Williams, Bax & Saltzman, P.C. v. Boley International (H.K.) Ltd

SYKES, Circuit Judge.

The law firm of Williams, Bax & Saltz-man, P.C., represented Cole Goesel and his parents in a personal-injury suit that settled prior to trial. Because Cole was a minor, the law firm needed judicial approval to finalize the settlement. The parties’ contingent-fee agreement entitled the firm to one-third of the gross settlement, while all litigation expenses would be covered by the Goesels’ share.

The district court refused to approve the settlement unless litigation expenses were deducted off the top and one-third of the net settlement was allocated to the firm. The judge…