Kelley v. Ferraro

VERDICT

Trial
03/25/08 – 04/11/08

Summary

Widow of deceased law firm partner sought dissolution of law firm and division of its assets.

Lynn Kelley, a former Cleveland Heights municipal judge, was the widow of Michael Kelley. Michael Kelley and James Ferraro founded an asbestos litigation law firm 1997. Lynn Kelley sought to recover half of the law firm's total assets, estimated close to $3.5 billion.

According to the plaintiff, the partners had agreed to dissolve the partnership and distribute the assets upon the death of either partner. However, Judge Daniel Gaul ruled that the jury could only award damages based on quasi-contract.

The jury found there was a quasi-contract, and awarded the plaintiff damages of $4,220,000.

Outcome

Owed to the Lynn Kelly: 4,220,000

Case Information
Attorneys
Witnesses
Plaintiff
Defense
Verdict
$4,220,000
Judge
Daniel Gaul
Jurisdiction
Ohio Court of Common Pleas, Cuyahoga County
Court
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court
Case Number
CV-06-589040
Industry
Legal
Practice Area
Wills, Trusts, Estates and Probate, Business Organizations, Commercial Law
Plaintiff
Kelley, Lynn
Defense
Ferraro, James
Expert Witnesses
Lay Witnesses

Sessions

MAR
25
MAR
26
MAR
27
MAR
28
MAR
31
APR
1
APR
2
APR
3
APR
4
AM Session
Defense Witness(es)
2 Chapters
APR
7
APR
8
APR
9
APR
10
PM Session
Verdict
2 Chapters
APR
11

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