"Fairstead, et al. v Paul, Weiss" - Yet Another Early Test of Scott Barshay's Leadership/Management

 Malpractice lawsuits happen from time to time for law firms. Until they gain traction such as proving plaintiff has standing they are just allegations. 

So, today, that's where "Fairstead et al. v Paul, Weiss" is - an accusation. (Copy of the Complaint, filed yesterday) 

As such it may not constitute a test of the leadership/management skill of the law firm chair Scott Barshay. However, if the lawsuit is found to have merit, Paul, Weiss and its key players, present and past, could be in for more scrutiny. For about 15 months it and they have been the subject of extreme controversy. The matters range from the deal cut with the Trump administration to lift the Executive Order to relationship disclosures in the Epstein files to the termination of litigation associates. 

In this malpractice lawsuit involving accusations of a conflict of interest, as Bloomberg Law reports, it's alleged that:

"Paul Weiss placed a priority on its relationship with the wealthy Tisch family over its obligation to a former client [Fairstead] ... [It] failed to disclose ties to the billionaire family, leading to faulty legal advice and costly litigation, the ex-client, Fairstead, a real estate developer and property management firm,[claimed] ..."

Such a contention is not unusual after a client loses the original litigation. In response, also reports Bloomberg Law, Paul, Weiss has said: 

“Fairstead’s claims, asserted nearly four years after our representation ended, misrepresent basic facts, ignore binding court rulings and are baseless,” 

 Malpractice complaints, although they can be serious, frequently are dismissed or settled quickly. That means Barshay and Brad Karp can just navigate the residue of the more recent negative narratives. It was during Karp's leadership that the law firm had represented Fairstead.

That's the optimistic scenario. If the lawsuit proceeds toward trial the law firm could be plunged into yet another crisis. This one could directly impact how clients perceive Paul, Weiss. So far, clients have stuck with it through the Trump negotiations, Epstein fallout and downsizing of the litigation practices. Malpractice introduces a fresh reason for intense scrutiny.

In coaching, I guide clients on how to not worsen a crisis.

Careers? So Over. It’s about Earning a Good Living. No matter what.

Complimentary consultation. No Pressure. Street-smart Guidance. Contact Jane Genova janegenova374@gmail.com.

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