In a legal saga filled with accusations of deception and unjustified demands, Vicente LLP, a Boston-based cannabis law firm, is taking on Prime Headhunting and Recruiting Inc. over a contentious placement fee demand.
Vicente LLP filed the complaint Monday in Suffolk County Superior Court, claiming that Prime Headhunting is seeking a hefty $137,500 fee for a failed recruitment endeavor. The dispute stems from a quest for a corporate attorney, where one of the proposed candidates, Tim Swain, ended up being someone Vicente already knew and eventually hired for a different role.
Twists and Turns
According to the complaint, Vicente hired Prime in 2022 to assist in finding an attorney proficient in transactional law and capable of bringing in clients. However, the plot thickened when Prime recommended Swain, described as a “senior level transactional associate.” Vicente decided against hiring this candidate, yet months later, Swain resurfaced, now approached by Prime for the same position.
Deceptive Tactics Alleged
Prime allegedly misled Swain into believing that Vicente specifically sought him out, prompting him to reapply, only to be rejected again. Unbeknownst to Swain, Vicente had been regularly working with him on litigation matters. Eventually, Vicente brought Swain on board as a partner in its litigation department, prompting Prime to demand a placement fee.
Vicente LLP Sues Recruiter Over Fee Demand In Failed Search : Legal Duel Ensues
Refusing to comply, Vicente argues that Prime’s role was to find a corporate attorney, not a litigator like Swain. Moreover, Vicente claims Prime misrepresented its location, experience, and the timeline for the search. The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment and damages under Massachusetts law against unfair or deceptive trade practices.
Counterclaims and Complications
In response, Prime asserts that Vicente deliberately circumvented paying the fee by hiring Swain under a different title. This legal tug-of-war extends beyond Massachusetts, with Prime filing its own breach of contract claim in Palm Beach County Circuit Court.
Ongoing Legal Drama
As the legal battle ensues, Vicente LLP, accompanied by VGR Law Firm LLC, also confronts cannabis retailer Apothca in a separate lawsuit over payment disputes and a broken settlement agreement.
