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Breach of Contract
Legal Malpractice
Fraud

Isaacson, et al. v. Biegel, et al.

Published: Jun. 19, 1999 | Result Date: Apr. 5, 1999 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |

Case number: C9721156JW Verdict –  $0

Judge

James D. Wareham

Court

USDC Northern


Attorneys

Plaintiff

Steven J. Brady
(Brady Law Group)


Defendant

George V. Genzmer III


Experts

Plaintiff

Harry C. Singer
(technical)

Defendant

Frank R. Ubhaus
(Berliner Cohen) (technical)

Paul A. Greenberg
(technical)

Facts

In the course of defending the plaintiffs in an underlying criminal prosecution and civil action by the Monterey County District Attorney's Office and the California Attorney General's Office, the defendant, Biegel, obtained a favorable plea bargain and settlement to both the actions, where the plaintiffs were accused of violating California Penal Code º327 regarding "illegal pyramid schemes" and other criminal statutes as well as Business and Professions Code º17200, for unfair business practices, and other related civil statutes. After a preliminary hearing, the plaintiffs were each facing four felony convictions, up to 10 years in prison. In the civil case, the plaintiffs were facing damages in excess of $1.5 million. The plaintiffs plea bargained to one misdemeanor count each with no jail time and settled for fines of less than $500,000. The plaintiffs then filed this action for legal malpractice, intentional misrepresentation and negligent misrepresentation. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on fraud and negligent misrepresentation.

Settlement Discussions

The plaintiffs made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $500,000. The defendant made no offer.

Other Information

The verdict was reached approximately ____ years and ____ months after the case was filed. A settlement conference?/ arbitration?/ mediation was held on ____/_____/19_____ before _____________ (name) of ______________ (affiliation) resulting in ____________ .

Deliberation

five hours

Poll

8-0

Length

nine days


#96953

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