Andrew Wyrich

Staff Writer @AndrewWyrich

A Morris County judge has reinstated a legal malpractice lawsuit filed by Teresa Giudice, of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” alleging that her former bankruptcy attorney’s work landed her in federal prison.

The order, which was signed by Judge Louis. S. Sceusi earlier this month, revives a lawsuit filed several years ago against her former lawyer James Kridel, of Clifton.

The lawsuit alleges that Kridel’s handling of Giudice’s bankruptcy forced her to accept a plea deal for mortgage and bankruptcy charges.

The legal malpractice lawsuit alleges that Kridel’s work cost Giudice “her freedom” and forced her to lose income, incur legal fees, lose income and damaged her reputation.

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The lawsuit calls Kridel’s work “the equivalent of a medical malpractice case.” Because of Kridel’s work, the lawsuit alleges, Giudice is now a felon.

In the summer of 2015 the Giudice’s home in Manahawkin – which made several appearances of the popular TV show – was sold back to the bank for the opening bid of $100 at a foreclosure auction held by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office.

Giudice finished her 15-month prison sentence in December 2015. Giudice’s husband, Joe, was sentenced to three years and five months in prison.

Email: wyrich@northjersey.com