Boston law firm Prince Lobel Tye LLP has filed a lawsuit against Chicago rapper G Herbo, accusing him of failing to pay over $237,000 in legal fees for the firm's work defending him in a high-profile criminal case. The suit, filed in Suffolk Superior Court, alleges that G Herbo, whose real name is Herbert Randall Wright III, breached his fee agreement after Prince Lobel provided extensive legal services in his defense against federal fraud charges.

Prince Lobel Rapper Fraud Lawsuit : Fraud Case Background

The criminal case against Wright involved allegations that he and five others, including his promoter Antonio M. Strong, used stolen credit card information to fund extravagant purchases, such as private jets, a Jamaican villa, and even puppies. In July 2023, Wright pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and making false statements. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors dropped aggravated identity theft charges.

Although federal prosecutors sought a 10-month prison sentence, aiming to send a "clear message" about the seriousness of credit card fraud, U.S. District Judge Mark G. Mastroianni sentenced Wright to three years of probation, along with $140,000 in restitution, a $5,500 fine, and forfeiture.

Prince Lobel’s Lawsuit

Prince Lobel claims it provided a vigorous defense led by white-collar co-chair James Lawson, which ultimately helped secure Wright’s lighter sentence. The firm’s lawsuit states that Wright had agreed to pay $685 per hour for partner Walter B. Prince and $570 per hour for Lawson’s services, plus additional costs for the defense. Wright also paid an initial $80,000 retainer.

Despite receiving monthly invoices, Wright stopped paying his legal bills in December 2022, shortly before his sentencing. Prince Lobel is now seeking to recover the outstanding balance, along with 1.2% interest on unpaid amounts past due for more than 60 days. The firm argues that Wright’s failure to pay violates the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

Prince Lobel Rapper Fraud Lawsuit : Law Firm's Response

Prince Lobel's in-house counsel, Tom Elcock, expressed disappointment over the need to pursue litigation. "After working hard for Mr. Wright and getting what we believe was a good result for him in the criminal case, it's unfortunate he did not pay the firm for all of its hard work," Elcock said.

As of now, representatives for Wright have not responded to the allegations, and legal counsel for the rapper has not been identified.