The controversial e-mails first came to light during a lawsuit between DLA and energy industry executive Adan Victor, where the law firm sued Mr Victor for $675,000 in unpaid legal fees, reports The New York Times.
However, Mr Victor filed a counterclaim and accused the firm of a ‘sweeping practice of overbilling’, demanding $22.5 million in punitive damages.

'Unprofessional behaviour'

The parties have now resolved the matter, according to Mr Victor’s lawyer Larry Hutcher, although the terms of the settlement have not been discussed due to confidentiality provisions in the agreement.
DLA declined to comment. However the NY Times cites an e-mail sent through the firm last month which suggested how to discuss the ‘inappropriate e-mail humour’ with clients, adding: ‘It is unfortunate that the unprofessional behaviour of these lawyers by writing those e-mails has distracted attention away from the fact that a client refused to pay his bills.’