New York Court Tosses Marsh Claims Against Broker Competitor

A New York federal court dismissed a suit by commercial insurance broker powerhouse Marsh & McLennan Cos. against Alliant Insurance Services Inc. alleging the rival firm poached employees from Marsh’s Bend, Ore., office.

The US District Court for the Southern District of New York lacks personal jurisdiction over Alliant because the firm is incorporated and headquartered in California, Judge Jeannette A. Vargas wrote in a Tuesday order.

Although the former Marsh employees are required to litigate the dispute in New York based on a forum selection clause in non-solicitation and confidentiality agreements, Alliant wasn’t a party to those contracts and ...