Malpractice suit brought by Spokane diocese against law firm will go to trial
December 19, 2014
A federal bankruptcy judge has cleared for a trial in a legal-malpractice case brought by Diocese of Spokane against a law firm that handled diocesan bankruptcy proceedings.
The diocese has charged that the firm of Paine Hamblen failed to secure the interests of the diocese by setting up a $1 million fund to pay settlements to sex-abuse victims. That fund was soon exhausted, prompting victims to file claims against the parishes of the diocese.
The suit against Paine Hamblen was filed after then-Bishop Blaise Cupich became the leader of the Spokane diocese, and after the diocese had emerged from bankruptcy. Archbishop Cupich, who now heads the Archdiocese of Chicago, is expected to testify when the case comes to trial early next year.
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Further information:
- Malpractice case filed by diocese sent to court (AP)
- On eve of Chicago installation, Archbishop-elect Cupich blasted by Spokane law firm (CWN, 11/13)
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