Juanita Leonard's ex-atty. sues her for $250,000 - divorce lawyer Marvin Mitchelson

Jet, Jan 25, 1993

No sooner had the dust settled from her legal clash with Sugar Ray Leonard over their much publicized divorce settlement than Juanita Leonard finds herself in the midst of another legal battle.

Los Angeles divorce lawyer Marvin Mitchelson, who was co-counsel for Mrs. Leonard during her divorce, has filed a $250,000 lawsuit against the former champ's ex-wife, alleging she failed to pay him the fees and expenses.

At Jet press time Mrs. Leonard said she was "unable to comment on the specifics of the lawsuit, since I have not been served with the suit papers, nor have I seen a copy of them."

However, in a prepared statement, she did challenge the allegation. "I resent the fact that Mr. Mitchelson is alleging that I am remiss in paying him," said Mrs. Leonard, noting that "I paid Mr. Mitchelson a retainer of $50,000 for the services he rendered. With respect to additional fees that Mr. Mitchelson has attempted to collect, I have raised several concerns... Mr. Mitchelson has never directly responded to those concerns to me or to my attorney."

The Leonards were divorced two years ago in Maryland after a multi-million settlement was reached between the couple.