A simmering legal battle over millions in disputed assets has now splintered into another courtroom clash — this time over unpaid legal fees.
In a breach of contract complaint filed Monday in North Carolina Superior Court, Shipman & Wright LLP alleged that college sports data company Winthrop Intelligence LLC failed to pay nearly $116,000 for three months of legal services tied to the company’s high-stakes dispute with the widow of its co-founder.
The lawsuit, framed around what the firm describes as a refusal to pay while demanding continued representation, centers on what it calls the Shipman & Wright $116K Bill defected from payment.
Law Firm Says It Worked — But Wasn’t Paid
According to the complaint, Shipman & Wright provided what it characterized as extensive legal representation from April through July 2025, defending Winthrop in a contentious asset fight unfolding in North Carolina Business Court.
The firm claims it submitted invoices totaling $115,952.70. Despite repeated payment requests, Winthrop allegedly neither disputed the charges nor sought fee arbitration through the North Carolina State Bar’s Fee Dispute Resolution Program. Instead, the company allegedly refused to pay while instructing the firm to continue its vigorous defense.
Caught between unpaid invoices and ongoing litigation demands, Shipman & Wright moved to withdraw from the case. A court granted that request in early July 2025.
Now, the firm seeks $115,952.70 plus interest in its breach of contract suit. It is representing itself in the matter.
