A recent legal malpractice lawsuit has emerged, highlighting the potential pitfalls of attorney-client relationships. Mojtaba Taiebat has filed a complaint against his former attorney, Andrew G. Watters, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara on February 3, 2025. The case accuses Watters of professional negligence during his representation of Taiebat in previous civil cases.
The crux of the lawsuit revolves around Watters' alleged mishandling of two consolidated civil cases involving Taiebat and Marzieh Nabi Abdolyousefi. These cases initially began on May 24 and June 1, 2022, with both parties suing each other for fraud, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, among other claims. According to the complaint, Watters was responsible for drafting multiple versions of complaints throughout these proceedings but failed to do so adequately. The plaintiff asserts that Watters did not keep him informed about critical developments and even filed an amended complaint without his consent or knowledge.
Taiebat's new counsel took over in February 2024 and sought to amend the second amended complaint (SAC) by filing a third amended complaint (TAC). However, this motion was denied by the court due to prejudicial delays attributed to Watters' earlier actions. Taiebat's legal team argued that Watters’ failure to draft an adequate original complaint and unauthorized amendments were significant missteps that impacted the case's outcome negatively.
The lawsuit further details specific instances where Watters allegedly breached his duty as an attorney. This includes failing to consult with Taiebat while drafting pleadings, making false allegations within those pleadings, and neglecting to address defects identified by opposing motions. Moreover, Taiebat claims that unnecessary legal expenses were incurred due to poorly drafted documents leading to multiple challenges such as demurrers and motions for judgment on pleadings.
Taiebat is seeking compensatory damages amounting to at least $75,000 for these unnecessary legal expenses and an additional $1 million he believes he would have recovered had the case been handled with reasonable care. The relief sought also includes costs related to this action and any other relief deemed just by the court.
Representing Mojtaba Taiebat is Michael Tsivyan from the Law Offices of Michael Tsivyan. The case is being reviewed under Case No.: 29CV458058 by Judge J. Nguyen in Santa Clara County Superior Court.