Armine A. Vartanyan vs. Steven L. Weiss, et al.

Case Background

On December 11, 2020, Armine A. Vartanyan filed a legal malpractice lawsuit against attorney Steven L. Weiss and his law firm, the Law Offices of Steven L. Weiss APLC, alleging breach of fiduciary duty and negligence. The lawsuit was filed in the California Superior Court, Los Angeles County. Judges Randolph M. Hammock, Charles C. Lee, and Stuart M. Rice presided over this lawsuit. [Case number: 20STCV47588]

Cause

Plaintiff Armine A. Vartanyan, a Los Angeles resident, hired attorney Defendant Steven L. Weiss and his law firm, the Law Offices of Steven L. Weiss APLC, in April 2018 to represent her in a divorce case. Defendant Weiss assured Vartanyan of his expertise in family law, particularly in property division and spousal support. Relying on these promises, she retained his services to protect her interests, especially concerning her home at 14347 Albers Street, Sherman Oaks, which she considered her separate property. Vartanyan emphasized the importance of retaining full ownership of the Albers property, presenting a deed that confirmed it as her sole and separate property. Weiss assured her he would safeguard her interests. Despite these assurances, Weiss allegedly failed to properly prepare or present her case, particularly regarding the property's characterization and her financial investments in it. Key evidence, such as the deed and related documents, was never introduced in court. Over 20 months, Weiss billed Vartanyan more than $140,000 without con