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Lindsay Lohan's Legal Fees: How Much Money She's Spent Over The Years

The economy might not be in the greatest shape, but thankfully Lindsay Lohan keeps a select few attorneys in the black. Every week it seems there is a new Lohan-related lawsuit or court appearance, and her legal fees are really starting to add up.

In the latest suit against the actress to hit the news, Lohan’s legal team was tasked with firing off yet another response last month to a Betty Ford staff member who claimed the actress assaulted her when she tried to give her a breathalyzer test in December 2010. Yes, it’s the same rehab staffer who sued Lohan for $1 million for grabbing her wrist and twisting it. Lohan’s attorneys have claimed the actress was provoked and are asking that the staffer cover her legal fees.

But it’s not just lawsuits against Lohan that are racking up her money and her attorney’s time. In late January, Lohan was reportedly threatening to sue RadarOnline over their report she was “slammed” at a SAG after-party at Chateau Marmont.

Is Lohan concerned about her legal bills these days? She probably should be. She may have gotten a nice paycheck from her Playboy cover, but her trips and travails in and out of the court room have likely cost her well over a million of dollars over the past several years, according to some legal experts.

“If you quantify for the past four and a half years she has needed legal representation, you can generalize that with the amount of time, work and legal challenges, probation hearings, court appearances, etc., the legal fees could be no less that hundreds of thousands of dollars and likely over a million,” said attorney Vikki Ziegler.

Lohan has been embroiled in her fair share of legal dust-ups over the past four years, has appeared in court on numerous occasions, and has been sentenced to jail.

In cases like hers, where legal drama is ongoing — more typical of a corporate entity than a single star — the lawyers will request a retainer on top of hourly fees to do the continuing work to keep a case moving through the courts.

“The retainer covers part of the case so that we can get started, but generally not all of the case,” attorney Joey Jackson told The Huffington Post. “The ultimate amount a client is charged depends upon the nature of the case, its complexity, and the work involved (i.e. motions, hearings, trial expenses, etc).”

Jackson estimates that a retainer of at least $50,000 was paid each time Lohan was been sentenced to jail. That gives us a base of $250,000. But hourly rates, which can run into the $600 range for a high-profile defense attorney, have likely quadrupled that, Ziegler estimated for The Huffington Post — mainly because of the cases’ length and the complications that come with defending a celebrity.

“Many cases that have such longevity, complications and require media attention always inflate the normal and customary legal fees,” Ziegler said. “I have represented high-profile clients and the added layer of celebrity status injects additional costs and strategy that no one ever discusses.”

Those added expenses can include a driver, security helping her get into the court house, and even a stylist to figure out what she will wear.

And the drama is far from over. The ramifications of Lohan’s many legal dramas continue to ricochet through the Los Angeles legal system. Even if the actress shapes up, it’s likely she’ll continue paying for past incursions for the next several years.

Check out photos of Lohan below:









Related on HuffPost:

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Jill Zarin Claims She Was Asked To Return To RHONY But Bravo Denies It! Plus Is Kelly Bensimon Dating Madonna’s Ex?

It’s as if one franchise slowly rose up after hearing that other (more blonde and tan) franchises were getting more press. So here we are, back with the Real Housewives of New York, fresh with some new gossip…Zarin style.

After the firing heard ’round the Bravo world, Radaronline.com is reporting that the Queen of Mean Princess of Park Avenue Jill Zarin has been asked to rejoin the cast. The season seems to be taking an exceedingly long time to wrap, leading some to believe that there’s just no excitement with the new ladies. It would make sense that Bravo wanted to bring back the franchise’s resident pot stirrer.

Jill, who claims she was contacted by a show insider, explains that the offer was too little too late. She maintains she was happy to get the boot along with cast mates Alex McCord, Cindy Barshop, and Kelly Bensimon.

Jill insists, “I thought about quitting the show during season 4, because my husband wanted his wife back. I had such anxiety and pressure to act a certain way and I was paranoid for a reason, because people were planning and plotting against me.” Planning and plotting? Sounds like a James Patterson novel, not a trip to Morocco to break up the monotony of Upper East Side luncheons and weekends in Quogue the Hamptons!

“I’m too old and have grown up too much to do Real Housewives anymore, I want to set an example to my kids and my grandkids,” she continues. Not to mention that she doesn’t need RHONY to be in the spotlight…she has a new show for that.

