | V-Card | Website
From: Adam Levin [mailto:adam@hightimes.com]
Sent: Monday, July 16, 2018 11:37 AM
To: Josh Bauchner <jb@ansellgrimm.com>
Cc: Maxx Abramowitz <maxx@orevacapital.com>
Subject: Re: THC Note
We’re still waiting to close escrow.
We’ll advise when we do
Thx
Adam
Adam,
We cannot delay this any longer – please confirm payment will be made on the Note
today. Wire instructions are again attached.
Regards,
Josh
Joshua S. Bauchner
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC
(973) 247-9000 ext. 418
Bio | V-Card | Website
From: Adam Levin [mailto:adam@hightimes.com]
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2018 6:39 PM
To: Josh Bauchner <jb@ansellgrimm.com>
Cc: Maxx Abramowitz <maxx@orevacapital.com>
Subject: Re: THC Note
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 4 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 5 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
Josh,
We launched the Reg a ( ipo ) last week and the sec asked to review the filing after a
few days.
We’re currently on hold but expect to be cleared sometime this week.
Shortly thereafter, we should be clearing the escrow threshold and the will make
payment.
I’d expect by the 15th if July at the latest.
Sorry for any inconvenience.
Thx
Adam
Adam,
Please advise as to status of the below and attached, which is now in
default. If payment is received tomorrow, July 2, 2018, we will waive the
late fee. We reserve all of our rights and remedies, at law and in equity,
and nothing herein shall be deemed a waiver of those rights.
Regards,
Josh
Joshua S. Bauchner
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC
(973) 247-9000 ext. 418
Bio | V-Card | Website
From: Josh Bauchner
Sent: Monday, June 25, 2018 9:23 AM
To: 'Adam Levin' <adam@hightimes.com>
Cc: Maxx Abramowitz <maxx@orevacapital.com>
Subject: THC Note
Importance: High
FILED: NEW PAS-L-002732-18
YORK COUNTY 10/18/2018 10:36:23 AM Pg 5 10:22
CLERK 09/11/2019 of 5 TransAM INDEX NO.
ID: LCV20181818265 158825/2019
NYSCEF DOC. NO. 4 RECEIVED NYSCEF: 09/11/2019
Adam,
Hope you are well and congratulations on the IPO. As you know, payment
is now past due under the attached Promissory Note. Wire instructions
are attached for your convenience.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Best,
Josh
Joshua S. Bauchner
Ansell Grimm & Aaron, PC
365 Rifle Camp Road
Woodland Park, New Jersey 07424
t: (973) 247-9000 ext. 418
f: (973) 247-9199
m: (646) 369-0250
@THCCounselors
Bio | V-Card | Website
<Ansell Grimm Promissory Note.pdf>
<NEW YORK Trust Account Wire Instructions
(00596943xB93F3).docx>
<NEW YORK Trust Account Wire Instructions (00596943xB93F3).DOCX>