A New Jersey appeals court has upheld the dismissal of a client’s legal malpractice suit against Hill Wallack because both sides had already entered a settlement that included a release of all future claims.

“Even if the malpractice claim had not been released in the 2009 settlement order, it would be barred by the entire controversy doctrine,” the Appellate Division said in its Jan. 8 opinion in Torre v. Hill Wallack.