Advisors LLP v. Huitt-Zollars

Filed 2/21/07  Advisors LLP v. Huitt-Zollars CA2/2

NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS

California Rules of Court, rule 977(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 977(b).  This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 977.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION TWO

            APPEAL from a judgment of the Superior Court of Los  Angeles County.

Edward A. Ferns, Judge.  Affirmed.

            Waxler ♦ Carner ♦ Weinreb ♦ Brodsky, Andrew J. Waxler, Gretchen S. Carner for Cross-complainants and Appellants.

            Morris Polich & Purdy, Theodore D. Levin, David L. Brandon, Maureen M. Home for Cross-defendant and Respondent.

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            A law firm was retained to give advice regarding a client's contemplated purchase of commercial real property.  The lawyers failed to advise the client that an easement materially affected the property.  The client belatedly learned of the easement after closing escrow, and sued the lawyers for malpractice.  The lawyers filed a cross-complaint against a civil engineering firm, seeking indemnity and contribution.  The trial court dismissed the cross-complaint.  We affirm.

ALLEGATIONS

The Malpractice Action

            Galaxy Theaters contemplated the purchase of unimproved real property in Washington (the Property).  To evaluate its proposed acquisition, Galaxy retained lawyers at Advisors LLP in Los Angeles, who were â€