A California businesswoman has filed a lawsuit against her former attorney, alleging multiple counts of legal malpractice, breach of contract, and fraud. Suzanne Rodda, along with RRT Group, Inc., filed the complaint in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara on October 28, 2024, against Jessica Danielski and unnamed defendants referred to as Does 1-20.
The case revolves around Rodda's allegations that Danielski mishandled her legal responsibilities while representing Rodda in forming and operating a real estate business. According to the complaint, Rodda intended to establish a business structure for herself as a licensed real estate broker under RRT Group, Inc. The complaint outlines that Danielski was introduced to Rodda by Dorothy Dee Ramirez on October 13, 2020. Shortly thereafter, Danielski began representing Rodda along with two other clients—Dorothy Dee Ramirez (D-RAM) and Jonathan Ramirez (J-RAM)—without disclosing potential conflicts of interest or obtaining informed consent from all parties involved.
Rodda claims that Danielski failed to complete necessary legal services such as filing corporate documents correctly and protecting Rodda's sole ownership interests in RRT Group. The complaint accuses Danielski of "fraudulent conduct" by not disclosing her true intentions regarding the ownership structure of the business and by withholding critical information from Rodda. It further alleges that Danielski engaged in private conversations with D-RAM about how she could claim part of Rodda’s business.
In addition to accusations of legal malpractice and breach of fiduciary duty, the lawsuit includes charges of intentional misrepresentation and fraud through promises made without intent to perform them. The complaint also states that these actions led directly to another lawsuit filed against Rodda by D-RAM and J-RAM on November 23, 2021.
Rodda is seeking compensatory damages for financial losses incurred due to legal fees from defending herself in the civil action initiated by D-RAM and J-RAM. She also seeks punitive damages for what she describes as willful misconduct by Danielski. Additionally, she requests indemnification from any potential liabilities arising from these disputes.
Representing the plaintiffs is Carl A. Lindstrom Jr., Esq., from Lindstrom Law Offices based in San Jose, California. The case is being reviewed under Case ID: 24CV450399 by Judge C. Roman at the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County.