Olsky Law Secures $3.1 Million Judgment in High-Stakes Hemp Partnership Dispute
Victory reinforces enforceability of oral agreements, sanctions for destroyed evidence, and the power of contingency litigation to deliver results
DENVER (April 3, 2026)—Olsky Law LLC, a boutique litigation firm based in Colorado and led by founding partner David Olsky, has secured a $3.1 million judgment on behalf of client Michael Leago and his company, iHempX, in a multi-year partnership dispute involving the misappropriation of hemp assets.
The case, which spanned both federal and Boulder County District Court proceedings and began in 2020, centered on a failed business partnership between Leago and California-based hemp developer Jeremy Ricks. The dispute arose after Ricks took possession of more than $4 million worth of hemp plants developed through the partnership and refused to provide compensation, instead attempting to dispute the existence of the partnership itself.
Olsky assumed representation of Leago in May 2024 on a contingency basis after the client faced cost constraints. From there, he led the case through intensive discovery, successfully obtained sanctions against the defendant for destruction of key text message evidence, and ultimately prevailed at trial.
The court awarded a total judgment of approximately $3.1 million, including $1.1 million in individual damages to Leago, $551,000 to iHempX, $1.4 million in attorneys’ fees, and more than $113,000 in costs.
“This case is a powerful reminder that partnerships don’t have to be written down to be legally binding. Facts do matter, and sometimes, it takes going the distance to bring those facts to light,” said David Olsky, founding partner of Olsky Law. “The opposing party attempted to obscure the truth through shifting narratives and even the destruction of evidence, but the court saw through it. Just as importantly, this outcome validates our contingency model, ensuring that clients with strong cases can pursue justice, even when financial barriers might otherwise prevent it.”
The case highlights two key takeaways for business owners and investors: first, that oral partnerships can carry full legal weight when supported by evidence; and second, that courts will impose serious consequences, including sanctions and fee awards, when parties attempt to evade accountability through bad-faith tactics.
Olsky Law focuses on high-stakes commercial litigation and investigations, representing individuals and businesses nationwide in complex disputes. The firm’s contingency model allows it to take on cases where traditional fee structures may not be feasible, aligning outcomes directly with client success.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Bree DeVita at bree@themaverickpr.com.
About Olsky Law LLC
Olsky Law LLC is a boutique litigation firm dedicated to resolving existential business crises, high-stakes commercial disputes and investigations. Founded by David Olsky, the firm provides the sophistication and rigor of a global firm with the agility and direct partner engagement of a specialized boutique. Olsky Law represents a broad spectrum of clients—including large corporations, investment advisors, family offices, startups, and individual executives—in a wide range of matters. By building every case as if it is going to trial, Olsky Law establishes the strategic leverage necessary to win in the courtroom or secure the best settlement. For more information, visit www.olskylaw.com and find us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
