Class Counsel… And Class Representative? New Jersey Federal Court Requires Attorney-Plaintiff To Pick One

A federal judge in New Jersey ruled that an attorney cannot simultaneously serve as both class representative and class counsel in a securities fraud case, striking all class allegations and requiring the plaintiff to choose between representing himself or hiring separate counsel. The decision highlights a critical conflict of interest issue that arose when Matthew Kalman attempted to prosecute claims on behalf of a class while also seeking to recover attorneys' fees, potentially creating competing interest