Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a Delaware corporation specializing in investment and wealth planning services, has filed a lawsuit against former employees Alan Markfeld and Chris Geary, as well as Granite Wealth Management, LLC (GWM), in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The lawsuit alleges that Markfeld and Geary breached their employment agreements by soliciting Gallagher clients to move their business to GWM, a competitor, shortly after resigning from Gallagher without proper notice. Additionally, the complaint accuses them of using confidential information and recruiting other Gallagher employees to join GWM. The plaintiff seeks injunctive relief to prevent further breaches, damages exceeding $75,000, and recovery of attorneys’ fees.
Gallagher claims that over 70 client accounts have already been lost due to these alleged violations, representing significant financial damage. Despite cease-and-desist demands, the defendants purportedly continue their solicitations. The court filing outlines multiple counts including breach of contract and fiduciary duty against Markfeld and Geary, as well as tortious interference with contract against GWM.
Source: 325cv00885_Gallagher_and_Co_v_Markfeld_Complaint_Eastern_District_Virginia.pdf
