Plaintiff Wins—No Matter the Amount
Despite the comparatively modest $100,000 damages award, this case sets a lasting precedent. In civil litigation, the “prevailing party” is the one who wins any positive judgment, even if the amount is symbolic. Here, Franklin is legally the winner. As any seasoned litigator knows, a win is a win—even if your adversary smiles for the cameras and claims otherwise.
Trent Copeland, who represented Franklin, said the $100,000 award was “less substantial than we believe the evidence proved” but a win nonetheless.
The real contest for Geragos is just beginning. As the legal maxim goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied”—but justice may be only just beginning to catch up with Mark Geragos.
Multiple Perspectives: Defense and Plaintiff Weigh In
Sean Macias, Geragos’ defense counsel, insists, “We are gratified that the jurors saw through this lawsuit and found Mr. Geragos caused no harm,” echoing the argument that Geragos was little more than a bystander—a “concierge” connecting parties.
“It’s almost like suing a concierge,” Macias said. “At all times, all he was doing was connecting someone.”
Remarking that Avenatti handled most of the discussions with Nike’s attorneys in 2019, Macias summed up Geragos’ stance: “All I did was bring two parties together, sit quietly, sip a Diet Coke, and somehow, I ended up getting sued.”
Yet, as the jury made clear, sitting silently in the room while wrongful conduct unfolds does not absolve an attorney of responsibility.
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