Day: August 8, 2007

Law.com – Lack of Retainer Leads Court to Order Firm to Return Fees Beyond Contingency

Anthony Lin–NY Law Journal–8/08/07

“A client retaining an attorney on a contingent basis, in the absence of clear and express language to the contrary, contemplates that the percentage fixed is to constitute payment for whatever services may be necessary to obtain collection of any judgment which may be recovered, whether the services be in connection with an appeal taken from the judgment or in connection with efforts to collect the judgment, or both,” the judge wrote in Siagha v. Katz & Associates, 603927/05.

She noted that there had only been one retainer agreement filed with the Office of Court Administration in the case, a standard form filed by Schwartz Gutstein. The judge also noted that none of the lawyers who actually represented Siagha had ever taken the step of obtaining a retainer agreement specific to the case. They also never wrote him a letter or e-mail describing or discussing their legal fees.

 

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