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Syracuse University is suing its own lawyers over paperwork in a real estate deal turned sour.
The university filed suit against local law firm Bond, Schoeneck & King, charging legal malpractice over the way lawyers represented the university in a contract with a developer to build a $20 million fitness center and bookstore. A key clause was not included in legal documents, reported The Post-Standard.
That clause, a “time is of the essence” clause, would have allowed the university to break its contract with developer Cameron Hill Construction without fear of liability in the event that the developer missed a financing deadline. The university severed its contract with the developer in 2014 because of construction delays and a failure to secure financing. The developer is suing the university for ending the contract, blaming the university for delays and alleging breach of contract.
Bond, Schoeneck & King is the largest law firm in the city of Syracuse. It has represented Syracuse University for years, notably making $4 million in the 2012 fiscal year, the year the firm took part in investigating child-molestation charges against former associate basketball coach Bernie Fine.
New York City law firm Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman is representing the university in the case against Bond, Schoeneck & King. The local law firm continues to represent the university regarding other issues, The Post-Standard reported.
