Varriano v. Bang

MESCHKE, Justice.

Dale Bang and Leonard Martin appeal from judgments on a jury verdict against them awarding Richard Varriano $800,000 in damages for defamation. We affirm.

Bang hired Varriano to represent him in a divorce from Bang’s wife, Viola. She contested the validity of a prenuptial agreement prepared by attorney Marshall Bergerud. During the divorce trial, Bang settled with Viola for $100,000, upon Varriano’s recommendation.

Near the end of April 1993, Bang sent Varriano a copy of a booklet entitled ‘When Dishonesty Pays,” by “Len Martin,” containing this excerpt:

Why did Varriano settle…