Legal Controversy Erupts Around Lawyer Hal Cobb

News Summary

Hal Cobb, a high-profile lawyer and interim president of the Charleston School of Law, faces a $42 million lawsuit alleging legal malpractice connected to the estate planning of Timothy Kane. The claims bring forth serious allegations including conspiracy and unfair trade practices, raising significant ethical questions about Cobb’s actions. As the legal proceedings are set to unfold, they have the potential to impact the high-net-worth estate planning landscape in Charleston.

Legal Storm Gathers Over High-Profile Lawyer Hal Cobb

As the sun rises on Charleston, South Carolina, legal controversies brew beneath the surface. February 25, 2025, starts with rain showers expected in the early morning, transitioning to bright sunshine by the afternoon, with temperatures predicted to reach a high of 71°F. The calm before the storm seems to echo the current atmosphere surrounding Hal Cobb, the interim president of the Charleston School of Law and head of the law firm Cobb Hammett.

A $42 Million Controversy

At the heart of this storm is a contentious lawsuit accusing Cobb of legal malpractice in connection with the estate planning of the late Timothy Kane, a wealthy golf course owner who passed away on July 24. The estate, valued at a staggering $42 million, includes multiple high-value properties, most notably the famed Charleston National Golf Club.

The lawsuits have been instigated by Pamela Kane, Timothy’s widow, who alleges that Cobb improperly altered her late husband’s estate planning documents to grant himself beneficiary status. Further complicating matters, Jennifer Kearney, the general manager of the golf course, is also involved in the legal action—asserting that Cobb’s maneuvering has created uncertainty around the rightful ownership of Kane’s lucrative properties.

Dodging Allegations

Cobb’s legal challenges don’t just end at improper document alterations; they include serious accusations of conspiracy and unfair trade practices. Plaintiffs argue that Cobb lacked the requisite competency to advise a high-net-worth individual like Kane and that his actions led to ethical deficiencies that were never addressed prior to Kane’s untimely death.

Details of the lawsuits reveal troubling claims that Cobb shifted control of Kane’s substantial assets away from his wife through manipulative changes to estate documents. A separate sworn statement from former investigator Michael Virzi substantiates that Cobb’s actions constitute legal malpractice. Furthermore, a sworn statement by lawyer Jeff Brooker raises doubts about the legitimacy of ownership for properties under the amended trust Cobb established.

Weathering the Legal Temptest

As the skies are expected to clear overnight with a low of around 45°F and light variable winds, the atmosphere may change, but the tension surrounding Cobb and his firm remains heated. The lawsuit’s arguments are bolstered by state rules that prohibit lawyers from receiving gifts from clients, casting a long shadow over Cobb’s actions.

Future Implications and Courtroom Battles

The legal storm is not just a fleeting issue; a third lawsuit has been anticipated in probate court, challenging specific changes made by Cobb to Kane’s estate planning. This comes as part of a broader effort to prevent Cobb and his firm from reaping any financial benefits from these alleged breaches of duty.

Cobb first came into the picture as Kane’s attorney in 2015, becoming business partners by 2017. Having built a long-standing relationship with Kane, the severity of these allegations raises questions about the integrity of their partnership and the ethical considerations that govern attorney-client dynamics.

The Aftermath of Allegations

While Cobb remains tight-lipped about the specifics surrounding the allegations, he acknowledges that such cases can create dissension among all parties involved. With legal representatives on both sides gearing up for what promises to be a heated court battle, the implications for Cobb and his firm may prove severe, potentially altering the landscape of high-net-worth estate planning in Charleston.

As Charleston gears up for a new week and clear skies close the current chapter of rain, the legal implications stemming from Cobb’s alleged misconduct remain a topic of intense discussion within the legal community and beyond.