Posted on: Wednesday, November 12, 2003

Former judge ordered to pay client $285,443

Advertiser Staff

A Circuit Court jury has found that former Family Court District Judge Richard Lee negligently represented a woman in a paternity action and has awarded that woman $285,443 in damages.

The jury returned the verdict on Friday awarding Reiko Tanaka $200,000 in general damages, $65,029 in special damages, and $20,414 for unfair or deceptive trade practices.

Tanaka alleged that Lee's law firm failed to obtain a paternity judgment and then charged her more than $40,000 in legal fees. Tanaka paid about $30,000 and Lee's firm then sued her for the balance of more than $9,878, according to a statement released by her attorneys, Wayne Sakai and Madalyn Purcell.

Tanaka responded by filing a counter claim and demanding a jury trial, alleging professional negligence.