HESS KENNEDY, et al.

Case Highlights

• Generated and distributed in excess of $16.4 million to more than 15,000 approved claimants for a $0.305 return
• Successfully managed the downsizing and closure of a 150-person law firm with no adverse legal effects

Case Narrative

DSI was appointed State Court Receiver for the Hess Kennedy entities in connection with a matter commenced by the Florida Attorney General’s Office involving a number of law firms and related entities that allegedly provided over 90,000 consumers across the country with debt settlement and management services.  The Receiver has obtained in excess of $150 million in debt forgiveness for consumers, tradeline deletions for more than 15,000 consumers, and choreographed an extensive claims procedure utilizing eight Special Masters to hear over 6,000 claim objections in a three-week period.  The Receiver’s efforts provided for a distribution in excess of $16.4 million ($0.305 on a pro rata basis) to approved claimants.  In addition, the Receiver commenced litigation against “referral agents” who marketed the law firms’ services to consumers and actually enrolled the consumers as clients of the law firms in violation of Florida law-related to the solicitation of legal business. The named attorneys for the law firms involved have each been suspended/disbarred by the Florida Bar.