Small Law Firms

Law Firm Sued For $10 Million Over 'Menacing' Behavior

Everyone in this case needs to calm down.

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Everyone in this matter needs to chill out. Thankfully, the case revolves around a large marijuana grow operation, so they can find some mellow pretty easily. Joseph T. Gentleman from Gentleman Law represents the holding company in a dispute with an ousted CEO, represented by Rob Lang of Thompson Coburn. When Gentleman accused Lang and Thomspon Coburn of aiding and abetting a violation of an underlying non-compete agreement, he claims things got downright menacing and now he’s seeking over $10 million in punitive damages.

To say there’s no love lost between these two is an understatement. Law360 reports on an October email exchange surrounding a failed settlement effort:

Lang replied in an email that “Vinny’s opening statement from ‘My Cousin Vinny’ may be the best response, but I will keep the expletives out of it. Needless to say, we disagree with your diatribe,” court documents show. Vinny’s opening statement in that film is “Everything that guy just said is bullshit.”

Gentleman responded to that email with one saying “Lol… see you in court… the smart money is that you do not have the guts to file a motion to enforce a settlement because if you do you will be sanctioned. Come on Lang; man up or shut up,” according to court filings.

So things were already a little chippy between these two, but according to Gentleman, things stepped up a notch at a recent hearing.

When the case was called, Lang blocked Gentleman’s entry to the gate, then leaned in and said, “My firm sent me here to send you a message.”

Who talks like that? Lang should have just kissed him on the lips and said, “I know it was you, Gentleman!”

After the hearing Lang walked up behind Gentleman while he was writing and “slapped Gentleman on the back three times with each time getting harder and harder.”

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They send a nasty email, you send a nastier email. They hit you with an aiding and abetting claim, you hit them three times on the back. That’s the Chicago way.

And… that’s it. This is what this is all about?!? I’m not saying this doesn’t describe some messed-up behavior, but it seems significantly less than $10 million worth of wrongdoing.

I mean, is this guy high?

Thompson Coburn Hit With Suit Over ‘Violent’ Atty [Law360]

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HeadshotJoe Patrice is an editor at Above the Law and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. Feel free to email any tips, questions, or comments. Follow him on Twitter if you’re interested in law, politics, and a healthy dose of college sports news.

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