Facts

The plaintiff law firm was retained to represent the Janis defendants in a construction defect/mold infestation case regarding a multi-million dollar beachside Malibu mansion. The plaintiff obtained a settlement offer in excess of $1.4 million, which defendants rejected. The plaintiff withdrew from representation.

Richard Towne became attorney of record for the defendants in the underlying action. The case went on for an additional 18 months when the defendants failed to appear for trial in that underlying matter. The other side in that matter was awarded fees and costs of approximately $300,000. The defendants appealed that award, which was denied, and paid the judgment.

The Janis defendants then sued Gorry, Meyer & Rudd for malpractice. Gorry, Meyer & Rudd counter-sued for fees. Gorry, Meyer & Rudd was successful at obtaining a summary judgment of the claim for malpractice and tried the case against the Janises for the fees.

Result

Gorry, Meyer & Rudd received a judgment in the amount of $585,000, which included the fees incurred, their attorney fees in pursuing the action, interest and costs. The Janises filed new trial motions, which were all denied. They have filed a notice of appeal and have posted a bond securing the judgment obtained by Gorry, Meyer & Rudd.