(Los Angeles, CA) March 30, 2026 — Steve Derby of Wade Litigation secured a $2.6 million settlement on behalf of the Estate of Alan R. Brown in an arbitration before the American Arbitration Association. The result followed the expansion of claims that increased exposure and forced resolution in a long-delayed dispute.
The case arose from a 1976 investment in a 22-unit apartment building in Redondo Beach owned by four tenants in common. Following the death of Alan R. Brown, the estate sought to invoke provisions of the tenancy-in-common agreement requiring appraisal and buyout or sale of the property. The remaining tenants delayed the process and refused to honor the estate’s interest, leading to arbitration.
After Derby was retained, he shifted the strategy by expanding the claims to include mismanagement of the property, improper expenditures, and improper distribution of funds. This transformed the matter from a valuation dispute into a high-risk litigation scenario where the remaining tenants faced potential personal financial liability.
As discovery and arbitration proceedings progressed, the pressure led to a written settlement agreement requiring payment of $2.6 million to the estate. When the opposing parties attempted to interfere with and renegotiate the agreement, Derby moved to enforce the settlement. The arbitrator issued a tentative ruling in favor of enforcement, and shortly thereafter, the agreement was finalized.
Steve Derby was assisted by paralegal Stephanie Stacey in securing the result. When asked how he felt about the result, Derby stated: “When the other side refuses to negotiate in good faith and continues to create delay, it becomes necessary to stay focused on the end result and force resolution,” said Steve Derby.
About Wade Litigation
Wade Litigation is a law firm that specializes in family law, business litigation, and probate litigation. The firm is committed to providing superior services while building client relationships and achieving client satisfaction second to none. The firm’s clients include companies and individuals involved in civil litigation, family law disputes, and probate disputes.