Sutherland v. Norbran Leasing Co.

In 1977 the plaintiff, Kimberly A. Sutherland, was retained to represent Kerwin Albright in his personal injury claim against the defendant, Norbran Leasing Company (Norbran). She sent a notice of attorney’s lien to Norbran’s agent, CNA, and referred the case to attorney Paul O’Malley, who ultimately settled the claim for $125,000. Defendant issued a draft in the amount of $125,000, made payable to Albright and O’Malley, but not to Sutherland in violation of her attorney’s lien.

Plaintiff filed suit against Norbran, claiming that she had a lien in the amount of $41,666 plus interest, or…