Farmers win $1.1M verdict against prominent Portland lawyer
A jury in Cumberland County Superior Court issued a $1.1 million verdict in favor of an Aroostook County couple, who alleged prominent Portland attorney Daniel Lilley and his firm failed to adequately represent them in a case against New York-based agricultural giant Agway Inc.
The Portland Press Herald reported Vaughn and Mary Sleeper of Island Falls lost their potato seed farm as a result of the legal fight with Agway, which made false claims that the couple was selling genetically contaminated potato seeds in 1999 and 2000. The couple hired Lilley in 2001 and Agway declared bankruptcy in 2002.
In their civil case, the couple alleged Lilley failed to adequately conduct discovery, failed to convey settlement offers and failed to keep them apprised of the case status. The jury cast a 6-3 verdict in favor of the farmers.
Lilley told the paper that he and his firm are now filing motions to contest the verdict.
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