Full Breakdown
Hunter Biden Battles Former Lawyers Over $1.7 Million Defamation Judgment
By Drooid · · How we work
Legal Background and Lien Dispute
Hunter Biden, the former first son, won a $1.7 million defamation judgment against Patrick Byrne, founder of Overstock.com, after Byrne failed to appear in court. The judgment was entered in default. Byrne has appealed the decision and posted a $2.1 million bond to cover a potential loss on appeal.
Winston Taylor LLP, the law firm that previously represented Biden in the Byrne case as well as in congressional investigations and felony matters, filed a notice of lien asserting that any payout from the judgment must first satisfy the firm’s claimed fees. The firm alleges that Biden destroyed evidence, was “evasive,” and repeatedly offered “invalid excuses.”
Current counsel Brian Sullivan filed a motion to strike the lien, arguing that the contract Biden signed did not adequately explain the lien’s consequences. Sullivan contends that the lien benefits both the firm and Biden because the firm’s fees would otherwise consume the entire judgment, leaving Sullivan unpaid for recent work.
Statements from Parties
Hunter Biden testified that he is “penniless,” claiming he owns no car, phone, or other assets. Sullivan told reporters that Winston Taylor took on the case knowing Biden could not pay and that Biden hoped a legal-defense fund would materialize, but donor interest has waned since President Joe Biden left office.
Winston Taylor’s filing asserts that the firm is entitled to the judgment proceeds to cover unpaid fees, while the firm has not responded to requests for comment on the lien dispute.
Key Figures
- Hunter Biden – former first son, defendant in the defamation case, claims lack of assets.
- Patrick Byrne – Overstock.com founder, defendant in the defamation case, appellant with a $2.1 million bond.
- Brian Sullivan – current attorney for Hunter Biden, filed to strike the lien.
- Abbe Lowell – former Winston Taylor attorney who represented Biden, left the firm a year and a half ago.
- Winston Taylor LLP – law firm that filed the lien and is seeking unpaid fees.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s not Abbe Lowell’s lien. Abbe hasn’t been there for a year and a half. We have a great relationship with Abbe,” — Brian Sullivan