Attorney sues client seeking $16K for representation in divorce

GRETNA – An attorney who claims he represented a man in divorce proceedings is seeking payment of $16,605.32.

Jeffrey W. Bennett filed suit against Joseph R. Larocca in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 19.

Bennett, an attorney, claims Larocca signed a contract on March 22, 2013 retaining his services to represent him in a lawsuit concerning his divorce and including spousal support and the division of community property. The plaintiff alleges that as part of the contract the defendant agreed to pay him monthly for legal fees of $250 an hour and that under that contract he represented the defendant from March 22, 2013 until Jan. 31, 2015.

Howver, Bennett contends Larocca has failed to remit any payment on the amount of $20,605.32 for his services for December 2014 and January 2015. The plaintiff asserts he appealed a previous deposit by the defendant of $4,000 to the bill to bring the total amount owed down to $16,605.32.

The defendant is accused of breach of contract.

Damages in the amount of $16,605.32 plus 12 percent interest is sought by the plaintiff.

Bennett is represented by attorney Michelle Myer of Metairie.

The case has been assigned to Division C Judge June Berry Darensburg.

Case no. 746-834.