Opinion ID: 62956
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Does the forum-selection clause govern the Ginters' tort causes of action?

Text: The Ginters also argue that even if the forum selection clause is enforceable, it should not apply here because they have not sued for breach of contract  they have sued only under various tort theories. In Marinechance Shipping Ltd. v. Sebastian , we faced a similar situation, where a litigant attempted to sidestep the reach of a contractual forum-selection clause by suing under causes of action sounding in tort. [17] In holding that the forum-selection clause covered the tort causes of action, we foreswore any slavish adherence to a contract/tort distinction; to hold to the contrary would allow a litigant to avoid a forum-selection clause with artful pleading. [18] Instead, we examined the language of the forum-selection clause with a common-sense view of the causes of actions to determine whether the clause was broad enough to cover the torts. [19] Here, the forum-selection clause at issue provides the following: Any action at law, suit in equity, or other judicial proceeding for the enforcement and/or breach of this contract, or any provision thereof, shall be instituted only in the 19th Judicial District Court of the State of Louisiana. While the clause speaks of covering suits dealing with the enforcement or breach of the contract, the causes of action here all arise out of Belcher's contractual relationship with Ginters. Though their causes of action sound in tort, the Ginters are complaining about the failure of Belcher to fulfill his contractual obligations. We conclude that the suit is covered by the forum-selection clause. In sum, we hold that the forum-selection clause in the attorney-client agreement between the Ginters and Belcher is enforceable and governs the tort claims at issue in this case. Accordingly, we REMAND the case to the district court with instructions that it be dismissed. REVERSED. Cause REMANDED.