FLP Successfully Defends Appeal of Legal Malpractice Case Against Law Firm Client

April 21, 2015 Los Angeles, California. California’s Court of Appeal has affirmed a Judgment by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Steven J. Kleifield entered after a bench trial on Plaintiff Patrick Duff’s claims for legal malpractice, breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty against Mr. Fredman’s clients David R. Welch and Mr. Welch’s law firm.

On April 21, 2015, the Court of Appeal in an unpublished decision, rejected Duff’s contentions that the trial court violated Duff’s constitutional right to a jury trial by denying relief from his inadvertent jury waiver. It also denied Duff’s contentions that the law firm’s representation had been limited in scope (to a restraining order proceeding) before execution of a retainer agreement expanding the scope of retention. It further held that the trial judge’s membership in the same bar organization did not constitute impermissible bias and that Duff had an obligation to raise that concern at the earliest practicable opportunity. The unpublished Court of Appeal Opinion is here.

Conclusion

It is reported that the Court of Appeal in California has affirmed the judgment in favor of the FLP law firm client represented by our business bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles against a legal malpractice lawsuit. The plaintiff, Patrick Duff, had claimed legal malpractice, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty against the law firm and its client.

This outcome is a significant win for our firm and client, as it affirms the lower court’s ruling and dismisses the plaintiff’s allegations of malpractice. It also demonstrates the importance of having experienced bankruptcy law firm and business bankruptcy attorneys in Los Angeles when facing legal malpractice claims.

If anyone needs assistance related to legal malpractice cases, the law firm in question offers consultation and can be contacted through their contact form.