Biglaw Giant Settles Case Alleging Overbilling

At least that case settled quickly.

(Photo via Getty Images)

Earlier this year, a former client filed a lawsuit against the Biglaw firm of Morrison & Foerster alleging a “billing feeding frenzy.” Plaintiffs, which include Synergies Corp., AVD Trading, FireStar Group LLC, Firestar Diamond International and owner, jewelry designer Nirav Modi, filed causes of action for breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud, breach of contract, and theft that stemmed from an engagement where the firm was hired to wind down the entities, and the plaintiffs were left with a bill for $484,321.39.

Now the parties have come to a settlement after mediation in the matter. As reported by Law.com, the precise terms of the settlement are unknown. However, Peter Taaffe, of counsel at The Buzbee Law Firm, represents the plaintiffs and made this statement about the settlement:

“The parties have come to a mutual settlement and the terms of the settlement are confidential. The plaintiff parties also add that ‘Morrison & Foerster provided plaintiffs with valuable legal work, and plaintiffs appreciate its counsel.’”

For their part, MoFo (nor the attorney representing them in the matter, Tom O’Brien of Baker Botts) did not have a comment on the matter. But you have to imagine it was nice to have at least one high-profile dispute or scandal be resolved, and quickly at that.


headshotKathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, and host of The Jabot podcast. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter (@Kathryn1).

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