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In a stunning legal twist that has left the legal community perplexed, Karen Schauble, an esteemed Denver attorney from Schauble Law Group, has filed a legal malpractice lawsuit against Greenberg Traurig LLP lawyers and the firm. The lawsuit comes after they allegedly refused to drop her ex-husband as a client in divorce proceedings, despite their long-standing relationships with both the firm and the attorneys.

Decades-Long Association

Karen Schauble's association with Keith Pockross, one of the attorneys named in the lawsuit, dates back to 1993, before he joined the Greenberg Traurig LLP. For nearly three decades, their legal relationship endured as Pockross transitioned through various law firms. Pockross, who currently holds the position of "of counsel" at Greenberg Traurig, officially joined the firm in the early 2000s. During this time, they collaborated on numerous legal matters that extended well into the 2020s.

Schauble, previously known as Leaffer, was an individual client of Greenberg Traurig, utilizing their services for matters related to her law firm and other businesses she owned. The firm's representation continued even at the time of her divorce.

Greenberg Filed Divorce Case : Shocking Betrayal

The shockwave that hit Karen Schauble occurred in November 2021 when her husband initiated divorce proceedings. Given the history of her legal representation, Ms. Schauble naturally considered Greenberg Traurig to be her legal advocates in this matter. Her world was turned upside down when she discovered that Keith Pockross had agreed to have Greenberg Traurig represent her husband in the divorce case, and the attorney who filed the divorce petition was Robert Kaufman, a Greenberg Traurig attorney.

Karen Schauble repeatedly implored Greenberg Traurig to withdraw as counsel for her ex-husband. Yet, instead of complying with her request, the firm sought her consent to continue representing him, a request she adamantly refused.

Legal Battle Ensues

In a perplexing turn of events, Schauble pursued the disqualification of the firm and the attorneys. Following a hearing in which Keith Pockross testified against her, a judge ruled in June 2022 that Schauble was still considered a client of the firm. Consequently, Kaufman and the firm were disqualified from representing her ex-husband in the divorce case.

The disqualification ordeal inflicted substantial financial losses on Schauble, including over $90,000 in attorney fees and $67,000 worth of work she had to forego to focus on litigating this matter.

Greenberg Filed Divorce Case : Pursuit of Justice

In the face of these challenges, Karen Schauble is determined to seek justice. She is now seeking to recover these financial losses as damages for alleged legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty. Moreover, she seeks compensation for the emotional distress she endured due to the betrayal of her trust related to her breach of fiduciary duty claim.

Anthony Viorst, attorney at The Viorst Law Offices PC representing Schauble, highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "This is not straight legal malpractice. This is more serious than that."

Greenberg Traurig declined to comment on the matter.

Schauble's legal battle is spearheaded by Anthony Viorst of The Viorst Law Offices PC.

Counsel information for Greenberg Traurig, Kaufman, and Pockross was not available.