Vertex Aerospace, LLC v. Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP
Vertex Aerospace, LLC v. Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP
2022 WL 1830715 (S.D. Miss. 2022)
April 26, 2022

Isaac, LaKeysha Greer,  United States Magistrate Judge

Privilege Log
Attorney-Client Privilege
Attorney Work-Product
Failure to Produce
Proportionality
Protective Order
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Summary
The court granted the motion to compel in part and denied it in part, ordering Womble to supplement its privilege log within twenty days of the order. The court also denied Vertex's request for attorney's fees and expenses incurred in filing the motion to compel. The court noted that Womble had already produced all eight emails related to Edwards' assistance to Wolf, as well as 29,066 pages of documents related to the now irrelevant issue.
Additional Decisions
VERTEX AEROSPACE, LLC PLAINTIFF
v.
WOMBLE BOND DICKINSON, LLP and COURTNEY PAINE SNIDER DEFENDANTS
CIVIL ACTION NO. 3:09-cv-00704-HTW-LGI
United States District Court, S.D. Mississippi, Northern Division
Filed April 26, 2022

Counsel

William T. Siler, Jr., Arthur Martin Edwards, IV, Fred L. Banks, Jr., Gregory Todd Butler, Jason T. Marsh, LaToya C. Merritt, Loden P. Walker, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, Jackson, MS, M. Nan Alessandra, Pro Hac Vice, Phelps Dunbar, LLP, New Orleans, LA, for Plaintiff.
John M. Lassiter, Burr & Forman, LLP, Jackson, MS, for Defendant Courtney Paine Snider.
Hugh Ruston Comley, James J. Crongeyer, Jr., Watkins & Eager, PLLC, Jackson, MS, for Defendant Womble Bond Dickinson, LLP.
Isaac, LaKeysha Greer, United States Magistrate Judge

ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART VERTEX'S MOTION TO COMPEL DISCOVERY RESPONSES AND DOCUMENT PRODUCTION

*1 Before the Court is Counter-Plaintiff Vertex Aerospace, LLC's Motion to Compel Discover Responses and Document Production [372].[1] Counter-Defendant Womble filed a Response in Opposition to Vertex's Motion to Compel [380], and Vertex submitted a Reply in Support of the Motion to Compel [385]. The Court, having considered the submissions, the record, and relevant law, finds that the Motion to Compel [372] is GRANTED IN PART and DENIED IN PART as discussed below.
 
STANDARD
This discovery dispute concerns the scope of discovery and the procedure by which the parties may obtain discoverable information. This Court has broad discretion over both. See Hernandez v. Causey, 2020 WL 5412486, at *3 (S.D. Miss. Sept. 9, 2020) (quoting Freeman v. United States, 566 F.3d 326, 341 (5th Cir. 2009) ([i]t is well established that the scope of discovery is within the sound discretion of the trial court.”)); See also Saucier v. Lakeview Corp., 2014 WL 12906612, at *1 (S.D. Miss. Dec. 30, 2014) (“[a] district court has “broad discretion” to control the procedure for obtaining discoverable material.”).
 
In reviewing a motion to compel, courts must consider that discovery rules “are to be accorded a broad and liberal treatment to effect their purpose of adequately informing litigants in civil trials.” Herbert v. Lando, 441 U.S. 153, 177, 99 S. Ct. 1635, 60 L. Ed. 2d 115 (1979). “At some point, however, discovery yields diminishing returns, needlessly increases expenses, and delays the resolution of the parties' dispute.” Willis v. City of Hattiesburg, No. 2:14-cv-89-KS-MTP, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30985, 2016 WL 918038, at *2 (S.D. Miss. Mar. 10, 2016). Indeed, “[d]iscovery is not a license for the [parties] to ‘go fishing’ and is limited to information that ‘is relevant to any party's claim or defense.’ ” Barnes v. Tumlinson, 597 Fed. App'x 798, 799 (5th Cir. 2015) (citing Marshall v. Westinghouse Elec. Corp., 576 F.2d 588, 592 (5th Cir. 1978); Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1)). “Finding a just and appropriate balance in the discovery process” is thus one of the Court's key responsibilities. Willis, 2016 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 30985, 2016 WL 918038, at *2.
 
Rule 26(b)(1) provides that information is within the scope of discovery if it is not privileged, relevant, and proportional to the needs of the case:
Unless otherwise limited by court order, the scope of discovery is as follows: Parties may obtain discovery regarding any nonprivileged matter that is relevant to any party's claim or defense and proportional to the needs of the case, considering the importance of the issues at stake in the action, the amount in controversy, the parties' relative access to relevant information, the parties' resources, the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues, and whether the burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit. Information within this scope of discovery need not be admissible in evidence to be discoverable.
*2 Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1). Meanwhile, Rule 26(c) empowers the Court to control the procedure for obtaining discoverable information. Saucier, 2014 WL 12906612, at *1. Finally, Rule 37 provides that “an evasive or incomplete disclosure, answer, or response must be treated as a failure to disclose, answer, or respond” and it authorizes the Court to issue an Order compelling the production of such information. Fed. R. Civ. P. 37(a)(4).
 
ANALYSIS
Vertex filed the instant Motion to Compel seeking an Order striking Womble's objections and compelling interrogatory responses, responsive documents to Vertex's request for production, and an updated privilege log.
 
A. Interrogatories
The nine (9) interrogatory requests at issue, which are fully addressed below, include: interrogatory no. 3, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 19.
 
