King v. Superior Court

GORDON, Vice Chief Justice:

In December, 1981, petitioner Ted King was sued by Albert and Saralee Beletz re garding an alleged partnership agreement [hereinafter “the first action”]. The Beletzes requested a declaration that a partnership existed and sought a partnership accounting, the quieting of title to certain partnership properties, and punitive damages. King hired respondent Robert R. Bauer, a partner in the respondent law firm, to defend him in this action. Prior to the trial, the parties agreed to bifurcate the matter. A first trial was to be limited to determining whether a…