Jillian Messina Seeks Fees in Toms River Lawsuit
Legal counsel requests $5,090 from the township and Mayor Daniel Rodrick following missed depositions.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in People
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Attorneys for Jillian Messina are seeking $5,090 in legal fees and costs from Toms River Township and Mayor Daniel Rodrick. The request follows the failure of Justin Lamb to attend two court-ordered depositions related to a wrongful termination lawsuit.
Why it matters
The motion for legal fees stems from the failure of Justin Lamb to appear for scheduled testimony, which required additional court intervention. This filing marks a procedural escalation in the ongoing legal dispute regarding Messina's employment status.
The requested $5,090 includes $4,905 in attorney fees based on 10.9 hours of work at a $450 hourly rate, alongside $185 in court costs. These costs cover specific administrative charges including a $50 filing fee, a $40 transcript charge, and a $95 court reporter fee.
The players
Jillian Messina
Jillian Messina is the plaintiff currently suing Toms River Township for damages citing wrongful termination.
Daniel Rodrick
Daniel Rodrick is the Mayor of Toms River and is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
Justin Lamb
Justin Lamb is a former elected official in Toms River who is cited in the lawsuit for failing to attend court-ordered depositions.
The details
The legal team for Jillian Messina filed the request after Justin Lamb, a former elected official, failed to appear for depositions on June 26 and August 5. The court confirmed the eligibility for reasonable attorneys' fees during oral arguments held on October 20.
Timeline
June 26, 2026: Justin Lamb failed to appear for the first scheduled deposition.
August 5, 2026: Justin Lamb failed to appear for the second scheduled deposition.
October 20, 2026: The court awarded reasonable attorneys' fees during oral arguments.
Market Landscape
This motion represents a standard procedural enforcement within the broader landscape of New Jersey municipal litigation. It illustrates how legal disputes between former officials and township administrations often involve significant discovery friction and escalating administrative costs.
The potential payment of these legal fees by the township directly impacts local municipal budgets and taxpayer funds. Residents may see continued legal costs as the wrongful termination lawsuit continues to move through the court system.
The takeaway
This request highlights the direct financial consequences that arise when witnesses fail to comply with court discovery orders. Parties involved in litigation must account for potential fee shifts when discovery disputes require judicial intervention.
Further reading
For more background on local figures involved in municipal litigation, visit the Toms River People section.
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