It can't be easy representing the legal affairs of Michael Jackson - I know for a fact I've lost count of how many lawyers have "parted company" with him over the years. The latest lawyers to "part company" with the singer are law firm Wachtel & Masyr who were preparing his defence over a lawsuit from Prescient Acquisition Group, who claim Jacko owe them $48 million relating to past financial, loan and debt services.
Wachtel & Masyr this week asked a New York judge for permission to quit the case, saying that they themselves were now owed money by Jackson, and that they had had huge difficulties getting in touch with their client. William Wachtel told the court that his company had been dealing with Jackson via various intermediaries, most of whom either quit or were fired. Promises at their sole face to face meeting with Jacko back in June that the singer and his people would become more communicative with the lawyers had not been fulfilled, Wachtel said, adding: "Unfortunately, Mr Jackson has failed to respond to every e-mail and telephone message left for him over the past four weeks".
Having given the law firm permission to drop the case, US District Judge Kevin Castel ordered Jackson to ensure that either he or new legal representatives were in court on 5 Sep so the Prescient Acquisition Group case could continue.
No word from Jackson's people as to whether that order will be complied with - although they are saying that they had already fired Wachtel & Masyr before the law firm made any efforts to dissociate themselves from the case.