The case, which began in 2003, saw Shashikant Jogani (known as Shashi) initially sue Haresh and his other three brothers, accusing them of freezing him out of their lucrative real estate partnership. The litigation spanned two decades, involving numerous appeals, a jury verdict that was overturned, and shifting family loyalties. The recent trial ended with a $3 billion punitive damages award against Haresh Jogani, adding to the case’s estimated total value of $10 billion, making it one of Los Angeles’ largest verdicts.
Despite Haresh Jogani’s legal team, led by Steven Bledsoe of Larson LLP, arguing that the Friedmans’ $1,800 hourly rate was inflated and undocumented, the judge stood by her decision. She cited the extraordinary nature of the case and the intense demands placed on the legal teams involved.
“The fees are justified,” Judge Bryant-Deason concluded, acknowledging the blood, sweat, and tears poured into the case by all parties. “This case has been nothing short of breathtaking in its scope and complexity.”
