Opinion ID: 771982
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Federal Action Against Dorfman

Text: 16 On October 9, 1997, Baker commenced this action against Dorfman, who appeared pro se. Baker sought a declaration that the state court would have granted leave to file a late notice of claim if Dorfman had filed one, and damages for legal malpractice and resume fraud. 17 The district court granted partial summary judgment in Baker's favor, issuing the requested declaration and concluding that Dorfman had committed legal malpractice. The remaining issues, as follows, were presented to the jury: (i) the amount of malpractice damages, (ii) whether Dorfman had committed fraud, (iii) if so, whether punitive damages were warranted, and (iv) the amount of any punitive damages. 18 The jury awarded $360,000 in compensatory damages, found that Dorfman had committed fraud, and awarded $25,000 in punitive damages on account of the fraud. The compensatory damages consisted of $285,000 for emotional distress, $70,000 for lost wages, and $5,000 for out-of-pocket expenses. The court entered judgment in the total amount of $385,000 on December 2, 1998. 19 Post-trial, Dorfman appeared by counsel, and moved for a new trial, which the district court denied. See Baker v. Dorfman, No. 97 CIV 7512 (DLC), 1999 WL 191531, at - (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 6, 1999). As to the malpractice claim, the court concluded, inter alia, that although Baker suffered a portion of his damages after learning he was HIV-negative, the judgment was not against the weight of the evidence and the damage award was reasonable. See id. at -. As to the fraud claim, the court concluded that Dorfman had defrauded Baker into retaining him through the use of patent falsehoods and misrepresentations designed to portray himself as an experienced litigator. Id. at . 20 For his part, Baker moved post-trial to amend the judgment to add pre-judgment interest and attorney's fees on the state-court appeal. The court amended the judgment by adding $7,312.50 for prejudgment interest on the value of Baker's lost claim, and $11,178.05 for attorney's fees incurred when Baker unsuccessfully appealed the dismissal of his claim against the City. See id. at -. 21 Final judgment was entered on April 9, 1999, and this appeal by Dorfman followed.