Though we recently blogged that the Rosa Parks estate battle appeared as if it were finally coming to an end after many years in the Detroit area probate court, it now appears that the case may be in court at least a little while longer. An attorney has filed a lawsuit claiming that two court-appointed lawyers, as well as the judge presiding over the case, have conspired to defraud the Parks estate of more than a half-million dollars.
Michigan attorney Stephen Cohen filed a lawsuit this week on behalf of the Rosa and Raymond Parks Institute for Self Development, the nonprofit organization Ms. Parks created. The lawsuit claims that Wayne County probate Judge Freddie G. Burton Jr. conspired with attorneys Melvin Jefferson Jr. and John Chase Jr. to charge more than $500,000 worth of unnecessary legal fees to the estate It also asks that Judge Burton be removed from the case.
A representative for the two accused attorneys has vehemently denied the charges, stating that the lawyers acted properly and always in accordance with court orders. Judge Burton has not made a statement.
Legal experts observing the case have stated that the lawsuit is very uncommon, noting that while many lawsuits are filed challenging a court ruling, few are filed claiming a judge has conspired with attorneys against one of the parties.
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