1. Interrogatory No. 3
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 3:
Please identify each law suit or legal proceeding, during the past ten (10) years to which you have been a party, including any bankruptcy proceedings. For each lawsuit or legal proceeding, including bankruptcy, (a) describe the nature of the proceeding; (b) describe the outcome of resolution of the proceeding; (c) the cause number or other identifying number; (d) court wherein the case was filed; and (e) parties and attorneys involved.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 3:
Womble objects to this interrogatory to the extent it seeks information that is irrelevant to the subject claims for breach of fiduciary duty, especially considering causation and damages for such claims under Mississippi law are narrowly tailored to the facts and circumstances of the case. Womble also objects to this interrogatory as overly burdensome and not proportional to the needs of the case. The single claim before the Court relates to a handful of emails from Edwards to John Maxey who never represented Wolf in the EEOC claim she filed more than two (2) years later through another attorney and based on subsequent circumstances. Womble further objects to creating descriptions of lawsuits which are in the public domain and are equally accessible to Vertex as they are to Womble via searches. Without waiving said objections, Womble affirmatively states that it has never filed any bankruptcy proceedings and is unaware of any legal malpractice lawsuits involving the actions of Charles Edwards prior to this case.
Doc. [376-2].
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 3:
Contrary to Womble's position, Vertex has seven outstanding claims remaining in this case: (1) breach of fiduciary duty of care, (2) breach of fiduciary duty of loyalty, (3) civil conspiracy, (4) unjust enrichment, (5) conversion, (6) negligence, and (7) negligent supervision and training. Lawsuits or legal proceedings against Womble, moreover, are relevant to determining whether Womble or its members, partners, or representatives engaged in similar behavior in the past. The third interrogatory also squarely corresponds with Vertex's claim for punitive damages, which requires a showing of, inter alia, past conduct. See Regions Ins., Inc. v. Alliant Ins. Servs., No. 3:13-CV-667-HTW-LRA, 2015 WL 1886852, at *4 (S.D. Miss. Apr. 24, 2015) (“Because a plaintiff must set forth [detailed facts supporting the punitive damages claim] to the factfinder, discovery related to past conduct may lead to admissible evidence.”). Womble should be compelled to supplement its incomplete response to include concerning past lawsuits and legal proceedings.
*3 In this case, as part of the damages sought, Vertex seeks disgorgement of any and all legal fees paid to Womble during its breach of the fiduciary relationship and the fiduciary breach of its partner, Charlie Edwards, which upon information and belief Vertex believes occurred between 2006 through present, as Womble has never self-reported as required, its and its Edwards' breach in relation to Janice Wolf. “An agent is entitled to no compensation for conduct which is disobedient, or which is a breach of his duty of loyalty; if such conduct constitutes a willful and deliberate breach of his contract of service, he is not entitled to compensation even for properly performed services for which no compensation is apportioned.” Burrow v. Arce, 997 S.W. 2d 229, 237 (1999) (applying Section 469 the Restatement (Second) of Agency). Further, “[t]o limit forfeiture of compensation to instances in which the principal sustains actual damages would conflict with both justifications for the rule. It is the agent's disloyalty, not any resulting harm that violates the fiduciary relationship and thus impairs the basis for compensation. An agent's compensation is not only for specific results but also for loyalty.” Id. at 238. As such, as a matter of law, information related to Womble's involvement in any civil matter on behalf of Vertex is not only relevant; but unequivocally germane to the damages sought.
Doc. [376] at 10-11.
 
Womble's Response to Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 3:
Vertex argues it has seven (7) claims (Memo Br. at 10), but they are all based on the one (1) issue that remains in the case as decided by this Court and the Fifth Circuit—Edwards' assistance to Janice Wolf. That issue has been discovered now through the search and production of thousands of emails and the key depositions of Ms. Wolf and her actual EEOC lawyer, Louis Watson. Both testified that Edwards' eight (8) emails had nothing to do with her April 2009 EEOC complaint filed more than two (2) years later without the involvement, input, or referral of John Maxey, the attorney Edwards wrote in November 2006. This interrogatory borders on harassingly overbroad in light of the narrow issue of Edwards' assistance to Wolf and what is already known about it, especially considering Vertex asks for any type of lawsuit in which Womble was a party going back to 2002 (the discovery was propounded and stayed in 2012). While properly objecting to the overbreadth and irrelevancy of lawsuits not involving Edwards' legal malpractice, Womble responded that Edwards has not been involved in any legal malpractice lawsuits prior to this case and that Womble has never declared bankruptcy. Vertex has the only relevant and proportionate answer.
Vertex next makes an argument that irrelevant lawsuits not involving Edwards might somehow be relevant to past conduct, disgorgement damages, and punitive damages. (Memo Br. at 10). These arguments fail when (1) the lone issue is Edwards' assistance to Wolf and (2) Womble provided a response that Edwards was never involved in a legal malpractice suit prior to this one. This answers any relevant question as to past conduct for Edwards which would relate to any claims of negligent supervision or retention of Edwards.7 The legally (and factually) incorrect argument on disgorgement is discussed in detail in section II.C.(3) “Texas Law on Disgorgement Does Not Support Vertex's Discovery” (supra at pp. 10-12).
7. Any negligent retention claim is also unfounded because the lone issue of Edwards' assistance to Wolf occurred in late 2006, and Karelis' call to Womble about Edwards' disloyalty occurred in May 2007. Thus, retention is a non-issue because Edwards' improper actions with respect to writing John Maxey about Wolf were already complete and caused no identifiable harm (even 15 years later). Vertex also elected to continue to hire Womble attorneys in 2008-2010 for other matters despite knowing of Edwards' disloyalty. The negligent retention argument is a nonstarter for this reason, too.
Doc. [378] at 17-18.
 
Ruling:
Womble objects to interrogatory no. 3 on the grounds that it is irrelevant, overly burdensome, and disproportionate to the needs of the case. Womble also objects to creating descriptions of lawsuits which are in the public domain and are equally accessible to Vertex as they are to Womble. Although interrogatory no. 3 is relevant, the request is far too broad and is disproportionate to the needs of the case. To determine whether the information sought in interrogatory no. 3 is proportional to the needs of the case, the Court considers the factors set forth in Rule 26(1): (1) importance of the issues at stake in the action, (2) the amount in controversy, (3) the parties' relative access to relevant information, (4) the parties' resources, (5) the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues, and (6) whether the burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1). After review of the six factors set forth in Rule 26(b)(1), the Court concludes that the parties' relative access to the requested information and the parties' resources require the Court to limit the request.
 
*4 Womble shall identify any lawsuit or legal proceeding to which Womble has been a party within the past ten (10) years that relates to: (1) breach of fiduciary duty of care, (2) breach of fiduciary duty of loyalty, (3) civil conspiracy, (4) unjust enrichment, (5) conversion, (6) negligence, and (7) negligent supervision and training. For any such lawsuit filed, Womble shall provide the names of the parties, identify the court where the suit was filed, and the cause number. See Burroughs Diesel, In. v. Baker Petrolite, LLC, No. 2:18-cv-26-KS-MTP, 2018 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 208403 at 3-4 (S.D. Miss Dec. 11, 2018). Accordingly, the motion to compel is granted in part and denied in part as to interrogatory no. 3 as set forth above.
 
