We are still waiting for the decision. Here is what the case is about:
My client’s adult son, in the course of matrimonial proceedings is charged criminally as a result of allegations made by his estranged spouse. The son retains a criminal defence lawyer who, after about $80,000.00 successfully obtains an acquittal.
Some time passes, and my client receives a letter from a lawyer hired by the criminal defence lawyer alleging that my client entered into a verbal contract to guarantee that his accounts to the son would be paid.
The son entered into a written retainer agreement with his criminal defence lawyer. The son signed a written promissory note in favor of the criminal defence lawyer. The criminal defence lawyer sent all accounts in writing to only the son. Not one piece of paper, not an agreement, not a letter, was ever signed or received by the client.
A demand letter is sent. The client comes to see me. I write back telling them to “go pound salt” (a phrase that I am actually unsure as to its origins or meanings… but I digress).
I assume that is the end of it. What self respecting lawyer would try to sue someone on a verbal agreement? It’s not worth the paper it’s written on!
Well, the lawyer sues (so much for my powers of prediction!).
More to follow…….
John Barzo