Virginia B. Puder, Esq., Plaintiff-Appellant v. Kathleen Buechel, Defendant-Respondent

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the Appellate Division and remanded for reinstatement of summary judgment in favor of attorney Puder, holding that the client’s voluntary acceptance of a second divorce settlement that she testified was "acceptable" and "fair" bars her malpractice claim. The Court relied on public policy favoring conclusive settlements and distinguished prior cases such as Ziegelheim. Justice LONG dissented, arguing the claim should proceed, while Justice WALLACE, JR. concurred, emphasizing that damages were satisfied.