2. Interrogatory No. 7
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 7:
Were any investigations conducted by you concerning the allegations made in [Vertex's] Counter-Claim? If so, please state the name, address, telephone number, employer, and job title or position of all persons who conducted or participated in every such investigation, and the name, address, telephone number, employer, and job title or position of every person who was interviewed or spoken to during each such investigation. Please include in your response a complete description of all documents or other evidence that was received, reviewed, or relied upon during each such investigation, as well as any documents, reports, or other evidence that was generated as a result of any such investigation, and the name, address, telephone number, employer, and job title or position of every person now having custody of any such documents, reports, or other evidence.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 7:
Womble objects to this interrogatory on the basis of privilege as any such investigation(s) and corresponding report(s) would have been conducted and prepared in anticipation of litigation by general counsel. Subject to and without waiving its [sic] objections, Womble refers Vertex to the documents identified in its initial disclosures and previously produced or produced herewith, including, but not limited to, Quick's affidavit and Raper/Bost's Confidential letter to the N.C. Bar.
Doc. [376-2].
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 7:
In Interrogatory No. 7, Vertex queries whether any investigations by Womble were conducted concerning Edwards' legal assistance to Snider, Wolf, or any other Vertex employee; and if so, to provide certain information regarding the persons involved or privy to the investigations, including a description of all documents or other evidence received, reviewed, or relied upon by Womble. In response, Womble blanketly invokes the work product doctrine and attorney-client privilege.
Neither the work product doctrine nor the attorney-client privilege protect Womble from disclosing such information. The work product doctrine “protects only the [attorney's work product] and not the underlying facts.” Adams, 973 F.3d at 350. Further, the attorney-client privilege “only protects the disclosure of communications; it does not protect disclosure of the underlying facts by those who communicated with the attorney ....” Dunn v. State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 122 F.R.D. 507, 509 (N.D. Miss. 1988) (quoting Upjohn Co. v. United States, 449 U.S. 383, 395 (1981)).
These general pillars make sense. For example, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and Local Rules of this Court obligate the withholding party to provide the party seeking discovery with alike information in the form of a privilege log. FED. R. CIV. P. 26(b)(5); L.U. RULE 26(e) (“A party withholding information claimed privileged or otherwise protected must submit a privilege log that contains at least the following information: name of the document, electronically stored information, or tangible thing; description of the document, electronically stored information, or tangible thing, which description must include each requisite element of the privilege or protection asserted; date; author(s) recipient(s); and nature of the privilege.” (emphasis added)). District courts in this circuit have also recognized this duty. E.g., Estate of Manship v. United States, 232 F.R.D. 552, 561 (M.D. La. 2005) (“Even if describing the protected materials in a log may difficult to do without revealing the confidential nature of the documents, it is nevertheless the obligation of the [withholding party] under [Federal Rule of Civil Procedure] 26(b)(5).”).
*5 Beyond that, central to Vertex's claims is what Womble knew regarding Edwards' legal assistance to Wolf and Snider and when Womble knew it. A letter from Raper reveals that an investigation of Edwards' misconduct was conducted in 2007—four years before any litigation began. Exhibit “A”; Jarrell, 2019 WL 3400701, at *2 (noting that documents prepared in the ordinary course of business or that would have been created in similar form irrespective of the litigation are not protected as work product); accord Heath v. F/V Zolotoi, 221 F.R.D. 545, 546 (W.D. Wash. 2004) (“More than a mere possibility of litigation must be evidence for materials to be considered immune from discovery under the work-product doctrine.”). Had Womble conducted a thorough investigation in 2007 as Raper alleged, it would have known then (in 2007) of the unethical assistance that its employment practice group leader had provided to Janice Wolf, a Vertex employee, in 2006. At the time, Vertex was one of the firm's largest clients. Womble's unwillingness to provide its client, Vertex, with its investigatory file regarding the actions of one of its partners in unethically advising Vertex's employees while Womble simultaneously served as outside counsel to Vertex is beyond belief. For these reasons, Womble should be compelled to properly respond to Interrogatory No. 7.
Doc. [376] at 11-13.
 
Womble's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 7:
Womble appropriately answered the interrogatory by protecting its attorney-client and work product privileges, but by also referring to the documents it has produced. Those significant documents included Bill Raper's emails to Karelis discussing what he did after she called (see Order at 5-6, Doc. # 292), Womble partner Betty Quick's Affidavit, and Raper's letter to the N.C. Bar, in which he describes his actions after both Karelis' call in 2007 and subsequently learning of the emails involving Janice Wolf in 2012. This is made clear in Raper's letter under the headings of “The Events of May 2007” and “2011 and 2012 Developments.” (Mtn. Ex. “A”). There is not an “investigative file” or “report” as Vertex surmises. (Memo Br. at 13). If Vertex does not believe as much, it can depose Raper, who is retired, and ask him. Raper's emails to Karelis and N.C. Bar letter are the best nonprivileged evidence of what was done and when. The only other documents reflecting Womble's General Counsel's investigation into the allegations against Edwards are contained on Womble's Privilege Log. (Ex. “8”). The appropriate invocation of the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine are evident from the timing and persons involved with the documents listed on Womble's Privilege Log, all of which involved personnel in Womble's General Counsel's office and occurred in anticipation of litigation after either the call from Karelis to Womble complaining about Edwards' conflict of interest on May 7, 2007 or Vertex's subpoenas and eventual lawsuit against Edwards and Womble on February 15, 2012. Regardless, Womble has agreed to have the Court review these documents in camera to confirm its proper application of the privileges and to dispel Vertex's conjecture about what Womble knew about Edwards' assistance to Wolf and when.8
8. One of the first glimpses of Vertex's refusal to accept this Court's rulings dismissing all claims related to Edwards' assistance to Paine Snider is its argument that “... central to Vertex's claims is what Womble knew regarding Edwards' legal assistance to Wolf and Snider and when Womble knew it.” (Memo Br. at 12 (emphasis added)).
Doc. [378] at 18-19.
 
Ruling:
Womble objects to this interrogatory no. 7 based on the attorney-client privilege and work product doctrine. The undersigned orders that Womble shall supplement its privilege log to address each element of the applicable privilege within twenty (20) days of this Order. The ruling on Vertex's motion to compel as to interrogatory no. 7 is held in abeyance pending Womble's supplemental privilege log.
 
