Robert Shapiro Loses Initial Round in Suit by Jailed Phil Spector Seeking Refund of $1M Retainer
Celebrity attorney Robert Shapiro will have to defend a lawsuit by a jailed former client seeking a refund of a $1 million retainer fee.
Rejecting a motion to dismiss by Shapiro and his law firm, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Malcolm Mackey ruled today that a jury must decide certain issues raised by music producer Phil Spector. They include whether he was charged a fair fee by Glaser Weil Fink Jacobs Howard & Shapiro, reports the Beverly Hills Courier.
Spector, who was convicted of second-degree murder while being represented by other legal counsel, also contends that Shapiro saw his case as “an opportunity to make a financial windfall and garner publicity for himself.”
On his side, Shapiro contends that he gave up other lucrative representations—including an opportunity to stand at the side of actor Robert Blake, who was also accused of murdering a female companion, in order to represent Spector. (Blake was acquitted of the murder but held liable in a civil suit.)
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Bad Hair, Harmonious Jury Helped Tip Scales of Justice Against Phil Spector”
ABAJournal.com: “Phil Spector Appeals Murder Rap, Citing Error, Misconduct”
