APPEAL,CK4CJ,CSSTAY,MAPADMIN,PHV
`U.S. District Court
`Western District of Missouri (Kansas City)
`CIVIL DOCKET FOR CASE #: 4:19−cv−00788−GAF
`Internal Use Only
`
`Swanson v. H&R Block, Inc. et al
`Assigned to: District Judge Gary A. Fenner
`Demand: $5,000
`Cause: 28:1332 Diversity−Fraud
`Plaintiff
`
`Aaricka Swanson
`On behalf of herself and all others
`similarly situated
`
`Date Filed: 09/26/2019
`Jury Demand: Plaintiff
`Nature of Suit: 370 Other Fraud
`Jurisdiction: Diversity
`
`represented by Andrew Obergfell
`Bursor & Fisher, P.A.
`888 Seventh Avenue
`New York, NY 10019
`New York City, NY 10019
`646−837−7150
`Email: aobergfell@bursor.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Sarah S. Ruane
`Wagstaff & Cartmell
`4740 Grand Avenue
`Suite 300
`Kansas City, MO 64112
`(816) 701−1123
`Fax: (816) 531−2372
`Email: sruane@wcllp.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Eric D. Barton
`Wagstaff & Cartmell
`4740 Grand Avenue
`Suite 300
`Kansas City, MO 64112
`(816) 701−1100
`Fax: (816) 531−2372
`Email: ebarton@wcllp.com
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`V.
`
`Defendant
`
`March 9 2021 p1
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 1 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`H&R Block, Inc.
`
`represented by Anthony J. Durone
`Berkowitz Oliver LLP−KCMO
`2600 Grand Boulevard
`Suite 1200
`Kansas City, MO 64108
`(816) 561−7007
`Fax: (816) 561−1888
`Email: adurone@berkowitzoliver.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Archis A. Parasharami
`Mayer Brown, LLP − DC
`1999 K Street NW
`Washington, DC 20006
`202−263−3000
`Email: aparasharami@mayerbrown.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Carol A. Hogan
`Jones Day − Chicago
`77 West Wacker Drive
`Suite 3500
`Chicago, IL 60601
`312−782−3939
`Email: chogan@jonesday.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Christopher R.J. Pace
`Jones Day − Miami
`600 Brickell Avenue
`Suite 3300
`Miami, FL 33131
`305−714−9730
`Email: crjpace@jonesday.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Darren K. Cottriel
`Jones Day − Irvine
`3161 Michelson Drive
`Suite 800
`Irvine, CA 92612
`
`March 9 2021 p2
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 2 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`949−851−3939
`Email: dcottriel@jonesday.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Stacey R. Gilman
`Berkowitz Oliver LLP−KCMO
`2600 Grand Boulevard
`Suite 1200
`Kansas City, MO 64108
`(816) 561−7007
`Fax: (816) 561−1888
`Email: sgilman@berkowitzoliver.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Defendant
`
`HRB Tax Group, Inc.
`
`represented by Anthony J. Durone
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Archis A. Parasharami
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Carol A. Hogan
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Christopher R.J. Pace
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Darren K. Cottriel
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`
`March 9 2021 p3
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 3 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`Defendant
`
`HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block
`
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Stacey R. Gilman
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`represented by Anthony J. Durone
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Archis A. Parasharami
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Carol A. Hogan
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Christopher R.J. Pace
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Darren K. Cottriel
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Stacey R. Gilman
`(See above for address)
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Defendant
`
`represented by
`
`March 9 2021 p4
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 4 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`Free File, Inc.