3. Interrogatory No. 8
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 8:
Please state, specifically and in detail, each and every communication or conversations that you are aware of involving any partner, administrator and/or agent of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP, regarding the following:
*6 (a) Any communications that Charles Edwards had with Courtney Paine Snider regarding her employment with L-3;
(b) Any communications that Charles Edwards had with Courtney Paine Snider regarding any potential claims that she may have against L-3;
(c) Any communications that Charles Edwards had with Janice Wolf regarding her employment with L-3;
(d) Any communications that Charles Edwards had with Janice Wolf regarding potential claims that she may have against L-3;
(e) Any communications regarding Steven Sinquefield and Kathleen Karelis; and
(f) Any communications regarding Charles Edwards' and Womble Carlyle's failure to obtain a waiver from L-3 to provide legal advice to Courtney Paine Snider and Janice Wolf.
Please include in your response the date, persons present, and nature or substance of all such communications or conversations. Also, please include any verbatim statements that can be recalled, and state whether or not any such communication or conversation was memorialized in any written or recorded fashion.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 8:
Womble objects to this interrogatory to the extent it seeks information concerning claims that have been dismissed. Specifically, Womble objects to subsections (a), (b), and (e) of this interrogatory. Womble further objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Without waiving said objections, Womble responds as follows:
(c) Womble refers Vertex to Charlie Edwards' emails that were previously produced;
(d) Womble refers Vertex to Charlie Edwards' emails that were previously produced; and
(f) Womble refers Verted to Raper's/Bost's Confidential letter to the North Carolina Bar, Quick's Affidavit, and its initial disclosure produced May 28, 2021.
Doc. [376-2] at 6-7.
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 8:
Womble's response to Interrogatory No. 8 incorporates a boilerplate objection. See, e.g., Heller v. City of Dallas, 303 F.R.D. 466, 483 (N.D. Tex. 2014) (“So-called boilerplate or unsupported objections—even when asserted in response to a specific discovery request and not as part of a general list of generic objections preceding any response to specific discovery requests—are likewise improper and ineffective and may rise (or fall) to the level of what the Fifth Circuit has described as ‘an all-too-common example’ of the sort of ‘Rambo tactics’ that have brought disrepute upon attorneys and the legal system.’ ” (quoting McLeod, Alexander, Powel & Apffel, P.C. v. Quarles, 894 F.2d 1482, 1484–86 (5th Cir. 1990)). To Womble, Vertex's interrogatory seeks “information concerning claims that have been dismissed.”
Demonstrating relevance is “not difficult for a party seeking discovery,” Bituminous Cas. Corp. v. Smith Bros. Inc., No. 2:07-CV-354-KS-MTP, 2009 WL 10676928, at *3 (S.D. Miss. Jan. 7, 2009), because “[c]ourts have traditionally construed relevance broadly: information is relevant if it encompasses any matter that bears on, or that reasonably could lead to other matter that could bear on, any issue that is or may be in the case.” Coughlin v. Lee, 446 F.2d 1152, 1159 (5th Cir. 1991) (cleaned up). Here, Edwards' involvement with Snider is equally relevant to Vertex's claims, as Snider contributed to Edwards' legal assistance to Wolf. See Exhibit “H” (Emails). Recall, Snider was Wolf's direct supervisor, and her best friend. And given the evidence that has come to light, especially the facts relating to Edwards' and Snider's repeated reminders to delete emails to cover their tracks, this Court should find that said responses and document production discoverable. JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. v. DataTreasury Corp., 936 F.3d 251, 255 (5th Cir. 2019) (“A trial court enjoys wide discretion in determining the scope and effect of discovery, and it is therefore unusual to find an abuse of discretion in discovery matters.” (citation omitted)).
*7 Doc. [376] at 14-15.
 
Womble's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 8:
Womble's limited objections to some portions of this interrogatory are tailored to the rulings of this Court and the Fifth Circuit, specifically the dismissal of all of Vertex's claims “that Edwards provided Paine Snider with legal assistance and that the Womble firm failed to disclose that legal assistance.” (Doc. # 312 at 10). Said another way, Womble's objections adhere to the law of the case. This interrogatory, on the other hand, does not. Subparts (a) and (b) are not about Wolf, but Paine Snider's employment and her claims against Vertex. Subpart (e), when propounded, was focusing on communications about former Vertex in-house counsel, Sinquefield and Karelis, who were concerned about the actions of their fellow in-house counsel, Paine Snider. Vertex knows it propounded this discovery in May 2012, when such requests may have been relevant because it was before this Court's ruling dismissing legal malpractice claims against Paine Snider and those against Edwards and Womble based on Edwards' assistance to Paine-Snider. Now, however, those portions of the request, and Vertex's motion doubling down on them, defy the law of the case. This is also apparent from Vertex's argument that: “Here, Edwards' involvement with Snider is equally relevant to Vertex's claims, as Snider contributed to Edwards's legal assistance to Wolf.” (Memo Br. at 15). Vertex's motion refuses to accept that this Court has already narrowed the scope of discovery by dismissing any claims related to Edwards' legal assistance to Paine Snider and all such claims against Paine-Snider, including with respect to her assistance to Wolf. (Order, Doc. # 292 at 6).9 Vertex's discovery requests and arguments run afoul of the law of the case.
Doc. [378] at 20-21.
 
Ruling:
The Court acknowledges Womble's objection that Vertex exceeded the number of interrogatories permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than twenty-five (25). The Court will rule as to the substantive interrogatory objections.
 
Womble objects on the basis that interrogatory request no. 8 seeks information concerning claims that have been dismissed. As discussed in the Order on the Motion for Protective Order [393], the Court's recognition that certain claims were dismissed and affirmed by the Fifth Circuit does not exclude the parties from discovering information relevant to the live claims. Cf. Sotello v. Allstate Fire & Cas. Ins. Co., No. 5-20-cv-01303-DAE, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 81436 at 13 (W.D. Tex. Apr. 6, 2021) (holding that “discovery should proceed as to all live claims”). As discussed, Womble cannot wholly avoid Vertex's discovery requests based on the law-of-the-case doctrine. The factual underpinnings of the dismissed counterclaims are relevant and important to the live claims in this matter. The motion to compel is granted as to request for production no. 8.
 
