Finn

I. BACKGROUND

In December 2020, Finn sued, among others, defendant, defendant’s husband Thomas V. Girardi (Girardi), and his law firm Girardi & Keese (G&K).1 In the operative second amended complaint, Finn—a solo-practitioner lawyer himself—alleged he entered into a number of retainer agreements with individuals who required legal assistance in prosecuting claims arising out of exposure to toxic chemicals; those claims became part of the so- called “TXI Cases.” Finn referred all of his TXI clients to G&K. Pursuant to written agreements, Finn and G&K agreed to jointly represent Finn’s clients. The TXI Cases, according to the operative pleading, were ultimately resolved with a cash settlement in the amount of $31 million. When Finn did not receive his share of the settlement from G&K (i.e., $3.94 million), he filed suit.

1 Among the other named defendants was an entity, EJ Global, LLC (EJ Global), which Finn alleged was owned by defendant. Shortly after it granted summary judgment to defendant, the trial court granted EJ Global’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.

2 Finn’s lawsuit asserts a single cause of action against defendant: aiding and abetting a breach of fiduciary…