Jordyn Thulin v. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inc.

Summary

The United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida partially granted Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Inc.’s motion to compel and for an enlargement of time. The Court authorized a limited one-hour re-deposition of Plaintiff concerning previously undisclosed text messages and required information regarding any attorney-client relationship between Plaintiff’s counsel and Plaintiff’s mother, while denying other requested relief.

Holdings

1. Because Plaintiff did not dispute that she failed to timely produce communications responsive to a proper discovery request, Defendant may re-depose her for no more than one hour and only concerning the text messages produced on November 24, 2025.
2. Defendant may obtain a sworn affidavit or declaration stating whether an attorney-client relationship existed between Plaintiff's counsel and Trisha Thulin and, if so, when it began; Defendant may then seek a second deposition of Trisha if appropriate.
3. If a fee or retainer agreement is produced in response to the court's order, information containing attorneys' mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal theories may be redacted.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Defendant was entitled to a limited re-deposition of Plaintiff concerning text messages that Plaintiff had not timely produced.
2. Whether Defendant was entitled to discovery concerning the existence and commencement date of an asserted attorney-client relationship between Plaintiff's counsel and Trisha Thulin.
3. Whether the discovery deadline should be extended for the limited purposes authorized by the court.

Disposition

other