New York City, NY – In a major development in legal circles, Harry Dorvilier and Harry’s Nursery Registry Inc. (HNS), have launched a lawsuit against Meissner, Kleinberg & Finkel, L.L.P. (MKF), a New York-based law firm, and attorney Richard Finkel, Esq., alleging negligent representation.
The plaintiffs, represented by Ballon Stoll Bader and Nadler, P.C., claim that MKF and Mr. Finkel inadequately represented them during a previous lawsuit, Commissioners of the New York State Insurance Fund v. Harry’s Nursery Registry, Inc. The plaintiffs allege that MKF failed to obtain the necessary documents and did not conduct discovery properly, despite representing their legal interests.
Harry Dorvilier, the owner, president, and Chief Executive Officer of Harry’s Nursery Registry Inc., a licensed home health care agency, initially retained MKF in 2013. Despite being a complex insurance and tax issue, the defendants allegedly failed to consult expert witnesses or adequately prepare for the case.
Adding to the allegations, Mr. Dorvilier claims that attorney Richard Finkel, a partner of MKF, reached an agreement with the State Insurance Fund without his knowledge or consultation. This resulted in HNS being required to pay a settlement that was not fully understood by Dorvilier due to the lack of proper consultation.
The complaint filed by Harry Dorvilier and Harry’s Nursery Registry Inc. details multiple causes of action. It cites legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty by the defendants as they failed to act in the best interest of their clients. Additionally, they allege breach of contract as the defendants reportedly received approximately $50,000 in legal fees and expenses without adequately performing their duties as outlined in the retainer agreement.
In the filed complaint, the plaintiffs are seeking compensation on all counts of action, punitive damages, costs and attorney’s fees, and further relief deemed appropriate by the court.
While the legal proceedings are set to unfold, this case underlines the importance of ethical legal representation and the responsibilities attorneys bear towards their clients. The allegations brought forth by Harry Dorvilier and Harry’s Nursery Registry Inc. could bring about further scrutiny into the legal practices of Meissner, Kleinberg & Finkel, L.L.P.
The representatives of Meissner, Kleinberg & Finkel, L.L.P. have yet to comment on the allegations.