The war between Donald Trump and his former lawyers at Morrison Cohen is over. Trump last week settled two state court suits he brought against the law firm on the eve of one going to trial. Both sides said Tuesday they were pleased with the deal, which resolved separate claims of malpractice and misappropriation of the Trump name on the firm’s Web site. “They’re happy, I’m happy, and everyone’s happy at this time,” Trump said in an interview.
The real estate magnate sued Morrison Cohen for malpractice in 2007 in Westchester Supreme Court. Morrison Cohen partner Y. David Scharf had represented Trump Briarcliff Manor Development company in a breach-of-contract litigation against a contractor. The litigation resulted in around $5 million in judgments, but Trump argued that Morrison Cohen spent too much time racking up fees on a claim that resulted in only a $40,000 recovery. The firm counterclaimed seeking $470,000 in unpaid legal fees.
