The Diocese of Spokane (Wash.) Diocese is suing a law firm that represented it in its bankruptcy, alleging malpractice and seeking repayment of more than $12 million in legal fees, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported yesterday. The lawsuit says that the firm did not pursue other means of resolving sexual abuse claims and that if failed to assess the risk of new claims, which nearly forced the foreclosure of churches and schools. It accuses the lawyers of conflict of interest because they also represented Spokane Bishop William S. Skylstad, now retired, and shielded him, from having to testify at the first civil trial in 2004 alleging abuse by a Spokane priest by filing for bankruptcy as the trial was about to begin.
