Ex-Office Manager Sues 2 Lawyers for Barratry, Says She Was Fired for Refusing to Solicit Cases
In what may be the first such case brought under a tough new Texas anti-barratry law, a former office manager has sued the two attorneys for whom she formerly worked, seeking damages for allegedly being pressured to solicit business for the firm.
Mary Uribe says she was fired after refusing to sign a contract with Keith Gould and Paul Andrews that promised to pay her for violating the law.
She is seeking a statutory $10,000 penalty and other relief, reports the San Antonio Express-News. She is represented by attorney Bill Edwards of Corpus Christi in the Nueces County suit, which was filed on Monday.
Reached by the newspaper, Andrews said he couldn’t comment on specific allegations but called the suit “completely groundless.” He said Uribe was “a disgruntled employee who was fired for inappropriate conduct” and promised to “get us by whatever means she can,” the Express-News reports.
The two lawyers specialize in employment matters according to their law firm bios.
The Corpus Christi Caller-Times also has a story.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Each Violation of New Barratry Law Could Cost Texas Lawyers a $10K Fine, Plus Attorney’s Fees”
