Lawyer Fee Fight Over $775K Police Shooting Settlement

Legal Drama: Fatal Police Shooting Settlement Turns into Fee Fight

In a twist of events, a $775,000 settlement from a fatal police shooting has sparked a contentious fee dispute between two law firms. Brandon Roberts, a 27-year-old man, was shot and killed by Milford police officers during a mental health crisis in 2020. His family settled the wrongful death claim, but now, Delawares Neuberger Firm is suing Philadelphia attorney Mark Maguires team for over $147,000 based on a legal lien.

Neuberger claims they did extensive early work, including investigating the scene, lining up experts, and running a media campaign to pressure the city. They had fee agreements signed by family members promising a 36% cut of any recovery, plus a lien that sticks no matter who finishes the case. Neuberger alleges Maguires firm used their files and demand letters to build the lawsuit and secure the deal.

Maguires team counters that Neuberger never filed a single court paper, didnt open an estate for Roberts children, and quit representing key family members early. They question Neubergers billing, pointing to instances like 32 hours logged in one day and excessive media prep costs.

The dispute escalated to federal court after starting in state court last December, with Maguire pushing to dismiss it. Both sides exchanged files and lien warnings during the handoff, but no payment came Neubergers way from the $169,000 cut Maguires firm took. This fee battle highlights how even significant victories can become entangled in legal drama, leaving Roberts family waiting longer while the courts determine who gets paid what.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
[email protected]

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to [email protected].

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/ea31e20ab054c44a