Potter v. Pierce

The issue this case presented for the Supreme Court's review was one of res judicata, and whether the preclusive effect of a fee proceeding in bankruptcy court on a later lawsuit for legal malpractice allegedly committed in the course of the bankruptcy. After review, the Court held that the elements of res judicata were met and that Petitioner was sufficiently aware of his malpractice claim, which he could and should have brought in the bankruptcy proceeding. The Court affirmed dismissal of Petitioner’s subsequent malpractice suit but emphasized that barring a claim on res judicata grounds requires a determination that the claimant had a full and fair opportunity to litigate the claim in the earlier proceeding. View "Potter v. Pierce" on Justia Law