Kasny v. Coonen and Roth, Ltd.

Plaintiff, Roger R. Kasny, appeals the dismissal of his legal malpractice claim against defendant, Coonen & Roth, Ltd., n/k/a Roth, Melei, Santeler, Ltd. Plaintiff contends that a small claims judgment for outstanding attorney fees entered in defendant’s favor does not bar his legal malpractice case. We reverse and remand.

In 2002, plaintiff retained defendant to represent him in the dissolution of his marriage. Plaintiff signed an engagement agreement with defendant, whereby plaintiff agreed to pay defendant reasonable fees for necessary work done and to work toward reconciliation. Plaintiff…