. Chris McAdam Jr., the heirs' father, married Sarah Gannett, who was the daughter of Frank Gannett, "the founder of one of the largest newspaper chains in the country." In 1998, McAdam hired Gunster attorney Hanley to update his estate planning, and Hanley then hired JPMorgan to handle the work.
However, when McAdam died in 2003, McAdam's two sons claimed that Gunster Yoakley and JPMorgan "looted their father's $66 million estate by charging $1.8 million in unjustified fees," the article continues. They also "accused Gunster of numerous deceptions. Among other things, they alleged the law firm never told their father that JPMorgan was one of the firm's major clients."
Gunster Yoakley's attorneys, however, argued back.
"The law firm could not be held liable for excessive fees because the brothers had never objected to them," says the article. "They also asserted that McAdam's sons had no standing to sue and had failed to pursue available legal remedies to remove JPMorgan as trustee of the estate."
Circuit Judge Jonathan Gerber rejected their arguments. So, Gunster appealed.
But on Wednesday, when the case came before the 4th District Court of Appeals, Gunster lost and the McAdams walked away with $1.04 million.
"The plaintiffs showed that their father's intent, as expressed in his will, was frustrated by the negligence of Gunster Yoakley and that, as a direct result of such negligence, their legacy was diminished," said Judge Mark E. Polen in a written opinion.
