Donovan v. Mahoney

Williams, EJ.

Both parties in this attorney’s-fee dispute are experienced lawyers. The defendant, Brian F. Mahoney (“Mahoney'’), has appealed the allowance of the motion of the plaintiff, John P. Donovan (“Donovan”), for summary judgment on Donovan’s claim that Mahoney had breached a referral-fee agreement between the two.

Donovan, who was retiring from the practice of law, and Mahoney agreed in writing that Donovan would refer personal-injury clients to Mahoney. Mahoney would compensate Donovan in the amount of one-third of any contingency fee collected, plus any costs Donovan had incurred.

Dono…