Swimmer’s Fraud Verdict Rescued, But Her Lawyer’s in Deep End

A competitive swimmer won reinstatement of a $600,000 jury verdict against her lawyer for fraudulently concealing his close ties to USA Swimming.

Dagny Knutson sued Richard J. Foster for not protecting her interests in negotiations with USA Swimming over promises made to the once Olympic hopeful. Now Foster may be in hot water for his personal conflicts.

Knutson proved that Foster’s conduct caused her damages, and the trial court should not have granted Foster a new trial, Justice Richard D. Fybel said, writing for the Court of Appeal of California, Fourth Appellate District.

Claims that lawyers committed intentional acts such ...