Jones

Introduction

Plaintiff Ellen T. Jones appeals from a judgment entered on a jury verdict in favor of defendant Paul F. Moore in her action for legal malpractice arising out of defendant’s legal representation in an underlying marital dissolution action. Plaintiff contends on appeal that the trial court erred in excluding at trial certain testimony of her expert witness on the applicable standard of care, and in permitting defendant’s expert witness to testify as to matters beyond the scope of defendant’s expert witness declaration. Plaintiff also contends that there was instructional error requiring reversal of the judgment.

We find no error as to any of the contentions raised by plaintiff and therefore affirm the judgment.

Factual and Procedural Background

Plaintiff retained defendant in 1987 to represent her in marital dissolution proceedings. The property settlement issues were hotly contended. The husband, Kevin Jones, held substantial separate property, including stock in the construction business and related entities founded by his father, and interests in various limited partnerships which held real estate assets. Plaintiff and Kevin had difficulty reaching…