Walia v. Hodgson Russ LLP

The issue presented in this appeal is whether the trial court erred by imposing a charging lien against a party prior to the entry of final judgment in the underlying action. We find the lien was erroneously imposed, and we reverse.

The appellant’s wife filed for dissolution of the couple’s marriage, and appellant retained appellee Hodgson Russ LLP to represent him in the proceeding. Prior to trial, the appellee law firm withdrew from the case and filed notice of a charging lien for $11,439.00 plus interest for services rendered in the case. The trial court held an evidentiary hearing on the…