Adelson, Testan, Brundo, Novell & Jimenez says Matthew Koller, Michael Misa, Martin Stefen and Teresa Ward used company email and phones to discuss potential office locations, a name for their new firm and to organise a meeting with a financial adviser.

‘Took copies of client contact lists’

A complaint  filed in Orange County Superior Court claims: ‘In anticipation of launching their new firm, the defendants also took copies of client contact lists, forms and exemplars, and other confidential and proprietary information by sending files to their personal email accounts throughout January, February and March 16.’

Seeking damages

According to the lawsuit, Adelson Testan fired the quartet in April after learning of their plans. The firm is seeking damages, injunctive relief and disgorgement of portions of the ex-partners' salaries.

‘Nothing inappropriate’

The four partners have launched their workers compensation insurance defense firm in Huntington Beach. Their attorney, Daniel O'Rielly of O'Rielly and Roche, told The Recorder: ‘These attorneys were highly productive at their former firm, and they decided to leave that firm in full compliance with all legal and ethical rules. There was nothing inappropriate in the way they departed, or in the way they have conducted business since they left.’