Justia Government Contracts Opinion Summaries

Dunn, McCormack & MacPherson (Dunn), a Virginia law firm, served as legal counsel to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority for thirty years. Dunn worked for the Authority on an at-will contract for legal representation, which was terminated in September, 2005. Dunn filed a complaint against the County Board of Supervisors, alleging that the Chairman of the Board tortiously interfered with Dunn's contract with the Authority. The circuit court sustained the Board's demurrer, holding that Dunn's complaint failed to state sufficient facts to support a cause of action for intentional interference with a contract. Dunn amended its complaint, but ultimately failed to convince the court to rule in its favor. On appeal, the Supreme Court found the record clearly demonstrated that the circuit court sustained the County's demurrer for failing to "adequately state a prima facie cause of action" and affirmed the lower court's decision.