SolarKal, LLC v. Holt Gollatz, doing business as New World Strategies, LLC

Background

SolarKal, LLC filed this action against Holt Gollatz, doing business as New World Strategies, LLC, on November 19, 2025. SolarKal invoked diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332(a), alleging that the parties were citizens of different states and that the amount in controversy exceeded $75,000.

Because both parties were limited liability companies, the court issued an order requiring SolarKal to explain why the case should not be dismissed for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. The court stated that SolarKal needed to identify the citizenship of each member of SolarKal and Holt Gollatz to establish complete diversity.

Court's reasoning

SolarKal's response stated that it was a New York limited liability company and that the defendant was a Pennsylvania limited liability company. The court found those allegations insufficient. For diversity purposes, a limited liability company has the citizenship of each of its members; its state of organization or incorporation does not establish citizenship for this purpose. SolarKal did not allege the citizenship of any member of either company, so the court could not determine that complete diversity existed.

Disposition

The court dismissed the case for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction and directed the Clerk of Court to close the case. SolarKal was directed to serve a copy of the order on Holt Gollatz and retain proof of service. Judge Gregory H. Woods signed the order on November 24, 2025.