The case, which began in the High Court yesterday (15 July), sees LG defend itself against the negligence claim brought by Sara Dayman - a bankruptcy trustee of Sandra Fielding. Dayman is pursuing LG to recover outstanding debts of Sandra Fielding.
The claim, which was originally filed in February 2006, alleges that LG negligently allowed Sandra Fielding to become liable for debts of her husband on a joint account, which were unknown to her until after the sale of her property.
The debt was mainly owed to the Royal Bank of
Barlows commercial litigation head Neil Jamieson is advising LG with 4 New Square's Sue
Cripps Harries Hall disputes partner Peter Garry is advising Dayman, with
Neither of the Fieldings are involved in the current proceedings.
Michael Fielding was sentenced to eight years in jail in 2005 after pleading guilty to theft arising from charges that he stole approximately £6m in client accounts. The former LG partner had already been declared bankrupt and been struck off the solicitors’ roll.
As reported by Legal Week in 2005, LG’s equity partners and the firm’s insurers paid back all monies that Fielding stole, totalling £6.4m, including interest. In addition LG settled a £30m negligence claim brought by former Fielding client London & Regional Properties in February 2005.
In a statement, LG said: "We have been advised that this is an unmeritorious claim and we are vigorously defending it."
