Pierce v. Hand, Arendall, Bedsole, Greaves & Johnston

This case involves a dispute between Donald F. Pierce and the law firm of Hand, Arendall, Bedsole, Greaves Johnston ("Hand-Arendall"), of which Pierce was formerly a partner. After he withdrew from the firm, Pierce sued for a declaratory judgment, asking the court to define his rights to deferred compensation under Paragraph 13 of the partnership agreement. The trial court held that Pierce was not entitled to deferred compensation because, it held, Paragraph 13 was void. Pierce appealed; Hand-Arendall cross appealed, contending that DR 2-109, Alabama Code of Professional Responsibility,…