Kinstler v. Rtb South Greeley, Ltd. LLC, 2007 WY 98 (Wyo. 2007). · Go Syfert
Kinstler v. Rtb South Greeley, Ltd. LLC, 2007 WY 98 (Wyo. 2007). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
61 citation events (61 in the last 25 years) across 2 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Eog Resources, Inc., a Delaware Corporation v. Jjlm Land, Llc, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company (wyo, 2022-12-28)
Treatment trajectory · 2007 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
2007 2016 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 21 distinct citers.
discussed Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Eog Resources, Inc., a Delaware Corporation v. Jjlm Land, Llc, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company
Wyo. · 2022 · quote attribution · 1 verbatim quote · confidence high
where a contract allows the award of attorney's fees, that includes fees incurred on appeal.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Adam Bruce Levy v. Aspen S, Llc, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company Kelvin H. Stirn and Nancy J. Stirn (2×) also: Cited as authority (quoted)
Wyo. · 2021 · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
where a contract allows the award of attorney's fees, that includes fees incurred on appeal.
examined Cited as authority (verbatim quote) Maverick Benefit Advisors, LLC Mountain Benefit Associates, LLC Taylor H. Haynes and Elisabeth A. Wasson v. David J. Bostrom Bostrom Enterprises, LLC and Mountain States Review, Inc. (2×) also: Cited as authority (quoted)
Wyo. · 2016 · quote attribution · 2 verbatim quotes · confidence high
one party's material breach may excuse the other party's performance under that agreement
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hogan & Associates Builders, Llc, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company v. Eiden Construction, Llc, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company and Amco Insurance Company, an Iowa Corporation
Wyo. · 2024 · confidence medium
LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 8 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo. 2007)). [¶104] Applying the same principle here, Hogan was required to give Eiden an opportunity to cure its default of falling behind the Project schedule for completing the fire pond.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) James F. Crouch Melisa M. Crouch and Crouch Revocable Trust Dated August 17, 2016 v. Kerry Cooper Jeanie Cooper and Dace Cooper (2×) also: Cited "see"
Wyo. · 2024 · confidence medium
LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 8 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo. 2007).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Guy Morrison, Iii v. Tami Hinson-Morrison
Wyo. · 2024 · confidence medium
LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo. 2007) (citing Cline v. Rocky Mountain, Inc., 998 P.2d 946, 953 (Wyo. 2000)).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Sharon Ann Koch v. Melissa R. Gray
Wyo. · 2024 · confidence medium
LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 7 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1127 (Wyo. 2007)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Melinda Irene Reyes v. The State of Wyoming
Wyo. · 2022 · confidence medium
Silva v. State, 2014 WY 155, ¶ 7 , 338 P.3d 934, 936 (Wyo. 2014) (quoting Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 10 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo. 2007). [¶28] After applying the appropriate standard of review to the evidence presented at the trial, we hold that a factfinder reasonably and rationally could have concluded the State met its burden of proving all the essential elements of child endangerment beyond a reasonable doubt.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) SWC Production, Inc., an Oklahoma Corporation v. Wold Energy Partners, LLC., a Delaware Limited Liability Company
Wyo. · 2019 · confidence medium
LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo. 2007), and that “[a] contract for a reasonable attorney’s fee in enforcing its provisions embraces an allowance for legal services rendered upon appeal as well as during the trial.” Ahearn v. Tri-County Federal Savings Bank, 954 P.2d 1371, 1373 (Wyo. 1998) (quoting Shoup v. Mayerson, 454 P.2d 666, 670 (Okla. 1969)).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jeff Lokey v. Mike Irwin (2×)
Wyo. · 2016 · confidence medium
Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo. 2007).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Pennaco Energy, Inc. v. Kd Company Llc, a Wyoming Close Limited Liability Company
