Zuckerman Spaeder LLP Trial Win Ranked as One of Virginia’s Largest Verdicts of 2011

Zuckerman Spaeder LLP is pleased to announce that Virginia Lawyers Weekly has recognized the firm’s victory on behalf of former Online Resources Corp. CEO Matthew Lawlor as one of “Virginia’s Largest Verdicts of 2011.” The $5.3 million jury verdict was the ninth largest of the 20 verdicts that made the publication’s annual list.

Mr. Lawlor founded Online Resources Corp.—the first Internet banking services provider—and led the company for 20 years. Mr. Lawlor alleged that, after a large investor in the company gained a seat on its board of directors, the company forced Mr. Lawlor out as CEO in December 2009, and then refused to pay him severance. Zuckerman Spaeder filed an action in Fairfax Circuit Court on Mr. Lawlor’s behalf alleging that the company breached its severance agreement with him, and alleging other claims arising from his termination.

On May 12, 2011, after a three-week trial, a jury found in Mr. Lawlor’s favor on four of the five claims he made against the company and awarded him $5.3 million in damages. The court later directed Online Resources to pay Mr. Lawlor pre-judgment interest and reimburse his attorneys’ fees. Zuckerman Spaeder Chairman Graeme W. Bush served as lead trial counsel. Partner Ellen D. Marcus and associates Jason M. Knott and Steven N. Herman tried the case with Mr. Bush.