Carroll v. Interstate Brands Corp.

Opinion

JONES, P. J.

The question before us in this appeal is whether the trial court properly ordered an attorney’s lien “expunged.” We conclude the trial court lacked jurisdiction to assess the validity of the lien, and we reverse the order.

Background

In two consolidated actions below, trial was held on the claims of several plaintiffs for damages resulting from race-based employment discrimination. All 23 plaintiffs were initially represented by the Law Offices of Joseph Alioto and Angela Alioto (hereafter Alioto). Alioto in turn hired Attorney Waukeen Q. McCoy to perform certain legal work…