A legal malpractice suit that previously secured a $1.1 million jury verdict in favor of a lawyer’s client, has been overturned by a federal judge in Massachusetts. Despite acknowledging the seemingly counterintuitive outcome, Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV affirmed his duty to adhere to the parameters set by the policy and Massachusetts law.
The original litigation case involved Joan Stormo who secured the services of attorney Peter T. Clark for representation in her real estate sale to KGM Custom Homes, Inc. in 2004 and 2005. The completion of the sale was impeded, in large part due to Clark’s conduct, as the court opinion filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts discloses.
The overturning of the verdict was compelled by Clark’s failure to inform his malpractice insurer about the claim in a timely manner. Legal professionals around the globe will be keeping an eye on the ripple effects of this case, but currently, the ramifications stand as a stark reminder of the importance of prompt communication and clarity with malpractice insurers. For a more detailed account of the proceedings, the original article is available on Law.com.