In what should have been a routine counsel status hearing, judge Michael Stelzer heatedly called out attorneys representing both sides for bad behavior.
Erkios Systems Inc. is suing ‘Entrepreneur Startup Business Development Corporation’ doing business as Arch Grants, alleging breach of contract and seeking $30,000 in unpaid grant money as well as $25,000 for damages as well as reasonable attorney fees involved in filing the suit.
Judge Michael Stelzer, Div. 6, 22nd Circuit Court
“You’re an attorney and you show up in my courtroom without a tie?” Stelzer said to attorney Adrian Mehdirad, representing Arch Grants. Stelzer then turned his attention to Erkios’ counsel, who was not present. “And this is what I’m talking about… they are required to appear in person, and should be here.”
Erkios CEO Sean Null and Arch Grants Executive Director Gabe Angieri did not immediately reply to a request for an interview. Mehdirad works for the firm Thompson Coburn and graduated from St. Louis University School of Law two years ago. He declined to comment. (Note: after being called to the carpet Mehdirad put on a tie, origin unknown.)
The case was filed on June 5, 2022. Erkios is asking for a jury trial.
Arch Grants stripped Erkios from the section of their website listing 2021 cohort awardees. There are only 32 companies listed there, down from 33 last spring.
Erkios Systems, founded in February 2017, has a patented port security device to provide a physical communication security layer to computers as well as automated monitoring. Erkios was part of the 2021 Arch Grants cohort, and hails from Kansas City, Mo.
The non-profit Arch Grants offers $50,000 equity-free grants (raised to $75K in 2022) and support services to entrepreneurs who locate their early-stage businesses in St. Louis.
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