Vista, California Jun 3, 2024 (Issuewire.com) – https://courtindex.sdcourt.ca.gov/CISPublic/casedetail?casenum=202300051853&casesite=NC&applcode=C

Mark A Nelson and The Law Office of Mark A Nelson APC based out of Vista, California were sued by Plaintiff on 11/30/2023 in the San Diego County Superior Court, North County Branch. The plaintiff filed a complaint for Breach of Contract, Fraud, Professional Negligence, Breach of Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing, Breach of quasi-contract, Claim for Promissory Estoppel and Conspiracy.

The defendant is an Attorney in California with an office in Vista and practices Family Law. The plaintiff is seeking from Defendants the following, $25,000 and interest, court costs, punitive damages of $100,000, for reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred in filing the lawsuit, $100,000 for pain and suffering caused by Defendants and any relief that the Court sees fit

Plaintiff alleges in the complaint that Defendant Mark. A. Nelson and Plaintiff had known each other for over 15 years. Both attended the same church. Defendant confided to Plaintiff that he was in financial trouble and behind on his rent for this apartment and his business office rental and that his law practice was not doing well. On August 12th 2022, Defendant wanted to discuss a business proposal with Plaintiff to assist him in getting out of his financial difficulties. Plaintiff alleges that Defendant proposed to Plaintiff a business opportunity whereby for a retainer fee of $25,0000, Defendant would provide 1) legal services at the rate of $400 and 2) give profit sharing opportunity in The Law Office of Mark A. Nelson if Plaintiff helped generate new business for the Law Firm. On August 16th, 2022 Plaintiff gave Defendant, Mark A. Nelson a check for $25,000 to help with his expenses. The very next day after receiving and cashing the check and before signing a written agreement to formalize the verbal agreement, Defendants, Mark A. Nelson and the law firm of Mark A. Nelson told Plaintiff that they would not provide any legal services for the $25,000 nor give any profit shares from the law firm. When Plaintiff asked for his money back, Defendants refused and said to go ahead and sue him. Plaintiff alleges that in text and email communication Mark A. Nelson acknowledged receiving the money and promised to pay back the money. However, soon thereafter Mark A. Nelson refused to return the money and stopped all communication with Plaintiff. Defendant also told Plaintiff that if Plaintiff wanted his money Plaintiff should take him to court. The plaintiff did some background checks on the Defendants and found Court records showing that the Defendants, Mark A. Nelson and his Law Firm had a history of being sued by other people. After receiving $25,000 from the Plaintiff over a year ago, Defendants have not given anything in return. The plaintiff is out of $25,000 with nothing to show for. On October 18, 2023, a demand letter was sent to Mark A. Nelson asking to pay the money back but Mark A. Nelson or his law firm did not respond.