Soudani v. Soudani

Background

Plaintiff and Counterclaim-Defendant Eman Soudani moved for permission to file under seal certain references to documents and an exhibit attached to the June 6, 2024 declaration of Arthur D. Middlemiss. The declaration supported Eman Soudani’s opposition to Defendant and Counterclaim-Plaintiff Mout’z Soudani’s motion to quash a subpoena issued to a bank.

The request stated that the bank had produced the documents before Mout’z Soudani moved to quash the subpoena. Eman Soudani argued that the documents were relevant to her case-in-chief, her defense of the counterclaims, and Mout’z Soudani’s credibility. She also stated that the information was extremely sensitive. The parties had submitted a confidentiality agreement and protective order, but the court had not endorsed it; the parties agreed to treat it as effective.

Sealing request

Eman Soudani asked to use a redacted version of the declaration and accompanying exhibits as the public filing and to file unredacted versions under seal. The request stated that it was limited to the documents referenced in the declaration. The submission discussed the presumption of public access to judicial documents, the court’s authority to protect materials for good cause, and privacy interests that may justify sealing.

Ruling

Judge Philip M. Halpern granted the application to seal. The order specifically states that the declaration of Arthur D. Middlemiss and Exhibit C to that declaration shall be sealed. The opinion text does not state any additional disposition of the motion to quash or decide the parties’ dispute about confidentiality designations.