MTO is the law firm that other law firms trust when reputation and client relationships are at risk. We have defended more than 200 professional liability matters for lawyers and law firms of all sizes, including several Am Law firms. 

Law Firm Defense & Professional Liability

The lawyers that other lawyers count on.

Law Firm Defense & Professional Liability

Overview

From multibillion-dollar malpractice claims to malicious prosecution and internal law firm partnership disputes, MTO represents lawyers in their most sensitive and high-stakes matters — and we win. 

We understand the reputational and existential risks associated with allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct against lawyers and their firms. In response, we deliver smart, aggressive counsel. Our team has secured complete defense victories at trial, defeated class certification, prevailed on summary judgment and succeeded in compelling arbitration, where we have also achieved victories. 

We’ve represented firms in cases involving legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, conflicts of interest, contempt, malicious prosecution and RICO claims, often arising from complex litigation, high-profile transactions or prior class actions. We also provide representation in investigations involving firm governance, regulatory compliance, false claims and SEC scrutiny. 

Because our team includes former prosecutors, seasoned trial lawyers and litigators with deep experience defending other lawyers, we bring unmatched credibility and insight to these cases. We know the law and how to litigate it with the nuance and discretion law firm clients expect. 

Whether resolving claims quietly or trying them publicly, MTO is recognized for our relentless preparation, compelling advocacy and strategic clarity. From individual partners to global firms with hundreds of attorneys, lawyers and law firms count on MTO to defend their work, reputation and future. 

Experience

Legal Malpractice, Conflicts of Interests and Breach of Fiduciary Duty

An Am Law 20 law firm in a $2 billion legal malpractice case filed by the bankruptcy trustee of a former client. We obtained a complete victory in the bankruptcy court and the matter settled favorably before resolution of the appeal.

A prominent Chicago law firm in a legal malpractice case brought by a former client consumer lending company that sought over a billion dollars in damages. The matter settled favorably days before trial.

An international law firm in a legal malpractice case brought by a former client that had been the plaintiff in an unsuccessful patent infringement trial in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, seeking over $90 million in damages. The matter resolved favorably while the firm’s motion for summary judgment was pending.

A prominent Los Angeles law firm in obtaining a defense award in a lengthy arbitration in which a reality TV star alleged that the law firm’s negligent handling of a jury trial resulted in a multimillion-dollar verdict against her and her company.

A large global law firm in a legal malpractice case regarding the collapse of an energy-trading and utilities company. The court dismissed the main case, and related actions settled while the dismissal was on appeal.

A New York-based international law firm in a legal malpractice case by the CEO of a former client, who had been forced to disgorge a large part of his bonus by the Delaware Chancery Court. Our attorneys successfully resolved the case shortly before trial.

An international trial and litigation law firm in a legal malpractice case brought by various syndicates of a British insurance market. The court dismissed the claim as time-barred, and the appellate court affirmed.

An international trial and litigation law firm in a legal malpractice case arising from its representation of a products manufacturer. The case settled favorably.

An Am Law 100 law firm in a putative class action alleging that the firm improperly handled a class action seeking return of buyers’ down payments on Las Vegas Strip condominiums. The claims against our client settled on favorable terms.

A California law firm in a legal malpractice case arising from the firm’s representation of a real estate developer. The court granted our client’s motion for summary judgment.

A California law firm in a legal malpractice case arising from an adverse arbitral award against its client. The case settled favorably.

A law firm in a legal malpractice arbitration in which a real estate developer alleged that the firm did not flag a provision of to the development agreement that negatively affected its profit participation.

An American law firm in a legal malpractice case, including claims of aiding and abetting, and breach of fiduciary duty, arising out of a major movie studio financing deal. After obtaining a court order compelling arbitration, our attorneys obtained a dismissal on the basis that a plaintiff entity had previously filed for cancellation.

An Am Law 100 law firm in a legal malpractice case and, after we obtained a favorable settlement, an additional claim for breach of the settlement. The court found for our client on that claim.

An international law firm in a legal malpractice case brought by the bankruptcy trustee of another law firm, alleging aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty. The case settled favorably.

A national law firm in a legal malpractice case filed by retired NFL players. The court dismissed the complaint, and the case settled while on appeal.

Multiple partners of an Am Law 200 law firm in a putative RICO action. The plaintiff dismissed its claims after receiving our Rule 11 letter.

An Am Law 100 law firm in a legal malpractice case, including claims of breach of fiduciary duty, false advertising, unfair competition and fraud. The case settled favorably.

An Am Law 100 law firm and one of its senior partners in a conflict of interest case filed by a major airline. After a five‐week jury trial, the jury awarded the airline a token sum and the court dismissed the punitive damages claim. The judgment was affirmed on appeal.

A global law firm in a disqualification motion based upon an alleged conflict of interest.

An international law firm in a legal malpractice case alleging fraud and professional negligence arising from bankruptcy. The plaintiff sought hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. The case settled favorably.

An Am Law 200 law firm in resolving hundreds of legal malpractice cases by former clients who received improper tax shelter opinions from a former partner.

An international Am Law 10 law firm in a case alleging that the firm provided material assistance to a financier who defrauded hundreds of consumers.

An international Am Law 20 firm in a class action alleging legal malpractice in the handling of a prior mass proceeding. The case settled favorably.

An international law firm in a California False Claims Act case brought by a board member of a former client who alleged that the firm’s advice resulted in a misappropriation of public funds. Our lawyers aggressively litigated the case, including two trips to the Court of Appeal on writs, and successfully resolved the matter on the eve of trial.

Malicious Prosecution

An American law firm in defending against a series of related malicious prosecution, malpractice and other claims in state and federal courts in New York and California. We prevailed on an anti‐SLAPP motion as to some of the claims and favorably settled the remaining claims.

A law firm in defending against a malicious prosecution claim. We obtained a writ of mandate from the California Court of Appeal directing entry of summary judgment in the client’s favor.

Investigations

Three partners of a national law firm in their testimony before the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Partners of an Am Law 100 law firm in an SEC investigation.

The general counsel of a U.S. multinational corporation in a government investigation under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

The city attorneys for two Southern California cities in an investigation for allegedly obtaining payments for themselves in city bond financings.

The general counsel of a Fortune 500 company who was the subject of a federal grand jury investigation of possible Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations. Charges against the general counsel were declined.

Internal and Other Matters

An international law firm in an internal investigation related to allegations of wrongdoing by one of its partners.

An international law firm in an arbitration involving a fee dispute with a former client. Our client was awarded more than $5 million in fees and interest, as well as attorneys’ fees.