Grayson v. Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin and Kuriansky

Arthur Grayson brought an action against his wife, Elyn Grayson (plaintiff), for the dissolution of their marriage. Elyn hired the law firm of Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin and Kuriansky (the attorneys) (defendants) to represent her. On the advice of the firm, Elyn agreed to a settlement that included provisions for alimony payments to her. The court approved the settlement agreement and incorporated it into a judgment of dissolution. Later that year, Elyn unsuccessfully sought to challenge the judgment on the ground that it had been based on a fraudulent affidavit submitted by Arthur—an affidavit that failed to disclose the full extent of Arthur’s financial assets. Elyn then brought a malpractice action against the attorneys and their firm, alleging negligence in their handling of her case. A family-law attorney testified as an expert witness, expressing his opinion that the firm’s work fell far below the appropriate standard of care for a marital-dissolution case. The attorneys of the firm moved for a directed verdict, which was denied. The jury found in favor of Elyn and awarded her $1,500,000, and the court rendered judgment in accordance with the jury verdict. The attorneys moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, which was also denied. The attorneys appealed. The appellate court affirmed. The attorneys again appealed. The Connecticut Supreme Court granted certiorari.