Of the many aphorisms in law, "not good deed goes unpunished" is a pungent reminder of the Newtonian law that every action creates an equal reaction.  Here, in Campbell v Planet Asef Realty 2012 NY Slip Op 50679(U)   Decided on April 10, 2012   Appellate Term, Second Department  we see a recurring legal malpractice situation in…

Legal Malpractice litigation is ubiquitous and arises in many interesting and unique settings.  In Abramowitz v Lefkowicz & Gottfried, LLP  2012 NY Slip Op 31011(U)  April 11, 2012
Sup Ct, Nassau County  Docket Number: 015385-11  Judge: Arthur M. Diamond  we see legal malpractice litigation after the fallout of contract litigation claims between a company which…

Legal malpractice litigagnts, as well as most other plaintiffs, would like to bring a case where they live. It’s convenient, it’s more likely favorable, and it’s easier. However, a case which took place in a neighboring state may not be proper to bring in NY. Here is an example. In Paolucci v Kamas
2011 NY…

Justice Ling-Cohan writes a basic textbook of how an account stated case is decided in an attorney fee setting in Mintz & Fraade, P.C. v Docuport, Inc.  2012 NY Slip Op 30974(U)  April 11, 2012  Supreme Court, New York County  Docket Number: 603125/07  Judge: Doris Ling-Cohan.  Here the law firm loses.

"Before this court…

This attorney fee dispute went through the Supreme Court, the Appellate Division, Arbitration, and back to Supreme court.  In the end opposition papers were rejected, cross-motions were filed 5 hours late, and the case ended up with a big award on the attorney fees.  We wonder if they are collectible?

In Hoffinger Stern & Ross, …

In the Third Department certain types of cases seem to predominate. One such type is tax matters. This case, Dealey-Doe-Eyes Maddux v Schur ; 2011 NY Slip Op 02763 ; Appellate Division,  Third Department falls into that category. A failed tax action against Fulton County, followed by a failed legal malpractice action, followed by two later…

Some years ago the Legislature overruled the Court of Appeals, and passed CPLR 214(6). That statute was interpreted to say that all claims against an attorney (some other professionals) were subject to a 3 year statute, whether the claim was made in negligence or contract.

Here, in Walter v Castrataro   2012 NY Slip Op 02676   Decided on…

The short answer to the question is yes, they do;  the longer answer to the question is that their rights to first amendment protection of speech is very limited, and litigation over those rights will be stringently examined, or better put, subject to strict scrutiny.  In Ruotolo v Mussman & Northey
2012 NY Slip Op…