AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS et al v. PUBLIC.RESOURCE.ORG, INC.

Filing 130

MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Curiae Brief by AMERICAN INSURANCE ASSOCIATION (Attachments: #1 Text of Proposed Order)(Hollywood, Meegan) Modified on 1/7/2016 (zrdj).

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS D/B/A ASTM INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, FIRE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION, INC., and AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEATING REFRIGERATING, AND AIR CONDITIONING ENGINEERS, 1:13-CV-01215 (TSC) Plaintiff(s), v. PUBLIC.RESOURCE.ORG, INC. Defendant. ASSENTED-TO MOTION FOR LEAVE TO FILE AMICUS CURIAE BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF PLAINTIFFS’ MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND CORPORATE DISCLOSURE STATEMENT The American Insurance Association (“AIA”) respectfully moves for leave to file an amicus curiae brief in support of the Motion for Summary Judgment (Docket No. 118) filed by the Plaintiffs in this case. 1. The AIA represents more than 325 property and casualty insurance companies in the United States. Since its founding in 1866, the AIA has provided an insurance industry perspective on matters related to property and casualty insurance. In this role, the AIA files occasional amicus curiae briefs on issues of importance to its property and casualty insurance company members. 2. The AIA and its members are interested in this lawsuit because of the risks that Defendant’s arguments present to the continuing availability of the research and guidance provided through the standards promulgated by the NFPA, ASTM and ASHRAE. The AIA is uniquely positioned to explain (as amicus curiae) the industry’s use of NFPA and other safety standards and the importance of these standards to the affordability of insurance coverage for property risks and the protection of the public from fire and other safety hazards. 3. The amicus curiae brief of the AIA is desirable and raises issues not already addressed by the parties because the party briefing will not focus on the connection between standards developing organizations and the property and casualty insurance industry and the role standards play in fire safety and fire protection. If this motion is allowed the AIA will file its brief on or before the January 11, 2016 deadline for amicus briefs established by the Court. 4. Local Civil Rule 7(o) allows the filing of an amicus curiae brief upon leave of the Court. The amicus curiae brief of the AIA fully meets the criteria established by the Court in that Local Rule. See also Jin v. Ministry of State Security, 557 F. Supp. 2d 131, 137 (D.D.C. 2008) (pre-rule decision noting that amicus curiae briefing may be accepted by the Court where the amicus can present “unique information or perspective that can help the court beyond the help that the lawyers for the parties are able to provide”) (quoting Ryan v. Commodity Futures Trading Comm’n, 125 F.3d 1062, 1064 (7th Cir. 1997). 5. The Joint Report on Proposed Summary Judgment Briefing Schedule dated October 30, 2015 provides that the parties agree not to oppose amicus curiae briefing. 6. Counsel for the AIA requested express assent to this Motion from counsel for the Defendant on December 23, 2015. Defense counsel provided express assent on December 30, 2015. Dated: December 31, 2015 ROBINS KAPLAN LLP By: /s/ Meegan F. Hollywood Meegan F. Hollywood 601 Lexington Avenue Suite 3400 New York, NY 10022 (212) 980-7400 MHollywood@RobinsKaplan.com Bar No. NY0206 Of Counsel: Jonathan D. Mutch James S. Harrington 800 Boylston Street, Suite 2500 Boston, MA 02199 (617) 267-2300 JMutch@RobinsKaplan.com JHarrington@RobinsKaplan.com Attorneys for American Insurance Association CORPORATE DISCLOSURE CERTIFICATION Pursuant to Local Civil Rule 7.1 of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, the undersigned, counsel for the American Insurance Association as proposed amicus curiae certify that to the best of their knowledge and belief, the American Insurance Association does not have parent companies, subsidiaries, or affiliates with any outstanding securities in the hands of the public. This Certification is not intended to address the more than 325 property and casualty companies that are members of the AIA. These representations are made in order that judges of this Court may determine the need for recusal. Dated: December 31, 2015 ROBINS KAPLAN LLP By: /s/ Meegan F. Hollywood Meegan F. Hollywood 601 Lexington Avenue Suite 3400 New York, NY 10022 (212) 980-7400 MHollywood@RobinsKaplan.com Bar No. NY0206 Of Counsel: Jonathan D. Mutch James S. Harrington 800 Boylston Street, Suite 2500 Boston, MA 02199 (617) 267-2300 JMutch@RobinsKaplan.com JHarrington@RobinsKaplan.com Attorneys for American Insurance Association 35597761.1

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