Smith, Hinchman and Grylls, Associates, Incorporated the Smith Group, Incorporated v. William P. Tassic

MERRITT, Chief Judge.

This case requires us to determine the res judicata effect of a state court ruling on ERISA preemption. The district court found that the issue of ERISA preemption presented here was fully and fairly litigated in the Michigan Circuit Court and could not be collaterally attacked. Consequently, it dismissed plaintiffs' cause of action for lack of jurisdiction. We affirm.

BACKGROUND

Defendant William P. Tassic was employed by plaintiff Smith Hinchman from July 1974 until November 1987, when he was asked to resign. At the time of his resignation Mr. Tassic had risen in the…