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A federal court has struck a charging lien asserted in high-profile litigation involving Google, Character.AI, and the family of Sewell Setzer III, finding that the law firm asserting the charging lien failed to support key allegations included in the charging lien with sufficient evidence.
Ferraro Law attorneys James Ferraro, Jr., Angelica Novick, and Leslie Rothenberg represented the plaintiffs’ counsel and their law firm to oppose the charging lien. The charging lien was filed by a law firm that previously employed one of the plaintiffs’ attorneys while the parties were finalizing settlement of the case. Through the charging lien, that law firm sought a portion of the expected financial recovery in the case.
Ferraro Law challenged the lien, arguing that critical allegations supporting the claim were demonstrably false. After reviewing the evidence the court agreed and struck the lien.
What Is an Attorney Charging Lien?
A charging lien is a legal mechanism that allows a law firm to claim a portion of a recovery or settlement in a case when it believes it is entitled to compensation for work performed in a case.
Before a court will enforce a charging lien, the law firm asserting the claim must establish a legal right to the fees it seeks. Courts carefully scrutinize these claims.
Why the Decision Matters for Legal Fees
Charging liens serve an important purpose when attorneys have legitimately earned fees through their work on a case. At the same time, courts require parties asserting those claims to support them with accurate facts and evidence, and they have a duty to support the filing in a proper manner with actual evidence reflecting the claimed interest.
This ruling reinforces a fundamental principle of the legal system: when seeking relief from a court, parties must ensure that their factual representations are accurate and supported by the record because a court’s determination depends on those representations.
As Angelica Novick of Ferraro Law noted in the context of protecting client interests when legal fees or settlement proceeds are at issue:
“When asserting a charging lien, or any legal filing, it is critical that not only the facts be on your client’s side, but that you present them to the Court accurately and have evidence in hand to back them up.”
Ferraro Law’s Commitment to Protecting Clients and the Attorney-Client Relationship
Ferraro Law was proud to represent its clients in successfully challenging the unsupported charging lien, reflecting the firm’s broader commitment to protecting clients and safeguarding the attorney-client relationship in high-impact litigation.
The ruling highlights the importance of careful factual investigation, accurate court filings, and strong advocacy when disputes arise over settlement proceeds and attorney-fee claims.
Read the full article: Federal Court Strikes Charging Lien Following Ferraro Law Challenge
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How long do commercial disputes typically last?
Depending on complexity, a straightforward matter might be resolved within months, but large-scale controversies with multiple business entities can span years, particularly if appeals arise.
02.
What is the benefit of settling out of court?
Settlement can save on legal fees, keep sensitive data confidential, and preserve relationships crucial for future collaborations. Many companies appreciate the predictability and efficiency of a well-crafted settlement.
03.
Are intangible harms, like brand damage, compensable?
In certain jurisdictions or under certain legal theories, intangible or reputational harm can qualify for monetary awards if you can prove real losses.
04.
If I win my case, how do I make sure the opposing side complies?
Post-judgment, your attorney can initiate enforcement, which might involve garnishing bank accounts, seizing property, or seeking contempt orders if the losing party resists.
05.
How does arbitration differ from litigation?
Arbitration typically involves a neutral third party or panel and offers a binding decision without a public trial. It’s often faster and more private, but also less flexible for appeals.
06.
Can Ferraro Law handle my commercial litigation case if my business is outside of Florida?
Absolutely. Ferraro Law represents businesses nationwide. Our extensive experience in complex commercial disputes proves we can effectively advocate for your interests, no matter where your business operates.
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When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
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Working with Daniel J. Di Matteo, Attorney and Partner at The Ferraro Law Firm was and is a life-changing forever experience. He is committed to a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is at the 100th percentile. Daniel handled everything with calmness, sensitivity and support that I needed through this difficult time. He always protected me and had my best interests. I am completely satisfied with the results.
If you need an attorney that operates at the highest level, that attorney is Daniel J. Di Matteo.
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Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
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My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
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