A case against Greenberg Traurig and its former partner alleging deceitful conduct can go forward, a Manhattan appeals court said Tuesday.

The decision allows hedge fund manager James Melcher to pursue his claim for triple damages against Greenberg Traurig for the conduct of former partner Leslie Corwin under New York's Judiciary Law §487.

The Appellate Division, First Department, ruled unanimously that the deceit claim did not have to be pleaded in the underlying case in which the alleged deceit occurred and can be litigated as a stand-alone action.