Ralph E. Becker, Special Attorney for the Trustee in Bankruptcy v. Ernest L. Stewart, Trustee in Bankruptcy for Indian Lake Estates, Inc., Bankrupt

The appellant, by settlement of a long and hotly contested law suit, recovered for the bankrupt estate the sum of $150,000. There had been a prior settlement with one party for $30,000, of which the Referee in Bankruptcy allowed appellant an attorney’s fee of $10,000, or one-third. Mr. Becker petitioned for the allowance of $50,000 additional when the main suit was 'settled and the $150,000 was paid over. His application was not opposed, but the Referee awarded $35,000 which with the prior award of $10,000 amounted to $45,000, or one-fourth the total recovery of $180,000.

The Referee was…