`TERMINATED: 06/19/2020
`
`Kersten Holzhueter
`Spencer Fane LLP−KCMO
`1000 Walnut Street
`Suite 1400
`Kansas City, MO 64106−2140
`(816) 474−8100
`Fax: (816) 474−3216
`Email: kholzhueter@spencerfane.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Active
`
`Sam C. Neel
`McDermott Will & Emery LLP
`500 N. Capitol Street NW
`Washington, DC 20001
`202−756−8821
`Email: sneel@mwe.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
`Stephen M. Ryan
`McDermott Will & Emery LLP
`500 N. Capitol Street NW
`Washington, DC 20001
`202−756−8333
`Email: sryan@mwe.com
`LEAD ATTORNEY
`PRO HAC VICE
`ATTORNEY TO BE NOTICED
`Bar Status: Phv
`
` Email All Attorneys
` Email All Attorneys and Additional Recipients
`
`Date Filed
`
`09/26/2019
`
`#
`
`1
`
`09/27/2019
`
`2
`
`Page Docket Text
`
`COMPLAINT against Free File, Inc., H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a
`H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc. filed by Eric D. Barton on behalf of Aaricka
`Swanson. Filing fee $400, receipt number AMOWDC−6510062. Service due
`by 12/26/2019 unless otherwise directed by the court. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit
`A − Swanson Demand Letter, # 2 Exhibit B − Venue Declaration, # 3 Exhibit C
`− Civil Cover Sheet)(Barton, Eric) (Entered: 09/26/2019)
`
`NOTICE OF INCLUSION FOR MEDIATION AND ASSESSMENT
`PROGRAM (MAP). REVIEW NOTICE AND MAP GENERAL ORDER
`CAREFULLY FOR IMPORTANT CHANGES, DEADLINES AND
`REQUIREMENTS.
`
`Notice of MAP assignment to Program Director. (Attachments: # 1 MAP
`General Order)(Houston, Kiambu) (Entered: 09/27/2019)
`
`March 9 2021 p5
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 5 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`10/03/2019
`
`3
`
`10/04/2019
`
`4
`
`10/15/2019
`
`10/23/2019
`
`5
`
`10/28/2019
`
`6
`
`11/11/2019
`
`7
`
`11/13/2019
`
`8
`
`11/13/2019
`
`9
`
`Motion to allow Andrew Obergfell to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee $100
`receipt number AMOWDC−6522650) filed by Eric D. Barton on behalf of
`Aaricka Swanson. (Barton, Eric) (Entered: 10/03/2019)
`
`ORDER granting 3 motion to appear pro hac vice entered by Clerk of Court.
`Attorney Andrew Obergfell for Aaricka Swanson allowed to appear pro hac
`vice. This entry will serve as authorization for the pro hac participation by the
`attorney.
`
`Western District of Missouri Local Rule 5.1 requires documents to be filed
`electronically. If pro hac vice counsel has not already done so, counsel is
`directed to immediately register for a WDMO e−filing account for NextGen
`CM/ECF. This will enable counsel to electronically file documents and receive
`electronic notification of filings. Register for a WDMO e−filing account at
`PACER. This is a TEXT ONLY ENTRY. No document is attached. (Geiser,
`Angel) (Entered: 10/04/2019)
`
`SUMMONS ISSUED as to Free File, Inc., H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC
`t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc.. (Ellis, Lindsey) (Entered: 10/15/2019)
`
`RETURN OF SERVICE of complaint executed by Aaricka Swanson. Free File,
`Inc. served on 10/21/2019, answer due 11/12/2019. (Obergfell, Andrew)
`(Entered: 10/23/2019)
`
`RETURN OF WAIVER OF SERVICE filed by Aaricka Swanson. Waiver sent
`to H&R Block, Inc. on 10/2/2019, answer due 12/2/2019; HRB Digital, LLC t/a
`H&R Block on 10/2/2019, answer due 12/2/2019; HRB Tax Group, Inc. on
`10/2/2019, answer due 12/2/2019. (Barton, Eric) (Entered: 10/28/2019)
`
`Joint MOTION to bifurcate Responsive Pleadings and Setting a Briefing
`Schedule filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of H&R Block, Inc., HRB
`Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc.. Suggestions in
`opposition/response due by 11/25/2019 unless otherwise directed by the court.
`(Attorney Stacey R. Gilman added to party H&R Block, Inc.(pty:dft), Attorney
`Stacey R. Gilman added to party HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block(pty:dft),
`Attorney Stacey R. Gilman added to party HRB Tax Group,
`Inc.(pty:dft))(Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 11/11/2019)
`
`ORDER granting 7 motion to bifurcate and setting briefing schedule. Signed on
`11/13/19 by District Judge Gary A. Fenner. (Mitchell, Lisa) (Entered:
`11/13/2019)
`
`NOTICE of appearance by Anthony J. Durone on behalf of H&R Block, Inc.,
`HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc. (Attorney Anthony J.