4. Interrogatory Nos. 9, 12, 13, and 19
*8 Vertex's Interrogatory No. 9:
Please state whether you are withholding any documents because you claim they are privileged. If the answer is yes, please provide a privilege log as required by the local rules which includes the name of the document, the author, the date, and the reason the document is deemed privileged.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 9:
Womble objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Without waiving said objection, Womble asserts that it is withholding documents pertaining to its finances, net worth, and any of its assets (real or personal) as said information is highly confidential and wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single claim remaining before the Court. However, in an effort to mitigate discovery dispute, Womble refers Vertex to its initial disclosures, which include Womble's insurance policy evidencing fifty million dollars ($50,000,000.00) of coverage. Further, should this case reach a punitive phase at trial, Womble will provide information evidencing its net worth in advance of the same.
Doc. [376-2] at 7.
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 9:
The ninth interrogatory is a formalized request for a privilege log. As discussed, Womble is obligated, without request, pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26(b)(5) and Local Rule 26(e) to provide Vertex with a privilege log describing each document withheld on the bases of privilege or protection. Supra Interrogatory No. 7; Estate of Manship, 232 F.R.D. at 561 (“No exception is made in [Rule 26(b)(5)] for relevant and responsive documents contained in an attorney's legal files.”).
Yet, Womble's answer to Vertex's interrogatory is nonresponsive. Indeed, Womble references that it's withholding documents relating to finances, net worth, and other assets on the bases of relevancy and proportionality.
To that end, former and current finances are discoverable at the discovery stage. In fact, the majority of rulings made by magistrate judges and district judges in the Fifth Circuit “allow net worth discovery during the discovery period.” Regions Ins., Inc., 2015 WL 1886852, at *5 (collecting cases); accord Mid Continent Cabinetry, Inc. v. George Koch Sons, Inc., 130 F.R.D. 149, 161 (D. Kan. 1990) (“[A] majority of federal courts permit pretrial discovery of financial information of the defendant[.]” (internal quotation marks and citation omitted)). The same is true in Mississippi state courts. E.g., Indep. Life & Accident Ins. Co. v. Peavy, 528 So. 2d 1112, 1117 (Miss. 1988).
Beyond that, Vertex is seeking actual, incidental, consequential, and punitive damages against Womble, as well as attorneys' fees. It follows that responses and documents regarding Womble's finances, net worth, and asserts are directly relevant to and necessary for Vertex's claim for damages. Consequently, forgoing discovery of Womble's finances until trial, as Womble suggests, unfairly prejudices Vertex's ability to disprove, dispute, or impeach Womble's calculated figures. Womble should be compelled to provide Vertex with its former and current finances, assets, and other during the discovery stage.
*9 Moreover, Womble has withheld several documents, that based on the “general” an “vague” descriptions provided in the privilege log, have absolutely nothing to do with “finances, net worth, and any of its assets. To the contrary, most of the documents withheld appear to go to the heart of two pertinent issues in this case: what did Womble know about Charlie Edwards' legal assistance to Janice Wolf and when did they know it? See Exhibit “E” at Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27, 28, and 29.
Womble represented to the North Carolina Bar that it conducted a thorough review of Edwards' emails in 2007. Yet, Womble has represented to this Court and in its discovery responses that it did not discover the emails discussing Janice Wolf until 2012 ... why not? The emails regarding Janice Wolf were exchanged and housed on Womble's server in 2006, the year preceding Womble's purported investigation. Whether Womble performed an adequate investigation in 2007 is germane to the remaining claims. It is improper for Womble to attempt to withhold documents that are relevant to showing what it did or perhaps more fitting, failed to do in response to Edwards' misconduct.
Doc. [376] at 15-17.
 
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 12:
For each parcel of real estate in which you own or have an interest, state:
(a) the complete legal description of all such property, including the county and state where located;
(b) what type of percentage of interest you have in any such property;
(c) the present market value of all such property;
(d) the identify of all mortgages, liens and other encumbrances you have on such property, including names, addresses, amounts owed, and dates incurred.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 12:
Womble objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Womble further objects to this interrogatory as the information it seeks is wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single claim before the Court.
Doc. [376-2].
 
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 13:
Please identify all checking, savings or money market accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds, or other securities in which you currently own or have an interest, or which you have owned or had an interest during the last eight (8) years, and for each state:
name and address of the financial institution or entity with which you have such property;
(b) account numbers of each account;
(c) current balance of each checking, savings or money market account and/or certificate of deposit and current value of any stocks, bonds or other securities;
(d) balance of each checking, savings, or money market account and/or certificate of deposit and value of any stocks, bonds, or other securities as of March 2004 and currently.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 13:
Womble objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Womble further objects to this interrogatory as the information it seeks is wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single claim that remains before the Court.
Doc. [376-2] at 8-10.
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory Nos. 12 and 13:
*10 Similar to the ninth interrogatory, Vertex is seeking actual, incidental, consequential, and punitive damages, as well as attorneys' fees. Thus, documents and information regarding Womble's finances is directly relevant to Vertex's claims for damages. Smith v. Schmidt & McGarland Firm, No. 3:06-CV-25-B-A, 2008 WL 1716646, at *1 (N.D. Miss. Apr. 9, 2008) (“The discovery rules clearly state that discoverable information ‘need not be admissible,’ FED. R. CIV. P. 26(b)(1), and courts have held that financial records, such as a company's net worth, are discoverable ....”). Taking the twelfth and thirteenth interrogatories together, Womble should be compelled to provide supplemented responses and any accompanying documents.
Doc. [376] at 18.
 
Interrogatory No. 19:
Please state the net worth, giving a complete description of assets and liabilities from March 2004 to present, of every Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP partner or member from May 2007 thru the time Defendant was a current client of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 19:
Womble objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Womble further objects to this interrogatory as the highly confidential information it seeks is wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single claim that remains before the Court. Without waiving said objections, and in an effort to mitigate a discovery dispute, Womble refers Vertex to its initial disclosures, which include Womble's insurance policy evidencing fifty million dollars ($50,000,000.00) of coverage. Further, should this case reach a punitive phase at trial, Womble will provide information evidencing its net worth in advance of same.
Doc. [376-2] 12-13.
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 19:
Discovery related to net worth is relevant and necessary for Vertex's claims for damages. “A review of the rulings by magistrate judges and district judges throughout the Fifth Circuit reveals that the majority of those opinions allow net worth discovery during the discovery period.” Regions Ins., Inc., 2015 WL 1886852, at *5. Womble therefore should be compelled to provide this information.
Doc. [376] at 20.
 
Womble's Objection to Response to Interrogatory Nos. 9, 12, 13, and 19:
Womble provided a Privilege Log listing relevant but privileged documents. (Ex. “8”). Womble has also agreed to have the Court review these documents in camera to confirm its proper application of the privileges and to dispel Vertex's supposition about what Womble knew about Edwards' assistance to Wolf and when. Womble objected to providing information on its assets and finances as irrelevant. The abusive and harassing nature of this discovery is obvious in Interrogatory Nos. 12 & 13 which seek exhaustive information on real estate holdings and historical banking information. As explained in section IV.C. “Abusive Financial Discovery” (supra at p. 15-16), “[u]nder most circumstances, however, a private plaintiff may not discover an opponent's assets until after a judgment against the opponent has been rendered.” Turner, 609 F.2d at 745. With respect net worth, such information is only relevant at the time of trial pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 11-1-65. In other words, any historical financial information is irrelevant. More importantly, applying this Court's balanced approach in Regions Ins., 2015WL1886852 at *3-*7, counsels that a certified statement of Womble's net worth in advance of trial is proper and adequate, especially in the face of Vertex's abusive and harassing discovery into a privately-held law firm's assets and finances.
*11 Doc. [378] at 22-23.
 
Ruling:
The Court acknowledges Womble's objection that Vertex exceeded the number of interrogatories permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than twenty-five (25). The Court will rule as to the substantive interrogatory objections.
 
Consistent with the Court's ruling in its Order on the Motion for Protective Order [393], the undersigned orders that Womble shall supplement its privilege log to address each document withheld and each element of the applicable privilege within twenty (20) days of this Order. Moreover, as discussed in the Order on the Motion for Protective Order [393], the Court finds that Vertex is entitled to a certified statement of current net worth of Womble. Accordingly, the motion for protective order is granted in part and denied in part as to interrogatory no. 9.
 
