In an explosive statement to Law360, Owoc likened the South Florida bankruptcy community to a “criminal enterprise,” controlled by a “rigged and politically protected network of corrupt judges, attorneys, and trustees.” He claims he has been targeted by the legal establishment, with eight law firms withdrawing from his case under political pressure.
“This isn’t just misconduct — this is organized crime,” Owoc declared. “Every outside law firm I’ve spoken with acknowledges the corruption but refuses to go on record, fearing retaliation.”
He has vowed to work with federal authorities, including the FBI, to expose what he calls systemic corruption in the bankruptcy courts.
A Firm’s Defiant Response
Conrad & Scherer, however, remains steadfast. Gilbert dismissed Owoc’s accusations, calling them a predictable tactic to deflect from the firm’s legitimate fee claims.
“Sadly, it is quite common for a defendant to counter a lawsuit for fees by alleging malpractice and other transgressions,” Gilbert said. “I feel that the strategy is to try and coerce the plaintiff lawyer into dropping his claim. We do not bow to such tactics.”