Wyo. · 2015 · confidence medium
Where a contract allows the award of attorney fees, that includes fees incurred on appeal. - Hofhine v. Hofhine, 2014 WY 86,¶ 18 , 330 P.3d 242, 247 (Wyo.2014), quoting Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC, *40 2007 WY 98, ¶ 13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo. 2007).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Lawrence Floyd Silva
Wyo. · 2014 · confidence medium
"We have consistently refused to address claims not supported by cogent argument or citation to pertinent authority whether a pro se litigant or counsel files the brief." Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 10 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo.2007) (quoting Odegard v. Odegard, 2003 WY 67, ¶ 29 , 69 P.3d 917, 925 (Wyo.2003)). [18] As noted above, Mr. Silva argued in the district court that his sentence should be reduced based on his achievements and behavior.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jessica Lyn Hofhine
Wyo. · 2014 · confidence medium
Where a contract allows the award of attorney's fees, that includes fees incurred on appeal." Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo.2007) (citation omitted).
examined Cited as authority (rule) Tri-City Assocsiates, LP v. Belmont, Inc. (3×)
S.D. · 2014 · confidence medium
LLC, the Wyoming Supreme Court affirmed a trial court’s rejection of a tenant’s claim that he was excused from paying rent because his landlord materially breached a lease. 160 P.3d 1125, 1126 (Wyo.2007).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Henry v. Borushko
Wyo. · 2012 · confidence medium
Pro se litigants may be afforded some leniency, but "[rleasonable compliance with applicable procedural rules and requirements is mandatory." Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC, 2007 Wy 98, ¶12, 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo.2007). .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Meyer v. Hatto
Wyo. · 2008 · confidence medium
Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, Ltd., LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo.2007); Cline v. Rocky Mountain, Inc., 998 P.2Zd 946, 953 (Wyo.2000); Ahearn, 954 P.2d at 1373 ; DeWitt, 718 P.2d at 865 .
cited Cited as authority (rule) Dollarhide v. Bancroft
Wyo. · 2008 · confidence medium
Montoya v. Navarette-Montoya, 2005 WY 161, 14 , 125 P.3d 265, 268 (Wyo.2005); Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., 2007 WY 98, ¶12 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wyo.2007).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Hayzlett v. Hayzlett (2×) also: Cited "see"
Wyo. · 2007 · confidence medium
While we always require reasonable compliance with our procedural rules, "we afford pro se litigants some leniency from the stringent standards applied to formal pleadings drafted by attorneys." Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, Ltd., 2007 WY 98, ¶ 12 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo.2007).
discussed Cited "see" Felix Felicis, Llc, a Wyoming Limited Liability Company v. Riva Ridge Owners Association (2×)
Wyo. · 2023 · signal: see · confidence high
See EOG Res., Inc. v. JJLM Land, LLC, 2022 WY 162, ¶ 44 , 522 P.3d 605, 617 (Wyo. 2022) (“Because EOG has not appealed from the district court’s determination that JJLM is entitled to its attorney fees and costs under the 2019 [Surface Use and Damage Agreement] and because EOG does not contest JJLM’s request for its appellate fees and costs in its reply brief, JJLM is also entitled to its attorney fees and costs on appeal.” (citing Levy v. Aspen S, LLC, 2021 WY 46, ¶ 32 , 483 P.3d 852, 860 (Wyo. 2021), Kinstler v. RTB S. Greeley, Ltd., LLC, 2007 WY 98, ¶ 13 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1129 (Wy…
discussed Cited "see" Schultz v. State (2×)
Wyo. · 2007 · signal: see · confidence high
See Kinstler v. RTB South Greeley, LTD., 2007 WY 98, ¶ 10 , 160 P.3d 1125, 1128 (Wyo.2007). [119] Next on Mr. Schultz's list is testimony from Lieutenant Guenther that the incident took place in Albany County.
Kort KINSTLER, Appellant (Defendant),
v.
RTB SOUTH GREELEY, LTD. LLC, Appellee (Plaintiff)
06-218.
Wyoming Supreme Court.
Jun 19, 2007.
2007 WY 98
Representing Appellant: Kort Kinstler, pro se., Representing Appellee: Dale W. Cottam and Lindsay Ann Woznick, Hirst & Apple-gate, PC, Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Voigt, Golden, Hill, Kite, Burke.
Cited by 22 opinions  |  Published
2 passages pin-cited by 2 cases
Pinpoint authority: bottom 92%
Citer courts: Wyoming Supreme Court (2)
BURKE, Justice.