`Durone added to party H&R Block, Inc.(pty:dft), Attorney Anthony J. Durone
`added to party HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block(pty:dft), Attorney Anthony J.
`Durone added to party HRB Tax Group, Inc.(pty:dft))(Durone, Anthony)
`(Entered: 11/13/2019)
`
`11/25/2019
`
`10
`
`NOTICE of appearance by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Free File, Inc.
`(Attorney Kersten Holzhueter added to party Free File,
`Inc.(pty:dft))(Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 11/25/2019)
`
`11/25/2019
`
`11
`
`Motion to allow Stephen M. Ryan to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee $100
`receipt number AMOWDC−6602343) filed by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of
`
`March 9 2021 p6
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 6 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`Free File, Inc.. (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 11/25/2019)
`
`Motion to allow Sam C. Neel to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee $100 receipt
`number AMOWDC−6602370) filed by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Free
`File, Inc.. (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 11/25/2019)
`
`ORDER granting 11 & 12 motion to appear pro hac vice entered by Clerk of
`Court. Attorneys Stephen M. Ryan and Sam C. Neel for Free File, Inc. allowed
`to appear pro hac vice. This entry will serve as authorization for the pro hac
`participation by the attorney.
`
`Western District of Missouri Local Rule 5.1 requires documents to be filed
`electronically. If pro hac vice counsel has not already done so, counsel is
`directed to immediately register for a WDMO e−filing account for NextGen
`CM/ECF. This will enable counsel to electronically file documents and receive
`electronic notification of filings. Register for a WDMO e−filing account at
`PACER. This is a TEXT ONLY ENTRY. No document is attached. (Geiser,
`Angel) (Entered: 11/26/2019)
`
`Motion to allow Christopher R.J. Pace to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee $100
`receipt number AMOWDC−6606776) filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of
`H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc..
`(Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 11/27/2019)
`
`Motion to allow Darren K. Cottriel to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee $100
`receipt number AMOWDC−6606783) filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of
`H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc..
`(Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 11/27/2019)
`
`ORDER granting 14 & 15 motion to appear pro hac vice entered by Clerk of
`Court. Attorney Christopher Pace and Darren K. Cottriel for HRB Digital, LLC
`t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc., and H&R Block, Inc. allowed to appear
`pro hac vice. This entry will serve as authorization for the pro hac participation
`by the attorney.
`
`Western District of Missouri Local Rule 5.1 requires documents to be filed
`electronically. If pro hac vice counsel has not already done so, counsel is
`directed to immediately register for a WDMO e−filing account for NextGen
`CM/ECF. This will enable counsel to electronically file documents and receive
`electronic notification of filings. Register for a WDMO e−filing account at
`PACER. This is a TEXT ONLY ENTRY. No document is attached. (Geiser,
`Angel) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`MOTION to compel Arbitration and to Stay Litigation filed by Stacey R.
`Gilman on behalf of H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB
`Tax Group, Inc.. Suggestions in opposition/response due by 12/16/2019 unless
`otherwise directed by the court. (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in support re 17 MOTION to compel Arbitration and to Stay
`Litigation filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of Defendants H&R Block, Inc.,
`HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 A,
`# 2 A−1, # 3 A−2, # 4 A−3, # 5 B, # 6 C)(Related document(s) 17 ) (Gilman,
`Stacey) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`11/25/2019
`
`12
`
`11/26/2019
`
`13
`
`11/27/2019
`
`14
`
`11/27/2019
`
`15
`
`12/02/2019
`
`16
`
`12/02/2019
`
`17
`
`12/02/2019
`
`18
`
`12/02/2019
`
`19
`
`March 9 2021 p7
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 7 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`12/02/2019
`
`20
`
`12/02/2019
`
`21
`
`12/02/2019
`
`22
`
`12/02/2019
`
`23
`
`12/02/2019
`
`24
`
`12/05/2019
`
`25
`
`12/05/2019
`
`26
`
`12/17/2019
`
`27
`
`12/18/2019
`
`28
`
`01/16/2020
`
`29
`
`MOTION to compel Arbitration and to Stay Litigation filed by Kersten
`Holzhueter on behalf of Free File, Inc.. Suggestions in opposition/response due
`by 12/16/2019 unless otherwise directed by the court. (Holzhueter, Kersten)
`(Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in support re 19 MOTION to compel Arbitration and to Stay
`Litigation filed by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Defendant Free File, Inc..
