Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani Denver Partners John Palmeri and Tamara Seelman and Associate Stephanie Hiquiana achieved an important win in a high-stakes arbitration case on behalf of their attorney clients, securing a substantial success fee and defeating claims of legal malpractice.
The arbitration arose from a dispute over a high-end, exclusive residence club located in a renowned Colorado resort town. GRSM’s clients, a group of prominent trial attorneys from multiple states, represented the club in complex federal court litigation, which ultimately settled on favorable terms for the club, including non-monetary benefits.
As part of the settlement, the attorneys were entitled to a success fee, which was outlined in their engagement agreement—an agreement that had been reviewed and approved by the club’s outside counsel. Despite this, the club disputed the success fee and filed a claim for legal malpractice. Following a six-day arbitration hearing, the arbitrator ruled in favor of the attorneys, awarding them a seven-figure success fee and rejecting the club’s malpractice claims. This result not only supported the attorneys’ position but also resolved a novel legal issue regarding the enforceability of success fees.
GRSM’s success in this arbitration highlights the firm’s capability to deliver effective and strategic representation in complex professional liability matters. When professionals face litigation, GRSM’s team is well-prepared to handle attorney malpractice and related claims with skill and precision.
Contact a member of our Professional Liability Defense team for assistance with similar issues.