A Broward lawyer whose clients lost their bid for attorney fees suggested judges were sending a message to him and other foreclosure defense lawyers: They may prevail in the courtroom, but lose when it comes to recouping expenses for borrowers who defaulted on mortgages.

Outspoken foreclosure defense attorney Roy Oppenheim said a court decision last week indicates lawyers representing homeowners against lenders will likely not get paid for their work, if they can’t recover attorney fees from plaintiffs who bring failed lawsuits. But he said it will likely spawn new litigation as successful defendants accuse financial institutions of common law and statutory torts.