Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. v. Syntek Finance Corp.

This case turns on the application of the “substantial relationship” test for attorney disqualification based on prior representation of the same or a related client. Following a lengthy hearing, the trial court overruled a motion to disqualify counsel filed by Syntek Finance Corporation. After a jury trial, a judgment for approximately $6.7 million was rendered in favor of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. The court of appeals reversed that judgment and remanded the case for a new trial, holding that the trial court abused its discretion when it denied Syntek’s motion for disqualification…