New York Firm Faces Ex-Client’s Claims It Pursued Own Interests

A New York man adequately alleged his law firm breached its duty to him, and deceived him, when it sought to avoid a sanctions order, a federal court ruled. The firm also allegedly took actions against his interests.

Balestriere Fariello LLP, John G. Balestriere, and other attorneys at the firm allegedly threatened to sue a lawyer representing their client, Ames Ray, in another matter. They also allegedly threatened to withdraw as counsel before the sanctions hearing, and threatened to disclose privileged emails.

These alleged actions “are enough to establish that Defendants engaged in a chronic, extreme pattern of delinquency,” the ...