Attorney Fees.

Byline: Derek Hawkins

7th Circuit Court of Appeals

Case Name: Merle L. Royce v. Michael R. Needle P.C., et al.

Case No.: 19-2241

Officials: WOOD, Chief Judge, and ROVNER and ST. EVE, Circuit Judges.

Focus: Attorney Fees

After Michael R. Needle P.C. ("Needle P.C.") went months without counsel in a fee dispute action and was on the verge of a default judgment, three partners from the law firm Cozen O'Connor stepped in to represent Needle P.C. Their representation successfully staved off the pending default motion but was otherwise short-lived. Less than three months after appearing as counsel, Cozen O'Connor understandably withdrew due to irreconcilable differences and a total breakdown of the attorneyclient relationship. Cozen O'Connor sought to be compensated for its work, though, under a quantum meruit theory and perfected an attorney's lien. The district court then granted Cozen...