Anidjar & Levine law firm at 300 SE 17th St., Fort Lauderdale. Photo: Google Street View.

Two attorneys who decided to go it alone after working for Florida personal injury firm Anidjar & Levine have turned to Broward Circuit Court with allegations that their former employer tried to thwart their new practice.

Plaintiffs Victor Demesmin Jr. and Jeremy Dover allege it took just four months for their new Fort Lauderdale firm Demesmin & Dover, which represents doctors and health care providers against person injury protection insurance carriers, to come under fire from Anidjar & Levine.

Their lawsuit alleges that instead of fair play, the firm's founding partners Marc Anidjar, Glen Levine and managing partner of its separate PIP litigation division Travis Greene weaponized their large network to give clients an ultimatum: "Demesmin & Dover, or Anidjar & Levine."

The complaint alleges the defendants "bullied, intimidated and bribed" doctors and health care providers. It alleges the Anidjar & Levine attorneys had these professionals sign ghost-written cease-and-desist letters that cut ties with Demesmin & Dover, promised future work if the doctors and providers signed, and threatened to stop sending patients their way if they didn't.

"Knowing full well that the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is causing a sudden economic strain on doctors and providers, defendants are purposely using the 'carrot' of future business to coerce doctors and providers … to send the ghost-written cease-and-desist letters to Demesmin & Dover, and the 'stick' of withholding any future business if they refuse," the complaint said.

'Unequivocally false'

Anidjar & Levine denied any wrongdoing through its attorneys, Jeremy Slusher and Daniel Miller of Slusher and Rosenblum in West Palm Beach.

"The allegations are unequivocally false, brought by two former employees who are trying to create a name for themselves by baselessly attacking others, who have achieved great success in the areas they practice," Slusher said via email. "This lawsuit is a trivial attempt of these former employees to use the court system to leverage the success and stellar reputation that their former employer has spent over 15 years building. We are confident our clients will be vindicated in this matter."

Kevin Yombor and Avery Dial of Kaufman Dolowich & Voluck in Fort Lauderdale represent Demesmin and Dover, who claim they became suspicious after receiving cease-and-desist letters from different clients in the same font and language. The complaint alleges several providers have admitted they were pressured into signing the letters.

The lawsuit also cites curious quotations in bold font, including, "A person's true character is often revealed in times of crisis or temptation."

Demesmin joined Anidjar & Levine in August 2016, while Dover joined in September 2017. The complaint claims the lawyers helped the firm obtain about $9 million in attorney fees and costs. It claims they tried to leave on good terms in November 2019, but their employer dismissed them early.

The 75-page complaint accuses the defendants of 15 counts of tortious interference, unfair competition and civil conspiracy. It also comes with multiple exhibits, showing copies of the cease-and-desist letters, texts and emails purportedly showing that the defendants pressured clients.

The complaint announces its intention to seek punitive damages, and also points the finger at a Pompano chiropractor who allegedly helped Anidjar & Levine encourage providers to drop Demesmin & Dover.

Anidjar & Levine has more than 25 attorneys across six offices in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville and Naples.

Broward Circuit Judge Carlos Augusto Rodriguez will preside over the litigation.

Read the complaint:

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