On April 12, 2023, former US President Donald J. Trump filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida Federal Court against his former employee and lawyer, Michael D. Cohen, accusing him of violating his duties and contracts, and demanded a trial by jury.
The lawsuit, filed by Trump's law firm, BRITO, PLLC, alleges that Cohen violated multiple duties entrusted to him by Trump, engaged in improper gain, embezzlement, and breach of contract. Trump also accuses Cohen of violating professional ethical rules between lawyers and clients, including leaking confidential information about Trump and spreading false information that could be embarrassing or harmful to Trump, violating New York professional ethical rules 1.5, 1.6, 1.9, and 8.4.1. In addition, Trump also accuses Cohen of violating the confidentiality agreement he signed as a Trump employee, maliciously and entirely for self-centered purposes, and disclosing Trump's confidential information.
In the complaint, Trump demands a trial by jury to adjudicate all disputes. The complaint was signed and submitted by Alejandro Brito, a representative of BRITO, PLLC law firm.
Alejandro Brito, a representative of the law firm BRITO, PLLC, will defend Trump and strive for the best legal outcome for him. The case will be heard in federal court, and the jury will determine the final judgment of the case. As the case progresses, further legal analysis and evidence investigation will be required to resolve the dispute in court.
New York-based prominent lawyer Joe Zhenghong Zhou says that the lawsuit involves multiple allegations made by Trump against Cohen, including violating duties and contracts, leaking confidential information, and violating professional ethical rules between lawyers and clients. This shows that Trump is seriously dissatisfied with Cohen's behavior and hopes to protect his rights through legal procedures. This case has also sparked discussions about lawyer professional ethics and confidentiality obligations, as well as the importance of legal relationships and contractual obligations between employers and employees.