The defendant lawyer brought a motion under Rule 21 of the Rules of Civil Procedure to dismiss a claim brought by a former law firm for inducing breach of contract, interference with economic relations, defamation, conspiracy, extortion, intimidation, abuse of process, and fraudulent conveyance.
The claim arose after the defendant advised former clients of the plaintiff law firm to challenge the enforceability of a fixed‑fee retainer and to seek an assessment of the firm’s accounts.
The court held that advising clients to challenge another lawyer’s fees and representing them in litigation is not actionable and is protected by solicitor‑client privilege and litigation privilege.
The pleadings contained bald allegations lacking material facts and attempted to impose liability for conduct inherent to legal advocacy.
It was plain and obvious that none of the pleaded causes of action could succeed.