`(Related document(s) 19 ) (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction filed by Kersten Holzhueter on
`behalf of Free File, Inc.. Suggestions in opposition/response due by 12/16/2019
`unless otherwise directed by the court. (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered:
`12/02/2019)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in support re 21 MOTION to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction
`filed by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Defendant Free File, Inc..
`(Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Declaration − Timothy Hugo)(Related document(s)
`21 ) (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`MOTION to stay filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of H&R Block, Inc.,
`HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc.. Suggestions in
`opposition/response due by 12/16/2019 unless otherwise directed by the court.
`(Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in support re 23 MOTION to stay filed by Stacey R. Gilman
`on behalf of Defendants H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block,
`HRB Tax Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit 1, # 3 Exhibit
`2, # 4 Exhibit 3, # 5 Exhibit 4, # 6 Exhibit 5, # 7 Exhibit 6, # 8 Exhibit 7, # 9
`Exhibit 8, # 10 Exhibit 9, # 11 Exhibit 10, # 12 Exhibit 11)(Related
`document(s) 23 ) (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 12/02/2019)
`
`DISCLOSURE OF CORPORATE INTERESTS of Free File Inc. filed by
`Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Defendant Free File, Inc..(Holzhueter, Kersten)
`(Entered: 12/05/2019)
`
`DISCLOSURE OF CORPORATE INTERESTS filed by Stacey R. Gilman on
`behalf of Defendants H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block,
`HRB Tax Group, Inc..(Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 12/05/2019)
`
`ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE why Defendants H&R Block, Inc.; HRB Digital,
`LLC t/a H&R Block; and HRB Tax Group, Inc. Motion to Compel Arbitration
`(Doc. # 17) and a Motion to Stay (Doc. # 23), and Defendant Free File, Inc.
`Motion to Compel Arbitration and to Stay Litigation (Doc. # 19) and a Motion
`to Dismiss (Doc. # 21) should not be granted.Show Cause Response due by
`1/6/2020. Signed on 12/17/19 by District Judge Gary A. Fenner. (Mitchell,
`Lisa) Modified on 4/9/2020 to correct typographical error in docket text only
`(Mitchell, Lisa). (Entered: 12/17/2019)
`
`RESPONSE TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE by Aaricka Swanson. (Barton,
`Eric) (Entered: 12/18/2019)
`
`Motion to allow Carol A. Hogan to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee $100
`receipt number AMOWDC−6678216) filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of
`H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc..
`(Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 01/16/2020)
`
`March 9 2021 p8
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 8 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`01/17/2020
`
`30
`
`ORDER granting 29 motion to appear pro hac vice entered by Clerk of Court.
`Attorney Carol A. Hogan for H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R
`Block, and HRB Tax Group, Inc. allowed to appear pro hac vice. This entry
`will serve as authorization for the pro hac participation by the attorney.
`
`01/30/2020
`
`31
`
`01/30/2020
`
`32
`
`01/30/2020
`
`33
`
`01/30/2020
`
`34
`
`02/21/2020
`
`35
`
`02/21/2020
`
`36
`
`02/21/2020
`
`37
`
`Western District of Missouri Local Rule 5.1 requires documents to be filed
`electronically. If pro hac vice counsel has not already done so, counsel is
`directed to immediately register for a WDMO e−filing account for NextGen
`CM/ECF. This will enable counsel to electronically file documents and receive
`electronic notification of filings. Register for a WDMO e−filing account at
`PACER. This is a TEXT ONLY ENTRY. No document is attached. (Geiser,
`Angel) (Entered: 01/17/2020)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in opposition re 17 MOTION to compel Arbitration and to
`Stay Litigation filed by Andrew Obergfell on behalf of Plaintiff Aaricka
`Swanson. Reply suggestions due by 2/13/2020 unless otherwise directed by the
`court. (Related document(s) 17 ) (Obergfell, Andrew) (Entered: 01/30/2020)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in opposition re 23 MOTION to stay filed by Andrew
`Obergfell on behalf of Plaintiff Aaricka Swanson. Reply suggestions due by
`2/13/2020 unless otherwise directed by the court. (Related document(s) 23 )
`(Obergfell, Andrew) (Entered: 01/30/2020)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in opposition re 19 MOTION to compel Arbitration and to
`Stay Litigation filed by Andrew Obergfell on behalf of Plaintiff Aaricka
`Swanson. Reply suggestions due by 2/13/2020 unless otherwise directed by the
`court. (Related document(s) 19 ) (Obergfell, Andrew) (Entered: 01/30/2020)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in opposition re 21 MOTION to dismiss for lack of
`jurisdiction filed by Andrew Obergfell on behalf of Plaintiff Aaricka Swanson.
