Chrisleys Sue Former Attorney for $25M Over Legal Malpractice, June 09

Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley filed a $25 million lawsuit Friday against their former defense attorney Chris Anulewicz and law firm Balch & Bingham, accusing them of legal malpractice. The Chrisleys claim their attorneys failed to properly challenge evidence obtained during an unlawful search, leading to their 2022 convictions on bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Both were pardoned by President Donald Trump in May 2025 after serving prison time.

How the Search and Evidence Became Central to the Case

The lawsuit centers on a 2017 search by the Georgia Department of Revenue. A federal judge later ruled the search violated the Chrisleys’ Fourth Amendment rights and suppressed the documents seized. However, the Chrisleys say their attorneys failed to timely seek suppression of derivative evidence, including emails, bank records, and financial documents obtained because of what agents learned from the illegal search. That derivative evidence formed the core of the government’s case at trial. The Chrisleys claim a competent attorney would have filed the suppression motion before court deadlines expired.

Allegations of Inexperience and Conflicts of Interest

The lawsuit alleges Chris Anulewicz had no meaningful criminal defense experience and that law firm Balch & Bingham knew or should have known he was unqualified to lead such a complex federal case. The firm proceeded anyway because the Chrisley name meant money, publicity, and high-profile business, the suit claims. Additionally, the Chrisleys accuse Anulewicz of steering them into a $75,000 investment in his brother-in-law’s food truck startup while representing them, exploiting his position as their attorney to benefit himself and his family.

Prison Time and Pardon Led to Lawsuit

Todd Chrisley was initially sentenced to 12 years in federal prison and Julie Chrisley to 7 years after their June 2022 conviction. Both served time before President Donald Trump pardoned them in May 2025. The Chrisleys are now seeking more than $25 million in compensatory damages for lost television and endorsement income, reputational harm, legal expenses, and family separation. They are requesting a jury trial and seeking additional compensation for legal costs and attorney fees. The lawsuit alleges their attorneys made a catastrophic, unforced error that sent them to prison for crimes they claim they would not have been convicted of had their lawyers done their jobs properly.

Law Firm’s Response and Next Steps

Patrick T. O’Connor, representing Balch & Bingham and Anulewicz, said the defendants have not yet been served with the lawsuit but stated it will be vigorously defended. Anulewicz no longer works at Balch & Bingham and now works for a different law firm. The case will proceed in federal court in Atlanta, with the Chrisleys seeking a jury trial.

Final Thoughts

This lawsuit underscores the real-world cost of inadequate criminal defense. The Chrisleys’ case shows how missed procedural deadlines and attorney inexperience can result in convictions that might have been avoided with competent representation.

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