Jill will be returning to the small screen on the Cooking Channel, starring in Iron Chef America’s Top 5 Moments in Kitchen Stadium History. I remember her being quite the Paula Deen of the Housewives…um…And, if you miss her on Iron Chef, you can still catch her on the Home Shopping Networking, hawking her Skweez Couture shapewear line on February 10th.

However, Gossipcop.com is saying that the offer never happened! The site claims to have been told by a true Bravo insider that Mrs. Zarin was never contacted to return to the show. Other media outlets are also reporting Bravo is adamantly denying Jill’s claims. Hmmm…something sounds fishy. Is the source insinuating that Jill Zarin would actually make up a story to get press and remain relevant? I don’t buy it…much like I won’t be buying anything called Skweez. If only there was someone who could shed some light on this confusion. But wait…

THERE IS!

After all the hullabaloo, Jill felt the need to take to her personal blog to respond to such preposterous claims. Personal blogs are way classier than twitter, you know. Get the memo, Atlanta! After seeing Radaronline.com’s story, Jill was quick to address the gossip (or is it?) on–where else?–jillzarin.com. Part of that statement, typos and all, is below.

“I have to admit that most of it is….TRUE! Shocking..I know. but…most of the questions I answered a long time ago from and older interview. I was asked but someone I can’t mention..if I would be interested in coming back for a cameo. That is all I will say right now . I won’t say when or by whom..actually , ironically it was more than one person. It is true that Bobby asked me not to come back. Actually that was reported in the NY POST on Page 6 in July 2011. We were overheard at a restaurant talking and he begged me not to go back on the show but to please quit. I NEVER told any one this but…I actually emailed some of the ladies and producers a goodbye letter, wishing them all well and why I wanted to leave while we were still on top. Maybe I will publish the email one day. But then I didn’t quit. I will save that story for another day…”

Somewhere Simon van Kempen is wearing a dashiki and calling Andy Cohen on speed dial wondering why he and his Brooklyn bride were not asked to make cameos. Y’all know I’m right!

Not one to be left out when the “brunettes” are making news, Kelly Bensimon is also making headlines for committing the ultimate in celebrity cardinal sins…dating one of Madonna’s exes. And not just any ex, she’s reportedly seeing the father of Madonna’s tween daughter Lourdes, Carlos Leon. #dontcrossmadgesheisfrightening! The huffingtonpost.com has the deets.

The potential new couple was spotted walking together–gasp!–in the East Village this past weekend. Kelly’s “friends” predict that we will be seeing even more of the twosome in the future.

One such pal reveals, “They started out working on a project together but have since gotten very close. Kelly always says that if you are not married or engaged, you are single. So, technically she is still single, but we all know that they are together.”

While Kelly herself declined to comment on the nature of the relationship, she did admit, “We met seven months ago. I’m casting him for the show I Can Make You Hot. Have you met him? He’s an amazing dancer and athlete and jelly bean connoisseur.”

I’m sure Madonna isn’t batting an eyelash at this news. She’s probably used to it seeing as another of her former flames was linked to former RHONY’s Bethenny Frankel. When the Material Girl split from baseballer Alex Rodriguez in 2009, he reportedly found comfort in the arms of a Skinny Girl. No word yet as to whether Madonna ever dated Ross/Jacques.

Photos of Carlos are below!

[Photos Credit: WENN]

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JILL ZARIN’S INTERVIEW? DO YOU BELIEVE SHE WAS CONTACTED BY BRAVO OR IS SHE JUST TRYING TO GET MORE ATTENTION? IS KELLY DATING CARLOS LEON?

Taylor Armstrong Receiving Death Threats; RadarOnline Confirms Lisa Vanderpump Not Selling Stories; Cedric Blames Bravo For Russell’s Suicide


Anyone who thought Real Housewives of Beverly Hills would go quietly, was wrong! The reality show is filled to the brim with drama on and off the screen and the fallout from the Part One of the epic reunion has been massive; with the stars fighting acrylic nail and extension to clear their good-ish names!

In response to the hotly contested footage of this season’s story, Taylor Armstrong has found herself maligned by fans and accused of exactly what Cedric infers below. While I do not believe Taylor goaded Russell into taking his own life, I do believe there is doubt to many of her claims and I do think she has handled his death irresponsibly and with little regard to his children – including the daughter they shared.

It is apparent that many fans feel similarly and some have taken it to a whole new level. Following the reunion Taylor was the recipient of several death threats through Twitter from a follower known as Hardboiledpeggs.

