Law firm divorces and ensuing fee fights fee can be messy, rancorous affairs, but a breach of contract complaint filed against libel lawyer L. Lin Wood Jr. by three former firm members paints a picture of over-the-top acrimony: 3 a.m. phone calls, threats and vows of affection sprinkled among those of revenge.

“You all better get on your knees and pray to Almighty God that He now asks me to show you mercy,” said one email Wood allegedly sent to his former colleagues, according to the lawsuit.