Gregory P. Adams v. Best Western International, Inc., and Lawrence M. Cuculic

Summary

The United States District Court for the District of Nebraska resolves several discovery disputes in Gregory P. Adams v. Best Western International, Inc. and Lawrence M. Cuculic. The court denies a requested forensic examination of the plaintiff's cell phones, finds additional AI-related communications discovery disproportionate, orders production of specified severance-policy documents and an updated privilege log, and sets a 14-day period for objections to the magistrate judge's order.

Holdings

1. The plaintiff, through counsel, satisfied his obligation to respond to defendants' requests for production of responsive text messages, and a forensic examination or further efforts were not proportional to the needs of the case.
2. The plaintiff satisfied his obligation to respond to defendants' requests for production of communications relating to the plaintiff's use of AI software, chatbots, or other AI tools, and additional efforts were not proportional to the needs of the case.
3. Best Western International was required to produce its Executive Severance Policy and any amendments in effect from 2021 through 2024, while the plaintiff's additional requests were not proportional to the needs of the case.
4. Defendants were required to produce an updated privilege log containing the Bates-stamped documents discussed at the discovery conference by December 24, 2025, and the log had to include documents defendants might offer in support of an affirmative defense.
5. Any party must file objections under NECivR 72.2(a) within 14 days of the order.

Questions Presented

1. Whether defendants were entitled to a forensic examination of the plaintiff's cell phone or phones to obtain responsive text messages.
2. Whether defendants were entitled to additional transcripts or communications concerning the plaintiff's use of AI software, chatbots, or other AI tools.
3. What severance-policy documents Best Western International was required to produce.
4. What supplementation was required concerning defendants' internal investigation materials and privilege log.
5. What deadline governed objections to the magistrate judge's discovery order.

Disposition

other