Womble objects to interrogatory nos. 12 and 13 on the grounds that it is irrelevant and disproportionate to the needs of the case. To determine whether the information sought in interrogatory nos. 12 and 13 is proportional to the needs of the case, the Court considers the factors set forth in Rule 26(1): (1) importance of the issues at stake in the action, (2) the amount in controversy, (3) the parties' relative access to relevant information, (4) the parties' resources, (5) the importance of the discovery in resolving the issues, and (6) whether the burden or expense of the proposed discovery outweighs its likely benefit. See Fed. R. Civ. P. 26(b)(1). After review of the six factors set forth in Rule 26(b)(1), the Court finds that the factors weigh in favor of a finding that interrogatory nos. 12, 13, and 19 is disproportionate to the needs of the case. Moreover, consistent with the Court's ruling in its Order on the Motion for Protective Order [393], the undersigned orders that Vertex's request regarding Womble's assets and liabilities and assets is disproportionate to the needs of the case, given Womble's available insurance coverage of $50 million. However, Vertex is entitled to a certified statement of current net worth of Womble at this stage. The Court declines to permit any additional financial discovery. Accordingly, the motion to compel is denied as to interrogatory nos. 12 and 13, and granted in part and denied in part as to interrogatory no. 19.
 
5. Interrogatory No. 14
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 14:
Please provide a factual basis for Charles Edwards' removal as Labor and Employment Practice Coordinator at Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP, including the effective date of such removal.
Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 14:
Womble objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Womble further objects to this interrogatory as it relates to claims that were dismissed with respect to Edwards' very personal relationship with Paine-Snider and because Womble did not discover Edwards' correspondence with Wolf and John Maxey until 2012. Subject to and without waiving its objections, Edwards agreed to voluntarily step down as the Labor and Employment Practice Coordinator on or about July 11, 2007.
*12 Doc. [376-2] at 10.
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 14:
Womble's boilerplate objections impermissibly attempt to narrow the scope of discovery. On remand, Vertex alleges claims against Vertex, inter alia, for breaches of fiduciary duties, negligence, and negligent supervision and training. Thus, the factual basis underlying Edwards' removal as practice coordinator at Womble is clearly germane to Vertex's claims. Womble must supplement its response to provide a factual basis for Edwards' removal as practice coordinator.
Doc. [376] at 19.
 
Womble's Response to Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 14:
Womble is confused as to Vertex's complaint here. (Memo Br. at 19). Vertex asked about a “removal” which did not happen because Edwards agreed to voluntarily step down as a practice group coordinator on or about July 11, 2007. It is apparent that Edwards did so shortly after Karelis' call to Womble in May 2007 when Edwards' inappropriate relationship with Paine Snider and breach of loyalty with respect to assisting her was made known to Womble—an issue that is no longer relevant per the law of the case. Womble went above and beyond to provide an answer although what was asked about was Edwards' “removal,” which did not happen as asked, and when his stepping down was obviously related to the irrelevant issue of his assistance to Paine Snider.
Doc. [378] at 23-24.
 
Ruling:
The Court acknowledges Womble's objection that Vertex exceeded the number of interrogatories permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than twenty-five (25). The Court will rule as to the substance of the interrogatory.
 
Womble objects on the basis that interrogatory request no. 14 seeks information concerning claims that have been dismissed. Moreover, Womble explains that Edwards was not removed, but rather, stepped down from his position at Womble. As discussed in the Order on the Motion for Protective Order [393], the Court's recognition that certain claims were dismissed and affirmed by the Fifth Circuit does not exclude the parties from discovering information relevant to the live claims. Cf. Sotello v. Allstate Fire & Cas. Ins. Co., No. 5-20-cv-01303-DAE, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 81436 at 13 (W.D. Tex. Apr. 6, 2021) (holding that “discovery should proceed as to all live claims”). As discussed, Womble cannot wholly avoid Vertex's discovery requests based on the law-of-the-case doctrine. The factual underpinnings of the dismissed counterclaims are relevant and important to the live claims in this matter. The motion for protective order is granted as to request for production no. 14.
 
6. Interrogatory No. 16
Vertex's Interrogatory No. 16:
Please state the hourly rate that will be billed to you in this case, of: the lead attorney; any associate attorney; any paralegal; or any other employee. It is unnecessary to disclose the names of the lawyers or support staff, or the number of hours billed. L-3 seeks this information for purposes of filing its post-trial motion for attorney fees.
*13 Doc. [344].
 
Womble's Response to Interrogatory No. 16:
Womble objects to this interrogatory as it exceeds the number permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than 25 “including all discrete subparts.” Womble further objects to this interrogatory to the extent it seeks information that is irrelevant to the single claim remaining before the Court. At this point in the litigation, there is no basis on which Vertex would be entitled to attorneys' fees.
Doc. [376-2] at 11.
 
Vertex's Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 16:
Again, Womble deflects and misconstrues the bones of this case. According to Womble, the sixteenth interrogatory is “irrelevant to the single claim remaining before the Court.” But Vertex asserts seven claims against Vertex, not one. Beyond that, discovery related to attorney billing is relevant. It is pertinent to any post-trail motion for attorneys' fees filed by Vertex.
Doc. [376] at 19.
 
Womble's Response to Objection to Response to Interrogatory No. 16:
Vertex has no basis to discover the hourly rates of the undersigned attorneys in this matter, especially at this juncture. If the Court concludes that Vertex is entitled to attorneys' fees, it will then apply the lodestar method to determine the amount to be awarded. Wegner v. Standard Ins. Co., 129 F.3d 814, 822 (5th Cir. 1997). Under this method, the Court will determine the reasonable number of hours expended on the litigation and the reasonable hourly rates for the participating attorneys, and then multiply the two figures together to arrive at the “lodestar.” Id. (citing Louisiana Power & Light Co. v. Kellstrom, 50 F.3d 319, 324 (5th Cir.1995); Forbush v. J.C.Penney Co., 98 F.3d 817, 821 (5th Cir.1996)). “The lodestar is then adjusted upward or downward, depending on the circumstances of the case, after assessing the dozen factors set forth in Johnson v. Georgia Highway Express, 488 F.2d 714, 717–19 (5th Cir.1974). Kellstrom, 50 F.3d at 329; Forbush, 98 F.3d at 821.” Id. In short, hourly rate information is in no way relevant at this stage of the case. If hourly rates become relevant, it is left to the sound discretion of the Court, not Vertex, to determine what the reasonable hourly rate for the participating attorneys will be.
Doc. [378] at 24-25.
 
Ruling:
The Court acknowledges Womble's objection that Vertex exceeded the number of interrogatories permitted by the Court's Case Management Order and Rule 33(a)(1) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which limits interrogatories to no more than twenty-five (25). The Court will rule as to the substance of the interrogatory.
 
