Jurors deliberate in suit vs Quichochos

The nine jurors failed to reach a unanimous verdict yesterday, the start of their deliberations in the ongoing jury trial of businesswoman Jung Ja Kim’s racketeering lawsuit against attorney Ramon K. Quichocho, his wife Frances, his law firm, and their Karrisa LLC company.

The jurors will continue their deliberations today, Friday, in the U.S. District Court for the NMI. The trial began last Feb. 3.

The deliberations are expected not be completed in a day due to voluminous exhibits and documents submitted by both parties. The legal issues involved are also complicated, particularly the racketeering claim.

Kim asserts eight claims against the Quichochos and co-defendants. The claims are three counts of Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, one count of legal malpractice—professional negligence, one count of legal malpractice—breach of fiduciary duty, one count of breach of lease, one count of conversion, and one count of fraud.

The Quichochos, the law office, and Tan Dingo LLC, also filed five counterclaims against Kim. The claims are conversion, interference with marital relationship, unjust enrichment, quantum meruit, and fraud.

Quantum meruit determines the amount to be paid for services when no contract exists or when there is doubt as to the amount due for the work performed but done under circumstances when payment could be expected.

Attorney Quichocho and his law firm assert a claim against Kim for unpaid attorney’s fees under the theory of quantum meruit.