Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (BCLP) has filed a lawsuit against Miss America Competitions LLC and Miss America IP LLC in Florida state court, seeking nearly $1 million in unpaid legal fees. The suit, filed on September 5, 2024, comes after years of litigation surrounding the fees owed to the law firm.
BCLP sued Miss America Competitions : Details of the Lawsuit
BCLP claims it is owed $926,248.31 in legal fees and interest from Miss America Organization Inc. entities, stemming from a 2022 court ruling that awarded the firm the amount. According to the complaint, Miss America Organization transferred assets to Miss America Competitions LLC and Miss America IP LLC, making them responsible for the outstanding payment. The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and fraudulent transfer.
The law firm first won an arbitration award in March 2021 for $851,061.56, which included $717,485.19 in unpaid legal fees plus interest. The award was later certified by a lower court in April 2022, bringing the total amount owed to $926,248.31.
Asset Transfers and Non-Payment
BCLP claims Miss America Organization’s failure to pay has lasted over 17 months. The firm alleges that Miss America IP LLC, formed in December 2022 to manage intellectual property, acquired all assets and interests from Miss America Organization, including its debts. As a result, BCLP contends that the new entity is now responsible for the legal fees.