Spector had been seeking a refund of the $1 million retainer he paid Shapiro after his arrest in 2003. The "Wall of Sound" producer was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting of Lana Clarkson after two trials and is currently serving 19 years to life in prison. Shapiro was a member of O.J. Simpson's defense team during his murder trial and represented Spector for about a year.

Spector had been fighting for years to get the money returned, claiming Shapiro took advantage of him. A trial was scheduled to begin on Monday. Many of Los Angeles' top criminal defense attorneys, including Mark Geragos and former Spector attorney Leslie Abramson, were expected to testify.