Opinion ID: 2809783
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Cross-Appeal: Remand of State-Law Claims

Text: In its cross-appeal, SWC contends the district court abused its discretion in remanding the IIED and negligent supervision claims to state court. See Koch v. City of Del City, 660 F.3d 1228, 1248 (10th Cir. 2011) (reviewing for abuse of discretion). But because we affirm the grant of summary judgment on the hostile work environment and constructive discharge claims, there is no basis for reversing the remand of the state-law claims. See id. Still, SWC contends the district court effectively employed a per se rule to decline supplemental jurisdiction simply because the federal claims were dismissed. “[W]e have said the court should consider retaining state claims when, given the nature and extent of pretrial proceedings, judicial economy, convenience, and fairness would be served by retaining jurisdiction.” Wittner v. Banner Health, 720 F.3d 770, 781 (10th Cir. 2013) (internal quotation marks omitted). We find no indication that the court failed to consider these factors. In its order denying SWC’s Rule 59(e) motion, the district court explained its decision to remand the claims, expressly discussing considerations such as the court’s preparedness to rule on the merits of the state-law claims, the inevitable delay caused by the denial of supplemental jurisdiction, and matters of comity. Aplee. App. at 115. SWC insists that remand is unfair because the state-law claims are time-barred under the - 13 - applicable statute of limitations, but the limitations period was tolled for thirty days following the grant of summary judgment, see 28 U.S.C. § 1367(d); Varnell v. Dora Consol. Sch. Dist., 756 F.3d 1208, 1217 (10th Cir. 2014). Under these circumstances, we cannot say the court abused its discretion in remanding the state-law claims to state court. See Lorillard Tobacco Co. v. Engida, 611 F.3d 1209, 1213 (10th Cir. 2010) (“Under the abuse of discretion standard, a trial court’s decision will not be disturbed unless the appellate court has a definite and firm conviction that the [district] court made a clear error of judgment or exceeded the bounds of permissible choice in the circumstances.” (internal quotation marks omitted)). Nor did the court abuse its discretion in denying SWC’s Rule 59(e) motion. See Wittner, 720 F.3d at 781 (reviewing denial of Rule 59(e) motion for abuse of discretion).