`Reply suggestions due by 2/13/2020 unless otherwise directed by the court.
`(Related document(s) 21 ) (Obergfell, Andrew) (Entered: 01/30/2020)
`
`REPLY SUGGESTIONS to motion re 17 MOTION to compel Arbitration and
`to Stay Litigation filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of Defendants H&R
`Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc.. (Related
`document(s) 17 ) (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 02/21/2020)
`
`REPLY SUGGESTIONS to motion re 21 MOTION to dismiss for lack of
`jurisdiction filed by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Defendant Free File, Inc..
`(Related document(s) 21 ) (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 02/21/2020)
`
`REPLY SUGGESTIONS to motion re 23 MOTION to stay filed by Stacey R.
`Gilman on behalf of Defendants H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R
`Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc.. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration of Anthony J.
`Durone, # 2 Exhibit A to Declaration of Anthony J. Durone, # 3 Exhibit B to
`Declaration of Anthony J. Durone)(Related document(s) 23 ) (Gilman, Stacey)
`(Entered: 02/21/2020)
`
`02/21/2020
`
`38
`
`REPLY SUGGESTIONS to motion re 17 MOTION to compel Arbitration and
`to Stay Litigation filed by Kersten Holzhueter on behalf of Defendant Free File,
`Inc.. (Related document(s) 17 ) (Holzhueter, Kersten) (Entered: 02/21/2020)
`
`06/19/2020
`
`39
`
`ORDER granting 21 motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction as to defendant
`Free File, Inc. only. Signed on 6/19/20 by District Judge Gary A. Fenner.
`
`March 9 2021 p9
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 9 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`07/27/2020
`
`40
`
`12/09/2020
`
`41
`
`12/09/2020
`
`42
`
`12/09/2020
`
`43
`
`12/10/2020
`
`44
`
`12/17/2020
`
`45
`
`12/18/2020
`
`46
`
`01/08/2021
`
`47
`
`(Mitchell, Lisa) (Entered: 06/19/2020)
`
`ORDER granting 17 motion to compel arbitration and staying case; denying as
`moot 19 motion to compel; denying as moot 23 motion to stay. Case stayed
`until 1/25/21. Status report due 1/25/21. Signed on 7/27/20 by District Judge
`Gary A. Fenner. (Mitchell, Lisa) (Entered: 07/27/2020)
`
`MOTION to enforce order/judgment and Compel Arbitration filed by Stacey R.
`Gilman on behalf of H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB
`Tax Group, Inc.. Suggestions in opposition/response due by 12/23/2020 unless
`otherwise directed by the court. (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 12/09/2020)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in support re 41 MOTION to enforce order/judgment and
`Compel Arbitration filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of Defendants H&R
`Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc..
`(Attachments: # 1 Ex. 1)(Related document(s) 41 ) (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered:
`12/09/2020)
`
`Motion to allow Archis A. Parasharami to appear pro hac vice (Pro Hac fee
`$100 receipt number AMOWDC−7179668) filed by Stacey R. Gilman on
`behalf of H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax
`Group, Inc.. (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 12/09/2020)
`
`ORDER granting 43 motion to appear pro hac vice entered by Clerk of Court.
`Attorney Archis A. Parasharami for H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a
`H&R Block and HRB Tax Group, Inc. allowed to appear pro hac vice. This
`entry will serve as authorization for the pro hac participation by the attorney.
