Ridenour v. Lewis

Plaintiff appeals a judgment dismissing her claim for legal malpractice. She assigns error to the order granting defendant’s motion for a directed verdict. We review to determine whether there is a complete absence of proof on an essential issue, Brown v. J. C. Penney Co., 297 Or 695, 688 P2d 811 (1984), and reverse.

In June, 1981, plaintiff made a six month loan of $90,000 to her son, Clarry, and his associate, Dilger. Dilger and Clarry applied the money towards the purchase of Aviation Enterprises (Aviation), in which they became equal shareholders. Aviation netted $250,000 the first year.…