An attorney embroiled in a multimillion-dollar legal dispute with reality television star Bethenny Frankel has publicly accused her of intentionally stalling the proceedings for years, allegations that her representatives firmly deny. New York City-based lawyer Jamie Schreck asserted in recently filed court documents that Frankel, the 55-year-old founder of the Skinnygirl brand, has failed to provide his office with viable dates for a deposition since 2022, effectively bringing the case to a standstill.
Allegations of Abandonment and Delayed Proceedings
In legal papers reviewed by TMZ, Schreck contends that the former Real Housewives of New York City star has neglected to advance the litigation for nearly four years, essentially abandoning the matter. He specifically highlighted her inability to schedule a deposition, a critical step in the legal process, which has remained unresolved since 2022. Furthermore, Schreck revealed that Frankel has not responded to a settlement offer from his team proposing to resolve the case for a total of $25,000.
Frankel's Team Denies the Claims
Representatives for Bethenny Frankel have countered these accusations, telling TMZ that they have been actively engaged in discussions with Schreck's office and vehemently deny any suggestion that she has abandoned the lawsuit. The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for both parties for additional comments, but no further statements have been issued at this time.
Origins of the Malpractice Lawsuit
The litigation traces back to a 2017 lawsuit filed by Frankel against Schreck, alleging professional malpractice and seeking damages of $2 million. The dispute centers on a trust agreement drafted by Schreck in relation to Frankel's 2011 purchase of a luxurious three-bedroom, three-bathroom condominium in New York City, which she acquired for $4.95 million using her own funds and a mortgage.
Frankel claims that Schreck failed to communicate with her during the drafting process, resulting in a trust that inadvertently awarded her ex-husband, Jason Hoppy, half of the interest in the property. This error, she argues, negatively impacted her divorce proceedings following their 2012 separation, leading to extensive litigation over the home's ownership before the divorce was finalized in 2016.
Schreck's Defense and Counterarguments
In his legal response, Schreck has denied all allegations of malpractice. He points out that Frankel was married to Hoppy at the time the trust was created and asserts that any complications arising from the divorce were due to the actions of third parties, including Hoppy himself, rather than any wrongdoing on his part.
Personal Toll and Broader Context
The legal battle has taken a significant personal toll on Frankel, who is mother to 15-year-old daughter Bryn. In a December appearance on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast, she described her protracted divorce as "so traumatic," stating it monopolized her life for a decade and adversely affected her health. "It was 10 years of my life," Frankel said. "I lost hair. I thought I would never survive it. I didn't want to. I literally thought, 'I'll never be happy again.' The only reason I kept going was my daughter."
Despite the ongoing legal tensions, Frankel's lawyer maintains that her team has been "actively engaging" with Schreck over the case, underscoring a commitment to resolving the dispute through continued dialogue.
