In a dramatic legal filing, a couple from Harris County, Texas, has taken legal action against a law firm and its principal attorney, alleging malpractice and deception that led to the loss of their home. On November 27, 2024, Juan Hernandez and Linda Hernandez filed a complaint in the District Court of Harris County against The Morley Law Firm, also known as Zenith Law, PC, and its leading attorney Arden John Morley.
The plaintiffs claim that the defendants employed a disbarred attorney who misrepresented himself as qualified to handle their legal matters. This negligence allegedly resulted in significant financial losses for the Hernandezes. The lawsuit states that David Falk, who was hired by the defendants to manage the plaintiffs' case, had surrendered his law license in March 2002 due to numerous complaints of professional misconduct. Despite this knowledge, Falk was allowed to operate unsupervised within the firm.
The Hernandezes' ordeal began when they sought legal assistance from The Morley Law Firm after issues arose with obtaining the deed to their home due to an undisclosed loan by the seller. In March 2017, they paid a retainer fee of $1,500 for what they were assured would be straightforward legal proceedings. However, instead of resolving their issues, they were misled into believing everything was under control while Falk handled their case without proper oversight or credentials.
Throughout this period, critical advice given by Falk went unchallenged by Morley or any other licensed attorneys at the firm. This included ignoring tax notices and failing to address outstanding debts on their property effectively. As a result of these oversights and misleading counsel, the Hernandezes lost their home in December 2022 during a tax sale — an outcome they assert could have been avoided with competent legal representation.
In addition to seeking compensation for their financial losses which range between $250,000 and $1 million according to Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 47 — including damages for mental anguish — the plaintiffs are pursuing exemplary damages due to gross negligence. They argue that Morley's firm operated deceitfully by allowing an unlicensed individual to act as an attorney and misrepresenting their qualifications through misleading advertising practices.
The lawsuit further accuses The Morley Law Firm of breaching fiduciary duties owed to clients and violating several provisions under Texas's Deceptive Trade-Consumer Protection Act (DTPA). The Hernandezes contend that these actions were not only unethical but also unlawful under multiple sections of Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.
Represented by attorneys Cletus Ernster from Ernster Law Firm PLLC and Lance Christopher Kassab from The Kassab Law Firm, Juan and Linda Hernandez are determined to hold those responsible accountable for what they describe as devastating personal and financial harm caused by grossly negligent legal practices. Presiding over this case is yet unnamed judge in Harris County's judicial system with Case ID: 2024-83664.