Afternoon Briefs: Lawyer accused of shaking down clients; Taco Bell sued over advertised price
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Lawyer accused of shaking down Colombian clients through false promises
A Texas lawyer who markets himself as the “DWI Dude” is on trial for allegedly shaking down three Colombian clients by promising them freedom in exchange for about $1.5 million in fees. The lawyer, 62-year-old Jamie Balagia, maintains that he was manipulated by his investigator, a former government informant. (The Dallas Morning News here and here)
Couple sues Taco Bell over advertised price of Chalupa Cravings Boxes
A New Jersey couple has sued Taco Bell because they did not receive two Chalupa Cravings Boxes at the advertised price of $5 each. Nelson Estrella-Rojas and his wife, Joann Estrella, said they were charged $12.18, before sales tax. When they asked why they didn’t get the advertised deal, they were told about “legal fine print” at the end of a TV commercial that said prices may vary and the $5 deal is available only at participating locations for a limited time. The couple said the disclaimer was not clear and conspicuous, as required by New Jersey law. Taco Bell said its ads are truthful and accurate, and it will defend the case vigorously. (The Bridgewater Courier News)
Greenberg Traurig agrees to pay $65M to settle suit involving Ponzi schemer
Greenberg Traurig has agreed to pay $65 million to resolve claims by a receiver representing investors who lost up to $7 billion in a Ponzi scheme run by R. Allen Stanford, a former Texas billionaire financier. A former Greenberg Traurig partner was accused of enabling Stanford’s conduct; Greenberg Traurig told Law360 that the firm thought that it had no liability. (Law360)