“See u on February 7 ill be there with a book and a rope so i can kidnap u,” @Hardboiledpeggs wrote. Taylor responded with,”Don’t ever contact me again.” The user persisted, this time involving Taylor’s daughter, Kennedy! “Turn around bright eyes every now and then, Kennedy’s dead,” the clearly deranged user threatened. A screenshot of the Tweets is below. They are truly disgusting!

The Twitter user @hardboiledpeggs has since been deleted. No one was harmed and so far the threats have been baseless, however Taylor is rightfully taking this very seriously and contacted the authorities.

“Taylor absolutely freaked out when she read the death threats. These were credible serious threats against Taylor and her daughter, Kennedy. The Tweets that were sent to Taylor have been turned over to the FBI,” a law enforcement source reports to RadarOnline. “Taylor is assisting the FBI with the investigation, and she wants the person responsible for the the threats prosecuted.”

“Taylor will be consulting with security professionals and assess what changes she needs to increase,” the source adds. “Her first concern when she got the threats was Kennedy, but her daughter is safe, and that is all that matters to Taylor. She will do whatever is necessary to protect herself and Kennedy.”

Increased security will also be present at Taylor’s February 7th book signing in NJ to ensure the safety of both herself and other fans.

Moving on as discussing the tumultuous first part of the reunion is RHOBH’s most notorious hanger-on, the sometimes nefarious, often unbelievable Cedric Martinez. He really needs to move on already, doesn’t he? Cedric is giving his two-cents about what happened and claiming his version of the truth. My advice – take it with a grain of salt, but some of it rings true!

Releasing a statement to Reality Tea through his publicist, Cedric admits his famewhoring predilections and he isn’t ashamed! “YES, I am a fame whore,” Cedric exclaims “But there is a huge difference between someone like me, pursuing opportunities on reality TV (and exposing the lies and viciousness of reality stars) versus people like Lisa [Vanderpump] and Taylor [Armstrong], who exploit opportunities on reality TV by lying about, and misrepresenting themselves and others.”

And with that, here we go! Speaking about the behind the scenes feud between former friends and neighbors Lisa and Adrienne Maloof, Cedric claims there was some veracity to Adrienne’s accusations. “The truth about Lisa’s lies and smear campaigns is right there in front of your eyes. Lisa lurks in the shadows, like a snake on her belly. But with a little effort, you can help me expose the truth…,” Cedric says, lambasting his former friend.

Cedric accuses Lisa of having a relationship with the ‘bloids and exploiting said relationship to garner favorable press. I hate to burst his bubble but almost all celebrities do this to a degree – even A-Listers! “Lisa is technically right when she says she doesn’t SELL stories to the tabloids. She doesn’t. But the truth is not on Lisa’s side… Lisa TRADES stories (on celebrities and the other housewives) for favorable press for herself and her restaurants; and sometimes for negative press about her enemies. I’ve seen her do it hundreds of times. And I have proof.”

Gleefully defending newbie Brandi Glanville, Cedric supports her campaign to expose the nefarious dealings of some of her co-stars, all in an effort to get herself on the show, of course! “You gotta give the girl credit… the other housewives want Brandi off the show, now. But she’s hanging on for dear life by exposing the truth and rattling the other housewives cages. Oh how I wish the lies the producers told about our ‘long-term friendship’ were true.”

“Brandi is a breath of fresh air and, remember, she was the first person to call out Kim [Richards]‘s obvious drug abuse and alcoholism. And she didn’t buy Taylor’s “innocent victim” act for one minute. I’m rooting for Brandi but I’m predicting Lisa and Kyle will use their unbridled power over the weak producers to kick her off the show just like they did to me!” Considering Lisa and Brandi have struck up some sort of a friendship, we’ll have to wait and see!

Cedric’s most shocking and intriguing accusations concern Bravo’s role in Russell Armstrong‘s suicide. “Last night’s RHOBH Reunion episode was very sad. Not because Lisa was getting crushed under the weight of her own lies. That was hilarious! No, it was sad because Bravo, the producers, Taylor, Lisa and Kyle [Richards] once again used the power of a hit TV show to trash the memory of a dead man,” Cedric asserts.