Womble objects to Vertex's request for attorney fee information on the basis that is irrelevant and disproportionate to the needs of the case. The Court agrees with Womble. Vertex is not entitled to attorney fee information at this stage. Notably, in the Order of the Motion for Protective Order [393], the Court ordered that Womble shall submit all billable hour requirements for Edwards as well as for Womble attorneys that worked directly with Edwards from January 2006 through December 2009. The motion for protective order is denied as to request for production no. 16.
 
B. Requests for Production
*14 The five (5) requests for production at issue, which are fully addressed below, include requests for production no. 9, 10, 12, 19, and 20.
 
1. Request for Production No. 9
Vertex's Request for Production No. 9:
Please produce any and all documents that discuss, relate to or otherwise provide the reasons for Charles A. Edwards' removal as a Partner and attorney of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice LLP.
Doc. [345].
 
Womble's Response to Request for Production No. 9:
Edwards was permitted to withdraw from partnership with Womble as part and parcel of his retirement from the practice of law, which was requested by the firm after Edwards' correspondence to John Maxey and Janice Wolf were discovered. This action took effect on April 30, 2012. Womble refers Vertex to the documents being produced herewith, including, but not limited to, Raper's/Bost's letter to the N.C. Bar and Edwards' personnel file.
Doc. [376-2] at 15.
 
Vertex's Objection to Request for Production No. 9:
Vertex requested any documents created, prepared, or related to Edwards' removal as a partner from Womble. In return, Womble directed Vertex to a letter by Womble's General Counsel Bill Raper to the North Carolina Bar and Edwards' personnel file. But Edwards' personnel file is devoid of any reasons for Edwards' removal as practice group coordinator. Exhibit “I” (Edwards' Personnel File). Womble's response to Vertex's ninth request for production is incomplete.
To be more specific, Vertex needs to discover any handwritten notes, emails, minutes, or documents that relate to Edwards' removal as partner from Womble. The production of such documents is highly relevant to Vertex's claims because it is obvious that Womble dismissed Edwards as a partner due to his involvement with Vertex's employees, Snider and Wolf. This conclusion is supported by Womble's affirmative response: Womble “requested” Edwards “retirement from the practice of law” “after Edwards' correspondence to John Maxey and Janice Wolf were discovered.” Therefore, Womble should be compelled to produce any and all documents related to Edwards' retirement from Womble under Vertex' ninth request for production.
Doc. [376] at 21.
 
Womble's Response to Objection to Request for Production No. 9:
Based once again on conjecture alone, Vertex complains about a fulsome response above because it thinks there should be more than there is in Edwards's personnel file. (Memo Br. at 21). Edwards' personnel filed was produced, and Womble's discovery responses and Raper's letter (Mtn. Ex. “A”) provide the circumstances of Edwards' stepping down as a practice group coordinator in 2007 and subsequently withdrawing from Womble's partnership as part of retiring in 2012. Vertex is unhappy (Memo Br. at 21) that Raper and Womble did not further write notes and documents about these actions—beyond a report to the N.C. Bar (Mtn. Ex. “A”)—but its unhappiness is not a basis to create documents (or discovery disputes) that do not exist. Discussions with respect to these actions and their discovery are reflected on Womble's Privilege Log and are subject to the attorney-client and work product privileges as those communications involved Womble's General Counsel's office and were in anticipation of litigation as all followed Karelis' call complaining of Edwards' conflict of interest and inappropriate relationship with Paine-Snider in 2007 or Vertex's subpoenas and lawsuit against Edwards and Womble in 2012.
*15 Doc. [378] at 25-26.
 
Ruling:
Womble provides the reason for Edwards' withdrawal from partnership with Womble and refers Vertex to the documents Womble produced related to Edwards' departure from the firm. Womble does not otherwise object to the request for production. In Womble's response to the Motion to Compel, Womble claims that it has produced all documents related to Edwards' departure from the firm. Doc. [378] at 25. If Womble does not have any further documents responsive to request for production no. 9, Womble should supplement its responses to Vertex's request for production and note same. The motion for protective order is granted as to request for production no. 9. The undersigned further orders that Womble shall supplement its privilege log to address every document withheld based on privilege within twenty (20) days of this Order.
 
2. Request for Production No. 10, 12, 19, and 20
Vertex's Request for Production No. 10:
Please produce any and all documents which concern, relate or pertain, in any way, to Charles A. Edwards' communication, interaction or conduct with Courtney Paine Snider, Janice Wolf or any other former or current employee of L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC.
Doc. [345].
 
Womble's Response to Request for Production No. 10:
Womble objects to this request to the extent it seeks documents that are wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single remaining claim before the Court. Subject to and without waiving its objections, Womble refers Vertex to the documents previously produced reflecting Edwards' interaction with Janice Wolf and John Maxey.
Doc. [376-2] at 16.
 
Vertex's Objection to Request for Production No. 10:
The tenth request for production is analogous to Vertex's eighth interrogatory. Womble's response does not sufficiently identify the documents Vertex contends are responsive to the particular request. Further, Womble has failed to produce documents that concern or relate to Edwards' communication, interaction or conduct with any other former or current employee of Vertex. Womble's response fails to provide information as to whether it even searched for responsive information. Discovering this type of information could reveal admissible evidence that depicts a pattern of Edwards' and Womble's breach of fiduciary duties to Vertex and Womble's negligent retention and supervision of Edwards. Frankly, Womble's response to Vertex's tenth request for production is a quintessential example of Womble's lack of good faith in the discovery process and intentional disregard to the spirit of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26.
Doc. [376] at 22.
 
Womble's Response to Objection to Request for Production No. 10:
Here, again, Vertex seeks discovery about Edwards' communication, interaction, and conduct with Paine-Snider contrary to the law of the case. That is basis of Womble's objection as is explained in the response. Womble also correctly points out that all such documents related to Edwards' communication, interaction, and conduct with Wolf—the only remaining issue in this case—have been produced, all eight (8) emails in late 2006 (Ex. “2”). While irrelevant, Womble has also produced all such documents related to Edwards' communication, interaction, and conduct with Paine-Snider, which comprise nearly all of the 29,066 pages of documents Womble produced to Vertex pursuant to subpoenas in 2011 and 2012.
*16 Doc. [378] at 26.
 
Vertex's Request for Production No. 12:
Please provide a copy of any/all files, reports, records, letters, memos, e-mails, notes, or any other documents in your possession or under your control, that are related to Counter-Plaintiff or the matters sued upon.
Doc. [345].
 
Womble's Response to Request for Production No. 12:
Womble objects to this request to the extent it seeks documents that are wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single remaining claim before the Court. Subject to and without waiving its objections, Womble refers Vertex to the documents previously produced and those produced herewith. Womble reserves the right to supplement this response in accordance with the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Court's Case Management Order.
Doc. [376-2] at 16.
 
