LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A British law firm is suing Michael Jackson’s estate, alleging it is owned fees relating to business performed on behalf of the singer in Great Britain before his death. Atkins Thomson Solicitors filed the breach-of-contract lawsuit Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, seeking $204,204 in damages. The estate has refused to pay despite “multiple communications” from Atkins Thomson, the suit alleges.
A representative for the Jackson estate could not be immediately reached for comment on the suit, which alleges the firm began providing services to Jackson in 2007 on a variety of issues ranging from legal issues to public relations and real estate. The lawyers spent hundreds of hours working on Jackson matters from December 2008 to June 2009, the suit states.
Atkins Thomson took its directions from former Jackson manager Frank DiLeo and others working on the singer’s behalf, according to the suit. The work on behalf of Jackson increased in the spring of 2009 “due to plans Jackson had for business in Great Britain,” the suit states.
“Counsel at Atkins spoke directly with Jackson a number of times in connection with these efforts.”
Jackson was preparing for a series of sold-out London concerts before his death on June 25, 2009, at age 50 of a drug overdose.