Blank Rome, Cozen O'Connor and global real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield claim they're being targeted for their deep pockets because an incarcerated fraudster who bilked investors out of $27 million can't pay up.

The firms filed motions for summary judgment on April 14 against the lawsuit lodged against them by British real estate tycoon Berish Berger and several investors. The plaintiffs claim the firms were part of a scheme orchestrated by Eliyahu Weinstein—who was convicted of fraud and sentenced to 22 years in prison for operating a massive Ponzi scheme that stole money from members of the Orthodox Jewish community under the guise of investing in Philadelphia real estate projects.

“After years of litigation, plaintiffs now sue three professional firms, including Cushman & Wakefield of Pennsylvania Inc. ('C&W'), in a transparent attempt to reach into deeper pockets,” Cushman & Wakefield's motion to dismiss said.