Already surrounded by controversy, Hunter Biden now faces a lawsuit from his own lawyers — essentially calling him a deadbeat — for skipping out on paying $50,000 in legal bills.
Winston & Strawn LLP has taken its once-prestigious client to court after he allegedly failed to pay fees related to his Delaware gun crimes case and other legal troubles.
Despite being pardoned by his father before leaving office, Hunter apparently believes lawyers should work for free.
The prestigious law firm filed its lawsuit in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, seeking to recover unpaid legal fees from former President Biden’s son.
According to court documents, Hunter signed an engagement contract with Winston & Strawn in December 2022, agreeing to their representation in various legal matters.
Such matters included his Delaware criminal case, where he was eventually convicted of three felony counts related to a 2018 firearm purchase.
Despite the high-profile nature of Hunter’s legal troubles, the firm claimed he has refused to pay his bills, even after repeated requests.
Winston & Strawn devoted substantial resources to Hunter’s defense, with his primary attorney, Abbe Lowell, commanding an eye-watering hourly rate of $1,510.
While Hunter did make some payments between March 2023 and October 2024, a substantial amount remains unpaid.
The lawsuit seeks to enforce the firm’s contract rights and obtain a lien on Hunter’s assets, which suggests the firm has little faith in Hunter’s willingness to settle his debts voluntarily.
An initial hearing is scheduled for September 19, during which the Biden family scion will have to explain why he believes elite legal representation should not come with a price tag.
Hunter’s financial troubles come as no surprise to those who have followed his controversial business dealings.
Likewise, reports indicated that Kevin Morris, a wealthy Hollywood lawyer and Hunter supporter, had been paying various attorneys on Hunter’s behalf but was financially strained by May 2024.
This suggests that even Hunter’s most dedicated financial backers have limits to their generosity.
The case highlights the stark contrast between the Biden family’s public persona and private actions.
While Joe Biden pardoned his son in December before the end of his presidential term – saving Hunter from potential prison time for his gun crimes and a separate tax evasion case in California – it appears Hunter is not willing to fulfill his own legal obligations.
Lowell, who served as Biden’s primary lawyer during this period, has since left Winston & Strawn.
The timing raises questions about whether Lowell’s departure might be connected to the payment disputes with his high-profile but apparently delinquent client.
As the Superior Court of the District of Columbia prepares to deliberate the case, many Americans are left wondering about the broader implications of financial mismanagement and accountability.
