A deaf law client’s human rights case against a Staten Island law firm is slated for a June 6 conference on two remaining causes of action after a judge dismissed a legal malpractice claim. Supreme Court Justice Joseph Maltese (See Profile) recently held in White v. Chelli & Bush, 2013 NY Slip Op 30491, that Chelli & Bush was not liable for legal malpractice for allegedly failing to provide a sign language interpreter for a deaf client who agreed to settle a personal injury matter for half the limits of an insurance policy. But the client’s claims under state and city human rights laws remain intact, pending a conference in June.
The client, Marsha White, contends she clearly articulated her need for a sign language interpreter at every stage of the litigation, but was denied that accommodation by Chelli & Bush. The firm has characterized the lawsuit as "frivolous" (NYLJ, March 19).
