After Gibson Dunn & Crutcher pursued arbitration against a client for nearly $1 million in unpaid legal fees, the client turned around and sued the firm, claiming its work for an independent audit committee is not subject to arbitration.

Liquid Holdings Group, a technology company serving hedge funds, claims Gibson Dunn's work for an audit committee established by Liquid's board of directors was not governed by Liquid's initial engagement letter, signed years earlier, that contained an arbitration agreement. But Gibson Dunn argues the matter belongs in arbitration.

“Liquid's desire to avoid arbitration is undercut by the law, the facts, common sense and New York's strong policy in favor of arbitration,” the firm asserted in Liquid v. Gibson, 652385/2015.