X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
This is an appeal from a denial of a special appearance filed by a Minnesota law firm in a suit against it filed by a former member of the firm. In the suit, appellee William J. French (French) asserted that the law firm had tortiuously interfered with a contract and conspired to further interfere with his contractual rights. Because the appellant law firm waived any challenge to the trial court’s personal jurisdiction over it, we affirm the trial court’s order.

The factual and procedural history of the underlying dispute is complex but helpful to an understanding of the issue presented. In 1995, French was a partner in the Milwaukee law firm of Gibbs, Roper, Loots & Williams (the Gibbs firm) and represented plaintiffs in several class action suits. The Gibbs firm decided that it no longer supported that litigation. French left the Gibbs firm to join the Whittenburg law firm in Amarillo. Upon his departure in December 1995, French entered into a detailed separation agreement with the Gibbs firm that set out the rights of the parties to fees and costs recovered in the class action suits. When French joined the Amarillo firm, it became Conant, Whittenburg, French & Schachter (CWFS). The Gibbs firm subsequently merged with another Minnesota firm under the firm name von Briesen, Purtell & Roper (VPR). VPR does not dispute that, by virtue of the merger, it became bound by the separation agreement.

When settlement of the class action became imminent, a dispute arose about the interpretation of the 1995 separation agreement. In April 1998, CWFS filed a declaratory judgment suit in the 251st District Court of Randall County seeking a declaration of the rights of the parties under the separation agreement. In the suit, VPR, French, and another attorney named Robert Gegios were also named as parties. *fn1 The action was removed to federal court in which VPR filed an answer, cross-claims, and counterclaims against French and CWFS alleging breach of contract, interference with contract, conversion, and unjust enrichment. The suit was subsequently remanded back to the 251st District Court in which VPR filed another answer and reasserted the cross-claims and counterclaims.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
September 06, 2024
Johannesburg

The African Legal Awards recognise exceptional achievement within Africa s legal community during a period of rapid change.


Learn More
September 12, 2024
New York, NY

Consulting Magazine identifies the best firms to work for in the consulting profession.


Learn More

Wisniewski & Associates, LLC seeks attorney licensed in NJ and NY with 2-5 years experience for its multi-state real estate, land use, ...


Apply Now ›

Labor Relations CounselUS-GA-AtlantaJob ID: 2024-0042Type: 4 (Exempt, Bargaining Unit 1 (EB)# of Openings: 1Category: Contract Administratio...


Apply Now ›

ASSISTANT FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDERS Two posi...


Apply Now ›
06/27/2024
The American Lawyer

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›