Heinzman v. Fine, Fine, Legum & Fine

We consider whether, when an attorney employed under a contingent fee contract is discharged without just cause and the client employs another attorney who effects a settlement, the discharged attorney is entitled to the contractual fee or to a fee based upon quantum meruit for services rendered prior to discharge. The fee in issue was awarded to Fine, Fine, Legum & Fine, Attorneys at Law (hereinafter, Legum), in orders approving settlement of a claim for damages for personal injuries growing out of an automobile accident. These orders were entered in a suit filed by attorney Augustus Anninos…