Bonfiglio v. Slawson

OPINION OF THE COURT

At issue is whether an attorney, suing for breach of contract to pay attorney’s fees, must present independent expert testimony to establish *42the reasonableness of the fees. We answer in the affirmative and, consequently, reverse.

Appellant Bonfiglio retained the firm of Slawson, Burman & Critton to provide legal services. The contract established an hourly rate of $100, (later amended to $125). No total sum or maximum number of hours was specified. The firm proceeded to render services and, at the conclusion of its work, issued a statement. When Bonfiglio failed to pay, the…