JD Journal

The estate of Heller Ehrman, the San Francisco-based law firm that imploded spectacularly in November 2008, may sue Washington DC’s Covington & Burling, which hired 14 ex-Heller partners last September.

Heller contends that the partner defections contributed to the downfall of the firm, by causing banks to freeze firm accounts. The estate is suing Covington and the partners for breach of fiduciary duty.

Lovitt & Hannan is representing Heller Ehrman. It employs Heller dissolution committee member Jonathan Hayden.

The partners have replied that Heller had plenty of notice the group was moving to Covington.

Founded in San Francisco in 1890, Heller Ehrman LLP was an international law firm of more than 730 attorneys in 15 offices in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The firm dissolved in November 2008.

Related posts:

1. Former Heller Employees Sue Partners
2. Heller Ehrman Sued By DC Office Landlord
3. Departing Heller Ehrman Partners Paid $7 Million
4. Heller Ehrman Buried in Lawsuits; May Be Forced Into Bankruptcy
5. Many from Heller, Thelen Remain Jobless
6. Court: Firm Can Sue Departing Partners