Hahm v. Hills

This is a securities case in which plaintiffs alleged that defendant Hills and others violated state and federal securities laws. They sought $569,000 in damages plus more than $200,000 in attorney fees, expenses and costs. Defendant Hills appeals from a judgment for plaintiffs. The dispositive issue is whether the trial court abused its discretion in striking defendant’s appearance, in declaring him in default and in entering judgment for plaintiffs. We conclude that it did.

Plaintiffs’ complaint alleges that they had invested in securities relating to the purchase of various real properties,…