And while Cedric admits that Russell was clearly no saint, he insinuates that both Bravo and Taylor played a role in Russell’s decision and besmirching his memory! Ceddy’s got some cojones! You can read the remainder of his statement below. In order to get the truth out there, Cedric also evokes fans to convince Andy Cohen to book him as a guest on Watch What Happens Live. Somehow I doubt that will happen…

Finally, it was the slander accusation heard round the world, ok, well round the blogosphere as Adrienne accused Lisa of selling stories to RadarOnline, citing a “source” told her. RadarOnline is speaking out in defense of Lisa and denying there is any truth the rumor. They are also defending Adrienne and Camille Grammer, explaining that they really were told that by a source! Luckily it seems the ladies have patched this “misunderstanding” up!

“Don’t blame Adrienne for accusing Lisa, she was told wrong info by person not from Radar,” RadarOnline.com’s Executive Vice President, David Perel, said via Twitter. Adding, “I don’t blame Adrienne at all! Totally not her fault. She was given wrong info.”

Following the shout out in their support, both Lisa and Adrienne thanked Mr. Perel. “Thank you for your support, I know what @TheRealCamilleG and I were told. Moving fwd in a positive direction! xoA” Adrienne Tweeted.

As for the mysterious source who seems to believe Madame Vanderfabulous accepted a whopping $25k in exchange for information (what on earth would be worth that much dough, I wonder?), Radar assures fans they are investigating! “Dealing with it behind the scenes,” Mr. Perel wrote.

DO YOU BELIEVE ANY OF CEDRIC’S CLAIMS? THOUGHTS ON HIS ACCUSATIONS ABOUT BRAVO AND TAYLOR’S INVOLVEMENT IN RUSSELL’S DEATH? DO YOU THINK LISA HAS SOLD STORIES TO THE TABLOIDS?

CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON TO VIEW THE THREATENING TWEETS!

 

The remainder of Cedric Martinez’s statement -

“Russell was far from perfect. And physical abuse is always wrong. But the Russell-Taylor marriage was a helluva lot more complicated than the ‘broke abuser commits suicide’ narrative RHOBH has shoved down viewers’ throats.”

“Although Russell was ultimately responsible for his own actions, Taylor (and the producers) greatly contributed to the suicide of a broken man. And despite a well-orchestrated character assassination, Russell’s blood is on their hands.”

“To deflect attention away from their own negligence and liability, the producers presented a false premise that ‘Poor victim Taylor is right and evil Russell was wrong;’ completely ignoring the fact that they were both lying fame whores who got in way over their heads and frequently got “physical.” “

“Thou dost protest too much Taylor. The release of a book six month’s after her husband’s suicide speaks volumes about Taylor’s desperation and self-loathing. Her insta-memoir will further bury Russell’s memory with lies and half-truths, of which he can’t defend himself against. Sad. Especially for Russell’s children, Kennedy, Griffin and Aiden.”

Courtney Stodden Turned Down A Reality Show

Beacon of grace, class, and healthy father-daughter relationships Courtney Stodden turned down a VH1 reality series. RadarOnline says:Courtney, 17, and her 51-year-old husband Doug Hutchison were…



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Lindsay Lohan to re-shoot Playboy pics

Lindsay Lohan has been asked to re-shoot her Playboy pictures.

The 25-year-old actress has been paid around $1 million to pose naked in the world famous men’s magazine but she is going to have to strip off for the cameras again after bosses decided they weren’t satisfied with the first set of shots.

A source told RadarOnline.com: “Lindsay was told the Playboy executives wanted to go in another direction with her shoot so they asked her to come back for a second time.

“The first pictures of Lindsay weren’t exactly what they wanted so they have a new theme that they want to shoot.”

The second shoot has been scheduled to take place next Thursday (10.11.11) and Lindsay is due to grace the January front cover of Hugh Hefner’s publication. Nude frontal photos are expected to be included in the spread.

The source added: “There is never a guarantee that everyone will like the photos or that they will be of high enough quality to use for the cover but Playboy wanted to make sure that Lindsay’s pictures were exactly what they wanted.”

Earlier this week, Lindsay was sentenced to 300 days in jail after admitting she had violated the terms of her probation in relation to a 2007 DUI (driving under the influence) case, by failing to show up at community service appointments at a women’s shelter in Los Angeles.

The ‘Mean Girls’ star must surrender to Los Angeles county jail by November 9 and, despite the length of the sentence, she will only serve 30 days behind bars.

Lindsay must also perform all of her community service at a morgue and complete 19 psycho-therapy sessions by March 29, 2012.