Hicks v. Albertson

LAKE, Justice.

“The general rule in this State is that, in the absence of statutory authority therefor, a court may not include an allowance of attorneys’ fees as part of the costs recoverable by the successful party to an action or proceeding.” In re King, 281 N.C. 533, 540, 189 S.E. 2d 158. “Except as so provided by statute, attorneys’ fees are not allowable.” Baxter v. Jones, 283 N.C. 327, 330, 196 S.E. 2d 193. See also, Bowman v. Chair Co., 271 N.C. 702, 157 S.E. 2d 378. An exception, recognized in the case of a party who, by his own effort and at his own expense, has preserved or…