Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District / Nov 13, 2019
MICHAEL SHEFFIELD, Plaintiff-Appellant vs. GREG MATLOCK, HUSCH BLACKWELL LP, CORY L. COLLINS, and SHELLY ROSENFELDER, Defendants-Respondents
Michael Sheffield appealed the dismissal of his claims against Greg Matlock and Respondent Attorneys. Sheffield alleged Matlock violated the Foreclosure Consulting Act and the attorneys were accessorily liable. The appellate court affirmed the dismissal of claims against the attorneys, finding no "exceptional circumstances" for attorney liability to a non-client and no abuse of discretion in denying leave to amend the petition. However, the court reversed the dismissal of the claim against Matlock, holding that Sheffield had standing under the FCA and that Matlock's res judicata defense was not properly established in the record. The case was remanded for further proceedings on the claim against Matlock.