Michael R. Drobot v. Jerry R. Sparks
Opinion
Trial Court Opinion
I. Background
A. Factual Background
Michael R. Drabot (“Burton”), National Laboratory Services, LLC (“NLS”), and Rona Reyes (“Reyes”) (collectively “Plaintiffs”) brought this lawsuit alleging that that Jerry R. Sparks (“Sparks” or “Defendant”) committed legal malpractice while serving as NLS’s general counsel. Complaint (Dkt. 1-1) ¶¶ 17-19, 23, 51.
B. Procedural Background Plaintiffs filed the complaint in Orange County Superior Court on April 17, 2024, against Defendant alleging legal malpractice, fraudulent concealment, breach of fiduciary
CIVIL MINUTES – GENERAL
Case No. 8:24-CV-01328-DOC-DFMx Date: June 24, 2024
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duty, negligent interference with prospective economic advantage, and unfair business practices. Complaint. Plaintiffs allege Defendant’s legal services were below the standard of care amounting to malpractice, and as a result, Plaintiffs have suffered millions in damages. Id. ¶¶ 18-19. Defendant removed the case to this Court on June 14, 2024, asserting that this Court has diversity jurisdiction. Notice of Removal (“Removal”) (Dkt. 1). The Court disagrees.
II. Legal Standard
“If at any time before final judgment it appears that the…