Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are accusing one of their former defense attorneys of legal malpractice that they say led them to be convicted and imprisoned, separating them from each other and their family, ruining their reputations and costing them millions.

The Chrisleys were initially indicted in August 2019 and a jury in Atlanta convicted them in June 2022 on charges including bank fraud and tax evasion. Todd Chrisley was sentenced to serve 12 years in federal prison while Julie Chrisley got seven years. Both were released last year after President Donald Trump pardoned them.

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The lawsuit filed Friday says the law firm, Balch   Bingham,  held itself out as capable of defending Todd and Julie Chrisley in one of the most consequential federal criminal prosecutions in the country. It was not. 

The partner who led the Chrisleys' defense, Chris Anulewicz,  had no meaningful defense experience  and the firm knew that or should have known that, the lawsuit says. But the firm let him lead the case  because the Chrisley name meant money, publicity, and the kind of high-profile notoriety that brings in business. 


The Chrisleys are asking for a jury trial and are seeking compensatory damages  in excess of $25 million,  as well as compensation for their legal costs and attorney fees.

While he was supposed to be handling their defense, the lawsuit says, Anulewicz  found time to steer the Chrisleys into a $75,000 investment in his brother-in-law's startup food truck business - exploiting his position as their attorney to benefit himself and his family while neglecting his duty to them.  Anulewicz now works for a different firm.

Patrick T. O'Connor, an attorney representing Balch   Bingham and Anulewicz, said Monday that he couldn't comment because they haven't been served with the lawsuit yet. But he said  it will be vigorously defended. 

The Chrisleys, who now live in Tennessee, became famous through their show,  Chrisley Knows Best,  which followe

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