CHICAGO–A Chicago man is suing two lawyers, alleging the terms the defendants agreed to in a settlement with family members cost him $5 million.
Jeffrey E. Mandalis filed a lawsuit Nov. 19 in Cook County Circuit Court against David F. Wentzel and Scott Blake, alleging legal malpractice.
According to the complaint, Mandalis hired Wentzel and Blake to represent him in a lawsuit over the control of allegedly mismanaged financial trusts involving a family member. The suit says the two lawyers agreed to a mediated settlement for the trusts on his behalf, but did not represent his interests or wishes.
The plaintiff says the defendants’ actions caused a lawsuit among the family members that is ongoing.
Mandalis seeks damages to be determined in a jury trial, plus litigation costs. He is represented by attorney Thomas W. Gooch III of Gauthier & Gooch in Waucondal.
Cook County Circuit Court Case number 2015-L063081.