Amini LLC successfully defeated a motion to vacate a $38.7 million default judgment against The Chetrit Group, LLC, a real estate management company. The judgment was for property damage caused by a devastating 2014 fire that broke out at a property it managed.
The Chetrit Group moved to vacate after we commenced enforcement proceedings, arguing that it should not have been held liable because it was not the property owner. The court declined to consider this defense, finding that the default was intentional.
The fire destroyed the adjacent New York City studio of our client, a renowned international designer, resulting in the loss of thousands of couture gowns, materials, and decades of creative work. Judge Lyle E. Frank’s decision marks another important step in recovering on behalf of our client for this momentous loss.
Decision linked here.
Related coverage:
Meyer Chetrit in civil contempt over subpoena, faces $39M fire damages judgment — The Real Deal: https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2025/07/29/meyer-chetrit-in-civil-contempt-over-reem-acra-subpoena/
Designer sues insurance companies’ fraud claim to skip $38M judgement — The Real Deal: https://therealdeal.com/new-york/2025/08/27/reem-acra-sues-insurers-who-say-they-were-defrauded
People Magazine: https://people.com/luxe-designer-reem-acra-awarded-usd39m-payout-after-2014-fire-destroyed-significant-work-11772000
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/reem-acra-counts-taylor-swift-165117826.html