Opinion ID: 76973
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Quintana's Retaliation Claim Was Frivolous.

Text: 14 Our analysis is straightforward regarding two of the Sullivan factors, as the record plainly supports the analysis of the district court. The district court concluded, in its order of summary judgment, that Quintana failed to establish a prima facie case of retaliation, and Quintana did not appeal that ruling. Because the district court entered summary judgment for Jenne before trial, and Quintana failed to establish a prima facie case, the first and third factors of the Sullivan guidelines support the determination of the district court that Quintana's retaliation claim was frivolous. 15 As to the second Sullivan factor, we have no way of knowing whether a settlement offer, if made, was of a sufficient amount to support a determination that Quintana's claim was not frivolous. Jenne does not deny making an offer of settlement, but maintains that any settlement offer should not be considered because it would have been made only as an attempt to comply with court-ordered mediation. We are unaware of any authority that would preclude us from considering a settlement offer made during mediation, but the amount of the offer is a necessary factor in evaluating whether a settlement offer militates against a determination of frivolity. See Bonner v. Mobile Energy Serv. Co., 246 F.3d 1303, 1305 (11th Cir.2001). In the absence of evidence of an offer of a substantial amount in settlement, this factor does not support either party. 16 Applying all three Sullivan factors, we conclude that Quintana's retaliation claim was frivolous. The first and third Sullivan factors support a determination of frivolity, and the second factor offers no support for either party. The district court did not abuse its discretion when it awarded attorney's fees to Jenne for Quintana's retaliation claim.