Attorney Konstantine Paschalidis Disqualified: Legal Ethics and Misconduct

Lawyers are often seen as the guardians of justice—people given the immense power of fighting for their clients while respecting the law. Nevertheless, not every lawyer abides by these principles. The legal world is unfortunately still burdened by a degree of attorneys who do not respect the ethics and morality associated with the legal field. In the US, lawyers behaving unprofessionally is not a new trend. Reports of bias and unethical behavior among judges and lawyers have long been documented. Perhaps the most egregious form of wrongdoing a lawyer can commit is misappropriating clients funds and information. Some lawyers engage in deceitful practices as embezzling, overcharging, phony accounting for settlements, or bail money with reckless abandon and misappropriating clients’ funds in breach of trust contracts. These despicable acts are often coupled with devastating financial consequences for the victims.

Recent attention has been cast to the case of Jackson Hole Burger, Inc. v. The Estate of Steven Galekovic et al, where the plaintiff’s lawyer Konstantine Paschalidis was accused of very serious wrongdoing concerning the fiduciary’s privilege and loyalty to the client. In an astonishing turn of events, U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff barred Paschalidis and his firm Brach Eichler LLC from the case citing conflict of interest as the reason.

Based on the court filings, it was claimed that Paschalidis tried to inappropriately swindle money from a mourning widow, which if true would constitute a gross violation of professional and moral candor. While awaiting a formal judgement from the court, the order of disqualification suggests aggressive potential of the claims. Not only did the judge disallow Paschalidis to work on the particular case, he has also disallowed him to work on the firm’s other cases, suggesting the possibility of severe unethical behavior. Because the claimant in the suit is a corporation which cannot defend itself in a court of law, the judge rendered a decision allowing Jackson Hole Burger, Inc. to have three weeks to secure a new attorney. After confirming the new counsel, a section will be held to set the schedule. – Source

So who is Konstantine Paschalidis? He is currently  partner in the Litigation Group at IX Legal’s Wall Street office, where he focuses on complex commercial disputes and high-stakes litigation. Prior to joining IX Legal, he served as counsel in the Litigation Practice of Brach Eichler, handling significant New York-based legal matters. Among his notable achievements, Konstantine successfully defended a $2 million breach of contract claim brought by an insurance carrier against a commercial landlord client in Nassau County Supreme Court. Outside of his work in litigation, Paschalidis also engages in teaching law. He has worked with industry professionals in the hospitality and health sectors as a lecturer at dental schools, was featured in legal podcasts, and counseled practices that do not incur litigation.

The recent disqualification ruling, however, has greatly distorted his professional image, raising questions about the ethical underpinnings of his practice. His public figure image suggests that he firmly seeks to assist individuals, clients, in accessing the legal system, yet the allegations in this matter indicate something much more ominous.

Misconduct even in the case of the exploitation of such clients who are vulnerable inflicts personal injury as well as a loss of trust in the legal system, and this case illustrates an archetypical borderline. This case serves as a reminder of the perils posed by rogue attorneys. There is always an altogether different side of the story that the audience is presented with. The legal profession hinges on trust and integrity, two commodities that if forgotten will lead to never-ending doom.

The Jackson Hole Burger, Inc. v. The Estate of Steven Galekovic et al and all others in this vicinity are igniting a fire of spooky disillusionment that the legal world has balanced for centuries. These require deeper examination within the scope of professionalism, transparency, and more so the morality of the purveyors of justice.

Updated: Content & Image Updated 15th March 2025