`
`Western District of Missouri Local Rule 5.1 requires documents to be filed
`electronically. If pro hac vice counsel has not already done so, counsel is
`directed to immediately register for a WDMO e−filing account for NextGen
`CM/ECF. This will enable counsel to electronically file documents and receive
`electronic notification of filings. Register for a WDMO e−filing account at
`PACER. This is a TEXT ONLY ENTRY. No document is attached. (Berner,
`Crystal) (Entered: 12/10/2020)
`
`MOTION for extension of time to file response/reply as to 41 MOTION to
`enforce order/judgment and Compel Arbitration , UNNOPPOSED MOTION
`EXTENDING DEADLINES filed by Eric D. Barton on behalf of Aaricka
`Swanson. Suggestions in opposition/response due by 12/31/2020 unless
`otherwise directed by the court. (Related document(s) 41 ) (Barton, Eric)
`(Entered: 12/17/2020)
`
`ORDER granting 45 motion for extension of time to file response/reply re 41
`MOTION to enforce order/judgment and Compel Arbitration Suggestions in
`opposition/response due by 1/8/2021 unless otherwise directed by the court.
`Reply suggestions due by 1/22/2021 unless otherwise directed by the court.
`Signed on 12/18/20 by District Judge Gary A. Fenner. This is a TEXT ONLY
`ENTRY. No document is attached. (Mitchell, Lisa) (Entered: 12/18/2020)
`
`SUGGESTIONS in opposition re 41 MOTION to enforce order/judgment and
`Compel Arbitration In Accord with the Parties' Arbitration Agreement by
`Defendants H&R Block, Inc., HRB Tax Group, Inc., and HRB Digital LLC filed
`by Eric D. Barton on behalf of Plaintiff Aaricka Swanson. Reply suggestions
`due by 1/22/2021 unless otherwise directed by the court. (Related document(s)
`
`March 9 2021 p10
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 10 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`01/22/2021
`
`48
`
`01/25/2021
`
`49
`
`02/10/2021
`
`50
`
`03/09/2021
`
`51
`
`03/09/2021
`
`52
`
`41 ) (Barton, Eric) (Entered: 01/08/2021)
`
`REPLY SUGGESTIONS to motion re 41 MOTION to enforce order/judgment
`and Compel Arbitration filed by Stacey R. Gilman on behalf of Defendants
`H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block, HRB Tax Group, Inc..
`(Related document(s) 41 ) (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 01/22/2021)
`
`STATUS REPORT by H&R Block, Inc., HRB Digital, LLC t/a H&R Block,
`HRB Tax Group, Inc.. (Gilman, Stacey) (Entered: 01/25/2021)
`
`ORDER granting 41 motion to enforce order and compel arbitration. Signed on
`2/10/21 by District Judge Gary A. Fenner. (Mitchell, Lisa) (Entered:
`02/10/2021)
`
`NOTICE OF APPEAL as to 50 Order on Motion to Enforce Order/Judgment by
`Aaricka Swanson. Filing fee $ 505, receipt number AMOWDC−7322332.
`(Barton, Eric) (Entered: 03/09/2021)
`
`TRANSMISSION of Notice of Appeal Supplement to US Court of Appeals, 8th
`Circuit via electronic mail. Related document 51 Notice of Appeal. (Terry,
`Jason) (Entered: 03/09/2021)
`
`March 9 2021 p11
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 11 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
`WESTERN DIVISION
`
`
`
`AARICKA SWANSON,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`
`
`
`
`vs.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`H&R BLOCK, INC., et al,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Defendants.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`
`Case No. 19-00788-CV-W-GAF
`
`ORDER
`
`Now before the Court is Defendants H & R Block, Inc., H & R Block Tax Group, Inc., and
`
`HRB Digital, LLC’s (collectively “H & R Block” or “Defendants”) Motion to Enforce Order and
`
`Compel Arbitration. (Doc. # 41). Plaintiff Aaricka Swanson (“Plaintiff”) opposes. (Docs. # 47).
