Barnes & Thornburg has filed a lawsuit against former NBA All-Star Luol Deng, seeking more than $1 million in unpaid legal fees connected to a series of real estate matters.
The firm filed its claims in Cook County Circuit Court on August 26, accusing Deng of breach of contract and other claims.
According to the court filing, Deng engaged the firm for legal work involving the refinancing of a property in New York. The representation also included discussions with lenders, consideration of financial alternatives and loan restructuring related to a Chicago property.
Barnes & Thornburg is seeking more than $1.05 million in legal fees, along with interest. The firm alleges that Deng failed to make payments despite repeated attempts to recover the outstanding amount.
Deng spent 15 years in the NBA and became widely known during his decade-long run with the Chicago Bulls, where he earned All-Star recognition. Since 2019, he has served as president of the South Sudan Basketball Federation.
Under his leadership era, South Sudan’s men’s national basketball team, known as the Bright Stars, reached a historic milestone by making its Olympic debut in 2024.
Representatives for Deng, Barnes & Thornburg and the South Sudan Basketball Federation had not provided an immediate response regarding the lawsuit.
