Trump Fired Up Over Privacy Suit

Apprentice star sues former law firm for unjust enrichment after his image was used in promotional materials

If there's anyone out there who's well-versed in using Donald Trump's name as a promotional tool, it's Donald Trump.

Now add to that list his former lawyers, though perhaps this wasn't the sort of attention grab they had in mind.

The Trumpster has filed a $10 million lawsuit against his former attorneys, claiming unjust enrichment and violation of privacy after the legal eagles had the gall to identify the real estate tycoon as a one-time client of theirs, without his consent, on advertisements for their firm.

However, Morrison Cohen LLP, who along with firm partner David Scharf were named in the suit filed in New York State Court last week, has fired back, claiming the legal action is nothing more than an attempt by Trump to get out of paying some $600,000 in overdue legal fees.

"Defendants, without Trump's written consent, have used—really commercially exploited—Mr. Trump's name and reputation, and continue to do so, on Morrison Cohen's website," the lawsuit stated.

As it is, Morrison Cohen's Scharf represented Trump between 2001 and 2006 against a golf course contractor the Apprentice host accused of overcharging him. Scharf said Trump was awarded $1 million in legal fees in the trial, but said the firm is still owed $475,000 plus interest.

The firm's chairman, David Scherl, told Reuters that they, like their one-time client, were keen for compensation.

"We are pursuing our collections claim, we are adamant that we get paid for the services rendered, and we view this claim by the Trump organization as completely frivolous."