Law Firm Settled Malpractice Lawsuit in Michigan
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP resolved allegations regarding bankruptcy case handling.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Professional Services
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Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP and two clients have settled a legal malpractice lawsuit, resulting in the case being dismissed with prejudice in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The agreement concludes litigation that began in August 2025.
Why it matters
The case highlights the operational risks professional services firms face regarding client communication and bankruptcy procedural compliance. Legal malpractice claims often focus on failures to respond to pleadings or maintain regular updates, which can damage firm reputation and lead to costly settlements.
The settlement resolved a case involving two plaintiffs, Jeffrey Owen and Rosa Barowski, against the national firm and a former attorney. The dispute centered on allegations of abandoned bankruptcy proceedings and missed filing deadlines.
The players
Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
A national law firm providing a broad range of litigation and professional services.
Sean Walsh
A former attorney at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP who was named as a defendant.
Jeffrey Owen
A plaintiff in the legal malpractice lawsuit.
Rosa Barowski
A plaintiff in the legal malpractice lawsuit.
The details
Plaintiffs alleged that the firm breached its fiduciary duties by failing to communicate about bankruptcy proceedings and neglecting to respond to necessary pleadings. The settlement and subsequent dismissal with prejudice legally terminate the action in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, preventing the plaintiffs from refiling the same claims. This resolution marks the end of proceedings initiated in August 2025 regarding the conduct of the firm and former attorney Sean Walsh.
Timeline
August 2025: Plaintiffs filed the legal malpractice lawsuit.
October 9, 2026: Case dismissed following settlement agreement.
Market Landscape
This settlement follows the broader pattern of private resolutions for professional service liability cases rather than proceeding to a jury verdict. It reflects the ongoing challenge for firms to maintain strict documentation and communication standards in complex bankruptcy matters.
Professional services operators should review internal client communication protocols and bankruptcy documentation checklists to mitigate liability risks. Documenting the timelines for every response to pleadings is an essential step in maintaining a defensible audit trail.
The takeaway
The settlement underscores the importance of rigorous adherence to client communication and procedural deadlines to prevent malpractice claims. Operators should ensure that firm-wide standard operating procedures for bankruptcy filings are documented and verified by qualified counsel.
Further reading
For more on firm risk management and liability, visit Professional Services.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bloomberglaw.
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