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Civil Litigation

Feb. 12, 2026

Judge awards ex-Farella partner $178k in years-long fee dispute

A San Francisco Superior Court judge ordered the International Swimming League, its owner and a law firm to pay more than $178,000 to a former attorney, concluding he was entitled to recover fees incurred in confirming a $5.7 million mandatory fee arbitration award after years of disputes over alleged malpractice and unpaid bills.

The International Swimming League, its owner and a law firm must pay a former attorney more than $178,000 in fees after three years of disputed legal bills and allegations of malpractice.

In an order Tuesday, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Joseph M. Quinn granted in part a motion by attorney Neil A. Goteiner, a former partner at Farella Braun + Martel LLP, for reimbursement of fees incurred in confirming a $5.7 million Mandatory Fee Arbitration Act award.

Goteiner and...

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