After a five-year legal battle that traversed the Georgia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court, Beal Sutherland Berlin & Brown is proud to announce a significant courtroom victory: an $11.4 million jury verdict on behalf of three former law firm partners in a complex breach of contract and fraud case against attorney Lin Wood and his firm, L. Lin Wood, P.C.
This result is a testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to pursuing justice in business litigation cases involving contractual disputes and fraudulent conduct. Attorneys Milinda Brown and Andrew Beal led the charge, representing Nicole Wade, Jonathan Grunberg, and Taylor Wilson in a case that combined detailed contractual analysis, extensive evidentiary documentation, and emotional testimony.
The Case at a Glance
The plaintiffs, all former partners of Lin Wood, brought claims against Mr. Wood and his professional corporation for failure to pay agreed-upon fees outlined in a Settlement Agreement established during the dissolution of their firm. The lawsuit also addressed violations of the contract’s non-disparagement clause due to repeated derogatory posts made by Mr. Wood on social media.
In addition to the breach of contract claims, the plaintiffs alleged fraud based on emails in which Mr. Wood communicated to another attorney his intention to withhold their share of a substantial case fee that was clearly accounted for in the Settlement Agreement.
The case, filed in August 2020, required extraordinary persistence. Over the years, it involved hundreds of documents, extensive discovery, and motions before appellate courts. Ultimately, the case returned to the courtroom of Judge Scott McAfee for a two-week jury trial that concluded with a resounding victory for the plaintiffs.
Powerful Evidence and Strategic Advocacy
During the trial, the jury heard Mr. Wood’s own words via voicemails, read emails and text messages sent to the plaintiffs, and viewed a videotaped evidentiary deposition from a Kentucky attorney whose communications with Mr. Wood helped establish intent. One of the most impactful trial tools was a detailed PowerPoint timeline presented during closing arguments. This timeline laid out months of evidence showing the defendants’ evolving strategy and intent.
The plaintiffs’ legal team also faced unique procedural challenges. Due to Georgia's new tort reform laws, they were prohibited from stating a damages amount prior to or during the trial. Nevertheless, the closing arguments laid a thorough foundation for every aspect of the damages sought, and the jury responded decisively.
In just two hours of deliberation, the jury awarded the plaintiffs the full amount requested:
- $1,034,199.99 for unpaid contract damages
- $750,000.00 for breach of the non-disparagement clause
- $3,368,400.00 in fraud damages
- $1,292,777.00 in attorneys’ fees
- $5,000,000.00 in punitive damages, based on a finding of specific intent to harm
The verdict marked the end of a long and arduous legal journey for the plaintiffs. Attorney Andrew Beal noted that the team was extremely pleased with the outcome, as the jury awarded exactly what was requested. Attorney Milinda Brown emphasized the emotional weight of the win, sharing that their clients truly felt vindicated after enduring a five-year struggle to hold the defendants accountable.
A Clear Example of Fraud and Contract Breach in Action
This verdict is not only a significant win for the firm and its clients—it also stands as a strong example of howfraud andbreach of contract cases can evolve when handled by a team with deep litigation experience. The jury’s finding of fraud and specific intent to harm reinforces the critical importance of presenting clear, comprehensive evidence and a compelling legal narrative.
Beal Sutherland Berlin & Brown is proud to have achieved justice for its clients in a case that demanded both legal acumen and resilience. This result demonstrates our firm's capacity to navigate the most complex disputes and secure meaningful results for our clients.
Facing a Serious Business Dispute? We’re Here to Help.
Facing a breach of contract, fraud, or other complex legal dispute? Beal Sutherland Berlin & Brown is ready to stand by your side. With a track record of success, a strategic approach, and unwavering dedication to our clients, our experienced attorneys deliver results that truly set us apart. Reach out to our team today to discover how we can support you.
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