`
`After due consideration of briefing submitted by the parties, and for good cause shown,
`
`Defendants’ Motion is GRANTED.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISCUSSION
`
`The present lawsuit arises from an alleged scheme perpetrated by H & R Block to deceive
`
`low-income tax-payers who are eligible to receive free tax preparation and filing services under
`
`the United States Internal Revenue Service’s (“IRS”) Free File Program by diverting those
`
`taxpayers to paid tax-filing products. (Doc. # 1 (“Complaint”), ¶ 1)). In connection with the alleged
`
`deception, Plaintiff asserted five claims on behalf of herself, a proposed Nationwide Class, and a
`
`California Subclass alleging violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (“CLRA”)
`
`(Count I), violations of the California Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”) (Count II), violations of
`
`the California False Advertising Law (“FAL”) (Count III), Breach of Contract (Count IV), and
`
`Fraud (Count V). (Id.). (Complaint, ¶ 13). Shortly after the filing the of Plaintiff’s Complaint
`
`
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 50 Filed 02/10/21 Page 1 of 3
`March 9 2021 p12
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 12 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`1
`
`

`

`with this Court, Defendants moved to compel all claims to individual arbitration and stay litigation
`
`of the matter pursuant to the terms of an Arbitration Agreement that was electronically accepted
`
`by Plaintiff as part of a larger container contract (i.e. Online Services Agreement). (Doc. # 18;
`
`Doc. # 40, p. 10).
`
`In an Order issued July 27, 2020, the Court determined the Arbitration Agreement was
`
`enforceable and compelled all five of Plaintiffs claims to individualized arbitration and stayed the
`
`litigation pending completion of that process. (Doc. # 40, pp. 16-17). Plaintiff subsequently
`
`submitted only her fraud claim (Count V) to arbitration, resulting in Defendants’ pending motion
`
`to enforce the Court’s July 27, 2020 Order. (Doc. # 41; Doc. # 42-1, ¶ 49). In opposing the
`
`pending motion, Plaintiff argues submission of all claims is unnecessary because the arbiter could
`
`find that the container contract was induced by fraud, thereby rendering the attendant Arbitration
`
`Agreement unenforceable and terminating the arbiter’s jurisdiction. (Doc. # 47, pp. 1-2).
`
`Plaintiff’s logic is circular.
`
`The Court dedicated several pages of its July 27, 2020 Order to explaining why the
`
`Arbitration Agreement is severable from the container contract and therefore not “saved” from
`
`enforcement under the FAA. (Doc. # 40, pp. 5-9). The Court spent the remainder of the Order
`
`explaining why the Arbitration Agreement is valid and enforceable on its own terms. (Id. at pp.
`
`10-17). These arguments and applicable law have been faithfully restated by Defendants in the
`
`pending motion and ancillary briefing (Docs. ## 41, 42, 48) and the Court sees no reason to belabor
`
`the point by replicating them here. Accordingly, Defendants’ Motion to Enforce is GRANTED.
`
`The Court compels the parties to arbitrate all claims in accordance with the terms of the
`
`Arbitration Agreement and the Court’s July 27, 2020 Order. The stay was lifted for the limited
`
`purpose of ruling this motion. However, the stay shall be reinstated upon entry of this Order. The
`
`
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 50 Filed 02/10/21 Page 2 of 3
`March 9 2021 p13
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 13 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`2
`
`

`

`parties shall file a notice with the Court within ten days of the completion of arbitration. If
`
`arbitration is not completed by July 27, 2021, the parties shall jointly file a status report on that
`
`date setting forth the status of the matter.
`
`IT IS SO ORDERED.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`s/ Gary A. Fenner
`GARY A. FENNER, JUDGE
`UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DATED: February 10, 2021
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 50 Filed 02/10/21 Page 3 of 3
`March 9 2021 p14
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 14 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`3
`
`

`

`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
`
`
`
`
`AARICKA SWANSON, on behalf of herself and
`all others similarly situated,
`
`v.
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`H&R BLOCK, INC., HRB TAX GROUP, INC.,
`HRB DIGITAL, LLC, and FREE FILE, INC.
`
`
`
` Defendants.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Case No. 4:19-cv-00788-GAF
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`NOTICE OF APPEAL
`
`
`
`Plaintiff Aaricka Swanson hereby provides notice that she appeals to the United
`
`States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit this Court’s February 10, 2021 Order Granting
`
`Motion to Enforce Order and Compel Arbitration (ECF No. 50), which is attached as Exhibit A.
