Celebrity Lawyer Mark Geragos Wins Appeal in $100K Malpractice Case
A major legal twist has given celebrity attorney Mark Geragos a victory in court. Once facing a six-figure penalty, the Los Angeles lawyer now owes nothing after a Superior Court judge overturned a jury’s decision that had ordered him to pay $100,000 to youth basketball coach Gary Franklin.
From Nike Scandal to Courtroom Battle
The dispute stems from a 2018 controversy involving Nike and Franklin’s youth basketball program. After the company ended its sponsorship, Franklin turned to attorney Michael Avenatti, later joined by Geragos, to pursue a settlement.
Instead of closing a potential $1.5 million deal, the lawyers allegedly threatened to expose misconduct in youth basketball unless Nike hired them for an internal investigation.
Freepik | EyeEm | The Nike dispute leads to legal battles and highlights the risks lawyers face in high-profile cases.
The scheme backfired. Avenatti landed in prison, while Geragos was never charged but was once considered an unindicted co-conspirator. Franklin then filed a malpractice suit claiming that both attorneys had derailed his settlement and left him with nothing.
Jury Awards Damages, But Judge Overrules
During a trial earlier this year, a jury found Geragos had aided Avenatti’s actions and breached his professional duties. Still, the panel decided Franklin had not suffered direct harm from Geragos himself. Despite that finding, jurors awarded Franklin $100,000 in damages, calling the conduct wrongful.
Geragos’ legal team quickly challenged the decision. They argued that under California law, damages cannot be awarded without a clear finding of liability. Franklin’s own attorney acknowledged the issue, and both sides agreed to vacate the verdict. Judge Steven Cochran then ruled that Franklin “shall recover nothing” from Geragos.
Geragos Celebrates Court Victory
Instagram | @abmdr | Mark Geragos celebrates his courtroom victory and defends his hard-earned money after the ruling.
Geragos expressed his satisfaction with the ruling through a statement shared by a spokesperson.
Quoting Cardi B, he remarked, “Don’t ever think that I’m gonna give you my money that I work hard for. I don’t lie in bed all day, I work all day, and I work hard for my money. Don’t you ever think that you’re gonna sue me and I’m just gonna settle? It’s not gonna happen.”
Franklin’s attorney declined to comment on the outcome, leaving Geragos with a clear courtroom win.
This decision highlights how legal technicalities can shift the outcome of high-stakes cases. For Geragos, it protects both his finances and his professional reputation. For Franklin, it closes the door on potential damages tied to the Nike settlement controversy.
And in the world of celebrity law, it serves as a reminder that even high-profile trials can take unexpected turns.