[T1] Appellant, Kort Kinstler, appeals from a judgment entered in favor of RTB South Greeley, LTD., LLC ("RTB"), arising from a failure to pay rent for premises leased from RTB. [1] Mr. Kinstler contends that the failure to pay rent was excused by RTB's material breach of the lease agreement ("Leage"). The district court rejected Mr. Kinstler's claim, finding that Mr. Kinstler had failed to provide RTB with written notice of the default and the opportunity to cure the default as required by the Lease. We affirm.

ISSUES

[T2] Mr. Kinstler's brief raises twenty issues. We will focus on the one issue we find dispositive.

I. Did the district court err in its finding of fact that Mr. Kinstler had not complied with the Lease's requirement to notify RTB of the alleged default, or in its conclusion of law that Mr. Kinstler could not rely on the alleged default as a material breach that excused him from paying rent?

RTB lists two additional issues that we will also address.

I. Should the district court's decision be summarily affirmed, or Mr. Kinstler sane-tioned, because of his failure to comply with the Wyoming Rules of Appellate Procedure?
II. Does the Lease entitle RTB to an award of attorney's fees against Mr. Kin-stler?

[*1127] STANDARD OF REVIEW

[18] We review a district court's findings of fact and conclusions of law using a clearly erroneous standard for the factual findings and a de novo standard for the conclusions of law. Belden v. Thorkildsen, 2007 WY 68, ¶11, 156 P.3d 320, 323 (Wyo. 2007). When a district court hears a case without a jury, the clearly erroneous standard is varied slightly:

The factual findings of a judge are not entitled to the limited review afforded a jury verdict. While the findings are presumptively correct, the appellate court may examine all of the properly admissible evidence in the record. Due regard is given to the opportunity of the trial judge to assess the credibility of the witnesses, and our review does not entail re-weighing disputed evidence. Findings of fact will not be set aside unless they are clearly erroneous. A finding is clearly erroneous when, although there is evidence to support it, the reviewing court on the entire evidence is left with the definite and firm conviction that a mistake has been committed.

Id.

FACTS

[T4] On November 11, 2003, Mr. Kinstler and RTB entered into a commercial lease for office space located at 120 North Greeley Highway in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Pursuant to the terms of the Lease, Mr. Kinstler was obligated to pay $1,000 per month for rent plus operating expenses from December 15, 2008, through April 30, 2005. The Lease incorporated a document called a Landlord Work Letter that provided, "In the spring of 2004, Landlord to landscape the area next to the east windows of the north office." The Lease also provided that, "In the event of any alleged default on the part of Landlord, Tenant shall give notice to Landlord and afford Landlord a reasonable opportunity to cure such default." The Lease further stated that, "All notices or other communications required or desired to be given to Landlord must be in writing."

[T5] RTB failed to complete the land-seaping work as required. In response, Mr. Kinstler stopped paying rent in the summer of 2004. RTB evicted Mr. Kinstler from the premises in the fall of 2004.

[T 6] In April 2005, RTB filed a complaint in district court seeking to recover the rents due through April 80, 2005, the expiration date of the Lease. Mr. Kinstler denied liability and affirmatively asserted, inter alia, that RTB's failure to provide the landscaping was a material breach of the Lease that exeused him from paying rent. After a hearing, the district court found in favor of RTB. The court interpreted the Lease as requiring Mr. Kinstler to provide RTB with written notice of any alleged default, and with a reasonable opportunity to cure that default. The district court found that Mr. Kinstler had not complied with the Lease's notice requirement, and concluded that Mr. Kin-stler could not rely upon the alleged default as a material breach that exeused the payment of rent. The district court entered judgment in favor of RTB in the amount of $26,411.52, which included sums for past due rent, late fees, interest, attorney's fees, and costs. This appeal followed.

DISCUSSION

I. Material breach

[%7]) Mr. Kinstler contends that RTB's failure to provide the required landscaping was a material breach of the Lease. He argues that this material breach exeused him from paying rent. Mr. Kinstler argues correctly that, under some cireumstances, one party's material breach of an agreement may excuse the other party's performance under that agreement. See, eg., Williams v. Collins Communications, 720 P.2d 880, 891 (Wyo.1986). In this case, however, the district court found that Mr. Kinstler was not entitled to rely on any alleged breach by RTB because he had not complied with the Lease's requirement to provide notice of an alleged default. The district court explained its rationale as follows:

The Defense argues that this contract is not enforceable because there was a material breach. I think that Item 21-Para-graph 21 requires that notice be in writing because of Paragraph 28.2. 28.2 says "No[*1128] tice as to the landlord must all be in writing." So, therefore, it says, "In the event"-this is Paragraph 21-'"In the event of any alleged default on the part of the landlord, tenant shall give notice and afford landlord-and afford landlord a reasonable opportunity to cure."
Now, I've looked through these exhibits to see if any such notice was given. The only thing that comes close, arguably close, is Exhibit Number J, but I don't believe it has any language in there calculated to meet the requirements of Paragraph 21. There was no opportunity to cure language in this particular correspondence. ...

[T8] The notice requirement contained in the Lease is clear and unambiguous and must be enforced as written. Sinclair Oil Corp. v. Republic Ins. Co., 929 P.2d 535, 539 (Wyo.1996); Prudential Preferred Props. v. J & J Ventures, 859 P.2d 1267, 1271 (Wyo.1993). Pursuant to these clear and unambiguous terms, Mr. Kinstler was required to provide RTB with written notice of any alleged default and provide RTB an opportunity to cure it. When a party fails to provide notice of a material breach, if required by the terms of the lease, reliance on that breach to excuse contractual performance is improper. See Brown v. Johnston, 2004 WY 17, ¶32, 85 P.3d 422, 431 (Wyo. 2004) (Lessor could not rely on material breach because he did not give notice of the alleged breach as required.). The district court found that Mr. Kinstler did not provide the required notice. In this appeal, Mr. Kin-stler has not identified any evidence in the record establishing that the required notice was given. In the absence of such evidence, we cannot find the district court's decision clearly erroneous.