`
`Dated: March 9, 2021
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Respectfully submitted,
`
`__/s/ Eric D. Barton_______
`
`WAGSTAFF & CARTMELL LLP
`Eric D. Barton MO # 53619
`Sarah A. Ruane MO # 59083
`4740 Grand Ave., Ste. 300
`Kansas City, MO 64112
`Tel: (816) 701-1100
`Fax: (816) 531-2372
`E-Mail: ebarton@wcllp.com
` sruane@wcllp.com
`BURSOR & FISHER, P.A.
`Yitzchak Kopel (pro hac vice forthcoming)
`Andrew Obergfell (admitted pro hac vice)
`888 Seventh Avenue
`New York, NY 10019
`Tel: (646) 837-7150
`Fax: (212) 989-9163
`E-Mail: ykopel@bursor.com
` aobergfell@bursor.com
`
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 51 Filed 03/09/21 Page 1 of 6
`March 9 2021 p15
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 15 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`Attorneys for Plaintiff
`
`CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
`
`
`
`I certify that on March 9, 2021, I electronically filed the foregoing document with the Clerk
`
`of the Court for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Missouri, using the electronic case
`
`filing system of the court, which sent notification of such filing to all CM/ECF participants.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`__/s/ Eric D. Barton_______
`
`WAGSTAFF & CARTMELL LLP
`Eric D. Barton MO # 53619
`Sarah A. Ruane MO # 59083
`4740 Grand Ave., Ste. 300
`Kansas City, MO 64112
`Tel: (816) 701-1100
`Fax: (816) 531-2372
`E-Mail: ebarton@wcllp.com
` sruane@wcllp.com
`
`
`Attorneys for Plaintiff
`
`
`
`
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 51 Filed 03/09/21 Page 2 of 6
`March 9 2021 p16
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 16 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`2
`
`

`

`EXHIBIT A
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 51 Filed 03/09/21 Page 3 of 6
`March 9 2021 p17
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 17 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`

`

`IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
`FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI
`WESTERN DIVISION
`
`
`
`AARICKA SWANSON,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Plaintiff,
`
`
`
`
`
`vs.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`H&R BLOCK, INC., et al,
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Defendants.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`)
`
`Case No. 19-00788-CV-W-GAF
`
`ORDER
`
`Now before the Court is Defendants H & R Block, Inc., H & R Block Tax Group, Inc., and
`
`HRB Digital, LLC’s (collectively “H & R Block” or “Defendants”) Motion to Enforce Order and
`
`Compel Arbitration. (Doc. # 41). Plaintiff Aaricka Swanson (“Plaintiff”) opposes. (Docs. # 47).
`
`After due consideration of briefing submitted by the parties, and for good cause shown,
`
`Defendants’ Motion is GRANTED.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DISCUSSION
`
`The present lawsuit arises from an alleged scheme perpetrated by H & R Block to deceive
`
`low-income tax-payers who are eligible to receive free tax preparation and filing services under
`
`the United States Internal Revenue Service’s (“IRS”) Free File Program by diverting those
`
`taxpayers to paid tax-filing products. (Doc. # 1 (“Complaint”), ¶ 1)). In connection with the alleged
`
`deception, Plaintiff asserted five claims on behalf of herself, a proposed Nationwide Class, and a
`
`California Subclass alleging violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act (“CLRA”)
`
`(Count I), violations of the California Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”) (Count II), violations of
`
`the California False Advertising Law (“FAL”) (Count III), Breach of Contract (Count IV), and
`
`Fraud (Count V). (Id.). (Complaint, ¶ 13). Shortly after the filing the of Plaintiff’s Complaint
`
`
`
`Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 50 Filed 02/10/21 Page 1 of 3Case 4:19-cv-00788-GAF Document 51 Filed 03/09/21 Page 4 of 6
`
`March 9 2021 p18
`Appellate Case: 21-1566 Page: 18 Date Filed: 03/10/2021 Entry ID: 5013186
`
`1
`
`

`

`with this Court, Defendants moved to compel all claims to individual arbitration and stay litigation
`
`of the matter pursuant to the terms of an Arbitration Agreement that was electronically accepted
`
`by Plaintiff as part of a larger container contract (i.e. Online Services Agreement). (Doc. # 18;
`
`Doc. # 40, p. 10).
`
`In an Order issued July 27, 2020, the Court determined the Arbitration