Subject:  Re: Okay, make that $350,000 |
Author:
Chris
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Date Posted: 11/15/06 5:47pm
In reply to:
Greta
's message, "Re: Geoff being sued by his ex-lawyer for 25K" on 11/12/06 9:03pm
Okay, now in this new story, that lawyer wants a jury trial and is suing Fieger for $350,000, not the $25,000 the news first reported. What gives?
Suit: Fieger owes lawyer $350K
Colleague says fees are overdue in at least 13 cases for Southfield lawyer, who denies claim.
Mike Martindale / The Detroit News
PONTIAC -- Geoffrey Fieger is being sued by a fellow lawyer who claims he's owed thousands of dollars for defending Fieger's interests in state and federal court in Michigan.
Richard L. Steinberg seeks a jury trial and damages from Fieger, probably best known for representing Dr. Jack Kevorkian. Steinberg said he is owed legal fees promised but never paid in various legal battles with the Michigan Supreme Court and Attorney General Mike Cox.
"This is an unfortunate situation, and we would just as soon settle it (without trial) and have everyone go their separate ways," said Richard B. Poling Jr., Steinberg's attorney. Fieger said Steinberg "was overpaid for work he did" and he is attempting to "extort exorbitant sums from me since then."
"I find it disgusting that he would do this and get you to help him do this by putting my name in the paper," said Fieger, who said he is paying the price of his celebrity. "If anything he has been paid too much and owes me money."
Steinberg responded: "I am in total sympathy with Geoff Fieger and believe he is being victimized by political enemies, but I can't practice law as a hobby and continue to feed my family."
Steinberg was among several Metro Detroit lawyers assembled into a team by Fieger to help fight an investigation into political contributions made by Fieger and his associates during the last presidential election.
Steinberg has also been involved in a lawsuit, on Fieger's behalf, seeking to have judges on the Michigan Supreme Court bench determined unfit to hear matters involving Fieger because they are allegedly biased.
Earlier this year Steinberg asked to be removed as Fieger's attorney in a related federal appeals case, claiming at that time Fieger owed him more than $350,000.
"I don't want to get into specifics at this time but my impression that would be grossly understating what my client is actually owed now," Poling said.
Steinberg alleges he was paid only partial fees for his appearances or legal work in at least 13 cases over the past three years. Steinberg said he has already completed his work in some of the cases or others were resolved or withdrawn. Some cases are pending, he said.
Steinberg's lawsuit, which alleges breach of contract and unjust enrichment, is assigned to Oakland Circuit Judge Rudy J. Nichols.
You can reach Mike Martindale at (248) 647-7226 or mmartindale@detnews.com.
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