Breeze v. Sims

OPINION

MOORE, Justice.

The issue on appeal is whether an arbitration panel sitting pursuant to Alaska Bar Rule 34 erred in ordering an attorney to partially refund attorney fees paid pursuant to an oral agreement.

I. FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS

Dennis and Michelle Sims entered into an

oral agreement with attorney Robert Breeze whereby Breeze agreed to provide legal services for Jeffrey Steele in obtaining a patent for his pipe-cleaning invention. 1 According to Breeze, he and the Sims agreed upon a fee of $100 per hour, with no cap. The Sims maintain, however, that they agreed to hire Breeze at $100…