SJC Clarifies Post-Judgment Interest in Contentious Lease Dispute
In the case of H1 Lincoln, Inc. d/b/a Majestic Honda v. 849 South Washington Street, LLC, plaintiff Majestic Honda obtained a judgment exceeding $20 million against several LLCs owned by Alfredo Dos Anjos concerning a commercial lease. The defendants paid the full amount while indicating plans to appeal.
Although a Superior Court judge ordered post-judgment interest to accrue on that $3 million portion—and the Appeals Court upheld that order—the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) reversed. The SJC held that once a judgment is fully paid, it is considered satisfied, and post-judgment interest no longer accrues, even if the paying party preserves its appellate rights.
In an article for Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Bernkopf partner Bob Stetson analyzed the implications of this ruling. He noted how the court struck an appropriate balance between ensuring parties can exercise their right to appeal without undue financial burdens and encouraging timely payment of judgments.
Read the full article on the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly website.
For more information, please contact Bob Stetson at rstetson@bernkopflegal.com or 617.790.3423.