Craft v. Kane

For four years (1993 to 1997), during which he represented Frances Craft under two contingent fee agreements, *323Attorney Carlo Cellai negotiated and litigated Craft’s claims against Irving Kane, as executor of the estate of William E. Kelly, Jr. (executor). The genesis of Craft’s claims was the conflagration of the house she shared with Kelly, who died as a result of injuries received in the fire in January of 1993. Kelly died testate, devising the house to Craft and naming Jeanne P. Louizos as the residuary legatee.

Kelly’s fire insurer paid the executor $48,732.38 (fire insurance proceeds). In…