[T9] In reaching this result, we also resolve most of the other issues raised by Mr. Kinstler. For example, Mr. Kinstler argues that RTB's obligation to do the landscaping work was a term specifically negotiated for this Lease. Because it was such a significant term of the Lease, he contends that its breach was necessarily a material breach. However, whether or not the breach was material, the district court correctly conelud-ed that Mr. Kinstler could not rely on it because he failed to comply with the Lease's notice requirement.

[110] The only other issues raised by Mr. Kinstler were presented without cogent argument or pertinent authority. Our rules of appellate procedure require that arguments be supported with "citations to the authorities, statutes and parts of the record relied on." W.RA.P. 7.01(M)(1). When a party fails to comply with the rules of appellate procedure, we may refuse to consider that party's contentions. W.R.AP. 1.03; Rodriguez v. State ex rel. Wyo. Workers' Safety & Comp. Div., 2006 WY 146, ¶4, 146 P.3d 487, 488 (Wyo.2006). "We have consistently refused to address claims not supported by cogent argument or citation to pertinent authority whether a pro se litigant or counsel files the brief." Odegard v. Odegard, 2003 WY 67, ¶29, 69 P.3d 917, 925 (Wyo.2003). Because Mr. Kinstler failed to comply with our appellate rules, we will not consider his remaining issues.

II Summary affirmation or additional sanctions

[{11] RTB asserts that Mr. Kin-stler's brief fails to meet the requirements of WRAP. 7.01 in several respects, including the lack of a statement of the issues, and the failure to support claims with cogent argument or pertinent authority. On that basis, RTB urges us to affirm the district court's decision summarily, or to impose additional sanctions against Mr. Kinstler. We decline to do so.

[112] Reasonable compliance with applicable procedural rules and requirements is mandatory, but we afford pro se litigants some leniency from the stringent standards applied to formal pleadings drafted by attorneys. White v. Table Mt. Ranches Owners Ass'n, Inc., 2006 WY 2, ¶8, 125 P.3d 1019, 1021 (Wyo.2006), quoting Young v. State, 2002 WY 68, ¶9, 46 P.3d 295, 297 (Wyo.2002). Mr. Kinstler's brief presented at least one issue with sufficient support and clarity to allow meaningful review. We have declined to consider those issues that were not supported by cogent argument or pertinent authority. Because the technical violations of[*1129] the appellate rules did not preclude meaningful review, we will not impose additional sanctions. See Furman v. Rural Elec. Co., 869 P.2d 136, 139 (Wyo.1994).

III. Attorney's fees

[113] RTB also asserts that it is entitled to an award of its attorney's fees on appeal. Attorney's fees are recoverable if expressly provided for by statute or contract. Ahearn v. Tri-County Federal Savings Bank, 954 P.2d 1371, 1373 (Wyo.1998). Where a contract allows the award of attorney's fees, that includes fees ineurred on appeal. Cline v. Rocky Mountain, Inc., 998 P.2d 946, 953 (Wyo.2000); Ahearn, 954 P.2d at 1373; DeWitt v. Balben, 718 P.2d 854, 865 (Wyo.1986).

[T14] The Lease in this case provides that, "If any suit is brought because of an alleged breach of this Lease, the prevailing party is also entitled to recover from the other party all reasonable attorney{'sl fees and costs incurred in connection therewith." RTB is the prevailing party, and is therefore entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees incurred on this appeal. Shepard v. Beck, 2007 WY 58, ¶17, 154 P.3d 982, 989 (Wyo. 2007); see also Wyo. Stat. Ann. § 1-14-126(b) (LexisNexis 2005). We will determine the appropriate sum to be awarded after counsel submits proper documentation.

CONCLUSION

[115] We do not find the district court's decision to be clearly erroneous. Mr. Kin-stler failed to comply with the Lease's requirement to notify RTB of an alleged default and, as a result, Mr. Kinstler cannot rely on it as a material breach that excused him from paying rent. Mr. Kinstler's technical violations of the rules of appellate procedure did not preclude meaningful review. We therefore decline the invitation to summarily affirm or impose other sanctions. Under the terms of the Lease, RTB is, however, entitled to an award of reasonable appellate attorney's fees. This amount shall be determined after submission of proper doeu-mentation by counsel.

[116] Affirmed.

1

. In addition to Kort Kinstler, the Lease lists Liberty Tax Service # 2837 ("'Liberty") and Kyle Kinstler as tenants "jointly, severally and individually." The district court entered judgment "jointly and severally" against Liberty, Kyle Kin-stler, and Kort Kinstler. Only Kort Kinstler appealed from the district court's ruling. In discussing the Lease and the duties under the Lease, our references to Mr. Kinstler include all tenants.