Saliba v. Hanover Capital Group LLC

Background

Layla Saliba, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, filed this action against Hanover Capital Group LLC, Haim Llalouz, and Yanathon Llalouz. The complaint was filed on January 18, 2024. Hanover Capital was served with the summons and complaint, and its response was due February 26, 2024. It did not file a response.

Representation and Default

On March 4, 2024, Haim Llalouz asked to represent Hanover Capital. The court denied that request because a corporate defendant must appear through a licensed attorney. The court ordered licensed counsel for Hanover Capital to file a notice of appearance by April 30, 2024, and explained that the plaintiffs could then seek a default judgment if counsel did not appear. No licensed counsel appeared for Hanover Capital. The plaintiffs obtained a clerk’s certificate of default against the company but had not filed a motion for default judgment.

Order

Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil ordered the plaintiffs to file any anticipated motion for default judgment against Hanover Capital by June 14, 2024, in accordance with the court’s Individual Rules of Practice in Civil Cases. The order did not itself enter a default judgment.

Practical Effect

The order set a deadline for the plaintiffs to pursue default judgment against Hanover Capital. The opinion did not decide the amount or terms of any default judgment, and it did not resolve the claims against the individual defendants.