Copp v. Breskin

Breskin & Robbins, a law firm, appeals a summary judgment in favor of Harley Copp, an expert witness hired by the firm on behalf of a client. Copp successfully claimed $14,789 for expert services.

Facts

Breskin & Robbins advised Copp before hiring him that fees "were being paid, and were to be paid" by the client. Copp says he would never accept employment if an attorney's obligation were dependent on reimbursement from a client. He made this policy known.

Breskin & Robbins concedes by way of deposition that, absent an agreement to the contrary, a provider of litigation services can expect an…