Lawyer settles malpractice lawsuit over conviction

ROYAL OAK (AP) - A lawyer accused of poorly representing a Detroit-area man who spent seven years in prison has agreed to a $505,000 settlement to end a malpractice lawsuit against her. Jackob Trakhtenberg of Royal Oak was convicted of sexual assault in 2006. His conviction was thrown out after the Michigan Supreme Court said he was badly served by attorney Deborah McKelvy. Trakhtenberg was convicted after a 53-minute trial during which McKelvy didn't request a jury or make an opening statement. The Supreme Court says McKelvy chose not to consult witnesses or obtain additional evidence to help him. McKelvy admits no liability in the settlement. Her attorney Mike Sullivan says a deal was made because "it was time to move on." The 77-year-old Trakhtenberg wants McKelvy to lose her law license. Published: Fri, Jun 20, 2014