Jesse Hockenbury Brings Pro Bono Matter to Successful Conclusion

Staff Attorney Jesse Hockenbury led a successful effort for a pro bono client that led to the granting of a motion for default judgment and damages hearing, with his client being awarded $440,000 in total compensatory damages, $420,000 in punitive damages and $140,000 in attorney's fees for a grand total of $1,000,000. Jesse was supported by Counsel Carrie Dettmer Slye, Pro Bono Coordinator for the Cincinnati office.

Immanuel Lee v. Diamond Bradford was filed in the Court of Common Pleas, Hamilton County, Ohio, on October 18, 2023, with Mr. Lee claiming over $35,000 in damages including defamation, conversion and assault. Ms. Bradford was referred to BakerHostetler with the original intent of getting the case dismissed. Following several conversations, the attorneys believed they could do that and more. After filing several counterclaims, including intentional infliction of emotional distress, breach of contract, assault and statutory claims, the attorneys sought both compensatory and punitive damages. The case filings included a motion to dismiss, a motion to amend the answer and a motion to amend and file a superseding answer. The Plaintiff's complaint was ultimately dismissed by the court for failure to prosecute. The case had bi-furcated proceedings on the client's claims for liability and damages determinations.