A prominent legal non-profit organization is embroiled in a contentious lawsuit against a former investigator and her company, alleging defamation and other serious misconduct. On August 28, 2024, Trial Defenders United, Inc., along with attorneys Maria Castagliuolo and Jennifer Strouf, filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Pinellas County, Florida, against Megan Novak and her firm Rise Investigations, LLC.

The plaintiffs claim that Novak engaged in unauthorized practice of law and made defamatory statements that jeopardized their professional reputations and client relationships. According to the complaint, both Castagliuolo and Strouf have long-standing careers in criminal defense without any history of sanctions or ethics violations. They founded Trial Defenders United to provide high-quality legal representation for indigent individuals. However, their trust in Novak as an investigator allegedly led to severe professional repercussions.

The lawsuit details multiple instances where Novak mishandled sensitive information related to clients’ cases. Specific allegations include unilateral decisions on serving alibi witnesses, unauthorized disclosure of privileged materials, and making damaging statements about the plaintiffs’ qualifications and ethics. One significant incident involved a client identified as LG who was approaching sentencing for attempted murder and awaiting trial for murder. Novak’s actions led LG to file a motion to withdraw from the plaintiffs’ representation based on misinformation provided by Novak.