Opinion ID: 1347088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Michael Orra, M.D.

Text: Hardison was retained by Amy Peyton to represent her in a personal injury action. He gave Mrs. Peyton a general letter of protection dated February 28, 1987, which stated that this is to advise that upon settlement of this matter I will see to it that Mrs. Peyton covers your fee out of the proceeds of the settlement. Hardison requested a release of medical records and an itemized statement from Dr. Orra, Mrs. Peyton's treating physician. Dr. Orra sent Hardison an assignment giving the doctor a lien on any proceeds from the settlement. Hardison and Mrs. Peyton signed the document and returned it to Dr. Orra. Dr. Orra forwarded an itemized statement for treatment, reflecting fees of $9,105.00. Mrs. Peyton died. Hardison settled the case, retained his fee and paid the proceeds to Mrs. Peyton's husband. As Mr. Peyton disputed Dr. Orra's fee, Hardison gave no notice of the settlement to Dr. Orra nor did he place the disputed amount in escrow. After learning of the settlement, Dr. Orra retained counsel to assist him in collecting the fees and filed an ethics complaint against Hardison. In 1997, Hardison paid Dr. Orra from his own funds. Stating that Dr. Orra was using the ethics process as a debt collection procedure, the Board found no violation of Rule 1.5(a) (Fees) or Rule 8.4(c) (Misconduct) of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Rule 1.5(a) states: (a) A lawyer's fee shall be reasonable. The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following: (1) the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and skill requisite to perform the legal service properly; (2) the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer; (3) the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services; (4) the amount involved and results obtained; (5) the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances; (6) the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client; (7) the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and (8) whether the fee is fixed or contingent. ODC contests this finding.