Vertex's Request for Production No. 19:
Please provide a copy of any/all letters, memos, e-mails, text messages, or other correspondence, including but not limited to e-mail communications and any documents attached thereto (stored or otherwise), exchanged with any Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP employee, partner, administrator or agent that mentions or directly relates to any of the matters referenced in L-3's Counter-Complaint.
Doc. [345].
 
Womble's Response to Request for Production No. 19:
Womble objects to this request to the extent it seeks documents that are irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the single remaining claim before the Court. Subject to and without waiving said objections, Womble refers Vertex to the documents previously produced and those produced herewith.
Doc. [376-2] at 19.
 
Vertex's Request for Production No. 20:
Please provide a copy of any/all letters, memos, e-mails, text messages, or other correspondence, including but not limited to e-mail communications and any documents attached thereto (stored or otherwise), concerning ethical or legal issues or malpractice related to Charles A. Edwards' communication, interaction or conduct with Courtney Paine Snider, Janice Wolf or any other former or current employee of L-3 Communications Vertex Aerospace, LLC. This requests specifically encompasses, but is not limited to, any communications (1) between any Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP employee, partner, administrator or agent that mentions or directly relates to any of the matters referenced in L-3's Counter-Complaint, (2) between any Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP employee, partner, administrator or agent and any outside counsel or potential outside counsel that mentions or directly relates to any of the matters referenced in L-3's Counter-Complaint, and (3) between any Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP employee, partner, administrator or agent and any liability insurance representative that mentions or directly relates to any of the matters referenced in L-3's Counter-Complaint. The time period for this particular request is 2000 to 2009, during which time Defendant was a current client of Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP.
*17 Doc. [345].
 
Womble's Response to Request for Production No. 20:
Womble objects to this request as the documents it seeks are wholly irrelevant and not proportional to the needs of the case considering the remaining claim before the Court. Subject to and without waiving its objections, Womble refers Vertex to Quick's affidavit; otherwise, no such documents or items are known to have been made because Edwards' communications with Janice Wolf and John Maxey were not discovered until 2012.
Doc. [376-2] at 20.
 
Vertex's Objection to Request for Production No. 12, 19, and 20:
Womble's responses to Vertex's twelfth, nineteenth, and twentieth requests for productions further illustrate Womble's usage of boilerplate objections. Because such practice is contrary to the spirit of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 26, Vertex urges this Court to remind Womble's of its duty to produce any and all nonprivileged, unprotected documents, responses, and other discovery related to Vertex's claims against Womble. See Oppenheimer Fund, Inc., 437 U.S. at 351 (“Nor is discovery limited to the merits of a case, for a variety of fact-oriented issues may arise during litigation that are not related to the merits.”). Vertex is hard-pressed not to wonder had Womble complied with its discovery duties and obligations on remand would the parties and this Court be required to resolve the instant discovery disputes on formal motions and a subsequent order.
Doc. [376] at 24.
 
Womble's Response to Objection to Request for Production No. 12, 19, and 20:
Identical to Request for Production No. 10, these requests seek discovery contrary to the law of the case—i.e., unrelated to Edwards' assistance to Wolf. Vertex's requests either improperly seek documents related to Edwards' communication, interaction or conduct with Courtney Paine Snider or related to any of the matters referenced in Vertex's counterclaim. A brief review of Vertex's counterclaim (Doc. # 127 at 13-27) shows that the vast majority of it was dismissed by this Court as it related to Paine-Snider. Indeed, only two paragraphs (41 & 42) of the Counterclaim relate to the sole remaining issue of Edwards' assistance to Wolf. Womble's objections are valid. Womble has produced all eight (8) emails that are the universe of documents related to Edwards' assistance to Wolf. (Ex. “2”). Moreover, before all claims related to assistance to Paine-Snider were dismissed by this Court, Womble previously produced 29,066 pages of documents related to that now irrelevant issue.10
10. Vertex improperly asserts that Edwards' emails referenced in Raper's letter were not produced (Memo Br. at 24 n. 2). This is more incorrect speculation. All of Edwards' emails related to Wolf and Paine-Snider and were included in the 29,066 pages of documents produced in response to Vertex's subpoenas in 2011 and 2012.
Doc. [378] at 27-28.
 
Ruling as to Requests for Production nos. 10, 12, 19, and 20:
As discussed in the Order on the Motion for Protective Order [393], the Court's recognition that certain claims were dismissed and affirmed by the Fifth Circuit does not exclude the parties from discovering information relevant to the live claims. Cf. Sotello v. Allstate Fire & Cas. Ins. Co., No. 5-20-cv-01303-DAE, 2021 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 81436 at 13 (W.D. Tex. Apr. 6, 2021) (holding that “discovery should proceed as to all live claims”). As discussed, Womble cannot wholly avoid Vertex's discovery requests based on the law-of-the-case doctrine. The factual underpinnings of the dismissed counterclaims are relevant and important to the live claims in this matter. The motion for protective order is granted as to request for production nos. 12, 19, and 20.
 
C. Privilege Log
*18 Vertex claims that Womble's privilege log is incomplete and fails to reference over 1500 emails. Doc. [376] at 24. The undersigned orders that Womble shall supplement its privilege log to address each element of the applicable privilege for each document withheld based on privilege within twenty (20) days of this Order.
 
D. Attorneys' Fees and Costs
Vertex's request for attorney's fees and expenses incurred in filing the Motion to Compel [371] are denied.
 
CONCLUSION
IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that Plaintiff Vertex Aerospace, LLC's Motion to Compel Discover Responses and Document Production [372] is granted in part and denied in part. The Court ORDERS the following relief:
(1) the motion to compel is granted in part and denied in part as to interrogatory no. 3;
(2) the ruling on Womble's request for a protective order as to interrogatory no. 7 is held in abeyance pending Womble's supplemental privilege log;
(3) the motion to compel is granted as to interrogatory no. 8;
(4) the motion to compel is granted in part and denied in part as to interrogatory no. 9;
(5) the motion to compel is denied as to interrogatory no. 12;
(6) the motion to compel is denied as to interrogatory no. 13;
(7) the motion to compel is granted as to interrogatory no. 14;
(8) the motion to compel is denied as to interrogatory no. 16;
(9) the motion to compel is granted in part and denied in part as to interrogatory no. 19;
(10) the motion to compel is granted as to request for production no. 9;
(11) the motion to compel is granted as to request for production no. 10;
(12) the motion to compel is granted as to request for production no. 12;
(13) the motion to compel is granted as to request for production no. 19;
(14) the motion to compel is granted as to request for production no. 20;
 
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Womble shall supplement its privilege log within twenty (20) days of this Order.
 
SO ORDERED this the 26th day of April, 2022.

Footnotes
The Court held a Telephonic Discovery Conference with the parties on December 16, 2021, at which point, the Court invited the parties to file formal discovery motions.