Practice point: Plaintiffs allege that the attorney-defendants, who were retained as
the attorneys for the allegedly fraudulent corporation, were complicit in the fraudulent scheme by
drafting documents and a shareholder agreement designed to give
plaintiffs the impression that the corporation was legitimate, and by
dealing directly with plaintiffs in reviewing the documents and giving
them "accompanying legal advice and counsel."
The Appellate Division determined that, as against the attorney-defendants, the causes of action sounding in constructive fraud and negligent misrepresentation causes of action were deficient, as they failed to to allege the requisite fiduciary or special
relationship between plaintiffs and defendants. The Appellate Division noted that the attorneys for a corporation represent the corporate entity, not the shareholders, and here the parties did not expressly agree otherwise. Plaintiffs' subjective belief did not create an
attorney-client relationship or a close relationship approaching privity
that imposed on defendants a duty to impart correct
information.
Student note: To the extent that the causes of action, as pleaded, could be
fairly interpreted as including liability for aiding and abetting fraud,
they are still deficient because they fail to allege that the attorney-defendants
had actual knowledge of the fraud and provided substantial assistance in
its commission. The allegation that the attorneys "knew or
should have known" of the fraud is conclusory, and alleges mere
constructive knowledge. The allegations that the attorneys
prepared merger documents and a shareholder agreement are allegations of
ordinary professional activity, not substantial assistance.
Case: Gregor v. Rossi, NY Slip Op 06012 (1st Dept. 2014)
Here is the decision.
Tomorrow's issue: Whistleblower suits and notices of claim.
