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Washington's former lawyer, Joyce Thompson of Frank Freed Subit & Thomas in Seattle, did not return phone calls. She and attorney Jillian Cutler have asked the court to tell Starbucks to cancel its outstanding check to Washington and cut two separate checks -- one for their fees and costs of $31,684 and a second check to Washington for the balance of $88,316.

There's not enough information in the story to tell what's going on between Washington and his attorneys, but I will make an educated guess: Starbucks probably made the first check payable to Washington and the lawyers jointly, and Washington intercepted it and tried to cash it in order to keep from paying his attorney fees.

A few years ago, I thwarted just such an attempt by a guy who sued and later settled with a bank client of mine. Plaintiff showed up at my office unexpectly and demanded his check. I was suspicious, and called opposing counsel, who informed me that he hadn't paid his bill.