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AS SEEN ON BUFFALONEWS.COM
Former client not quiet about legal fee dispute
A disgruntled (1) former (2) client of one of Buffalo's largest
law firms has broadcast its feud over legal fees (3) onto the
Web, on a billboard, and on fliers distributed at area law schools.
David and Daniel Elia, the former principals of the now-defunct
(4) DA Elia Construction Co. in Niagara Falls (5), are accusing
Damon & Morey LLP of "corruption that is undermining
the very integrity of our legal system," (6) according to
a Web site, www.damon-moreymisconduct.com, that the Elias created.
The Elias say the area's No. 3 law firm, which handled the company's
bankruptcy case, hid a secret contingency fee agreement, lied
to several courts about a conflict-of-interest by several attorneys,
and secretly worked against its own client. (7) Besides the Web
site, the duo put up a billboard on Niagara Falls Boulevard that
has since been removed, and is now handing out fliers at the
University at Buffalo Law School and emailing other firms in
a bid to damage Damon & Morey's reputation. (8)
But the law firm, which represented DA Elia in Chapter 11 bankruptcy
proceedings, says its $350,000 legal fee (9) was
upheld by three federal courts despite the Elias' claims. (10) And
it quotes judges who say the construction firm was just trying
to avoid paying the money.
Damon & Morey is now exploring its legal options, but has
not decided what action to take, said managing partner Peter
S. Marlette.(11) |
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